Truth be told, we cannot all cut perfect-looking shapes for crafts and scrapbooks using a pair of scissors, hence the need to have a good die cut machine. Die-cut machines deliver consistently accurate shapes and designs, and they also do the job much faster than a pair of scissors or other ‘manual’ cutting tools.
Better yet, modern die-cut machines are also designed to be versatile and will come in handy for the way much more than just die-cutting. But, this is only true if you choose a good model from the countless options out there.
With that said, this piece is all about helping you choose one as here we provide some comprehensive reviews of 10 amazing die-cut machines you can get in the market without spending much.
List of The Best Die Cut Machines in 2022
1. Circuit 2003638 Explore Air 2 Mint
With the fine point blade that can cut effortlessly through more 100 different materials, the Circuit 2003638 will be a very useful machine for all your DIY crafts no matter what material you might be dealing with.
Also, it has been designed to bring a modern touch to die cutting as it will provide Bluetooth connectivity to allow you to cut designs straight from your smart devices. Also, it has design space software that is compatible with the common operating systems including iOS to make it easy to edit images.
This die-cut machine will cut and write up to 2 times faster than others in its class and will also allow you to choose images for your projects from a library with more than 60,000 different options.
Highlights:
- 100+ materials cutting
- Built-in Bluetooth
- 2x faster cutting and writing
- 60,000+ image library
- Design space software
2. Sizzix 661770 Sidekick Manual Die Cutting Machine
For those that are just starting at die-cutting and are not sure how it is done, a beginner-friendly machine like this one will be the perfect buy. And besides being friendlier to newbies, this die-cut machine will also come in a more affordable price tag.
The small and compact die cut machine is also designed for portability as its small size will allow you to carry and use it from almost anywhere. When it comes to cutting the wafer-thin dies from soft material like paper, few other machines in the same price range if at all any can outperform this model.
And to make things even better, it will come as a complete kit with everything that you need to get started, and this is a generally safer and easy to use die cut machine.
Highlights:
- Ergonomic handle design
- Designed for wafer-thin dies
- Small and portable
- Complete kit with everything you need
- Safe and easy to use design
3. Circuit Maker PC2004195
The Circuit Maker is an easy enough die cut machine for anyone to master and even kids can easily hack it after a few uses. It has also been designed to handle different materials as it has a fine point blade that can easily cut through fabrics and thicker materials.
This die-cut machine offers 2x faster cutting and writing when compared to others in the same class and price range, and it also has a handy design app compatible with most operating systems that will allow you to fine-tune your designs.
And you can also print wirelessly as this die-cut machine also offers Bluetooth connectivity. Users will also love that it will come with free materials for your first projects and 50 different free projects for ideas on what to do.
Highlights:
- Fine point blade
- 50 free projects
- Handy design app
- Comes with free material for the first project
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 2x faster cutting/writing
4. Sizzix 660425 Die Cut Machine
The sleek white and gray color combination is one of the first elements that will draw your attention when first looking at this die-cut and embossing machine. And it proves that a good machine has to both look good and work well enough.
This die-cut machine will come with standard cutting pads and a platform that makes it ideal for most typical die cut projects. And although it can handle a wide variety of projects and relatively larger materials, it is still quite a compact model that will not take up a lot of room.
Users will love the four rubber feet as they are very useful at keeping the machine in place when in use. And the large and comfortable handle means this will be a comfortable machine to operate. Also, the operation is quite straightforward given the inclusion of some easy to follow guidelines.
Highlights:
- Sleek gray and white color combination
- Standard cutting pads included
- Large and comfortable handle
- Easy onboard guidelines
- 4 stable rubber feet
5. Cricut Explore Air 2 Die Cut Machine Bundle
You will hardly get a better machine than the Explore Air 2 by Circuit without spending way much more money. It is easy to use and a space-saving machine that takes up little space and everyone including the beginners will love it.
The die-cut machine has built-in Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to pair the machine with your smart devices for wireless printing. And it is also compatible with Design Space software to allow you to make your preferred designs easily.
Because it comes with different kinds of blades, this die-cut machine can easily cut more than 100 different material types. And its design includes a double tool holder that will be very useful for storing your accessories.
