Which Cricut Machine is the Best?
78The original Personal Electronic Cutter, the Create, or the Expression?
There are three models of the Cricut machine, the popular personal die cutters made by the Provo Craft company. With three good options, it can be tough to determine which one to purchase.
In fact, if you are thinking of adding one of these die cutters to your scrapbooking tools, you may be asking yourself one of these questions...
Should I buy the original Personal Electronic Cutter? It's less expensive, but will I regret not having the additional features offered by the other two machines?
Is the Expression model worth the bigger price tag, or will it be "overkill" for my needs?
How does the mid-range Create compare to the other two models? Now that it is no longer a Michael's Craft Store exclusive, and is more widely available, maybe it is the best choice.
In Many Ways, the Cricut Machine Models are the Same
All three models use cartridges, and these cartridges can be used in any of the three models. The Personal Electronic Cutter usually comes with the George font and basic shapes cartridge, the Create includes the Don Juan cartridge, and the Expression usually sells with the Accent Essentials and Plantin Schoolbook cartridges
Basic operation of each of the three models is similar. If you know how to use the Cricut Expression, it will be easy for you to use the Personal Electronic Cutter or the Create.
Generally speaking, all three Cricut machine models use the same accessories. The replacement blades, inks, and other tools can be used with any of the machines. The one exception is the cutting mats. The machines use different sizes of these mats.
In Many Ways, They Are Also Different...
Although Cricut machines have many similarities, there are also a few major differences:
Each model has different capabilities regarding the range of die cuts it can produce. The Expression has the greatest range, making die cuts up to 23-1/2" tall, followed by the Create, with a maximum die cut size of 11-1/2", and finally, the original Personal Electronic Cutter, making cutouts up to 5-1/2" tall.
The portability of the models differs. The Expression is a weightier machine that is intended to stay in one place. The original Cutter and the Create are more compact, lighter machines, that can be stored in the closet or taken to scrapbooking parties.
The modes and functions offered by the machines are different. The Cricut Expression offers the most versatility in this category.
There are different price points for the three models. The original Personal Cutter is the most affordable, selling for right around $300.00. The Create is $100.00 more, and the larger Expression is the most pricey, retailing for $500.00. Although these prices may seem a bit steep, it is easy to find deals by shopping around.
Do You Have A Cricut Machine?
If you have a Cricut machine, we would love to hear which one you own. Vote for it in our little informal poll here...
See results without votingvote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (20)
- Funny (1)
- Awesome (1)
- Beautiful (2)
- Interesting (2)
Feel Free to Leave Comments and Questions Here...Loading...
Hi Marilyn,
Have you tried changing the settings from landscape mode (the default setting) to portrait mode?
Hi IndianaMom,
Great hub! I am really into scrapbooking and cricuts. I am getting ready to purchase my first one and I am very excited, can't wait to use it! I am bookmarking this hub! I am a fan :)
Hi Info Help,
Thanks! You will love your Cricut! Which one are you buying?
I am wanting to buy a Cricut Machine but I don't know which one to buy and was hoping you could help me. I ONLY do 8x8 scrapbooks so that leads me to believe maybe the Create? I am also wondering if that makes the Expression "overkill" for my needs.
Hi Ellie,
The Create is a good machine, but I would actually recommend the Expression. A lot of the cartridges now give you the capability to make envelopes, gift boxes and bags, and three-dimensional items. The Create really doesn't allow you to make these things - it's just not big enough. I suppose you may be happy with the Create if all you are doing are 8x8 scrapbooks. However, I originally purchased my machine for scrapbooking, but I started to use it for card making and crafting too.
Hi Ellie:
The Create is an excellent machine and choice. I have both and in all honesty, I rarely use anything more than 6 inches when it comes to cards/envelopes and quite franky, scrapbooking a 12 x 12 album. The Expression is great if you don't want to cut a 12 x 12 piece of cardstock, but if all you do is 8 x 8 albums and do branch into cards, the Create will suit your needs. If you want to do wall vinyl, huge posters and big envelopes/boxes, then get the expression. For me, the Expression was a bit of an "overkill". Unless you are an avid papercrafter, bigger is not always better and the Create does give a great blend of both machines.
Hi Quirkygirl,
Thanks for taking the time to comment on the Expression vs. Create debate. I agree - the Create is a great blend of both machines, and it's portable size is nice too! My first machine was the Create, and I thought that it would be all I would need. However, I soon realized I needed the Expression. I make all my cards now (well, almost all of them), and I couldn't use the Create to make some of the card bases and the envelopes. If I purchased blank cards and envelopes, it would be great, but since I like to make my own, I really needed the Expression.
