Top 5 Cricut Cutting Machines of 2023: Which One is Right for You?

October 27, 2024

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Our Opinion

Top 5 Cricut Cutting Machines of 2023: Which One is Right for You?

Hello, crafty comrades! Here at The Parent Game, we’re always on the lookout for ways to help busy parents unleash their inner crafting gods while juggling school drop-offs and snack breaks. Enter the world of Cricut cutting machines, where creativity meets convenience in a delightful whirlwind of paper, vinyl, fabric, and more! In this witty guide, we’ll delve into the top five Cricut cutting machines of 2023 to help you determine which one will become your new crafting sidekick.

1. Cricut Maker 3: The Ultimate Crafting Powerhouse!

Imagine a world where your crafting dreams come true! The Cricut Maker 3 is like the superhero of cutting machines, swooping in to save the day with its extensive capabilities. This bad boy can cut over 300 materials, from delicate paper to heavy leather, with precision that would make a surgeon jealous!

Pros:

  • Versatile Material Cutting: Say goodbye to craft supply limitations!

  • Smart Cutting Technology: Cuts faster and smarter with its patented Load & Go system.

  • Easy to Use: Perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike.

Cons:

  • Pricey: It might cost you an arm and a leg, but you’ll have 10 fingers for crafting!

Ideal For:

Crafting connoisseurs who want it all: versatility, speed, and precision. If you’re ready to take your crafting skills to the next level (and invest a bit), the Maker 3 is your match!

2. Cricut Joy: The Compact Cutting Sidekick

If you’re short on space but big on ideas, the Cricut Joy is here to rescue you! This pint-sized powerhouse is a perfect addition to any bathroom countertop (or huge closet, we see you!).

Pros:

  • Compact Design: Fits in the tiniest of spaces!

  • Quick Projects: Cuts and writes in one go, saving your precious weekend time.

  • Budget-Friendly: Ideal for beginners or crafty parents on a budget.

Cons:

  • Limited Material Capacity: It won’t replace your Maker 3 for larger projects.

Ideal For:

Busy parents who love creating small projects like custom cards or labels while also being able to find their kitchen counters once in a while!

3. Cricut Explore 3: Your Crafting Companion with Room to Grow

Introducing the Cricut Explore 3—a reliable friend for your crafting adventures. It’s not just friendly; it’s also incredibly efficient with its ability to cut over 100 materials!

Pros:

  • Smart Cut Technology: Cuts smarter and faster while you lounge with your favorite reality show.

  • Compatible with Cricut Smart Materials: For long cuts without a mat!

  • User-Friendly App: Tons of design inspiration at your fingertips.

Cons:

  • Less Versatile than Maker 3: It’s not going to cut through leather or fabric like the Maker.

Ideal For:

Parents who want a powerful cutting machine that won’t break the bank but still allows for growth in their crafting journey without turning the craft room into a chaotic craft zone.

4. Cricut EasyPress: Heat Transfer Made Easy

Okay, we know this isn’t technically a cutting machine, but consider it a crafty partner in crime! If you love heat transfer projects—think shirts, bags, and more—then the Cricut EasyPress needs to be in your arsenal.

Pros:

  • Consistent Temperature Control: For that flawless HTV every single time.

  • Compact and Lightweight: Easy to store, making room in your glorious crafting haven.

  • Safe for Kids: No more worrying about ‘burning the house down’ situations.

Cons:

  • Not a Cutting Machine: So you’ll still need another Cricut for cutting (but we think you can handle that!).

Ideal For:

The fashion-forward parent who loves creating personalized clothing and accessories without needing a degree in heat transfer science!

5. Cricut Mug Press: Sip in Style

This one is for all our coffee-loving crafters! The Cricut Mug Press lets you create custom mugs that scream, “I’m a fun parent, but I also need coffee to survive.”

Pros:

  • Perfectly Even Tansfer: Consistent results every time!

  • User-Friendly: Turn your family’s random moments into beautiful mugs.

  • Unique Gift Option: Perfect for gifts that say “You’re my favorite child*.”

Cons:

  • Limited to Mug Making: You’ll need another machine for those vinyl projects!

Ideal For:

Caffeine-addicted parents who want to add a personal touch to their kitchen or need that special gift for grandma that says, “Best grandma ever”!

Conclusion: Choose Wisely, Craft Happily!

There you have it—the top five Cricut cutting machines of 2023! Whether you’re a seasoned crafting guru like our team (yes, we can create a pinwheel blindfolded) or a newbie dabbling in the magnificent realm of DIY, there’s a Cricut waiting for you. Consider your crafting needs alongside your budget, and then let the crafting magic unfold. Don’t forget—a happy crafter makes a happy parent!

