Whether you’re a designer, artisan, or scrapbooker looking to create some unique items for your clients, a high-quality die cutter could be quite useful.
However, with the many models and brands available on the market, choosing which one to purchase is not always simple. Don’t worry. I’m here to help.
I have tested different die-cutting machines and have concluded that each unit offers different features and performance. Let’s dive into my best die-cutting machine reviews.
What Are The Best Die Cutting Machines?
This shortlist of top-notch die-cutting machines with highlighted features is only an appetizer of what’s coming in my die-cutting machine reviews.
- Best Overall: Silhouette Cameo 4 Machine
“Latest innovation, cuts 3 times faster, has a single-tap auto blade and a tool type detection feature.” - Best Budget: Cricut 2000293 Cuttlebug Machine
“Manual cutter, deep and precise cutting, secure suction, extra bundles, perfect for beginners, cheap.” - Best for Beginners: Silhouette Portrait 2 Machine
“Upgraded with an auto blade and suitable for enthusiastic beginners, works with over 100 materials.” - Best for Fabric: Bira Craft Adjustable Die-Cutting & Embossing Machine
“Perfect for any type of project, adjustable pressure, modern, advanced feature, great value for money.” - Best for Quilting: AccuQuilt GO Fabric Cutter
“Fast and precise cuts, perfect for quilting, portable machine that’s easy to use, unlimited possibilities.” - Best for Schools: Spellbinders JD-031 Die Cutting & Embossing Machine
“Vera cut technology, solid construction, free accessories, perfect for both thin and thick materials.” - Best for Home Use: Sizzix Big Shot Pro Die-Cutting & Embossing Machine
“Extended multipurpose platform, lightweight, easy to use, comes with a pair of cutting pads, versatile. ” - Best Cricut: Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine
“Affordable, works with +100 different materials, free uploading of designs, wireless cutting, high-end.” - Best for Crafts: Cricut Maker Machine
“A popular model that can handle any material smoothly, great customer support, advanced features.” - Best Electric: Gemini Junior Die Cutting and Embossing Machine
“Compatible with any brand of thin metal dies, a big cutting space, handy handles, no manual cranking.” - Best Manual: Sizzix Big Shot Machine
“Perfect for heavy fabrics, handles different types of materials, a trusted brand, a large working space.” - Best Electronic: Brother CM350E ScanNCut2 Machine
“No PC required, large display, 300 DPI scanner, user-friendly, suitable for professionals and beginners.” - Best Die Cutting Machine Bundles: Sizzix Big Shot Plus Die Cutting Machine
“Stylish design, flexible, super-versatile, includes a pair of regular cutting pads, a big working platform.” - Best Die Brush Tool: Sizzix Die Brush and Foam Pad
“Precise results, ergonomic rubber grip handle, 9-inch broad plastic-backed dies and embossing folders.”
What is Die Cut Machine?
A die-cutting machine has given passionate crafters the power to make cutouts of their leisure for many projects including quilts, scrapbooking, shirts, card making, and other papercrafts.
Purchasing a die-cutting machine comes with a bunch of benefits. Owning this type of machine can take your crafting skills and projects to new heights. But how to choose the right one?
Hopefully, my best die cutting machine reviews can help you make the right choice. Below, you will find the pros and cons of each model available on the market. Choose carefully and wisely.
How Do You Cut Die Without a Machine?
Cutting dies without a machine is easy. You will need a cutting mat, a rolling pin, and some other tools. Please, watch the following video for step-by-step instructions.
Do You Need a Machine to Die Cut?
The truth is, you can utilize Die-cuts without a die-cutting unit. However, it’s impossible to get the ideal cut, so scissors and other sharp tools can be used to alter the look of the Die-cut material.
Die Cutting Machine Advantages and Disadvantages
The advantages of a die-cutting machine include flexibility, fast results, affordability, and cutting original designs. It also allows multiple cuts.
Also, bowing and curving won’t appear, the complex shape can be achieved, and you can slice multiple layers at once. It’s perfect for achieving creases in card and plastics.