Highlights:
- Built-in Bluetooth
- Complete tool kit accessories
- Cuts 100+ materials
- Double tool holder
- Design Space Software
6. Cricut Maker Machine Bundle 1
A complete machine bundle like this one by Circuit is always a good choice when you want to save some cash because besides the high-quality die cut machine, you also get plenty of accessories to ensure you have everything you need to get started.
Also, it is designed with a touch of modernity because, besides the design space software that allows you to edit and enhance your images, it also has Bluetooth connectivity for effortless pairing with your other devices.
There are also a variety of tool options that are meant to make this a versatile die cut machine that you can use to cut, engrave, perforate, deboss and do much more. You can use this machine with more than 100 different material types and when you buy it, you also get lots of bonus stuff.
Highlights:
- Complete machine bundle
- Built-in Bluetooth
- Variety of tool options
- 100+ materials cutting
- Design space software
- Lots of bonus gifts
7. Sizzix 660340 Manual Die Cutting Machine
From harder materials like leather to softer ones like paper, the Sizzix 660340 is a good all-round die cut machine that you can use to cut dozens of materials. And it is a manual model that will not require any plugging in, which means you can use it from almost anywhere.
The die-cut machine has a larger 9-inch opening which will allow it to accommodate larger dies to cut and emboss larger materials and hence making it even more versatile to have around.
There is also a comfortable roller handle on the side that ensures smooth rolling action and a practical carry handle at the top, which besides making carrying easy also provides a nice place to hold the machine when working. And to top it all up, the sleek white and gray scheme is perfect.
Highlights:
- 9-inch opening
- Practical carry handle
- Durable casing and roller system
- Comfortable roller handle
- Sleek color scheme
8. Gemini CCM-M-USA Multi Media Die Cutting Machine
The pause, reverse and resume function is one of the key highlights of this die cut machine, and it is very handy as it will allow you to get mistake-free dies and also correct any mistake easily before cutting.
But, this is also a multimedia machine that will do much more besides cutting and embossing and hence making it quite handy to have around for your crafts.
The wide compatibility with different dies and embossing folders further adds to the versatility of the die-cut machine. And users will also love the sleek, low-profile design and the fast and quiet operation.
Highlights:
- Versatile multimedia machine
- Pause, Reverse, Resume function
- Wide dies and embossing folder compatibility
- Sleek, low-profile
- Fast and quiet cutting
- Enables edge-to-edge letter cutting
9. Sizzix 661500 Big Shot Manual Die Cutting Machine Starter Kit
Being a complete starter kit, the Sizzix 661500 will work for everyone from beginners to the pros, and the best thing about it is that it will be ready for immediate use without having to buy anything.
The 6-inch wide opening makes this die cut machine good enough for a wide variety of die sizes, and it also has an extended multipurpose platform that further helps to enhance the versatility of the unit.
You can use this die-cut machine for everything from soft material like tissue to harder ones like cork, and it will also deliver precise and uniform multiple-layer cutting. Also, using it is made easy by the smooth-rolling side handle, and it will also come with a top carry handle for easy transportation.
Highlights:
- Complete starter kit
- 6-inch wide opening
- Extended multipurpose platform
- Uniform and precise multi-layer cutting
- Comfortable roller handle
- Top carry handle included
10. Silhouette Portrait 2 Cutting Tool
There is hardly anything about the Silhouette Portrait 2 that DIYers and craftsperson will not love as it delivers in all the important aspects of a die cutting machine.
Key among its main highlights is the 12-inch wide opening that will ensure it can cut and emboss relatively larger materials than most others.
And better yet, it can also handle more than 100 different types of material for increased versatility. The automatic adjusting AutoBlade design will ensure users have an easier time when it comes to cutting materials.
Because this machine also has built-in Bluetooth, pairing it with your smart devices will be super easy. And with the dual-carriage, it will be possible to finish two cuts in just one pass.
Highlights:
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Autoblade design
- Cuts 100+ materials
- 12-inch wide opening
- Dual carriage design
Conclusion
For crafts and DIY projects, a good die cut machine is one of those things that you must have and even with the many options in the market, finding the perfect one for you should now be easy with our detailed overview above.
And while each machine on our list above will work for different kinds of users, the Circuit 2003638 Explore Air 2 Mint seems to have a slight edge over the other and is hence our best overall unit while the Sizzix 661770 Sidekick Manual Die Cutting Machine is a perfect pick for those shopping for quality on a budget.