“They streamline the crafting process and also allows you to cut consistent, uniform shapes faster—especially if you need them in bulk," Su-Queen Teo, a printing manager and owner of The Paper Crown, tells The Spruce. We researched top die cut machines in the market and evaluated each for versatility, price, and capabilities before naming our top pick, the Cricut Maker Machine. We love its unlimited design options and intuitive directions. From the beginner machines to more advanced options, here are the best die cut machines to buy today. This model comes with two cutting mats to hold your material firmly in place, as well as materials to get you started on your first project. Our tester noted that the setup process could not have been easier and the machine works quickly with minimal guidance. But the standout feature of the CricutMaker is its DesignSpace app, which features hundreds of project options—some are free, and others cost around 99 cents— that you can download, cut, and create. For the more custom creators, you can work on designs on your phone or laptop and transfer them directly to the machine thanks to the CricutMaker’s Bluetooth connectivity. Though this is a little pricier than similarly capable models, users say “it is 100 percent worth every single penny." Our tester found that the combination of the sleek look, multiple designs, and longevity make it worth the high price. Dimensions: 7.1 x 6.25-inches | Material Compatibility: Fabric, felt, leather, and more | Max. Material Size: 12 inches wide | Connectivity: Electric Despite the versatility of material, Teo says the machine works best on paper, making it perfect for cardmaking and scrapbooking. Each machine comes with cutting pads, multiple die sets, and several pieces of cardstock to kickstart your project. Additionally, purchasing the Sizzix Big Shot Plus gives you access to the entire Sizzix library of dies for endless crafting possibilities. Dimensions: 15.75 x 7.5 x 11.75 inches | Material Compatibility: Paper and wood | Max. Material Size: 9 inches wide, 6 inches thick | Connectivity: Manual The machine’s 5kg force allows it to cut through just about anything, though most users utilize it for cardstock and fabric. Each Cameo 4 comes with an AutoBlade that automatically detects material depth, a rotary blade, kraft blade, and punch tool. And good news—you can load multiple tools into the machine at once. That said, the carriage can only use one tool at a time. For example, the machine can draw and then cut, but it can’t do both simultaneously. Even still, this machine offers faster production speeds over previous models of Silhouettes. Dimensions: 22.44 x 7.87 x 6.69 inches | Material Compatibility: Cardstock and fabric | Max. Material Size: 12 inches wide, 6 inches thick | Connectivity: Electric The CricutExplore Air 2 comes with other accessories, including the Cricut 12-inch LightGrip cutting mat and a black fine point pen. It’s also compatible with a deep cut tool and scoring tool and has a double tool holder. You also have access to the Cricut Design Space app, which includes hundreds of pre-programmed projects. Of course, you are welcome to create something original, just keep in mind that all design work takes place while the machine is connected to Wi-Fi. But the real draw of this Cricutis the much-touted “Fast Mode” feature. All you have to do is move the dial to the proper material and check the “Fast Mode” box from your device for a quicker turnaround. Dimensions: 8.43 x 5.43 x 4.25-inches | Material Compatibility: Vinyl | Max. Material Size: 5.5-inches. | Connectivity: Wireless Users’ favorite features, however, are the easy-to-use adjustment gears. With the simple turn of a knob, you are able to change the height, blade depth, and cutting force to meet your project’s needs. Though the manual element may deter you, users say it allows for clear cuts and better control over the final project. And it helps that the crank handle has a soft grip to provide comfort for hours of crafting. Dimensions: 18 x 14 x 9 inches | Material Compatibility: Paper and fabric | Max. Material Size: 9 inches wide | Connectivity: Manual In addition to cutting on a cutting mat, the Silhouette Portrait 3 can perform two different matless cuts that are ideal for vinyl or sticker making. The first, a kiss cut, allows the machine to cut through the top layer only. The second, pop-out cut, uses a special perforated cut mode to allow you to pop out the design once it’s printed. Another amazing feature: the Auto Tool Detection, which allows the software to detect what tools are inserted into your machine, and lets you know if you need to swap them out for others. Though the software includes this and other amazing features, such as cut adjustments, users warn that it can be a little difficult to learn at first. Dimensions: 16.2 in. x 5.5 in. x 4.4 in | Material Compatibility: Vinyl, paper, cardstock, fabric | Max. Material Size: 9 inches wide | Connectivity: Electric Perfect for seasoned and beginning quilters alike, the machine comes with two square dies and one half-square triangle die, along with a cutting mat. More dies are also available for purchase, though they can be a bit pricey. For quilters who like to take their craft with them, the AccuQuilt GO!’s patented portable design makes it easy to bring the machine to classes, retreats, and even on vacation. Just keep in mind that it weighs about 19 pounds. Dimensions: 17.75 x 7.75 x 17 inches | Material Compatibility: Fabric | Max. Material Size: Not Listed | Connectivity: Electric Like most Cricut machines, the Joy connects to smartphones and computers via Bluetooth, making it easy to upload and create your own designs. Note that the tools are limited with the Joy—each machine comes with a premium fine point blade and housing, fine point pen, and a standard grip mat—nothing more. When testing the Cricut Joy, our tester spent roughly $100 on additional tools. Fortunately, you can purchase the starter bundle, cutting tools, markers, Smart materials, and mats separately for a relatively reasonable price. Although it lacks some of the features seen in the larger models, the CricutJoy is a great basic die cut machine or a good addition for crafters that want a portable option for small-scale projects. Dimensions: 8.43 x 5.43 x 4.25 inches | Material Compatibility: Vinyl and cardstock | Max. Material Size: 5.5 inches | Connectivity: Wireless Depending on how often you use your Bira Mini, the base plates may need to be replaced more often than those of other machines. This could get pricey after a while, so something to keep in mind if you’re trying to keep costs down. Because of its compact size, you will be limited in the type—and size—of projects. But for those who are looking to hone their cardmaking and scrapbook skills, it’s a great purchase. Dimensions: 8 x 3.8 x 5 inches | Material Compatibility: Thinner fabric and paper | Max. Material Size: 3 inches | Connectivity: Manual
Output
For casual crafters, most machines can handle your workload, as they tend to tap out at 2 feet in length. But if you’re more of a hobbyist than an artisan, you want to find a die cutter that can do a lot of work in a short(er) amount of time. Consider machines that can cut up to multiple layers at once or handle lengthier materials.
Price
There are a lot of die cut machines on the market, and each one comes with its own unique functions. And although these can elevate the crafting experience, they can also push up the price tag quite a bit. So, again, it’s important to think about how you will use your machine. “A hand-crank die cut machine may be more economical and best for basic functions, but an electronic cutting machine could be useful for other, larger projects,” Anna Rose Johnson, senior project manager at Cricut, tells The Spruce. “Consider whether you would want to buy dies each time you would like to cut a new shape [which is the case with hand-crank machines] or if the versatility of an electronic cutting machine may better suit your needs.”
Features
Every die cut machine comes with unique features. For example, some can emboss as well as die cut. Others can draw and write. Consider both your needs and your budget and decide accordingly.
Why Trust The Spruce Crafts?
This article was written by Leah Rocketto, a lifestyle writer and editor for a decade. To select the best picks for your consideration, she sorted through dozens of customer and third-party website reviews, and consulted Su-Queen Teo and Anna Rose Johnson. A printing manager and sales consultant, Teo is the owner of The Paper Crown, a handmade card boutique, and utilizes die cutting machines regularly. Johnson, the senior project manager at Cricut, is an avid crafter outside of the working hours. But don’t turn your nose at hand-cranked machines. They tend to be easier to use and more portable. In Teo’s experience, they may last longer than the electric versions. “I’ve had three electronic die cutting machines and they didn’t last beyond a year.”