However, owning a die-cutting machine also has disadvantages. The cutting tool is super sharp and can be dangerous. Also, you need a new die for each design.
Can You Die Cut With a Cricut?
The Cricut die-cutting unit can handle over 100 types of materials including thick leather, delicate tissue papers, and even thin wood. It can also cut vinyl and paper.
Die-Cutting Machine Comparison Chart
It’s very important to learn as much as you can about different die-cutting models and compare them in detail before you make a decision and buy a certain machine.
Below, you will find the specifications of the best die-cutting machines available in the market. However, don’t forget to scroll down and read the detailed reviews as well.
Top 18 Best Die Cutting Machine Reviews
Choosing the right die-cutting machine is easy if you know where to look. Let’s review the best models on the market and select the one that responds to your needs.
Cricut 2000293 Cuttlebug Machine
(Best Budget)
The Cricut Cuttlebug cutting machine is a manual but versatile cutting machine that can cut and emboss different materials. It’s compact and needs less storage place unlike most cutters out there.
But here’s the kicker. You will receive this cutter with all the cutting pads you need to start crafting right away. It also comes with instructions, a 5×7 flower embossing folder, and other helpful tools.
Machine Specifications
| Type: | Cutter & embosser |
| Cutter type: | Die-cut and Emboss |
| Compatible material: | Viny, paper, leather, fabric, plastic, metal including aluminum foil |
| Brand: | Cricut |
Key Features:
- Free accessories
- Portable and compact
- Affordable
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to use and store
- Deep and precise cutting
- Secure suction
- Extra bundles
Cons
- Restricted paper sizes
- Suitable for thin materials only
Silhouette Cameo 4
(Best Overall)
The Silhouette Cameo 4 is the latest innovation by this brand. And it’s also the most powerful one in the family. It’s also more powerful than the Cricut family.
It’s easier to use and cuts 3 times faster thanks to the automatic tool detection, the touch panel, and the single-tap auto blade. It also has an integrated roll feed.
The Silhouette Cameo 4 is a superior cutting machine thanks to the dual carriage with 2 different motors and an updated version of the Studio software.
Lastly, it’s 20 times more powerful than the legendary Cameo 3 which is very impressive. Now, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this cutting machine.
Machine Specifications
| Type: | Cutter |
| Cutter type: | Die-cut |
| Compatible material: | Viny, paper, leather, fabric, plastic, metal |
| Brand: | Silhouette |
Key Features:
- Advanced features
- Dual carriage with 2 motors
- Automatic tool detection
Pros
- Cuts 3 times faster
- 20 times more powerful than Cameo 3
- Tool type detection feature
- A single-tap auto blade
- Updated software
Cons
- The design is a bit clunky
- The 2 carriages only work with certain tools
- The software doesn’t support SVG files
Sizzix Big Shot
(Best Manual Die Cutting Machine)
If you’re looking for a manual cutting machine with a large multipurpose platform, look no further than the Big Shot. It’s a compact and lightweight die-cutting machine.
With this cutter, you can cut different materials including paper and fabric. It comes with a pair of pads for cutting, an easy-grip handle, and customizable working space.
I like this cutter because it’s compatible with other Sizzix die-cutting and embossing equipment and can handle heavy materials. It’s also compatible with the Sizzix library.
Machine Specifications
| Type: | Cutter |
| Cutter type: | Die-cut and fabric cut |
| Compatible material: | Viny, paper, leather, fabric, plastic, metal |
| Brand: | Sizzix |
Key Features:
- Shape-cutting and embossing roller-style
- Compatible with other embossing and die-cutting tools
- Adjustable extended multipurpose space
Pros
- A large working space
- Handles different types of materials
- Perfect for heavy materials
Cons
- Extended plates sold individually
AccuQuilt GO Fabric Cutter
(Best Die Cutting Machine for Quilting)
The AccuQuilt GO is a fabric cutter with advanced features. Therefore, it’s a great choice for professional quilters and crafters. If you’re an absolute beginner, don’t stress about it.
This cutting machine comes with detailed instructions that can help you start crafting. You will also get a die and a cutting mat. The best part? It’s 90% faster than other cutting tools.