Now get out there, make something awesome, and remember: glitter may be great, but the cleanup is not worth the mess (unless you have a vacuum that runs on adorable toddler power). Happy crafting!

Products We Currently Love on Amazon

  • Works with 50+ materials, including popular materials like vinyl, iron-on & cardstock

  • Compatible with your home inkjet printer to print then cut full-color designs

  • Cuts intricate designs with precision

  • BUNDLE INCLUDES - Cricut Explore 3 Smart Cutting Machine, 30 images of digital content, Permanent Vinyl Roll (1ft x 15ft, Black), 1 roll of Transfer Tape (1ft x 12ft), 3 StandardGrip Machine Mats (12in x 12in), & 5-Piece Tool Kit

  • DIGITAL CONTENT BUNDLE-This Cricut Machine bundle comes with a digital library of 30 images. In setting up the machine, you will be guided to register and the digital content will automatically be entitled to your account

  • DIY DREAM MACHINE - Explore 3 works with 100+ materials, including popular materials like vinyl, iron-on htv & cardstock. Write, draw, foil, score & more with this easy-to-use smart cutting machine

  • A POWERFUL, VERSATILE SMART CUTTING MACHINE - Take your decorative art & craft to the next level with the original Cricut Maker that virtually creates any project on your wish list. Delivers a pro-level cutting experience with its advanced suite of tools

  • CUTS 300+ MATERIALS IN A WHIZ - Cuts everything from delicate paper & fabric to matboard & leather. The included Rotary Blade practically cuts any fabric for a sewing project & the Knife Blade makes precise cuts to thicker stuff for more depth & dimension

  • APP BASED CRAFTING TOOL WITH WIRELESS-BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY - With just a few clicks, create personalized and custom designs with this cutter using the cloud-based Design Space app that works on mobile phones and laptops (iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac)

  • DIGITAL CONTENT BUNDLE-This Cricut Machine bundle comes with a digital library of 30 images. In setting up the machine, you will be guided to register and the digital content will automatically be entitled to your account

  • LET’S MAKE - Make more than you ever dreamed possible with Cricut Maker 3, the ultimate smart cutting machine. With the ability to cut more than 300 materials, and compatible with more than 13 tools to cut, score, write, deboss, engrave, and more.

  • ACCESS TO BEGINNER’S GUIDES, EXPERT-LED COURSES and WORKSHOPS – Build the skills to create w/ confidence w/ the Learning Plan built into Design Space upon registering your machine. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started on day 1.

  • INCLUDES - Cricut Explore Air 2 Cutting Machine, LightGrip Machine Mat, 5-Piece Tool Kit, Fine Point Pen Sets (Colors + Black), Transfer Tape Roll, Vinyl Sampler Roll, Iron-On Roll, & 30 images of digital content

  • DIGITAL CONTENT BUNDLE-This machine bundle comes with a digital library of 30 images. When setting up the machine, you will be guided to register and the digital content will automatically be added to your account

  • CUTS 100+ MATERIALS WITH EASE – The included Premium Fine-Point Blade lets crafters make precise, intricate cuts from a variety of popular materials like cardstock, vinyl decal, HTV iron-on and more. Also works with glitter paper, cork, Infusible Ink

  • CRICUT JOY and DIGITAL CONTENT BUNDLE- This Cricut Machine bundle comes with a digital library of 30 images. In setting up the machine, you will be guided to register and the digital content will automatically be entitled to your account

  • A COMPACT CUTTING MACHINE FOR INSPIRATIONAL CRAFTERS - It's time to turn your innovative ideas into action with the Cricut Joy cutting machine. This cute, portable smart cutter lets you personalize, organize and customize crafts on-the-go

  • CUTS 50plus MATERIALS WITH EASE - The included Blade lets crafters make precise, intricate cuts from a variety of popular materials like cardstock, vinyl decal, iron-on and more using StandardGrip Mat. Also makes super-long cuts with matless Smart Material

  • SMART CUTTING MACHINE: This brand new machine is 2X faster than its predecessor. Take your crafting to the next level with the Cricut Maker 3 version. It's smarter, faster, and its functionality delivers a pro-level cutting experience. Includes original manufacturer's warranty.

  • CUTS 300+ MATERIALS - Cuts everything from delicate paper & fabric to matboard & leather, iron-on and vinyl. The Maker 3 works with a variety of blades and tools to add pro-level effects such as scoring, writing, debossing, and engraving. Ships in original packaging.

  • USER-FRIENDLY: The Maker 3 has built-in Bluetooth (stay within 10 feet) for wireless cutting, writing, embossing, scoring, and engraving. Upload images (.svg .jpg .png .bmp .gif) to Cricut Design Space online with an iPad app, computer, tablet, or smartphone (Not compatible with Chromebook)

  • Joy Xtra: The fits-in-any-space, looks-good-anywhere smart cutting machine. Cricut Joy Xtra cuts, writes, draws, and foils to make popular projects like full-color stickers, custom cards, T-shirts, vinyl decals and more. Compatible with your home inkjet printer to print then cut full-color designs. The Joy Xtra is about the size of a loaf of bread and is a great beginner machine with expanded features compared to the Cricut Joy.