Ellie,
Another thing you will want to consider is how much space you have for working on your projects. If you don't have a dedicated area, you would probably want the Create instead of the Expression. The Expression is the kind of the machine that you set up and leave. The Create is small enough you can stick it in a closet when you're not using it.
Has anyone used the smallest machine? I make cards
and much of what the Create and Expression might
be overkill for greating cards. Any comments?
Hi! My mom bought me the personal cricut. I haven't used it yet. Im not sure where to start. I mostly make 12x12 page layouts do you think I need the bigger cricut, or would this one be ok. My aunt has the larger one and has been able to create wall images and everything. Does my machine do the same or would I need the larger one for all that?
I want to buy one and think maybe the Create is the better choice for me. Have friends with the Expression if I need something big. Now where to find the best price for the Create. If you have a suggestion, please share. jlowder1@bellsouth.net Thanks for your time. Bought the Slice and not using it much so it may be finding a new home.
any ideas where to purchase cheaper expression ....is it walmart or costco?..i live in vancouver bc but i can go to seattle walmart...and as soon as i have one, can i start making invitation cards or should i buy a special cartridge for that?...im planning to make my own wedding invitations
I started with the original Cricut, upgraded to the Create a year ago and just ordered the Imagine. I would say if you do 8 X 8 scrapbooks and/or cards Create is the machine for you. I don't know of anyone who does a full 12 X 12 page all in one cut so even if you do 12 X 12 scrapbooking you can make all the embellishments you need on the Create. I make and sell handmade cards and the Imagine will allow me to make my own high quality tags, titles and all the regular cuts from my original 50 cartridges can't wait for the new one to get here so I can explore.
I just bought the cricut expression because i Love to make cards and scrapbooks and the option of making my own wall art is epic. Costco offers a great bundle with the story book laminator bundle for 299,99 and walmart for machine alone is 349.00. I would say even if just making 8 x 8 albums try the expression but that is just my opinion...
susan
Just thought I would share.....I just got an e-mail from JoAnn's Fabric and Craft Store. They are running a Veterans' Sale (in store and online) - Now through Saturday, November 13th. They have the smallest machine, Personal Cutter, marked down from $199.99 to $89.99
I just ordered the Cricut Expression from Costco...the bundle deal with the story book laminator and then looked on the shopping channel and see the create with 3 cartridges and ink..I didn't think all the machines could use ink cartridges..I thought they just cut shapes. Can someone please share with me how the ink works and if I can also use it in the Expression? Thanks..
Hi can I use the inks with my personal cricut?
Thanks so much for all the feedback on here! Hubby just got me a Create for Christmas but said if I wanted the bigger one, he'd exchange it. After reading all these posts, I was able to decide that this one will be perfect for what I want!!! You are all so helpful.
I now have had all three,I bought the personal cutter first but if you want to do cards or anything small the smallest letters you can do is 1" which isn't small enough for most card and so I bought the expression. Really like it! I have done things the full 23 inches for bulletin board at school and you can go down to 1/4" for letters for cards. It also has some nice features fit to page, fill page. Now my son gave me the imagine for Christmas can't comment on this one yet.
I just love my Cricut Expression machine! I bought it a few months ago, bummed though that it is on sale at walmart... I love using this machine to do some many crafty things around my house!
My husband just got me the Cricut Create. I the only scrap booking I have done is small projects. I don't usually make cards. I am crafty around the house and have a 2yr old grandaughter, so things can always change. I don't know enough about the machines to make a decision as to whether I should keep this one or try a different one. I am also curious would this machine be able to cut out phrases in paper or vinyl? Thanks for any help you can give me.
I am about to purchase a cricut, but am confused about which one to buy. Can the inks be used with the cricut personal?
I bought the Personal as bundle pkg from Sam's Club shortly after they came out years ago. The Create came right after and had I but known, I probably would have waited because of the larger cuts. In time I purchased the Expression as a bundle with the Your Story laminator (haven't used it yet tho but it's nice to have it in case). They also have the Cricut Cake which is used exclusively for cake decorating. One of the newer ones is the Imagine which is basically a printer that cuts. Lastly, not sure it's out already and what features it has but the newest on their line is the Expression 2.