Machine Specifications
| Type: | Cutter |
| Cutter type: | Fabric cut |
| Compatible material: | Viny, paper, leather, fabric, plastic, metal |
| Brand: | AccuQuilt |
Key Features:
- Detailed instructions included
- The perfect cutting machine for quilting
- 90% faster than rotary cutters
Pros
- Accurate and fast cuts
- Unlimited design possibilities
- Portable and user-friendly
Cons
- Limited dies included
- The unit doesn’t accept other dies
Cricut Maker
(Best Die Cutting Machine for Crafts)
If you’re searching for something truly exceptional and popular among crafters, then the Cricut Maker is the right choice for you.
It’s capable of dealing with different crafting, quilting, and sewing projects thanks to the advanced tools and features. Everyone likes this Cricut cutting machine because it’s user-friendly.
The best part? You will get a bunch of new helpful tools including a brand new rotary blade, scoring tool, extra-strong blades, and more. It’s suitable for both newbies and professionals.
I like the Maker because there’s little that this unit can’t cut. It’s capable of slicing hundreds of materials thanks to the brand new knife blade including balsa wood, matboard, and much more.
You can utilize your designs and present your work on your device easily. The best part? This machine is capable of holding your smartphone or tablet while working with a docking slot.
You can even charge your smartphone or tablet utilizing the convenient USB port. It’s quiet and fast.
Machine Specifications
| Type: | Cutter |
| Cutter type: | Die-cut and fabric cut |
| Compatible material: | Viny, paper, leather, fabric, plastic, metal |
| Brand: | Cricut |
Key Features
- Perfect for any type of project
- Super powerful blades and new rotary blade
- Convenient USB port for charging your phone
- You can view your work on your device
- Popular and versatile machine
Pros
- Quiet and smooth work
- Loaded with advanced features
- It handles over 100 different materials
- Great customer support
- Convenient USB port
Cons
- Expensive
Cricut Explore Air 2
(Best Cricut Die Cut Machine)
Explore Air 2 allows users to create custom vinyl stickers, personalized decorations, original greeting cards, and other DIY crafts.
It also allows uploading images for free or selecting from Cricut’s wide library of projects and designs. It delivers a range of materials especially made and tested for Cricut.
They include specialty and basic vinyl colors, adhesive foils, cardstock, iron-on vinyl, poster board, faux leather, and so on. You can also make and design from your devices.
This is thanks to the wireless cutting enabled by the Cricut Design app for Android and iOS devices. It’s a user-friendly and affordable cutting machine loaded with great features.
Machine Specifications
| Type: | Cutter |
| Cutter type: | Die-cut and fabric cut |
| Compatible material: | Viny, paper, leather, fabric, plastic, metal |
| Brand: | Cricut |
Key Features:
- Wireless cutting
- High-end parts and design
- Beginner-friendly
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- It handles over 100 different materials
- Free uploading of designs
Cons
- Only 12 inches wide
Gemini Junior Die Cutting and Embossing Machine
(Best Electric Die Cutting and Embossing Machine)
The Gemini Junior is ideal for portable use. It’s a compact and efficient unit with a large platform. You’re free to experiment and execute your projects with ease.
It’s ideal to keep on the desktop or workstation for accessibility and ease of use. This baby is quieter and lighter than other die-cutting machines. It’s also a lot faster.
The low-profile, sleek design makes it even more appealing. It’s been made for intricate dies and cutting heavyweight cardstock, foil, vinyl and multiple layers of fabric.
Another important fact about this machine is the pressure it uses. It’s much higher than many other die-cutting and embossing units use. This enables better cutting.
Machine Specifications
| Type: | Cutter & embosser |
| Cutter type: | Die-cut and embossing |
| Compatible material: | Viny, paper, leather, fabric, plastic, metal |
| Brand: | Gemini |
Key Features:
- Portable cutting machine
- Quieter, lighter and faster than other units
- Low-profile, sleek design
Pros
- Reverse button
- No manual cranking
- You can cut multiple dies at once
- Compatible with any brand of thin metal dies
- A large cutting space
- Handy handles
Cons
- Expensive
Silhouette Portrait 2
(Best Die Cutting Machine for Beginners)
The Silhouette Portrait 2 comes with an auto blade and Bluetooth.
