What is the Best Cricut Machine for Beginners? If you take a look at the older versions of Cricut machines, like the Explore series, you will notice they were quite troublesome to use.
As time went by, a lot changed in their products, and operating them became quite easy and more efficient. However, with a wide range of products from the brand, a beginner may feel lost trying to get the best Cricut machine.
This is why we bring you a Best Cricut Machine for Beginners guide, to help you come closer to attaining a Cricut machine that will serve you best as a beginner.
Most Beginners prefer to go for the latest version in the market or the one that fits their budget. On a budget, it is quite understandable to buy a product within your range, but it is not a wonder to find another cheaper machine that serves you more.
Additionally, getting a machine that is latest in release makes you vulnerable since you lack information on the cons they may harbor. This may lead to attaining a machine that may not serve you as you expect.
As a graphic designer or artist and want to start a merchandise printing business, then this article is for you. Let’s get to our list, and I believe by the time we are done, you will have attained one that serves you best.
What is the Best Cricut Machine for Beginners
- Cricut Maker 3 Best Cricut Machine for Beginners
- Cricut Explore 3 Best Cheap Cricut Machines for Beginners
- Cricut Explore Air Best Cricut Machine for Newbies
- Cricut Joy Vinyl Machine Best Portable Cricut Machine for Beginners
- Cricut EasyPress Mini Best Portable Cricut Machine for small materials
Cricut Maker 3
Best Cricut Machine for Beginners
The Cricut Maker 3 is a great Cricut machine for a beginner. If you have an experience with the previous Cricut Maker models, you will find the addition of cutting Smart materials quite an upgrade.
These Smart materials do not require a cutting mat, therefore are fed directly to the machine allowing up to 12ft of cuts at a go.
The cutting speeds have also been improved with the Maker 3 making your work rate better, faster, and more efficient.
This speed can be put to work on more than 300 materials including delicate paper, fabrics, mat board, and leather. This is made possible by 2 blades, the Rotary blade for cutting fabrics for sewing projects and a knife blade for precise cuts on thicker materials.
Additionally, a larger portable trimmer and a roll holder are two extra accessories added, helping you feed your Smart material into the machine.
It further enables you to work on your laptop and phones through an APP based crafting tool through a wireless Bluetooth connection.
It is however more expensive when compared to the earlier Cricut Maker, but we can agree on the efficiency and added features are worth every penny.
Pros
- Smart material use means no need for a cutting mat
- Great for professional use
- Fast and effective
- Effective extra accessories
Cons
- Overkill for standard projects
Cricut Explore 3
Regardless of a design similarity with the previous Cricut Explore 2, the Cricut Explore 3 is a cheaper alternative for a beginner.
Precision cutting is achieved courtesy of the Smart set dial function making it easier and more accurately cut from almost any material. Additionally, it features the Cut Smart technology that enables you to achieve clean cuts of different shapes and sizes.
The machine can cut a wide array of materials, including Vinyl, leather, fabric, paper, post boards, and cardstocks.
To achieve fast and accurate cuts, the device has a German carbide blade and with support to 3 cartridges, it is quite a good choice for beginners.
Although the machine lacks Bluetooth technology, you can be able to connect through Bluetooth by using a Bluetooth adapter for a wireless cutting experience.
An easy-to-use free Design Space Software that is only available online provides you access to your projects from your device. Additionally, the software is Cloud-based to synch all your projects to your devices.
Pros
- Cuts 100 types of material
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to operate
- Effective technologies
- Accurate and precise
- Compatible with smartphone and PC devices
Cons
- Lacks Bluetooth technology
- Features a single holder
- Expensive cartridges
Cricut Explore Air
The Cricut Explore Air is another quality entry-level Cricut machine that is effective and great for beginners.
It cuts a wide array of materials, including paper, leather, vinyl, vellum, thick fabrics, iron-on, and 60+ other materials.
One advantage of using the Cricut Explore Air over the Cricut Explore 1, is that it features dual cartridges, one for a cutter and another one for a marker. This means you can cut and write a card in one single step.
Similar to the Cricut Explore 3, the Explore Air also includes the Smart Set dial function for more precision on the cuts and custom settings. It also features the Cut Smart technology that enables you to cut cleanly in all sizes and shapes.
In addition to that, accurate and precise cuts are further emphasized by the German Carbide blade, made to enable clean cuts on light and medium-weight materials.
Moreover, the machine supports all types of Cricut cartridges, offering you easy access to cartridges and a general cartridge option.
Pros
- Efficient Single cut and draw step
- Durable blades
- Easy to set up and operate
- Supports all Cricut cartridges
- Supports wireless connection
- Efficient technologies
Cons
- Works only with an internet connection
- Slow design software
Cricut Joy
It is a no-brainer that Cricut Joy is on this list. One thing that makes it an obvious option for beginners apart from the technical features, is the small portable build.
The Joy harbors a size of 21.4 x 13.8 x 10.8 cm, and a lightweight build of 1.75kgs. This allows you to travel or move around with the machine easily.
It is ideal for cutting Vinyl, cards, and stickers, but can as well be used on over 50 types of materials including iron-on, paper, and smart materials.
It features a special design software that is compatible with a wide variety of devices, including Android and I-OS devices, and makes a Bluetooth connection.
Additionally, the Cricut Joy app is at your disposal on the Cricut Joy, offering you an additional design app made for Cricut.
Pros
- Portable and lightweight
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Compatible with diverse devices
Cons
- Lacks a USB connection
Cricut EasyPress Mini
If you require a Cricut machine to work on challenging small-sized items like hats, socks, shoe headbands, or small bags, then the Cricut EasyPress Mini is the option for you.
It joins the Cricut Joy Vinyl in the category of best portable Cricut machines since it measures 10 x 8.5 x 5.3 cm and weighs in at 0.35kgs. This enables you to store and move around easily with the machine.
Additionally, it features 3 heat settings for every iron-on project, and when you combine it with a comfortable grip, control and accuracy are achieved.
The EasyPress Mini’s heat press can efficiently be used for sewing and quilting making it quite an addition to your tools if you are a sewer.
When it comes to compatibility with larger Cricut machines, no need to worry since it is easy and fast and also connects to major brands of HTV and iron presses.
Pros
- Portable size
- Great for small and challenging materials
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Not great for large materials
Conclusion
When it comes to the best Cricut machine for beginners, there are several factors you need to consider.
However, the biggest factor you need to consider is what use you need the machine to perform. There is no need of getting the largest heat pressing machine and yet you deal with small materials like caps and small bags.
If you are a beginner and you’re having trouble getting the best Cricut machine, the above list will surely point you in the right direction.
What is the Best Cricut Machine for Beginners
- Cricut Maker 3 Best Cricut Machine for Beginners
- Cricut Explore 3 Best Cheap Cricut Machines for Beginners
- Cricut Explore Air Best Cricut Machine for Newbies
- Cricut Joy Vinyl Machine Best Portable Cricut Machine for Beginners
- Cricut EasyPress Mini Best Portable Cricut Machine for small materials
Which Cricut is the most user friendly?
Cricut Explore 3 is the most user friendly machine you can buy.
What is the Best Cricut Machine for Beginners
Cricut Maker 3 Best Cricut Machine for Beginners
Cricut Explore 3 Best Cheap Cricut Machines for Beginners
Cricut Explore Air Best Cricut Machine for Newbies
Cricut Joy Vinyl Machine Best Portable Cricut Machine for Beginners
Cricut EasyPress Mini Best Portable Cricut Machine for small materials
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