Updated January 2023
I get asked this question daily, Which Cricut machine should I get? Cricut Maker, Explore or Joy? But it can be really hard to help because I don't know what you're into, what you want to make with a machine or what features you might be interested in. So in the style of a 90's teen magazine, I have created a set of questions to help you figure out which machine might be the one for you!
It's worth saying this is a bit of fun to get you started on your search for the perfect Cricut Machine, a little nudge in the right direction if you like. So please do some more research, as there are a few bits I couldn't fit into this fun quiz that might be important to you! But it will give you a starting point and a clearer indication of which might be for you!
It's also worth noting that all machines use the same software, Cricut Design Space, so there is no difference there - remember that you can download Cricut design space as an app onto your Smart Phone or Tablet, or as software onto your computer, and have a play before you buy a machine!
FIND OUT MORE:
I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE CRICUT MAKER 3:
Cut's Smart Materials (these are materials that don't need a mat) which allow you to cut designs up to 12ft (3.6m) in one go.
2x faster than previous machines.
Cuts Fabric
Cuts Thick/Dense Materials Like Balsawood, Foam, and Leather
Has an Adaptive tool system with a range of add-on tools - Debossing, Perforation, Engraving, Scoring, Knife Blade, Wavy Blade.
Can cut Cardstock, Paper, Vinyl, Iron Vinyl, etc with Ease.
Can draw or write with a pen
New Maker tools could be released that will fit the Maker.
Has the ability to cut out an image printed to your printer onto any colour of material. This is a great feature for making stickers.
SHOP NOW: cricut-emea.pxf.io/Maker3
You might also want to consider the CRICUT MAKER:
This machine is the model previous to the Cricut Maker 3 (there wasn't a Maker 2!). This can do everything the Maker 3 can do except for matless cutting using smart materials and isn't as fast.
Comes with Rotary Blade in the box
Comes with a Fabric Mat and Light Grip Mat
Cuts Fabric
Cuts Thick/Dense Materials Like Balsawood, Foam, and Leather
Has an Adaptive tool system with a range of add-on tools - Debossing, Perforation, Engraving, Scoring, Knife Blade, Wavy Blade.
Can cut Cardstock, Paper, Vinyl, Iron Vinyl, etc with Ease.
Can draw or write with a pen
New Maker tools could be released that will fit the Maker.
Has the ability to cut out an image printed to your printer onto any colour of material. This is a great feature for making stickers.
I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE CRICUT EXPLORE 3:
Great for Cutting Iron-on, Vinyl and Cardstock.
Can cut Smart materials, which don't require a mat which means you can cut up to 12ft in length.
2x faster than the Explore Air 2.
Can draw or write with a pen
Has add-on Scoring stylus for scoring projects.
Has an add-on tool for foiling.
Has the ability to cut out an image printed to your printer onto white material. This is a great feature for making stickers.
Comes in a beautiful mint green colour.
You also might want to look at the Explore Air 2:
This is the model below the Explore 3, It isn't as fast, and cannot cut the matless smart materials. It also has some visual differences like a dial to select materials and a smaller tool pot. The Explore Air 2 comes in a variety of colours!
Great for Cutting Iron-on, Vinyl and Cardstock.
Can draw or write with a pen
Has add-on Scoring stylus for scoring projects.
Has the ability to cut out an image printed to your printer onto white material. This is a great feature for making stickers.
Comes in a range of colours.
I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT CRICUT JOY:
Portable, It's Small size makes it easy to carry around and store!
Perfect for quick projects
Compatible Card mat make making cards even easier
Can cut up to 20ft of length
Works with Smart materials to cut without a mat.
Can draw or write with a pen.
Has an add-on tool for foiling.
ALL THREE MACHINES:
Use Cricut Design Space- The design software you will use to create projects and make them. This is either an app downloaded to your smartphone or tablet or software downloaded onto your desktop. Cricut Design Space stores your projects in the cloud to be used across your devices. You can download Cricut Design Space before you buy a machine to have a play and start designing! Find it on the Cricut Website.
Have the ability to upload your own images and add your own fonts.
Use Bluetooth connectivity. All machines can connect to devices via Bluetooth. Cricut Joy has no cables to connect to the computer, Joy works completely with Bluetooth, the other two machines have an optional USB cable to connect to the computer.
You'll find a handy machine comparison guide below from Cricut (prices, of course, subject to change!) to help you compare the three machines:
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN SEARCHING FOR YOUR NEW CRAFT BEST FRIEND:
Have a rough idea of what you would like to make, looking for the best machine for you will be much easier if you have a few projects in mind!
Know the kinds of materials you would like to be able to cut. This is the biggest difference between machines, so knowing which materials you want to cut will make the choice easier!
There isn't a 'beginner machine' as they all use the same software, Cricut Design Space. So there is no difference in how easy the machines are to use. If you can use a smartphone you can use a Cricut machine!
Everything you need to get started comes in the bow with your machine, but I would recommend buying a basic toolset, an extra set of mats and a few materials so that you can get playing straight away. If you are looking at using iron-on vinyl, I would also consider the Cricut Easy Press to accompany your machine.
Think about things you might want to craft in the future with a machine too, I see lots of people upgrading machines once they get the Cricut bug and wishing they had gone for the Cricut maker in the first place!
Machine Mat variety pack 12 x 12 cricut-emea.pxf.io/Machinematvarietypack12x12
Machine Mat variety pack 12 x 24 cricut-emea.pxf.io/Machinematvarietypack12x24
Joy standard grip mat 4.5 x 12 cricut-emea.pxf.io/Joystandardgripmat4.5x12
Joy card mat cricut-emea.pxf.io/Joycardmat
Easy Press 2 Raspberry 12x10 cricut-emea.pxf.io/Easypress12x10
Easy Press 2 Raspberry 9x9 cricut-emea.pxf.io/Easypress9x9
Easy Press Mini Raspberry cricut-emea.pxf.io/Easypressminiraspberry
GOOD LUCK FINDING THE NEW CRAFTING LOVE OF YOUR LIFE! I'M ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP ANSWER ANY OF YOUR CRICUT QUESTIONS, SO PLEASE SHOUT IF YOU HAVE ANY!
*This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a sale, I will receive a tiny percentage of that purchase at no extra cost to you which helps me keep Emma Jewell Crafts up and running!