It’s capable of cutting many materials including paper, transparencies, heat transfer material, cardstock, fabric, magnet paper, adhesive vinyl, and vellum. It’s super easy to use.
It’s PC and MAC compatible and includes 50 beautiful digital designs. It’s perfect for cutting leather, felt, cardboard, paper, cardboard, vinyl letters, and scrapbooking.
It’s also suitable for cutting wedding invitations and wallet photos.
Machine Specifications
| Type: | Cutter |
| Cutter type: | Die-cut and fabric cut |
| Compatible material: | Viny, paper, leather, fabric, plastic, metal |
| Brand: | Silhouette |
Key Features:
- PC and MAC compatible
- Loaded with 50 beautiful digital designs
- Perfect for any DIY project
Pros
- Upgraded with an auto blade
- Suitable for passionate beginners
- Works with over 100 materials
Cons
- Restricted cutting width
- Poor cutting force (210 grams)
- The software is hard to learn
Brother CM350E ScanNCut2
(Best Electronic Die Cutting Machine)
The Brother CM350E ScanNCut 2 has a 300 DPI inbuilt scanner.
This feature converts scanned photos into original cut patterns and designs. If you’re looking for a new and more advanced way to cut your designs, look no further than this model.
One of the main things I like about this die-cutting unit is the 4.85-inch LCD touch screen. It allows users to choose settings conveniently. It also has a couple of connectivity options.
They include PC connectivity and wireless or standalone network connectivity.
The ScanNCut2 utilizes 12×12 inches cutting mat or upgrade to a bigger mat to make and cut different designs. Furthermore, you can easily edit your designs on the display.
Machine Specifications
| Type: | Cutter & Scanner |
| Cutter type: | Die-cut and fabric cut |
| Compatible material: | Viny, paper, leather, fabric, plastic, metal |
| Brand: | Brother |
Key Features:
- You can easily edit designs on the display
- PC connectivity and wireless or standalone connectivity
- An advanced way to scan and cut your designs
Pros
- User-friendly
- No PC required
- Large touch screen
- 300 DPI scanner
- Affordable
Cons
- The software is hard to learn
- The mats are limited to 2mm thickness
- The mats aren’t sticky enough
Spellbinders PE-100 Cutting and Embossing Machine
Supported by the same versa cut technology utilized in Platinum, this model provides the same pressure and strength. It also delivers the same durability and ease of use.
You can cut until 8 layers of most materials in a single try. This baby can slice even through the heaviest of materials including balsa wood, craft metal, wool, and leather.
The modern, sleek design of this model makes it even more appealing. It’s loaded with fold-up sides and a collapsible handle for easy storage. It’s stylish, compact, and versatile.
Machine Specifications
| Type: | Cutter & embosser |
| Cutter type: | Die-cut and embossing |
| Compatible material: | Viny, paper, leather, fabric, plastic, metal |
| Brand: | Spellbinders |
Key Features:
- Versa cut technology
- Cuts through 8 layers at once
- Loaded with collapsable handle and fold-up sides for easy storage
- Stylish, compatible and super-versatile
- Perfect for heavy y materials
Pros
- A pair of clear-cutting pallets included
- Cuts through 8 layers of materials with ease
- Embossing plate and embossing mat included
- Loaded with fold-up sides and a handle
- Modern, sleek, ad appealing design
Cons
- The platform is not very large
- It doesn’t have anti-jams features
Bira Craft Adjustable Die-Cutting & Embossing Machine
(Best Die Cutting Machine for Fabric)
Bira Craft is a unique manual die cutter with a 9-inch broad cutting space. It’s loaded with a crank handle that’s easy to disassemble and assemble.
The fold-out platform, on the other hand, is an ideal storage spot for the handle and other smaller tools. The rubber pad to emboss dies is sold individually.
However, you can select to use one from different brands thanks to the adjustable system of this model. It’s perfect for embossing bigger folders.
