For enthusiasts in crafting or hobbyists, seeing all the amazing things being crafted such as stickers, cards, car decals, and home decors, the desire to start creating is simply overwhelming. But what type of electronic cutting machine should you utilize? The answer lies in Cricut machines. These devices are the supreme tools for any passionate DIYer or crafter. They provide the chance for crafters to produce incredible crafts and unleash unprecedented creativity. So, which is the ideal Cricut machine for those starting out?
With many Cricut machines to choose from, it can be challenging to have a one-size-fits-all solution to this question, as each person crafts differently. Therefore, we've curated the top 5 Cricut machines geared towards beginners.
Best Cricut Machines for Beginners
1. Cricut Maker 3 & Digital Content Library Bundle
- Includes Involve View hot and cold water dispenser and 2/3-gallon...
- Delivers near-boiling water and cool drinking water with...
- Hot cold water dispenser faucet and tank have durable metal...
- Ideal for instantly making hot and cold beverages, steaming...
- Exclusive 3-Year We Come to You In-Home Full Service Limited...
The Cricut Maker 3 & Digital Content Library Bundle is a remarkable cutting machine that is versatile and powerful tool. It is suitable for crafters of all levels of proficiency as it provides rapid and accurate cuts, more capacity and improved performance on almost all types of materials.
This bundle includes the Cricut Maker 3, an advanced intelligent cutting machine that can slice more than 300 different kinds of materials ranging from thin fabric to thick leather, which is ten times stronger than Cricut maker 2. It works at double the speed, a feature that proves vital in cutting down the working time required on larger projects.
It also includes a 30-image library in the Design Space App as they are reusable design content that makes creating designs easier. It features Smart Materials that allow mat-less cutting and compatibility with other accessories like pens and blades for an enhanced use of the device. With this package, users get commercial quality performance for a variety of applications including intricate paper art work and thick leather cutting.
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2. Cricut Explore 3 & Digital Content Library Bundle
- CRICUT EXPLORE 3 & DIGITAL CONTENT BUNDLE- This Cricut Machine...
- 2X FASTER SMART CUTTING MACHINE - Let your creativity and...
- CUTS 100+ MATERIALS WITH EASE - The included Premium Fine-Point...
- CUTS SMART MATERIALS LIKE A BREEZE - The Explore 3 is compatible...
- APP BASED CRAFTING TOOL WITH WIRELESS-BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY -...
The Cricut Explore 3 & Digital Content Library Bundle is one of the best tools DIY enthusiasts could wish for when aiming at achieving that precise cut in crafting. This bundle presents Explore 3 cutting machine and comes with a 30-image digital content library in the Design Space app, allowing users endless imagination and usefulness.
This Cricut Explore 3 is designed to work at twice the cutting speed of previous Cricut models. It takes over one hundred different materials from cardstock to vinyl to iron-on, so it is great for many projects requiring heat. It also entails the ability to access design images in the in the Design Space app which facilitates easy coordination of project designs. When using Smart Materials, cutting without a mat is possible and it is possible to make continuous cuts of up to 12 feet long. It is easily compatible with Cricut’s blades, scoring stylus and pens which gives intensity and sophistication to every project.
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3. Cricut Joy Xtra Smart Cutting Machine
- Includes Involve View hot and cold water dispenser and 2/3-gallon...
- Delivers near-boiling water and cool drinking water with...
- Hot cold water dispenser faucet and tank have durable metal...
- Ideal for instantly making hot and cold beverages, steaming...
- Exclusive 3-Year We Come to You In-Home Full Service Limited...
The Cricut Joy Xtra Smart Cutting Machine is a slim, modern, and portable smart cutting machine reimagines what it means to DIY with simplicity and precision. Perfect for creating projects for a variety of media – vinyl, cardstock, iron–on, sticker paper, and more – this portable machine packs a hefty punch for any crafter. It is equipped with smart features to make the cutting process without having to use a mat, and Bluetooth to control the machine using Cricut’s Design Space App. This specific machine is user-friendly and perfect for new and professional crafting individuals.
This machine can take over 50 kinds of material and can incise, write or draw details with great precision. Smart material compatibility is a major advantage to this activity as it does away with the time that would have been spent cutting on mats. It is small, compact, and easy to move from one place to another, but it is also compatible with Cricut pens to add more detail into designs.
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4. Cricut Explore Air 3 Machine
The Cricut Explore Air 3 Machine with Mini Easy Press and Smart Iron-On Bundle is an excellent choice for beginners looking to dive into crafting.