I have had the personal cricut for about two years. I am updating I think to the expression. The one problem I had with my cricut is sometimes as I am cutting it just stops. It may have cut about have my page so it ruins the who page and I have to start again. Frustrating
Thanks for this. I have been trying to make an INFORMED decision on Which Cricut Machine is for me, and this REALLY helps! Thanks again.
I have a create, but after having it for several years and now contemplating purchasing a larger machine so that I can make 12 x 12 over lays. I think that since I have both a gypsy and design studio I really just need the personal cutter, I don't need the bells and whistles that the expression has, am I correct? Thanks :)
I purchased the Personal Electronic Cutter just before retiring, but didn't take it out of the box for about 15 months. When I did unpack it, it wouldn't power up. I have called and e-mailed Cricut and they will not respond. I am an avid scrapbooker now, but will never purchase another Cricut!
Thanks for a great article. This blog much better than some that are posted on the hub pages.
I also have had the baby Cricut and updated to the expression. The one thing that I have not seen posted is how much paper you save with the Expression. You can move the arrows and use all your paper even scraps. I love my Expression I have an Imagin coming anyday. I feel the two will be just what I need for all cards and
scraping. I will not be getting nor have a desire for the Expression . Have fun with your new machine which ever you get you will Love.
Hi I am thinking about purchasing a cricut machine but I am still confused with which one to get. I will be mostly making invites, party decorations and school crafts. Which one would work best? Please help!
thanks for the helpful info. i have been trying to find someone that could help me compare the three.
Does anyone know if this machine will ever be computer compatible. I like to create my own art work and was wondering if we will always be restricted to buying their cartridges, or will be we able to create our own designs?
Hi am into scrapbooking only and a little card making, not much not sure what to buy either the Cricut Expression or the Expression 2, can anyone advise which would be best.
I want to but a cricut to use it for cutting shapes and letters out of fabric...are any of these suitable for fabric?
HELP!!
Iam going to purchase a cricut and need to know which one to purchase. My daughter is a senior and they are decorating the burger king crowns they wear them every friday to school. I just need to cut out letters for their names to be on their crowns, The biggest letters might be up to 3 to 4 inches big and they would like shadow letters. Please help me.
Iam looking for the cricut expression2 the 5 year machine where can i find it.
My daughter is 11 and loves to do crafts and scrapbooking. I was thinking of buying a Cricut but wasn't sure which one would be the easiest for her to use. I want one that is simple for her to use by herself. Any suggestions?
The BEST place to purchase ANY Provo craft (Cricut) product is on the home shopping channel or HSN.com They have bundle deals and run pkg specials all the time! Most of their products come in cartridge deals of 2 & 4!! Check out all their supplies too! You have 30 days to try them out & can return them at anytime for a full refund. Also provo craft sales direct to you on there so customer service is amazing!
Just read all these comments...THANK YOU ..I am having the hardest time deciding on what machine to get...my daughter and I are complete newbies in the scrapbooking and card making world..but see this becoming something we will love to do. I don't have a dedicated space for a machine to sit so I am leaning towards a Create, am I making a mistake you think? I have three friends with teh Expression, so if I need bigger cuts (which I can't envisoion I will, but you never know..lol) then I know I can borrow theirs...and all their cartridges.
i live in scotland and bought a create machine from the tv shopping channel create and crsft/ideal world. after one year and two months my machine suddenly stopped cutting the paper. all the parts move as normal, i called provocrsft in utah and they sent me a new blade housing this did not make any difference. does anyone know how to fix this problem as i do love my machine and im desperate to use it again. i do not want to post it to USA it would cost a lot?
Hi Indianamom! I've always bought vinyl wall art from boutiques but want to start making them myself. I'm only interested in doing vinyl prints, is cricut and a silhouette the only machines that print the vinyl wall art?
All of this is good to no .. but im not in to scrap booking i do baby shower weddings etc . but my ? is if i wonted to make 20 heart and put i love u on them then cut ... my i im not sure also how is the die needed im looking to buy the expression,
Thanks for writing this. I really wasn't sure which one to buy for the work I want to do
I am now totally confused, I like make albums and altering boxes,I also like sewing and want a machine that will cut fabric,but I would also like to make some cards with small lettering, will the create do all this? PLEASE HELP
Can I have it cut my own shapes that I create with the personal cutter?
I am interested in making flower embellishments, can anyone advise which would be the best cricut to purchase?Thanks for your help.
How do you make larger size envelopes?
Marilyn Hurst 2 years ago
I love my Cricut Create machine, but I can't figure out how to make 11 1/2" letters with it. Any suggestions?