  • Bluetooth: The Cricut Joy Xtra is a Bluetooth only machine, meaning Bluetooth is built right into the machine. Connect your machine using your mobile phone or computer with Bluetooth to Cricut Design Space. Requires a computer with Bluetooth wireless and high-speed internet connection. Ensure Cricut Joy machine is powered on and within 10-15 feet of your Bluetooth device. See Cricut for more specific device capability.

  • Compatibility: The Cricut Joy Xtra is the newest member of the Cricut Machine family and is small enough to easily store but offers more features than the Cricut Joy. This machine can write/draw, foil, cut and make full color printed stickers with the print-then-cut feature. REQUIRES a device with Bluetooth and high-speed internet. This machine CAN make printed stickers using the print-then-cut feature. Operating system compatibility includes iOS, Mac, Windows (not 7 and 8) and Android.

  • DIGITAL CONTENT BUNDLE- This Cricut Machine bundle comes with a digital library of 30 images. In setting up the machine, you will be guided to register and the digital content will automatically be entitled to your account

  • ENDLESS CRAFTING POTENTIAL - Works with 50+ materials, including popular materials like vinyl, iron-on & cardstock. The Cricut Joy Xtra writes, draws, foils, scores, and more.

  • PRINT-THEN-CUT FEATURES - Compatible with your home inkjet printer to print then cut full-color designs

  • Precision-cut 100+ materials with this 25 in professional cutting machine. Space-saving 45° design, plus built-in mat & roll supports

  • Cuts & writes up to 25.4 in/sec, single images up to 12 ft (3.6 m) and repeated images up to 75 ft (22.8 m)

  • Compatible with 7 tools to write, foil, score & more (sold separately)

  • Works with 100+ materials, including popular materials like vinyl, iron-on & cardstock

  • Cuts intricate designs with precision

  • Writes, draws, foils, scores, and more

  • CRICUT EXPLORE 3: A brand new writing and cutting smart machine makes crafting projects easier than ever before. Cricut Explore 3 Machine cuts, now up to 2X faster compared to Cricut Explore Air 2. It cuts 100+ materials from paper, iron-on, vinyl, felt and more! Making personalized DIY home decor, indoor decals, wall signs just got easier with this cutting machine. Original Cricut Manufacturer 12 month Machine Warranty is included. Packaged in original packaging.

  • COMPATIBILITY: The Explore 3 works with over 100 materials like vinyl, iron-on, cardstock, felt and more. Switch out your blade to have the machine write, cut, score and foil. This machine can work with an inkjet printer to create full-color stickers using print-then-cut! The machine has Bluetooth that allows you to have a wireless connection (must be within 10-15 of device and have a Bluetooth capable device) or you can connect via USB.

  • CRICUT VINYL: This vinyl lies flat on the cutting mat to avoid tunneling or bubbling. Once you cut your design, weed it with ease and apply with awe. Even your most intricate designs effortlessly separate from the carrier sheet for a perfect application. You can apply designs to almost any surface. This vinyl is suitable for use with all Cricut cutting machines. Contains 20 12x12 inch sheets of basic/neutral vinyl.

  • Works with 50+ materials, including popular materials like vinyl, iron-on & cardstock

  • Cuts intricate designs with precision

  • Writes, draws & foils

  • CRICUT JOY XTRA: The fits-in-any-space, looks-good-anywhere smart cutting machine. Cricut Joy Xtra cuts, writes, draws, and foils to make popular projects like full-color stickers, custom cards, T-shirts, vinyl decals and more. Compatible with your home inkjet printer to print then cut full-color designs. This machine is about the size of a loaf of bread at: 12.5 in x 6 in x 5.5 in (31.7 cm x 15.2 cm x 13.9 cm). Comes with original Cricut Manufacturer 12 month Machine Warranty.

  • BLUETOOTH: The Cricut Joy Xtra is a Bluetooth only machine. Meaning the Bluetooth is built into the machine. Connect your machine using your mobile phone or computer with the Cricut Design Space app! Requires a computer with Bluetooth wireless and high-speed internet connection. Ensure the Joy Xtra machine is powered on and within 10-15 feet of your Bluetooth device.

  • COMPATABILITY: The Joy Xtra works with 50+ materials like vinyl, HTV, cardstock and more! It also works with an inkjet printer to print full color designs like stickers using the Print-then-Cut feature. Just like the original Joy machine, you can write, draw, cut and foil by swapping out additional blades!

