A Detailed Guide for Beginners – Best Cricut Machine
So, you want to up your crafting game, but you don’t know which Cricut to buy? If you’re a beginner and have never used a Cricut, you may feel a little overwhelmed by all of your options. We’re here to help!
We’re going to take a closer look at the different types of Cricut machines, their pros and cons, what they can do, and which one is best Cricut machine for beginners.
What are the Different Types of Cricut Machines?
Over the years, Cricut has created quite a few different models. Many of those models are now discontinued. Today, there are three main series of machines: Joy, Explore and Maker.
Here’s what you need to know about each machine.
Cricut Joy
The Cricut Joy is a portable model, but don’t let its small size fool you. This machine can handle all kinds of projects. It can cut and write, so you can customize just about anything you want, like:
Cards
Decals
Labels
The Joy has Bluetooth built-in, so it can connect to your phone and the Cricut smartphone app. In other words, you can take the Joy with you wherever you go and craft using just your phone.
If you’re someone who’s always on the go and loves to craft from anywhere, then the Joy is perfect for you. This machine is just 8” x 5” and weighs just four pounds.
But keep in mind that this model does have some limitations. Here’s what you need to know:
Tools: Two – Cutting and writing
Materials: 20+
Tool Holder: Single
Maximum Cut Size: 4.5” x 12”
Pros
Compatible with the Card Mat to make folded cards
Can cut and write
Portable
Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
Can’t be used for “print then cut” projects
Small maximum cutting width of 4.5”
Can’t use the adaptive tool system
The Joy works wonderfully for smaller projects. Small and “mighty,” the Joy works great for little projects that are finished quickly. You’ll also love that this Cricut has a compact size, making it the right option if you don’t have a dedicated space for your crafts.
If you want to cut through fabrics, this isn’t the best machine for you.
Cricut Maker 3
The Cricut Maker 3 is the most robust machine from Cricut. It can work with hundreds of materials and use more than a dozen tools. If you want a machine that can do it all, then the Maker is the right series for you.
The Maker has Bluetooth built-in and even has a docking port, so you can use it to charge your phone. It can handle cuts up to 12 feet in a single go and can tackle a number of projects.
With the Maker, you can cut, write, foil, score, deboss, engrave and more. It’s the most versatile machine, and you can make so many fun projects with it.
Here’s what you need to know about this machine’s capabilities:
Tools: 12+
Materials: 300+, including fabric, wood and leather
Tool Holder: Double
Maximum Cut Size: 11.7” x 12’
Pros
Has the Adaptive Tool System
Works with 13” wide rolls of Smart materials
Can work with hundreds of materials
Can handle just about any Cricut project you can imagine
10x the cutting force compared to Explore
Cons
Not a portable machine
Cricut Maker 3 is a powerhouse with large maximum cuts and the ability to cut through 300+ materials with ease. You can even cut through leather and wood, allowing for a wide range of project possibilities.
If you want the ability to work on virtually any Cricut project that you find online and don’t mind spending a bit more on your hobby, the Maker 3 is the right choice for you.
Cricut Explore 3
The Cricut Explore 3 is a middle-of-the-road machine. It can handle more than a hundred materials and works with quite a few different tools. It’s more powerful than the Joy but not quite as versatile as the Maker.
The Explore is speedy, has Bluetooth connectivity, and even has a built-in docking slot for smartphones. This machine is a bit bigger than the Joy at 22” x 7,” so it’s not travel-friendly. But it’s a great option if you want to take on bigger projects and want to use different tools.
The Explore 3 is two times faster than the Explore Air 2 and it works with Smart Materials, so it can cut up to 12’ without a mat.
You can use the Explore 3 for most projects, including custom t-shirts and stickers.
Here’s what you need to know about this machine’s capabilities:
Tools: 6, including cutting, writing, foiling and scoring
Materials: 100+, including fabric, wood and leather
Tool Holder: Double
Maximum Cut Size: 11.7” x 12’
Pros
Bluetooth connectivity
Compatible with Print then Cut projects
Works with more than a hundred materials
Cons
Does not work with the Adaptive Tool System, so you can’t use the knife blade, rotary blade or scoring wheels
Not travel-friendly
Although it’s not compatible with as many tools as the Maker 3, the Explore 3 is still a great option for a beginner. It’s Cricut’s best-selling model for a reason – it’s a mid-level machine that can tackle most projects without batting an eye.
If you prefer to do crafts that are paper or vinyl, then the Explore is a great option for you.
How Much Do Cricut Machines Cost?
Cricut machines can be found for between $150 – $400, depending on the model and place that you purchase from. The three models on my list above have options in between this price range, too.
