Top Cricut Options for Newcomers, Featuring a Comparative Table of Cricut Models
Comparing Cricut's Cutting Machines: A Comprehensive Guide
Cricut, a leading brand in the crafting world, offers a variety of cutting machines to cater to different needs and budgets. Here's a breakdown of their five main models: Cricut Joy, Cricut Joy Extra, Cricut Explore, Cricut Maker, and Cricut Venture.
The Cricut Maker 3 is generally regarded as the most versatile machine, excelling in card making and small paper crafts due to its wide material compatibility and precision[2][3]. It boasts a strong cutting force of 4,000g, supports over 300 materials, and is suitable for both beginners and advanced crafters[3]. The Cricut Maker 3 typically retails for around $400 to $440, making it a professional-grade choice for those seeking versatility beyond just paper[2][4].
For more budget-conscious options, the Cricut Explore 3 is a good choice for basic card making and paper crafts. Priced lower, around $160–$250 depending on deals, it handles everyday materials like vinyl and cardstock, making it suitable for beginners or light crafters[3][4].
When it comes to larger-than-life crafts, the Cricut Venture is the way to go. This commercial-grade machine supports matless cutting with Smart Materials, can batch projects, and cuts 24x28 poster size[1]. However, it's the most expensive machine in the lineup.
The Cricut Joy and Cricut Joy Extra, on the other hand, are best for cards and small paper crafts. They connect via Bluetooth, have small cutting areas, and do not support matless cutting with Smart Materials[1].
Connectivity Options
All Cricut machines are used with Cricut Design Space, the cutting software. The Cricut Joy, Cricut Joy Extra, and Cricut Explore only connect via Bluetooth, while the Cricut Maker and Cricut Venture can connect via Bluetooth or USB[1].
Pricing and Subscription
While the software is free, a subscription to Cricut Access is recommended for avid crafters who produce a large quantity of items. With Cricut Access, users get access to over 200,000 graphics, 700 fonts, as well as discounts and exclusive deals[1].
Additional Tools
It's important to note that additional cutting tools are not included with the Cricut Venture[1]. The Cricut Maker, on the other hand, cuts the most materials and has a variety of cutting and scoring tools.
In summary, for card making and small paper crafts, the Cricut Maker 3 offers the best combination of versatility, precision, and value, despite a higher initial price[2][3][4]. The Cricut Explore 3 is a more budget-friendly option for basic card making and paper crafts. The Cricut Joy and Cricut Joy Extra are ideal for those seeking a machine for cards and small paper crafts. The Cricut Venture, the largest machine, is commercial grade and supports matless cutting with Smart Materials.
| Model | Best For | Cutting Force | Material Compatibility | Price Range (USD) | |-----------------|-------------------------------|---------------|-------------------------|--------------------| | Cricut Maker 3 | Card making, small paper crafts, advanced projects | 4,000g | 300+ materials incl. cardstock, leather, wood | ~$400 - $440 | | Cricut Explore 3| Basic card making and paper crafts, beginners | 400g | 100+ materials incl. vinyl, cardstock | ~$160 - $250 | | Cricut Venture | Larger-than-life crafts, commercial use | N/A | 100+ materials incl. Smart Materials | ~$550 - $600 | | Cricut Joy | Cards and small paper crafts | N/A | 50+ materials incl. iron-on, vinyl | ~$200 | | Cricut Joy Extra| Cards and small paper crafts | N/A | 50+ materials incl. iron-on, vinyl | ~$250 |
[1]: Source 1 [2]: Source 2 [3]: Source 3 [4]: Source 4
- For individuals interested in expanding their lifestyle beyond crafting, Cricut offers a wide range of resources in the categories of fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, technology, and education-and-self-development, providing a wealth of projects and ideas to explore.
- When looking to enhance their culinary skills, Cricut'scrafting software, Design Space, offers hundreds of thousands of graphics, 70,000 fonts, and exclusive deals for Cricut Access subscribers, making it easier to create personalized and unique recipes and meal plans.
- To bring a touch of personalization to their living spaces, Cricut's variety of cutting machines, such as the Cricut Maker 3 and Cricut Venture, can cut and embellish a wide range of materials, including wood, leather, and smart materials, allowing homeowners to create customized decor, signs, and other home-and-garden projects.
