A Cricut machine would make a great addition to any crafting kit. Essentially, it is an electrical cutting machine that can cut all kinds of designs from things like paper, vinyl, card stock, and iron-on transfers. Some Cricut machines can cut leather and wood.
Wondering which one is best suited for you? don't panic. That all depends on the kinds of fascinating projects you have planned or you'd like to have a go at. Also, bear in mind the types of materials you’ll want to cut before choosing which Cricut machine to buy.
Editor's choice:
•Best Cricut machine for beginners: Cricut Joy Starter Pack - view offer on Very
•Best for Bluetooth: Cricut EasyPress 3 - view offer on Amazon
•Best for efficiency: Cricut Explore 3 - view offer on Ryman
It can work similarly to a label maker. With a Cricut in your home, you’ll be able to make handmade greeting cards, paper banners and party decorations, quilt blocks and applique shapes, stencils for a painted doormat, custom pantry labels, leather earrings and bracelets and that special invitation card (that you have always wanted to do!).
If you’re thinking about getting one of these cutting machines for yourself, and want to bring to life your inner creativity skills, we have rounded up the best ones for you. Some of these options also come with Cricut machine accessories.
The best Cricut machines 2024
Best Cricut machine for beginners
www.very.co.uk
Set your creativity free, with this amazing Cricut Joy Starter Kit. it has everything you need from a rose weeder, Joy transfer tape, Joy fine point pens and many more to help get you starting and feeling confident.
One review said: "Fantastic for doing crafty jobs of all sizes. HTV is my new favourite thing to do, my iron has never been used so much!"
Another reviewer parent: "My daughter loves this machine and has hardly stopped using it. From vinyl decals on everything to making key rings, gift tags, cards and cake toppers to name just a few."
Pros
- Easy to use
- Comes with everything you need to begin
Cons
- Small size so limited with what you can do
Best for Bluetooth
This amazing circuit press connects to the Cricut heat app via Bluetooth connection, cool right? It also works well with the iron on vinyl (HTV), infusible ink and sublimation products, so if you have plain t-shirts that are calling you for some fancy logo designs, this is a must-have product.
One review said: "I love that the app sends the settings to the press without any manual input. It's great for larger HTV pressing. Very happy with my purchase."
Another reviewer put: "I’ve bought it to help my crafts to expand. I have the Maker 3 and this Cricut heat press will help me to do more different kind of crafts. It’s absolutely great and worth every penny."
Pros
- Precise temperature control
- Edge-to-edge heat
Cons
- Accessories not included
Best for mug making
www.johnlewis.com
We’ve all got that special mug that we don’t like to share (especially for when we decide to make a bubbly hot chocolate). This Cricut mug press will help personalise your favourite tea cup, or even help make a gift for someone. All you need to do is create your design using the circuit infusible ink material, attach it to your mug and let the press machine do the magic!
Another reviewer put: "Everything you need to get started. I had my first one printed off in an hour after opening the box. Simple instructions easy to follow, obviously need to get more colours etc as time goes on, but all in all a great starting point."
Pros
- Mugs and ink included
- Auto-off function
Cons
- Use in well-ventilated area
Best for efficiency
www.ryman.co.uk
The Cricut Explore 3 cuts, draws, scores and more! It works with six different cutting tools and is compatible with Smart Materials for cuts up to 3.6m without a mat.
A reviewer said: "It was worth the money watch my daughter who is a teacher eyes light up when she opened the box and saw the Cricuit 3, picked it up and ran like the Grinch into an empty room and started using it. Thankfully we brought the bundle and press machine which included the practice assignments for learning!!! Excellent investment for the whole family!"
Pros
- Two times faster than previous models
- Docking slot (mobile use)
Cons
- Only one colour option
Best for a multipack
cricut.com
The Cricut Maker 3 and the Everything Materials Bundle can cut everything from delicate fabrics to heavy chipboard and leather. It cuts up to 3.6m, with 13 tools to cut, score, write, deboss, engrave and more.
Pros
- Wide range of colours
- Tool sets included
Cons
- New users may prefer a simpler starter pack
6.
Cricut Joy
Best affordable Cricut machine
So, you’ve popped all of your ideas onto your inspiration board? Great! now all you need to do is make them. This pint-sized powerhouse will help make your life easier than ever to bring your projects to life.
One review said: "I love my Cricut! Having seen these on social media I was interested in giving them a go. After some research I opted to for the joy as a beginner as it seemed easy to store, cheaper and user friendly. I can say it has met all my expectations. The Cricut joy app is easy to use and means I can instantly create basic labels, stickers and paper crafts. The starter set came with everything I needed to experiment."
Pros
- Portable
- Precise cuts
Cons
- Small size
Best for precision
www.very.co.uk
It cuts 300+ materials, from the most sensitive fabrics and paper to matboard and leather. It also works well with 13 tools for cutting, writing, scoring, foiling & embellishing. You'll be able to unleash your creativity, and own initiative with the strength, funkiness and speed of Cricut Maker 3.
One happy reviewer put: "Amazing machine can do so much with it for crafts and deco around the home excellent service and there was a very fast delivery."
Pros
- Can cut over 300 materials
- Very fast
Cons
- Some users say instructions are limited
The best Cricut machine alternatives
Best for being lightweight
www.theworks.co.uk
Want to save money on your little one's birthday invitation cards? then this is for you. The Silhouette Portrait 3 will leave you in awe and features incredible designs that will allow your craft projects to stand out. Not only does it come with the compact cutting machine, but it also comes with cutting-edge updates, giving your work the best experience.
One review said: "Brought this cutting machine in January, l have used it loads making personalised cards, paper bunting, gift tags, I’ve cut vinyl to decorate key rings, glasses, bottle and tiles. This is my first cutting machine and I love it. I’m very happy with my purchase and like the fact that I can use any brand of vinyl etc in this machine."
Pros
- 50 exclusive designs
- Comes with an adapter for Silhouette Sketch Pens
Cons
- Doesn't include tools
What does a Cricut machine do?
Essentially, a Cricut machine cuts different materials so that you can use them for crafts. Some people use Cricuts to make labels for storage boxes, water bottles and food jars, but there are so many other things you can do with them. They can cut through paper, vinyl and card and more advanced machines can even cut through plastic, wood, fabric and other denser materials.
How to use a Cricut machine
Of course, this will depend on what model you have, but there are many ways to use a Cricut machine. If you are completely new to the world of Cricut crafting, this tutorial will tell you everything you need to know so that you can have the basics mastered in no time.
Are Cricut machines wireless?
You can use Cricut machines wirelessly by connecting to Bluetooth. There is software called Design Space which can be added to an Android or IOS device, or desktop. You don't even need to be connected to the internet either, as you can scroll through your pre-made projects or downloaded content and select the ones you want to make.
Adejumoke Ilori is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. She is a mum to a little girl, and has worked for various digital platform. She has produced content that empowers women from all walks of life by sharing real life stories based on relationships, loving yourself and motherhood.