What I like most about the Bira Craft is that I can control the pressure. I can use almost any acid etched dies, embossing folders and steel rule die.
The mode knob makes it simple to get different modes straight on the unit, and there is no requirement for building various sandwiches.
The depth knob is helpful whenever you want to cut small sections and also when dealing with materials like adhesive paper. The Bira Craft is stable and sturdy.
It’s easy to use and brings great value for money. Not to mention it’s portable and has a beautiful design that’s a plus. You won’t regret your purchase.
Machine Specifications
| Type: | Cutter & embosser |
| Cutter type: | Die-cut and Fabric cut |
| Compatible material: | Viny, paper, leather, fabric, plastic, metal |
| Brand: | Bira Craft |
Key Features:
- Portable, nice design, and sturdy
- Suitable for both light and heavy materials
- Perfect for embossing bigger folders
Pros
- User-friendly
- Modern design
- Great value for money
- Advanced features
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Doesn’t include a rubber pad
Sizzix Tim Holtz Vagabond 2 Electric Die Cutting Machine
Sizzix Vagabond 2 is a portable and powerful machine. It’s capable of embossing and cutting different materials and thicknesses with ease.
You will never experience motor jams with this machine. It’s loaded with regular cutting pads and a big platform that allows you to cut different sizes.
It can even perform with frameless dies, dies from other brands and embossing tools by adding wafer-thin die adapter. It delivers precise results every time.
Machine Specifications
| Type: | Electric cutter |
| Cutter type: | Die-cut and fabric cut |
| Compatible material: | Viny, paper, leather, fabric, plastic, metal |
| Brand: | Sizzix |
Key Features:
- Cutting and embossing different materials
- Loaded with regular cutting pads and a big platform
- It delivers precise and flawless results every time
Pros
- Powerful
- Smooth operation
- A large platform
- User-friendly
- Precise cuts
Cons
- The plats aren’t large enough for bigger projects
Spellbinders JD-031 Jane Davenport Deep Sea Die Cutting & Embossing Machine
(Best Die Cutting Machine for Schools)
Just like the Platinum 6 unit, this model delivers the versa cut technology for bigger durability, strength, and power. It’s one of the best die-cutting machines on the market.
It’s made with a solid steel core construction and cuts through a broad range of thin and thick materials with ease. You can cut balsa wood, metal, cotton, paper, and so on.
You will also get an embossing plate and a pair of cutting plates. A platform and an embossing mat come as standard with this machine. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons.
Machine Specifications
| Type: | Cutter & embosser |
| Cutter type: | Die-cut and fabric cut |
| Compatible material: | Viny, paper, leather, fabric, plastic, metal |
| Brand: | Spellbinders |
Key Features:
- Cuts through a wide range of thin and thick materials
- It comes with an embossing plate and a pair of cutting plates
- You can cut balsa wood, metal, cotton, and paper
Pros
- Versa cut technology
- Solid steel core construction
- Perfect for both thin and thick materials
- Comes with a lot of accessories
- Durable and powerful
Cons
- Terrible customer support
Sizzix Big Shot Pro Die-Cutting & Embossing Machine
(Best Die Cutting Machine for Home Use)
The Sizzix Big Shot Pro is a die-cutting and embossing machine that can handle different materials up to 6 inches wide. It’s compatible with all Sizzix items library.
The library includes Framelits, Thinlits, Bigz dies, and so on. If you purchase this machine, you will get an embossing and die-cutting machine with a multipurpose platform.
You will also get a pair of cutting pads, and a 1-year limited warranty. The model measures around 40 x 29 x 24cm. It weighs less than 10 pounds.
Machine Specifications
| Type: | Cutter & embosser |
| Cutter type: | Die-cut and fabric cut |
| Compatible material: | Viny, paper, leather, fabric, plastic, metal |
| Brand: | Sizzix |
Key Features:
- Portable and versatile
- Embossing and die-cutting unit with a multipurpose platform
- 1-year limited warranty
Pros
- A pair of cutting pads included
- Compatible with all Sizzix items library
- Extended multipurpose platform
Cons
- Embossing folders and dies aren’t included
We R Memory Keepers Mini Evolution Die Cut Machine Kit
This brand joined the market in 2014 and made a name for itself rapidly thanks to the quality, functional and innovative products.
