What Cricut Machine is right for me?
Take the “Which Cricut is right for me” quiz
If you are new to Cricut or wanting to upgrade, it can be hard to know which machine is right for you!
I will never say, any Cricut machine is superior to another or that you need to most expensive model. All Cricut machines are fantastic and I have a few tips to help you think about which one is your perfect match.
Things to consider:
What do you want to make most and in what sizes?
What materials do you want to work with?
How much space do you have?
What is in your budget?
You can take a “Which Cricut machine is right for you?” quiz on the Cricut website.
Each Cricut Machine will have different models with the highest number being the most recent version. The newer the machine, the faster and more compact it is. The newer models will often have new features such as the “Load & Go” feature. The two latest machines released by Cricut are the Cricut Explore 5 and the Cricut Joy 2.
Do you need the latest machine? The answer in short is NO! Unless you are a professional crafter or business owner who is making multiple orders per day, it is not necessary to have the latest model. The Explore 5 and Maker 4 do cut faster and if you are completely new to Cricut you may want to start here, but do you need to upgrade? You do not, unless you really want the fast speed and the “Load & Go” feature on the Explore 5 and the Joy 2.
I normally recommend the Explore ranges for those wanting to make cake toppers, which is the mid point price ranged Cricut machines. I have listed some of the reasons below.
Explore machines:
Allow you to make bigger projects than the Joy ranges (you may start small with decals for example but once you get the Cricut Bug you will want to do more)
You can cut over 100 materials (most crafters I speak to are not interested in cutting fabrics, basswood or engraving which you can only do on the Maker ranges)
You can get new deals on the older generation machine, Explore Air 2, Explore 3 or Explore 4s especially since the Explore 5 came out. Some of the older models may be cheaper or a similar price to the Joy Xtra.
Joy machines:
If you are limited on space and/or have a smaller budget and still want one of the latest machines, then a Cricut Joy Xtra works well to make cake toppers.
The Joy Xtra will allow you to make cake toppers up to about 8 inches wide and it has the print then cut feature too!
What about the Cricut Joy 2? You can absolutely make smaller text toppers (like happy birthday or a name) and cupcake toppers on the Cricut Joy 2. However the small size of this machine will restrict you, especially with size you can cut cardstock and print then cut. If cake toppers and possibly bigger projects are your focus, then I would recommend the Joy Xtra over this machine. The Cricut Joy 2 is better designed for decals, cards and stickers :)
I only again recommend the Venture model which is the biggest, fastest and most expensive to business owners. I do not even have one due to the price point and also I would have no where to put it!
If you do decide to buy a Cricut Machine, if you use this link (which is my affiliate link) and the code “Sweet10” you can get a discount on Cricut.com. You can also purchase machines via my amazon store front. Big or small purchases using my links, will send a little love my way (which no extra cost to you) and this is much appreciated.
