Every craftsman needs the right tools to complete their project. For those interested in creating home craft projects like scrapbooking, one of the primary devices you’ll need is a craft cutting and embossing machine. But, it’s easy to become overwhelmed when looking for one of these units. Fortunately, this guide to the best craft cutters and embossers can help you find the right machine for your project.
Comparison Table
| Product | Preview | Ratings | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|||
 |
|||
|
GEMINI BY CRAFTER’S COMPANION DIE CUTTING AND EMBOSSING MACHINE BUNDLE |
|
||
|
|
|||
|
|
How We Chose Our Ratings
No matter if you’re creating wedding invitations or a quilt, we understand that your project means a lot to you and that you need to have the best tools readily available. Our team tried to keep this in mind when compiling our ratings of the best craft cutters and embossers. We sought to make our list a comprehensive guide that would leave you satisfied with any one of the machines on the list.
We began by testing dozens of cutting and embossing machines to see how they performed with different materials and dies. We not only measured the quality of the product that they produced but their durability as well. We wanted to ensure that if you purchased one of the units we listed below, it would stand up to everyday wear and tear and last you for years.
However, we didn’t settle for our results. After we tested multiple cutting and embossing machines and came up with our favorites, we took a look at online customer reviews for those products. These are the people who use the product every day just as you would be, and we wanted to make sure that we did not include a faulty product on our list. We took two machines off our list after looking up reviews.
Of course, these ratings are merely our opinion. We encourage you to comment below with your thoughts. If you’ve used a machine on our list and either loved or hated it, please feel free to let us know. We value positive discussions amongst our community members and are always willing to make changes to our list if we feel as though we should add or remove a product.
Top Five Best Craft Cutters and Embossers
If you’re interested in purchasing a cutting and embossing machine, look no further than the five options listed below.
SIZZIZ BIG SHOT CUTTING/EMBOSSING MACHINE
- This die-cutting and embossing machine is the perfect tool for a range of creative pursuits for everyone from the...
- Die-cuts and embosses many different materials up to 6" (15.24 cm) wide. Compatible with the entire Sizzix product...
- The Big Shot Machine measures approximately 40 x 29 x 24 cm (14 1/4" x 12 3/8" x 6 5/8") and weighs 4.52 Kg (7.50 lb).
This cutting and embossing machine from Sizziz carries a 4.7-star rating on Amazon with nearly 850 customer reviews. Of those who reviewed the product, only 5 percent left a three-star review or below. This is consistent with what we found when testing as well, in that this one of our favorite models. Customers have the option of purchasing the unit in either teal or white, with both models costing less than $.
This is a manual machine that operates with a handle. It stands out from other units because of its multipurpose platform, which artisans can use with additional embossing folders and dies. The device is also incredibly portable as well. It cuts a wide range of materials, including craft metal and flexible magnet. You can also cut multiple thin layers at the same time.
The unit weighs a little less than 11.5 pounds and measures 14.2” x 12.4” x 6.6”. It comes with a three-year manufacturer’s limited warranty. Customers who used the product in the past raved about the value they received with this product. They appreciated the fact that they could cut anyone’s dies without a problem and that it was easy to keep materials in place when using this device.
CRICUT CUTTLEBUG DIE CUTTING & EMBOSSING MACHINE
This unit from Cricut features a 4.4-star rating on Amazon with more than 125 customer reviews. It has earned an Amazon’s Choice label because it is one of the most popular Cricut models and because more than 85 percent of reviewers gave the product a four or five-star review. Amazon offers this product for just less than $. When ordering from Amazon, you’ll receive a kit that includes:
- A 6×8 A Plate
- Two 6×8 B Plates
- An A2 Embossing Folder
- A 6×8 Rubber Embossing Mat
- Two Metal Dies
This unit weighs a little less than 10.5 pounds, and measures 13” x 11” x 6.5”. This machine is incredibly versatile, as it can cut materials as thin as tissue paper and as thick as leather. Those who reviewed the product seemed to be most impressed by how easy it was to use the device. Users said that they were able to use the product as soon as it arrived and that the instructions were straightforward.