The Cricut Explore Air 3 Machine offers precise cutting for over 100 materials, including paper, vinyl, and iron-on. It works with Smart Materials, allowing mat-free cutting up to 12 feet long. The machine connects wirelessly via Bluetooth and integrates with Cricut Design Space for seamless design customization. The Mini Easy Press ensures uniform heat application, making it easy to transfer designs onto fabrics, mugs, and home decor items. The Smart Iron-On Bundle includes high-quality heat transfer vinyl for creating long-lasting designs.
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5. Cricut Maker 3 Cutting Machine with Rainbow Smart Vinyl Bundle
- SMART CUTTING MACHINE: This brand new machine is 2X faster than...
- CUTS 300+ MATERIALS - Cuts everything from delicate paper &...
- USER-FRIENDLY: The Maker 3 has built-in Bluetooth (stay within 10...
- EASY TO USE: The Maker 3 dimensions are 26.25 inches wide. It is...
- INCLUDES: 1-Cricut Maker 3, 1-Cricut Tool Set, 6-3ft Rolls Cricut...
For creativity, spirituality, and powerful cutting functions, one of the best cutting machines on the market today is the Cricut Maker 3 Cutting Machine with Rainbow Smart Vinyl Bundle. This machine can handle more than 300 types of material ranging from paper, vinyl, delicate fabrics and balsa wood thickness hence suitable for all cards, special home made decorations, among others.
The Maker 3 boasts a robust motor for lightning-fast cutting speeds, compatibility with 13 tools for cutting, scoring, and engraving, and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless crafting. The Smart Vinyl allows mat-free cutting, saving time and effort. The Design Space software unlocks creative freedom, offering a library of designs and seamless project execution.
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How to Choose the Best Cricut Machine for Beginners
Image Source: cnet.com
1. Compatible Blades and Accessories
To do all the projects you have in mind, you must first learn about all the Cricut accessories you might need. Different Cricut cutting machines are compatible with different blades and tools. For instance, the Maker series is compatible with up to 13 tools and blades, while the Explore series uses only six tools and blades.
Some machines, like the Cricut Joy, include accessories and materials in the box. In contrast, machines like the Cricut Maker only include smart materials and one blade, so you'll have to buy the Cricut blades and mats separately.
2. Variety of Materials
Another aspect that can impact your decision when choosing your Cricut machine as a beginner is the materials they can cut. The Cricut Joy can cut up to 50 materials, the Cricut Maker machines can cut up to 300 materials, and the Cricut Explore series can cut up to 100 different materials.
The Cricut Maker series will be your best option if you prefer having a versatile machine that can work with fabric, wood, leather, or felt. However, these machines have a higher initial investment than Joy or Cricut Explore. Conversely, the Cricut Joy and Cricut Explore series would be your best bet if you plan to cut a few light materials such as paper, felt, or card.
Moreover, some Cricut machines are capable of cutting smart materials. These special materials enable you to cut without a cutting mat, meaning you can load large pieces into your machine and make continuous cuts. This is useful for big projects.
3. Cutting Size
Cricut machines come in various sizes, ranging from the larger Explore and Maker machines with 12 by 12 and 12 by 24 inches to the smaller Joy machine with a 4.5 by 12 inches cutting mat. A larger cutting size is suitable if you plan to work on larger projects or use materials that come in larger sizes, such as fabric or vinyl. On the contrary, if you want to take on small-scale projects, travel with your machine, or have limited space, a smaller Cricut machine like the Cricut Joy is your best bet.
Moreover, machines compatible with Circut Smart Materials not only give you the benefit of matless cutting, but the cutting length limit can go from 24 inches up to 12 feet, which is perfect for long designs, large-scale cutting, and projects like wall art. Although the length limit increases considerably, the width you can cut with smart materials is only 11.7 inches.
4. Price
Finally, price is something that will probably affect your decision when getting your first Cricut machine. Though smaller and more limited, the Cricut Joy is much more affordable than the Cricut Maker or Explore. Besides, it includes the most beginner-friendly Cricut materials you need to start crafting, and it's portable, so you can easily carry it with you.
The Explore Air 2 is a bit more expensive than the Joy, and it comes with a cutting mat and test materials. The Cricut Maker 3 and Explore 3 include only the blade and some smart materials, so you'll have to spend extra on cutting mats, tools, and other blades to use your Cricut.
Conclusion on the Best Cricut Machine for Beginners
Image Source: nytimes.com
If you are just starting out with electronic cutting machines and want to get the best Cricut for beginners, there are a few things to consider, including the kind of projects you plan to do, the versatility of the machine, ease of use, and the price. Our list contains five best Cricut machines that are beginner-friendly, can make precise cuts, and print designs on t-shirts and mugs. We've also included a detailed guide to help you choose the right machine.