  • ART AND CRAFT CUTTING MADE SIMPLE, EVEN FOR BEGINNERS - Designed with simplicity and value in mind, bust out your DIY dreams and create fresh styles for your T-shirts, home decor, and more with the Cricut Explore Air 2 classic cutting machine

  • CUTS 100plus MATERIALS WITH EASE – The included Premium Fine-Point Blade lets crafters make precise, intricate cuts from a variety of popular materials like cardstock, vinyl decal, HTV iron-on and more. Also works with glitter paper, cork, and Infusible Ink

  • APP BASED CRAFTING TOOL WITH WIRELESS-BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY - With just a few clicks, create personalized and custom designs using the cloud-based Design Space app that works on mobile phones and laptops (iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac)

  • PRO-LEVEL CUTTING MACHINE: This brand new machine is 2X faster than its predecessor. Take your crafting to the next level with the Cricut Maker 3 version. It's smarter, faster, and its functionality delivers a pro-level cutting experience. The Maker 3 dimensions are 26.25 inches wide. Includes original manufacturer's warranty. Ships in original packaging.

  • CRICUT EASYPRESS 3: Precise temperature control up to 205°C (400°F) with an advanced heat plate design with ceramic-coated surface for an even distribution of heat

  • ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES: The 9 in x 9 in Easy Press 3 is ideal for t-shirts, tote bags, pillows, aprons, and more. Cricut Smart Iron-On and Cricut Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets provide stunning colors and quality to any project

  • CRICUT JOY: A Brand new writing and cutting smart machine, makes DIY projects easy. Cricut Joy Smart Machine is ridiculously easy to set up and use, so you'll find endless excuses to personalize, organize, and customize every single day. This machine is compact and smaller than a loaf of bread (Dimension is 8.4 inches x 4.25 inches x 5.5 inches), allowing for easy travel and storage!

  • BLUETOOTH: The Cricut Joy is a Bluetooth only machine. Meaning the Bluetooth is built into the machine. Connect your machine using your mobile phone to use the Cricut Joy app! Requires a computer with Bluetooth wireless and high-speed internet connection.Ensure Cricut Joy machine is powered on and within 10-15 feet of your Bluetooth device.

  • COMPATIBILITY: The Cricut Joy is the smallest and most compact of the Cricut Machine family. Working only with three tools, this machine can write/draw, foil and cut. In order for the Joy to function, you must have a device with Bluetooth and high-speed internet. This machine does not have the capabilities to make printed stickers (check out the Joy Xtra for that). Operating system compatibility includes iOS, Mac, Windows (not 7 and 8) and Android.

  • 1 Portable Trimmer, 13 in (33 cm)

  • Make precise, straight cuts with the easy-glide blade system

  • Quickly load, measure & cut materials with dual-hinged rail

  • CUTTING MACHINE: A brand new writing and cutting smart machine makes crafting projects easier than ever before. Cricut Explore 3 Machine cuts, now up to 2X faster compared to Cricut Explore Air 2. It cuts 100+ materials from paper, iron-on, vinyl, felt and more! Making personalized DIY home decor, indoor decals, wall signs just got easier with this cutting machine. Original Cricut Manufacturer 12 month Machine Warranty is included. Packaged in original packaging.

  • CRICUT MINI EASYPRESS: Its thoughtful, compact design makes it effortless to curve with contours, get between buttons, and squeeze into seams. Its ceramic-coated plate reaches 400°F, with safety features like an insulated base, three temperature settings and auto-shutoff. Lightweight, portable, and compatible with major brands of HTV, iron-on, and the entire Infusible Ink family of products, this pocket-sized heat-press is everything you need for DIY projects.

  • HEAT TRANSFER VINYL: A community favorite, Cricut Everyday Iron-On is thoughtfully engineered and rigorously tested to work flawlessly with your Cricut cutting machine. This amazing heat-transfer material outlasts 50 washes and works with the widest variety of base materials. It's easy to add a little personality to everything from T-shirts to totes, home decor and so much more. Use one color or layer up to 4 to create standout designs.

  • SCAN DRAWINGS AND MATERIALS: Brother ScanNCut DX is the only cutting machine series with a built-in scanner. Scan your drawing to convert it to a cut file, directly cut printed stickers, and precisely place designs without counting blocks

  • STUNNING DIY PROJECTS: Craft right out of the box with 251 built-in designs. Add custom designs and additional free patterns with the USB port and wireless capability, and customize and combine your projects with the easy-to-use 3.5" touchscreen LCD display

  • NO MATERIAL SELECTION REQUIRED: The included ScanNCut DX auto blade and auto blade holder uses true automatic material sensor technology to detect the thickness of the material with no blade adjustment or material selection required. Always perform a trial/test cut to confirm a successful cut