How to Choose the Right Cricut Machine

Which Cricut is right for you?  Well, I can talk about your options for days!  There are many things you should take into consideration before choosing the right Cricut machine for you.  Let’s talk about it!

*Thank you to Cricut for sponsoring this post.  My opinions are my own and I do not recommend or endorse any product I do not truly believe in*

When choosing the right Cricut machine for you, there are a couple things you should consider.  First, price is an important factor.  Second, Are you a hobby crafter? Third, do you plan to use it to create a side business or a full blown business?  Fourth, what kind of projects do you plan to use your Cricut for? Let’s talk about them.

Which Cricut machine is right for me?

Price and Budget

I think for most of us, a very important aspect we consider before a big purchase is our budget and the cost of a particular item.  Cricut offers a wide variety of Cricut machines, each one with a different price point, which makes it easy to find one that will work for your budget and also be a machine you can use for all those fun projects.

Let’s start with the most simple and compact, the Cricut Joy.  This machine is the perfect beginner machine.  You use it to create labels, cut designs, use pens to draw, and more. It is meant for smaller projects, since it is compact in size.  It can cut 5.5 inch wide projects but can also cut 20 foot long projects, so that is something to consider! If you are looking for one that can do larger scale cuts, this might not be the right one for you, but the price and capabilities make it the perfect machine for so many people.  It’s also a great companion to have with one of the larger machines.

The Cricut Explore is their most popular machine.  With this amazing machine you can cut a hundred different materials, draw with Cricut pens, score and so much more.  You can use 5 plus tools on this machine, where on the Cricut Joy, you can only use 2. The price of the Cricut Explore Air is very affordable and has incredible value.  The Cricut Explore can cut projects 12 inches wide and 24 inches long.  This gives you the ability to cut larger cuts for things such as signs and wall decor.  This machine is more expensive than the Cricut Joy.

The Cricut Maker is by far the powerhouse of the Cricut world.  With over 300 different materials, and over 12 different cutting tools, you can cut just about anything you will ever need including fabric, basswood, chipboard, thin metal and so much more.  This machine can so anything and everything you need.  Because of its capabilities, the cost is slightly more than the Cricut Explore.

Hobby or Pro Crafter?

Now let’s talk about you skills and what you plan to do with your Cricut machine.  Are you a hobby crafter?  Do you plan to use it for simple projects around the house and don’t plan to use it daily?  The Cricut Joy or Cricut Explore might be right for you! Of course the Cricut Maker is also perfect for hobby crafters, and can give you the freedom to make as much or as little as you want.

Do you plan to use your machine in a business?

Now, this is where it gets a bit more gritty.  Many people that purchase a Cricut machine use it in a small business.  Maybe you plan to make signs, or start a shirt business?  The Cricut Explore and Maker are perfect for this.  If you plan to use it for many different applications, and plan to cut many materials, the Cricut Maker might be perfect for you.

Last, What projects do you plan to make with your Cricut machine?

Now, even with all these things to consider, the most important one in my opinion is what you plan to use your machine for.  Do you plan to cut fabrics, engrave and de-boss?  Maybe you want to be able to cut metal, or even wood.  If so the Cricut Maker is right for you.  Maybe you only plan to cut designs for shirts or signs.  Maybe you want to cut vinyl designs as decals?  The Cricut Explore is perfect for you.  And maybe you want something small and compact that gives you the ability to cut smaller designs, then the Cricut Joy is right for you. 

Once you consider the price differences, the capabilities, and what you plan to use your machine for, you can make an educated decision as to which Cricut machine is right for you. No matter which machine you choose, I can guarantee that you will love every aspect about it.

I hope this post helped you make the decision that is right for you.

If you want to learn more about these machines and all things Cricut, check these posts out below:

Easy Beginner Project Using Your Cricut Machine

Get Familiar with Cricut Terminology To Improve Your Craft Game

What Is a Cricut Machine and What Does It Do?

Cricut Maker Machine Questions and Answers

10 Things to Know About the Cricut Maker Machine Before You Use It

Design and Make Custom Hats with the New Cricut Easy Press Mini

How to Use the New Cricut Infusible Ink

You can see all my Cricut posts here as well!

 

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