Whether you run your own crafts based small business or are simply an avid enthusiast, you may want to consider a Cricut machine. These machines can speed up the painstakingly slow process of cutting out delicate designs and pressing them onto fabrics, as well as allowing you to work with hundreds of materials including vinyl, fabric and wood.
Picking the right Cricut machine for your needs can be tricky, so we've put together a buying guide with tips and advice. Whether you're looking to make personalised gifts and accessories, or unique home decor and clothing, we've ranked the 10 best Cricut machines and bundles on Amazon, John Lewis and Hobbycraft to help with all your crafting needs!
Quick List - Top Cricut Machines
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There are several Cricut machines on the market, but they are primarily used for arts and crafts. These machines help you to quickly and easily complete a number of different tasks, such as drawing designs on, or cutting shapes out of vinyl, card, and paper. Some models can even cut thicker materials, allowing you to work with leather, wood and fabrics.
Depending on the tools and model, Cricut machines can be used to effortlessly cut simple shapes, as well as create more complex designs. This makes it possible to use your Cricut for a range of creative endeavours, from elegant calligraphy for home decoration to custom stickers and labels.
As well as their cutting machines, Cricut also offers a range of heat-pressing machines that allow you to put your designs on T-Shirts, mugs and hats. Whether you're an avid enthusiast or run your own crafts based small business, a Cricut machine is a worthwhile investment!
There are two main types of Cricut machines on the market: cutting machines and heat presses. Cutting machines are similar to printers, but instead of printing ink onto paper, they can cut out shapes or draw designs onto a variety of different materials. For example, you can use one to draw a design onto a birthday card with a pen, then swap it out for a blade and cut out shapes.
Heat presses are designed to transfer designs onto clothes, fabrics, and even ceramics. Many people will use a cutting machine to print their designs onto a transferable material, then use a heat press to apply it to a piece of fabric. With both a cutting machine and heat press, you can quickly and easily create your own unique T-Shirts and tote bags for a small business, or just for fun!
If you're working with papercrafts, you'll want to pick up a good craft glue!
When it comes to cutting machines, you'll want to make sure that you're able to work with all the different types of materials you use in your crafts. While there are too many individual materials to list, knowing the number of materials that work with each cutting machine can give you an idea of its strength.
Those that work with under 100 materials are better suited to paper crafts and thin cards, making them a good option for stickers, labels, and similar items. Those with 100 + can handle thicker cards and fabrics, while those with 300 + materials can work with tough materials like leather and even balsa wood. If you have a particular material in mind, it's always worth double-checking on the official Cricut website.
Are you a fan of fabric? Why not try out a crochet kit?
When it comes to Cricut machines, size isn't just something to consider when saving space on your workstation! It's a key decision depending on what you'd like to work with as you'll want to make sure your cutting machine is wide enough to fit your materials.
Heat presses should also be suitable for the size of the fabric you're using to ensure an even transfer. Ideally, it should completely cover the transfer sheet. If you are using larger fabrics, such as a bedsheet or banner, one option is to print multiple smaller designs, rather than a large decal.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cricut Joy | ![]() | Budget Friendly Cricut Perfect for Smaller Projects | |
2 | Cricut Explore 3 | ![]() | A Worthwhile Investment for Serious Crafters and Small Businesses | |
3 | Cricut Maker 3 | ![]() | Professional Cutting Machine That Offers Power and Precision | |
4 | Cricut EasyPress Mini | ![]() | A Compact Option for Those Looking to Experiment | |
5 | Cricut Mug Press | ![]() | Create Your Own Personalised Mug Designs | |
6 | Cricut EasyPress 2|23 x 23 cm | ![]() | Heat Press Designed for T-Shirts, Cushions and Tote Bags | |
7 | Cricut Explore Air 2 | ![]() | Premium Fine-Point Blade for Working With All Types of Paper and Card | |
8 | Cricut EasyPress 2|30 x 25 cm | ![]() | Large Pressing Plate for Blankets and Banners | |
9 | Cricut Maker | ![]() | A Professional-Grade Cricut Machine at a Bargain Price | |
10 | Cricut Maker Starter Bundle | ![]() | Starter Bundle to Help Turn Your Ideas Into Reality |
The Cricut Joy is the smallest cutting machine available in Cricut's catalogue and is something of a pint-sized powerhouse. Its small size and low weight make it great for working remotely or if your space is limited. If you're working with smaller pieces of card and paper, this is ideal.