They’re loved by engineers and crafters worldwide. Mini Evolution is one of their greatest products. It’s a starter kit that will blow you away.
This affordable kit includes embossing folders, embossing plate, cutting plate, buffer plate, and nesting dies cardstock. It’s useful, practical, and budget-friendly.
Machine Specifications
| Type: | Cutter & embosser |
| Cutter type: | Die-cut and fabric cut |
| Compatible material: | Viny, paper, leather, fabric, plastic, metal |
| Brand: | We R Memory Keepers |
Key Features:
- Functional and innovative product
- Affordable kit with a lot of accessories
- Useful, practical and beginner-friendly
Pros
- Trusted brand
- Includes a lot of helpful tools
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- None
Sizzix Die Brush and Foam Pad
(Best Die Brush Tool)
The Sizzix die brush is made to remove residue paper in any brand of chemically-etched, wafer-thin dies, both ergonomically and easily. It’s the best die brush tool.
It has an ergonomic, sleek rubber-grip handle for easy maneuverability and non-slippage. This tool takes away residue paper delivering you with the ideal cut easily.
The product includes a foam pad that performs as the ideal work platform for removing unneeded paper of both cutouts and dies. It’s a quick, easy and beautiful tool.
Key Features:
- Made by a trusted die-cutting brand
- Includes a foam pad that performs as the perfect work platform
- A quick, easy and beautiful accessory
Pros
- Ergonomic rubber grip handle
- Delivers the perfect cut with ease
- Delivers fast and easy results
Cons
- Bristles fall out
Sizzix Big Shot Plus Die Cutting Machine Starter Kit Bundle
(Best Die Cutting Machine Bundles)
This machine is the ideal combination of all the things you like about the Big Shot. However, it provides the versatility to utilize 8.5’’ x 11’’ materials.
With a sleek grey and white color scheme and the logo of the brand embossed on the carrying handle, it delivers a lot of stylish apparel with the same flexibility.
This baby works with the whole Sizzix item library except the Bigz Pro dies. It’s loaded with a large 9-inch broad plastic-backed dies and embossing folders.
You can cut and emboss different materials and make custom cards, home décor, quilting, home décor, altered art, scrapbook pages, invitations, and so on.
Key Features:
- Compatible with the whole Sizzix item library
- Loaded with 9-inch board plastic-backed dies and embossing folders
- Flexible, compact and perfect for any DIY project
Pros
- Flexible and versatile
- A pair of regular cutting pads
- Large working platform
Cons
- None
Cricut Explore Air Cutting Machine Bundle
If you want to say goodbye to annoying cords and release more space to work on your crafts, this is the perfect product for you.
Thanks to the Design Space software, you can send projects to the Explore Air for cutting wirelessly. It’s perfect for passionate crafters.
You can design decorations, invitations, home décor, and personalize your gifts thanks to the wide Cricut image library. However, you can also upload your fonts and images for free.
The opportunities with this bundle seem endless. You can also add embellishments to your photographs or turn ordinary things into personalized masterpieces.
If you’re looking for a versatile, electronic cutting unit for DIY projects, look no further than this bundle. It comes with a deep cut blade and housing to slice thick materials.
You will also get a spatula, a scraper, tweezers, scissors, and tweezers. These tools will help you get the most out of your machine and projects.
Key Features:
- Wireless cutting
- Ideal for any DIY project
- You can upload designs for free
- Electronic cutting machine
- A deep cut blade
Pros
- Cut & Score
- Perfect for thick materials
- A wide selection of images
Cons
- The software is online only and a bit glitchy
- All the documentation and manual can be found online
- Customer service is slow and available by phone only
How do I Choose a Die Cutting Machine?
With so many brands and models of die-cutting machines on the market, it’s hard to find the right one that responds to your needs.
