Are you thinking about buying a Cricut machine? Made by Provo Craft, these electronic die cut machines are hot sellers in craft stores, offering scrapbookers an easy way to make titles and embellishments for their layouts. In some ways, all the die cutters from Provo Craft are alike, but in other ways, they are very different.

Before we look at how they are different, we should look at how they are the same. First, these die cutters are considered cartridge-based machines. They use artwork and fonts that are available on cartridges. This means that all the machines, with the exception of the Cricut Mini, can be used without a computer. Simply plug in the cartridge, select your shape and size, and press cut.

In addition to the cartridges, all the electronic die cut machines from Provo Craft can be used with the company's online design tool, known as the Cricut Craftroom. They can also be used with the Gypsy, which is a handheld design device. As of this writing, the Cricut Mini is unfortunately not compatible with the Gypsy. However, Provo Craft is working on adding the capability, and should be available in the near future. Using either the CraftRoom online software or the Gypsy device, paper crafters can truly customize their die cuts. For example, users can cut a larger variety of sizes than factory settings allow and can weld and flip images. Digital cartridges can also be purchased and used through the Craftroom tool.

The Personal Electronic Cutter was the original Cricut, and if you are looking to purchase one new, it may be difficult to find, because they are not as widely available as they once were. However, you can still find this model if you do not mind buying it secondhand. It uses the standard cartridges to cut die cuts ranging from 1" to 5-1/2 inches in size, in half inch increments.

The next step up from the Personal Electronic Cutter is the Cricut Create. This machine uses the same size mats as the Personal Electronic Cutter, but can cut a wider range of sizes, ranging from 1/4" to 11-1/2", in quarter inch increments.

The Expression is arguably the most popular machine from Cricut. It uses larger cutting mats, either 12" x 12" or 12" x 24" mats, and can cut as small as a quarter inch to as large as 23-1/2" in length.

The E2 is the upgraded version of the Expression, offering the same die cut sizing. However, it has a few extra features, including a full color LCD screen and stylus with mat preview, which can be used in place of the keypad overlays to select shapes and sizes to cut. It also a lighted cutting area, and can be connected to the computer via wi-fi using the optional wireless adapter.

The Cricut Imagine is the only die cut machine from Provo Craft that can not only cut, but also print. In addition to the regular cartridges, it also uses Imagine cartridges, which contain not only die cut shapes, but also patterns for making your own scrapbook papers. The HP printer ink cartridges used in this machine are nearly acid free, and projects made using it should last several decades.

As of this writing, the Cricut Mini is the newest die cut machine from Provo Craft. However, although it is the newest machine, it may not be the best for your needs. For one, although it has a cartridge port, it must be connected to the computer and to the CraftRoom design tool in order to cut. Many people that would have purchased this machine are waiting, as it is unable to work with the Gypsy device. It has the smallest footprint compared to the other models, and it uses a uniquely sized cutting mat of 8-1/2" x 12".

Which Cricut machine is best? If you ask ten different people, you will likely get ten different answers. Ultimately, to select the right machine for you, you will need to consider how you plan to use it. Do you want it only to make embellishments for your scrapbook layouts and cards? If so, the original Personal Electronic Cutter or the Create may be the best option, as well as the new Cricut Mini. Do you also plan to make home decor projects and three-dimensional paper crafts? If this is a possibility, then I would highly recommend the E2 or the original Expression. Do you want to use your computer when designing die cuts? The E2 or the new Mini may be your best option.