what is the newest cricut machine 2021

Buying guide for best cricut machines

Cricut machines are a must-have for devoted crafters and scrapbookers. With one, you can say goodbye to hand cutting shapes. By using cartridges with pre-downloaded designs and shapes, the Cricut allows anyone to make beautiful lettering, shapes and decorations. Cricuts work on a variety of materials, such as vinyl, felt, and construction paper.

Before you decide on a Cricut model to purchase, however, there are some things to consider: software, ability to cut through many materials, ease of use and setup, wireless capability, selection of fonts and graphics, cutting speed, and compactness are all important. Our reviews cover these features along with pricing and affordability.

A Cricut is a handy tool for your crafts arsenal, and we've recommended the best Cricut machines on the market. If you're not ready to buy, keep reading to learn about the factors to consider.

A key factor in testing a Cricut machine is its cutting speed. A Cricut that cuts faster is more expensive, while more affordable beginner models don't cut as fast.

During testing, we evaluate special features on certain Cricut models, like the ability to write and draw, to see if their versatility is worth the higher price.

When testing a Cricut machine, we consider its connectivity options, like the ability to access online image libraries via Bluetooth.

We consider how easy it is to set up the Cricut machine for its first use and whether the average user could overcome the machine's learning curve.

During testing, we use our Cricut to cut a variety of popular crafting materials, including paper, vellum, felt, cardstock and even faux leather to see which machines handle which materials best.

We consider what accessories consumers might look for with their Cricut machine and whether the Cricut is compatible with a range of accessories.

We evaluate Design Space, Cricut's free design software that's included with many Cricut machines, to see how different subscription levels affect the Cricut's usability.

The Cricut machine's shape and design are key considerations in our testing process. Some Cricut machines are better suited to small or oddly shaped products, while others are ideal for scrapbooking, making cards, or cutting fabric.

When testing Cricut machines, we want to know whether it's cranked by hand or automatically feeds through materials.

How long and evenly the Cricut heats during use is a consideration in testing. Cricut machines that lose heat may require repetitive use to get the desired project result.

Key considerations

Cutting speed

Not all Cricut machines cut at the same speed. Some of the top machines can cut up to two times faster than beginner models.

Occasional crafters may be happy with a less expensive machine that doesn't cut as fast.

If crafting is part of your business, or you do it every day, you may want to invest in one of the models that cuts at high speed.

Automatic depth and pressure adjustment

Paper and materials of different weights require depth and pressure adjustments to the blade.

Some machines have an automatic adjustment system, setting the blade correctly for you.

You'll still need to be sure you have a blade appropriate for the material you're cutting, but this feature takes a lot of guesswork out of starting a new project.

Testing Cricut machines

After considering 8 models we purchased our top Cricut machine to make sure it stood up to its claims. We consulted over 100 Cricut users to find out what to look for when testing.

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Scoring

Scoring lets you create a depression for decorative and folding purposes. Machines that have this ability are more expensive, but can take your crafting to the next level. You can always score manually with a scoring stylus, but if you score a lot, you may want to spend the extra cash on a machine that can do it for you.

Writing

Some Cricut machines can hold a pen, and write in different fonts, or draw images. This premium feature leaves a professional look, but also comes with a high price. For example, the Cricut Explore Air 2 can write (it can also cut and score). It's price hovers around the $250 mark, although sales can be found.

Wireless capabilities

Some Cricut machines have Bluetooth capabilities that allow access to Cricut's downloadable online library of pictures, patterns, and images. Some of the images are free, while others must be either purchased individually, or with a subscription.

Bluetooth gives you access to all that information without any extra wires. When you're busy making cards or putting together a project, wires can clutter your workspace. Machines that don't have Bluetooth can still get access to the online library, but they require a USB cord.

You can also use Cricut cartridges to access patterns and fonts without any online access at all. These cartridges have a preloaded set of fonts and designs, and must be manually loaded into the machine each time you want to use one of those items.

Did you know?

Cricut machines that can write can also draw intricate pictures on a wide variety of materials. Machine drawn images add a professional quality to all your work.

STAFF

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Workable materials

Originally, Cricuts were designed to cut paper, but today they can do so much more.

Basic Cricut machines still cut paper, but other machines can also cut vellum, vinyl, cardstock, adhesive foil, and faux leather.

New technology allows advanced machines to cut cardboard, fabric, metal, chipboard, and balsa wood to name a few.

Some of the most advanced machines can cut over 100 different materials. Keep in mind that the more materials the Cricut can cut, the more expensive it will be.

Compatible accessories and software

There's a long list of accessories available for Cricut machines, and you may not need them all. Always check what accessories are compatible with the Cricut machine you want to purchase, to be sure you'll be able to do the projects you want.

Accessory bundles: Accessory bundles are often designed to be used only with a certain Cricut machine. Bundles may include items like vinyl transfer tape, replacement blades, deep cut blades, different types of vinyl, scoring stylus tools, and more.
Software and images: Many Cricut machines include access to Design Space, Cricut's free design software. Through the cloud, you can access thousands of images and fonts. Some are free with the purchase of a Cricut machine, while others can be purchased individually or through a monthly subscription. The subscription service comes in three levels — fonts, standard, and premium. Some subscriptions also include discounts on other Cricut products. For machines that cut fabric, you can also access sewing patterns from popular pattern retailers.

Cricut machine prices

Inexpensive

For less than $100, you can get a manually cranked Cricut machine that die cuts and embosses paper, vellum, tissue paper, foils, thin leather, and acetate ribbon.

If you're an occasional crafter, this might be all the machine you need.

Mid-range

In the $100 to $200 range, you'll find machines with automatic depth and pressure setting, Bluetooth, and the ability to cut a wide variety of materials like vinyl, faux leather, adhesive foils, and poster board.

Expensive

From $200 to $300 are many of the same machines in the mid-range price category, except they come with accessory bundles that include different cutting materials, pens, and idea books for projects.

Premium

In the premium price range, above $300, are machines capable of cutting fabric, felt, leather, wood, and some thin metals.

They can write and score materials as well.

FAQ

Q. Do I have to pay a subscription fee to use my Cricut machine?

A.No. You can download and use the Cricut Design Space app for free. If you choose, you can pay a monthly fee to gain access to additional Cricut fonts, images, and projects. People who use their Cricut machine often find this to be a small yet worthwhile investment. However, it is not required, and there are patterns you can use without paying a fee.

Q. Can I create and upload my own designs to a Cricut machine?
A. Uploading custom designs is possible with some machines. However, you'll need to check carefully about the specs before purchasing, because this is considered a specialty feature that not all machines have. Design Space only accepts certain formats as well, so your uploads will need to meet Cricut's requirements.

Q. Do you use the same blade to cut all materials?
A. Every Cricut machine comes with a standard blade, but specialty blades will need to be purchased separately. Machines that cut the widest variety of materials may come with a toolset, but there will still be some specialty blades you might need to purchase.

Q. Are there attachments that allow the Cricut to hold more than one tool at once?
A. You can use two tools at once using a special attachment. However, it doesn't work on all Cricut machines. Machines that write and score use this type of attachment. You'll need to be sure your machine is compatible with the tool before purchasing.