However, there are a few general factors you need to pay attention to when shopping for a die-cutting machine such as the following:
- Determine the type (manual, digital or electrical)
- Think about the type of materials you want to use and work with
- Review the capabilities of the die-cutting machine you want to buy
- Learn as much as you possibly can about cutting dies
- Check the size, compatibility of dies, and warranty
What Do Die Cutting Machines Do?
If you’re passionate about needlework, sewing, and baking, a die-cutting machine can be very helpful. It saves you time and boosts your productivity.
A die cutting machine is super-versatile and can lift your craft-game to new heights in no time. However, digital and manual machines work differently.
Both are simple and super handy for any small business or DIY. They can help you make flawless designs from fabric, paper or even metal. You can use a die-cutting machine for:
- Quilts
- Stencils
- T-shirt design
- Scrapbooking
- Homemade cards
- Decals and stickers
- Magnet designs
- Home décor
If you’re interested in buying a commercial die-cutting machine, please visit the following websites:
Gemini Junior vs Sizzix Big Shot
The Gemini Junior is ideal for portable use. It’s a compact and efficient unit with a large platform. You’re free to experiment and execute your projects with ease.
It’s ideal to keep on the desktop or workstation for accessibility and ease of use. This baby is quieter and lighter than other die-cutting machines. It’s also a lot faster.
The low-profile, sleek design makes it even more appealing. It’s been made for intricate dies and cutting heavyweight cardstock, foil, vinyl and multiple layers of fabric.
Another important fact about this machine is the pressure it uses. It’s much higher than many other die-cutting and embossing units use. This enables better cutting.
The Big Shot cutting machine includes an extended multipurpose platform. It’s a compact shape-cutting and embossing roller-style unit.
This workhorse can accommodate a broad range of crafting materials including fabric and paper. It has a pair of regular cutting pads and an adjustable extended multipurpose space.
It’s compatible with other embossing and die-cutting tools, and almost the whole Sizzix items library. It’s loaded with an easy-grip handle and makes the perfect choice for heavy materials.
Cricut Maker vs Knk
If you’re looking for a cutter that you can trust, look no further than the Cricut Maker. It’s perfect for any quilting, crafting, and sewing project and comes with a bunch of features.
It’s also easy to use and comes with new crafting tools including a new rotary blade, blades, a brand new rotary blade, and other necessary equipment you can find extremely helpful.
The Cricut Maker is wanted by many crafters because it’s super-versatile and capable of slicing different materials including balsa wood and matboard thanks to the new knife blade.
You can utilize your designs and present your work on your device easily. The best part? This machine is capable of holding your smartphone or tablet while working with a docking slot.
You can even charge your smartphone or tablet utilizing the convenient USB port.
The KNK, on the other hand, is a strong and robust machine with a cutting force of 750 grams and it’s 3 times stronger than the Cameo. The maximum cutting width is 14 inches.
This model delivers outstanding results. You will get precise results every time. You can engrave, pierce, emboss, score, draw and cut with this cutting machine.
What I like most about this unit are versatility and solid construction. This die cutter was built to last. It’s surprisingly lightweight and compact which I also like.
It allows cut and print with laser alignment, wireless cutting so you can forget about annoying wires and comes with Make The Cut software for custom designs.
What blew my mind about this machine was the ZingSpeak feature. This means that the controls can be voice-manipulated. As you can notice, it’s advanced and feature-rich.
Also, this baby holds 12 inches and 4 inches of vinyl without a cutting mat.
Sizzix Tim Holtz Vagabond 2 vs Gemini Junior
Sizzix Vagabond 2 is a portable and powerful machine. It’s capable of embossing and cutting different materials and thicknesses with ease.
You will never experience motor jams with this machine. It’s loaded with regular cutting pads and a big platform that allows you to cut different sizes.
It can even perform with frameless dies, dies from other brands and embossing tools by adding wafer-thin die adapter. It delivers precise results every time.
The Gemini Junior is ideal for portable use. It’s a compact and efficient unit with a large platform. You’re free to experiment and execute your projects with ease.
It’s ideal to keep on the desktop or workstation for accessibility and ease of use. This baby is quieter and lighter than other die-cutting machines. It’s also a lot faster.
