which cricut machine is best for you

Which Cricut Machine is the Best for You To Buy?

Do you need a Cricut but have no idea which one to buy? Many options are available, but choosing the best one can be difficult.

I have researched and compiled a comprehensive guide so you can make the best decision for your needs.

Cricut Joy is best for beginners having less budget and space.

Cricut Explore is best for crafters and teachers who need a cutting machine very often.

Cricut Maker is best for those with a high level of commitment to their projects & crafts.

Cricut machines similarities

Every Cricut has unique features; however, these features are common in all models.

  • All three Cricut machines require the Design Space app. Available on your desktop computer, tablet, or phone, the Design Space is necessary to make designs and run the machine.
  • They are connected through Bluetooth to your computer, mobile, or tablet – saving you the hassle of long cords.
  • For now, these machines need power cords because battery-operated models are not available yet.
  • These machines work with fine-point blades and Cricut pens. They can cut through vinyl, paper/cardstock, and infusible ink.

Cricut Joy

Cricut Joy was created with ease of use in mind and can cut and draw a vast majority of designs available in Cricut Design Space.

Cricut Joy
Pros
  • This machine is perfect for beginners looking to get a taste of Cricut. It is handy for those looking to save time on cutting.
  • Matless cutting and Card Mats make it easy to get started so you can have fun right away. That said, Cricut Joy is a limited machine that cannot produce all desired cuts.
Cons
  • The Cricut Joy is awesome for cutting paper and cardstock but it has some limitations.
  • You can not cut images that span more than 4.5 inches in one direction. Morevoer, you can not cut materials like wood, fabric, chipboard, or poster board.
  • You also can’t score lines with it either.
  • Lastly, the Cricut Joy does not support print then cut.

Cricut Joy is best suited to those who don’t craft very often and have constraints on either space or money. Mamas, renters, and people short on space will find the most use for it. Those short on funds or free time, like professionals or teachers, may also be suitable customers.

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Cricut Explore Air 2

The Explore Air 2 is a popular and reliable electronic cutting machine that can be used for a wide variety of projects. It’s compatible with many accessories and comes in various colors to fit any project’s needs.

Cricut Explore
Pros
  • The Explore Air 2’s ease of use and large cutting sizes make it my go-to machine for every task.
  • I prefer the Explore Air 2’s material selection knob because it is easy, quick, and precise.
Cons
  • The Explore Air 2 can cut most things but not everything. Specifically, it doesn’t work well with thicker materials such as wood, chipboard, and un-bonded fabric.
  • Additionally, it can’t cut things longer than 24 inches in length.

The Cricut Explore Air 2 is perfect for crafters who enjoy creating pretty much any project on their Pinterest feed and want to be able to make it with minimal frustration. The tools & materials that come with the machine are of premium quality and will give you great results in each project.

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Cricut Maker 3

The Cricut Maker 3 is a new and powerful machine from the Cricut brand. It can cut various materials with its tool housing, blades, and functions. It also has specialized functions like engraving and scrapbooking. I like the Explore Air 2 best because it’s the easiest to use, but I keep the Maker around because it can cut and do everything.

Cricut Maker
Pros
  • The Maker includes the Adaptive Tool System (ATS), a unique system that allows you to quickly & easily change tools.
  • Cutting mats are usually required for cutting machines and the Maker is no different. Here, you can find 2 mat sizes – 12″x12″ and 12″x24″. The first one will let you cut any design that has a size of up to 12″x24″, while this one will cut anything smaller.
Cons
  • The Maker supports a wide array of cutting tools and accessories, but it doesn’t support matless cutting or designs bigger than 24 inches.

Cricut Maker 3 is the ideal all-in-one machine for people with a high level of commitment to their crafts. It has a lot of functionality and is currently the best option if you want to buy one machine that can do everything instead of several gadgets set up just for one main task.

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