If you're a beginner crafter, or just starting out with a small business, the Cricut Joy makes for a great first purchase for everyday use. When it comes to creating birthday cards, stickers, and labels on a budget, the Cricut Joy is the way to go!
In between the beginner-friendly Joy and professional level Maker 3, sits the Explore 3. It's a sleek option capable of cutting smart materials that's also available as part of a starter pack bundle. This includes a wide variety of accessories and materials alongside the machine.
For those serious about crafts or who have big plans for a small business, opting for the Explore 3 is a great way to future-proof yourself against needing to upgrade. If you can stretch to the Explore 3 over the Joy, it's for sure a worthwhile investment.
If you're looking to work with a wide variety of materials, the Cricut Maker 3 is the most versatile option out there. It's capable of cutting over 300 different materials, including smart materials. These don't require a cutting mat and can be fed straight through the machine.
The Maker 3 is twice as fast as the original Maker and has over ten times the cutting force of the Air Explore 2, making it Cricut's most advanced machine. While it's the creme de la creme of cutting machines, the premium price makes it one better suited to professionals.
The EasyPress mini is Cricut's most compact and affordable heat press machine. This makes it the perfect option for hobbyists looking to experiment with designs on smaller objects like hats or shoes.
If you're looking for something lightweight and easy to tidy away when not in use, you can't go wrong with the EasyPress Mini. However, for larger projects, such as tote bags or T-shirts, you may need something a bit bigger.
The Cricut Mug Press allows you to create professional mug designs that are dishwasher and microwave safe in a few simple steps. Once you become familiar with the software, you'll be able to make a custom mug in minutes.
If you choose this machine, you'll want to make sure you have plenty of Cricut branded mug blanks, as well as Infusible Ink materials available for experimentation. There are cheaper third party options available, but their suitability and quality cannot be guaranteed.
If you're looking for an inexpensive and easy heat press to create unique designs on tote bags, t-shirts, and decorative cushions, then the EasyPress 2 is the option for you! With a 22 x 22 cm plate, it's perfect for pressing designs onto clothing and similar fabrics.
It has an advanced heating plate design with a ceramic coated surface, and comes with a protective tray to rest the EasyPress on when not in use. It also has an automatic shut off feature to avoid any unfortunate incidents. Just make sure to allow for some experimentation while you get used to the different temperature settings.
While the Maker 3 and Explore 3 are the most up-to-date cutting machines on the market, you shouldn't overlook last generation's Explore Air 2. It can cut 100 different materials including cardstock, vinyl and fabrics.
It comes with a Premium Fine-Point Blade and a black Fine Point Pen as well as a 30 x 30 cm cutting mat. So, if the Explore 3 has caught your eye, but is a little out of your price range, the Explore Air 2 is well worth considering. It's still a fine machine, even if not the most future-proof option.
This model of the EasyPress 2 has a larger pressing plate that measures 30 x 25 cm. This makes it a great choice when working with larger items like bedsheets, banners and blankets, as well as clothing items. Included is a handy reference guide to help you determine the right temperature for any project you have in mind.
Combining the speed of a heat press and the convenience of an iron, the EasyPress series is quick and easy to use without compromising on quality. Your designs will stay fixed to your fabrics even after multiple washes, but the large size means it isn't the most versatile option.
While it's been overtaken by some of the newer models, the original Maker still represents great value for money. If you're looking for a professional-grade cutting machine to use every day, we still highly recommend this earlier iteration.
It comes with a Premium Fine Point Blade and a Fine Point Pen, as well as 50 ready to make products and 25 sewing patterns. Just keep in mind that as an older model, there may be some teething issues with getting the software up and running.
A big appeal of a Cricut machine is the large number of accessories and additional bits and bobs you can purchase for the products. This helps make the designs in your mind a reality, without having to know the technical ins and outs.
This bundle includes a Cricut Maker, as well as a basic tool set and 20 sheets of Cricut premium vinyl. Just keep in mind that this is the original Maker model rather than the Maker 3, but this starter pack still represents excellent value for money.
Written and researched by David Sexton
No. 1: Cricut|Joy
No. 2: Cricut|Explore 3
No. 3: Cricut|Maker 3
No. 4: Cricut|EasyPress Mini
No. 5: Cricut|Mug Press
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