Do you want to buy the Cricut cutting machine, or are you still deciding which one to buy? Don't worry; you are not alone - many people share this question: "What is the best Cricut machine?" This blog post is here to provide the answer to your question.
Today, many options are available when it comes to Cricut cutting machines. Crafters and DIY enthusiasts enjoy making their designs using these machines. It allows them to complete their task 10 times faster than the traditional methods. Crafters prefer the Cricut machine as it provides professional cutting and finishing. Therefore, we have created this blog to give you an overview of various Cricut machines. Also, we'll delve into the pros and cons of various types of cutting machines.
What is a Cricut and What Does it Do?
A Cricut is a famous brand that makes cutting machines to cut and draw on materials like paper, vinyl, and cardstock. Some of them can also cut tough materials, such as leather, fabric, wood, board, etc. You can simply consider a Cricut device like a printer. However, it doesn't print anything but can cut designs onto desirable materials using a movable blade.
In terms of quality, we must say the best Cricut machine must be capable of cutting anything precisely. Hence, this is the perfect choice for making personalized crafts, including T-shirts, custom wall art, and party decor.
Different Types of Cricut Cutting Machines
Currently, there are five different Cricut cutting machines: Explore Air 2, Explore 3, Maker, Maker 3, and Cricut Joy. All of them are electric craft machines and quite similar in terms of features. However, each machine comes with a unique feature, making it perfect for different purposes.
The Cricut Explore is the mid-level option and is still considered the best Cricut machine. Whereas the Cricut Maker 3 is the upgraded version of the Explore series and has the ability to cut a range of materials with different types of tools. In comparison, the Joy machine is the smallest model. Due to this, Joy is portable and easy to set up and use. Further, in June 2021, Cricut launched the two latest machines in their lineup: Cricut Explore 3 and Maker 3.
Regarding Cricut Maker 3, it is the best-selling machine in the maker series and has ten times the cutting force. Moreover, crafters consider Maker 3 as the best Cricut machine.
1. Cricut Explore Series
Now, let us have a look at the overview of exploring a series of machines. The Explore machine is the best Cricut machine for you if you want to cut materials such as vinyl, iron-on crafts, and greeting cards
Cricut Explore Air 2
The Explore Air 2 is one of the best-selling machines, and its size is perfect for both novice and professional crafters. The machine uses cutting mats, having sizes of 12" x 12" or 12" x 24". The cutting mat size is perfect for creating iron-on decals for T-shirts, 3D projects, and large vinyl decals. All these features make Cricut Explore Air 2 the best Cricut machine for 2023.
Moreover, the Cricut Explore Air 2 has a Fine-Point blade. It can cut over 100 materials, like vinyl, paper, and cardstock. In addition to this, you can cut even more materials by swapping out the Fine Point Blade for the Bonded Fabric Blade and the Deep Point Blade.
Pros:
- It can cut, foil, score, and write
- Works with 100+ different materials
- Bluetooth available
- Print then Cut feature
- Free Cricut app
Cons:
- Not suitable for Adaptive system, meaning you can't use Rotary and Knife Blades, as well as Scoring Wheels
- A Cricut mat is needed
- Not work with Cricut Smart Materials like Vinyl
- The maximum cutting length (23" on a 24" mat)
- It is not portable
Cricut Explore 3
The Cricut Explore 3 was introduced in June 2021 in the Explore series. Due to its powerful motor, it can cut 2x faster. Plus, it is designed for cutting Smart Materials without a mat.
It is a full-size machine that can cut 100 materials such as cardstock, glitter paper, iron-on-vinyl, and vinyl. Also, it works with 6 tools: the Fine Point Blade, Scoring Stylus, Foil Transfer, and the Deep Point Blade, enabling you to cut a wide range of materials. It even allows you to cut leather and fabric.
Pros:
- It can cut, foil, score, and write
- Work with 100+ materials
- Bluetooth available
- Can cut with 2x speed than its predecessor when using Smart Materials
- Print then Cut feature
- Free Design Space app
- Compatible with cutting without a mat.
Cons:
- Not suitable for Adaptive system, meaning you can't use Rotary Blade, Knife Blade, Scoring Wheels
- It is also not portable
2. Cricut Maker Series
These Maker series models are the most powerful cutting devices. They allow you to create any project virtually.
Cricut Maker
The Cricut Maker comes under a commercial-grade machine that can deliver a professional level of quality. This is the most versatile cutting machine in full size. It can cut 300+ materials, such as acrylic, leather, felt, plastic, fabric, wood, and more. Besides cutting and writing, it can do more than this. The versatile feature of the Maker machine is compatible with the Adaptive Tool System, which includes the knife blade, engraving tip, foiling tip, rotary cutter, and debossing tool.
Pros:
- It can cut, foil, score, engrave, deboss, write, and more.
- It is compatible with 300+ materials
- Bluetooth available
- Can cut with 10x cutting force
- Adaptive Tool System: You can use Rotary Blade, Knife Blade, and Scoring Wheels.
- Print then Cut feature
- Free Design Space app
Cons:
- You will need a cutting mat, and you can't use it with Smart Materials like Vinyl.
- It provides a maximum cutting length of 23" on a 24" mat.
- It is also not portable.
Cricut Maker 3
This is the upgraded version of the Cricut Maker series, and it was released in June 2021. This is the best machine anyone can have. So, if you are looking for the best Cricut machine with ultimate commercial-grade performance, then you must go for Cricut Maker 3.
This Maker 3 cutting device is compatible with 13 tools for cutting as well as with Smart Materials so that you can cut a long project up to 12 ft without the need for a mat.
Pros :
- It can cut, foil, score, engrave, deboss, write, and more.
- It is compatible with 300+ materials
- Bluetooth available
- Can cut with 10x cutting force
- Adaptive Tool System, meaning you can use Rotary Blade, Knife Blade, and Scoring Wheels.
- Print then Cut feature
- Free Cricut software
Cons:
- It is the most expensive machine.
- Not portable
3. Cricut Joy
The Cricut Joy is the newest model. Its small and compact design makes it portable. Hence, it will occupy less space. Moreover, it can cut 50+ materials, including adhesive vinyl and paper. Plus, you can cut thick faux leather sheets. The maximum width for cutting a design is 4.5". Hence, it's a great mini tool that can make sticker sheets, greeting cards, and other small projects.
Overall, the Cricut Joy is the best Cricut machine for beginners.
Pros:
- It can cut and writes
- It is compatible with 20+ materials
- Bluetooth available
- Portable
- It can be cut without a mat by using Smart Materials
Cons:
- It has a maximum cut width of 4.5."
- It is not compatible with adaptive Tool Systems and the Print then Cut projects.
Conclusion
Cricut releases the best Cricut machine, but it also depends on your usage. You will find five types of Cricut cutting machines that we have already discussed in this blog. Plus, we have shared the pros and cons of using that particular machine. In contrast, you should buy Cricut Joy if you are a beginner. It will be pocket-friendly and won't occupy much space. And, if you only want to make crafts with paper and vinyl, then go for Explore 3. Also, you can consider Maker 3 if you are a creative crafter.
Source: https://cricutapp.wordpress.com/2023/08/29/best-cricut-machines/
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