The low-profile, sleek design makes it even more appealing. It’s been made for intricate dies and cutting heavyweight cardstock, foil, vinyl and multiple layers of fabric.
Another important fact about this machine is the pressure it uses. It’s much higher than many other die-cutting and embossing units use. This enables better cutting.
Craft Robo vs Cricut
The Cricut Maker is one of the best-selling cutting machines on the market because it’s super versatile. You can use this cutter for any crafting, quilting, and sewing project.
It’s user-friendly and packs a lot of features. The best part? This cutter comes with many tools including extra-strong blades, pends, a brand new rotary blade, and other helpful tools.
I like this machine because it’s capable of slicing hundreds of materials including balsa wood, matboard, and other heavy materials. The new knife blade can handle almost any material.
You can utilize your designs and present your work on your device easily. The best part? This machine is capable of holding your smartphone or tablet while working with a docking slot.
You can even charge your smartphone or tablet utilizing the convenient USB port. It’s quiet and fast.
Craft Robo, on the other hand, is a desktop-sized cutting machine made with serious hobbyists in mind. It’s perfect for professionals searching for a portable solution.
This model has a maximum cutting width of 14.8 inches, a cutting force until 300 grams, and a maximum speed until 16 inches per second. It’s suitable for different projects including:
- Heat
- Labels
- Scrapbooking
- Image transfers
- Package design mock-ups
- Educational & architectural 3D modeling
- Contour cut (Die-cut) stickers
- Sandblast & etching masking
- Gift/hangtags
- Wrappers
- Vinyl
As you can notice, both machines deliver fast results. They’re loaded with advanced features and boost productivity. It depends on your needs which one you choose.
Sizzix Big Shot and BIGkick
The Big Kick and Big Shot cutting machines are very similar. There’s little to no difference between these cutting machines by Sizzix. Thus, you can’t go wrong with either unit.
They both provide the same features and have the same size. The only visual difference is the color. Big Shot has a more professional appearance while Big Kick looks friendlier.
Also, the Big Kick doesn’t have a handle-like part on the surface. The Big Shot has a handle that makes it easier to control while operating. The Big Kick has a lower price and makes a perfect option for newbies, while the Big Shot is more expensive and includes a few extra features.
Cricut Cuttlebug vs Sizzix Big Shot
The Cricut Cuttlebug is a manual cutting machine. It’s one of Cricut’s most popular cutters because it’s a versatile machine that can cut and emboss a wide selection of crafting materials.
The best part? It’s compact, portable, and lightweight. Therefore, it needs less storage area unlike other cutters on the market. You will receive all the cutting pads you need to start crafting.
The package also includes a pop-up handle for easy control and a user manual for beginners. The Cricut Cuttlebug comes with a 5×7 flower embossing folder, 2 B cutting pads, and more.
The Big Shot cutter, on the other hand, is a larger unit with a multipurpose platform. It’s more advanced than the Cricut Cuttlebug because it can handle a wide array of crafting materials.
With this machine, you can cut anything you can think of including paper and fabric. It comes with a pair of standard cutting pads and features an easy-grip handle for easier handling and control.
But here’s the kicker. The Big Shot cutter works with other die-cutting and embossing tools. It’s a super-versatile cutting machine that’s also compatible with the entire Sizziz items library.
FAQs
My Top Picks
Every die-cutting machine on the market indeed has its advantages and disadvantages.
However, if you take a closer look, some units bring a bit more to the table that is expected of them, in terms of quality. I have included all of these machines in my die-cutting machine reviews.
If you’re on a budget, the Cricut 2000293 Cuttlebug Machine is ideal for you. However, if you’re looking for a high-end unit for crafts, look no further than the popular Cricut Maker.
If you want an electronic die-cutting machine, the Brother CM350E ScanNCut2 makes a great choice. It’s loaded with advanced features like a 300 DIP scanner and a large touch screen.
Whatever your preferences and taste are, I sincerely hope you will find the best die-cutting machine for your needs. Please, share your machine suggestions and opinions in the comments below.
Hopefully, you will find my buyer’s guide and die-cutting machine reviews helpful and fun.
12 Best Cricut Machines