The popular Cricut personal die cutting machine by Provo Craft Company comes in three models. This makes it hard to choose. Go for the cheapest, smallest option, the original model Personal Electronic Cutter? Is the new feature rich Expression worth the additional cost? What about the in-between model (Create), sold only at Michael’s Craft Store and combining features from both other machines: how does it stack up beside the other two?
There are many similarities:
All utilize a cartridge that governs the cutout pattern options. The cartridges come with a keyboard overlay to use in choosing your cuts. The cartridges are interchangeable with all three machines.
Each machine operates in essentially the same way. First, plug in your selected cartridge that dictates the keyboard overlay and the cuts you can make. Place your material (cardstock, paper, vinyl, etc.) on the cutting mat. Press a button; the mat with the material is loaded into the machine. Choose a design by pressing another button. Once you select “Cut”, the machine finishes up for you.
In addition to the cartridges being interchangeable between models, most of the other add-ons are also interchangeable: tools like the Cricut spatula, replacement blades, inks, and Design Studio software. The big exception to the interchangeable design is the cutting mat. You must have the correct mat for your machine model.
And there are differences:
Each machine has a different size cut ability. The original Personal Electronic Cutter has a cutout ability of 1 inch to 5-1/2 inches, with 1/2 inch being the incremental change. The Create goes from 1/4 inch to 11-1/2 inch, but with 1/4 inch incremental changes. The newest, beefiest model, the Expression, allows for cutouts form 1/4 inch to 23-1/2 inch, with 1/4 inch as the incremental change.
Two of the models, the Personal Electronic Cutter and the Create, are small enough to be easily portable. These two models are a great choice for the craft fan that travels a lot with their machine or carries it to share in a group. These models are also a good choice if your at-home space is limited, and the machine needs to be stored when not in use. The versatile Expression, with its greater size and weight, needs its own corner, as it will not be readily moved.
There are different functions and modes available on each of the three Cricut machines. Two examples are: center point function which lets you line the cutting blade up over the center of the material in order to cut around it and the fit to page mode that adjusts the cutting size to fit the material loaded into the machine. The beefy Expression has the most number of functions and modes. The Create has the second most number of functions and modes, while the Personal Electronic Cutter is the most basic of the models. You can look at the product handbooks on the cricut.com website if you want more details.
The three models are each priced differently. Suggested retail is: Expression, $499.99; Create, $399.99, Personal Electronic Cutter, $299.99. But shop online and in stores to find your best price. There are usually good deals out there so that you can purchase your cutter for a much lower price than suggested retail.