GEMINI BY CRAFTER’S COMPANION DIE CUTTING AND EMBOSSING MACHINE BUNDLE
- Faster & Quieter: Die cuts and embosses quickly and has a sleek, low-profile design
- Many Uses: Use for intricate dies, heavyweight cardstock, vinyl, foil and multiple layers of fabric
- Compatibility: Works with most leading thin metal dies and embossing folders
The Gemini by Crafter’s Companion is the only automated machine on our list. It carries a 4.2-star rating on Amazon with nearly 75 custom reviews. Of those reviews, almost 80 percent were either four or five stars. The machine features a sleek, modern design. The unit works very quickly and is one of the quieter automated models that we tested.
In addition to automation, one of the other primary benefits of this unit is its platform size. The device has a platform size of 9” x 12.5”, making it possible for you to cut multiple dies at the same time. Similarly, we found that most dies and embossing folders are compatible with this machine. For those used to a manual device, you’ll see that that the reverse, pause, and resume buttons are easy to use.
The machine measures 14” x 8” x 6.5” and weighs about 20 pounds, making it one of the more substantial models on our list. Customers seemed to be very impressed with this machine, with some finding that it was compatible with more than 150 dies. Others appreciated how quick the device was, saying that a project that typically would have taken them a month now took merely a single weekend.
You can purchase this product for about $$$. Many reviewers said that they were skeptical of the price when they first ordered the product, but those doubts quickly vanished when they used the device. Customers reported that after using the Gemini, they would gladly pay more for an automated machine again in the future.
SPELLBINDERS PL-001 PLATINUM CUT & EMBOSSING MACHINE
- Created with a Solid steel core construction, it effortlessly cuts up to eight layers in a single pass
- Machine can cut over 40 different materials including wool, Balsa wood, chipboard, craft metal, leather and so much more...
- Machine can be used with most standard Wafer thin/etched dies, embossing folders, texture plates, and Contour steel rule...
The Platinum Cut & Embossing Machine from Spellbinders carries a 4.1-star rating on Amazon with more than 40 customer reviews. It has earned an Amazon’s Choice label because it is one of the most popular Spellbinder models available. More than 75 percent of reviewers gave the product either a four or five-star rating. Customers can purchase this product for about $$.
The machine features a durable solid-steel core construction, meaning it can cut nearly anything. When testing, we found that we were able to cut up to eight layers of paper in a single pass. We also found that the machine could cut tough materials like chipboard, Balsa wood, and wool to a width of 8.5”. Spellbinder recommends that users use Contour Steel Rule Dies with this device.
However, we found that we were able to use wafer thin and etched dies, as well as embossing folders and texture plates with this device. The machine measures 16” x 10” x 12”. It was one of the heavier units that we tested, weighing more than 20 pounds. For some people, this may be a stationary cutting and embossing machine to use in the home or office because it is too heavy to transport.
Spellbinder offers a one-year warranty on this product. Customers were most impressed with how smooth this device was, saying that it was effortless to make cuts and that the rolling mechanism rotated well. Other reviewers stated that they were able to use other dies on the machine as well, so you may find it worth your while to try dies you have already purchased to see if they work.
SPELLBINDERS GRAND CALIBER DIE CUTTING & EMBOSSING MACHINE
- Spellbinders-Grand Calibur Cut & Emboss Machine
- New and improved! Accepts 8-1/2x11 inch paper without trimming as well as cuts or embosses up to 8-1/8 inches wide
- Using the same 2-pass process as the Wizard the Grand Calibur allows so many more die templates on the larger plates!...
This product from Spellbinders, which costs a little more than $$, carries a four-star review on Amazon with more than 40 customer reviews. Nearly three-quarters of reviewers gave the product a four or five-star review. The device accepts 8.5” x 11” paper without trimming. It also cuts and embosses up to 8.5” wide.
You can use multiple dies and folders with this unit because it has a two-pass process. The machine measures 6.2” x 16” x 7.8” and weighs about 14 pounds. Reviewers appreciated the fact that this product came with a broad platform, which was perfect for thin dies. They also indicated that the machine was not overly complicated and was easy to use. One reviewer said the unit lasted six years.
Buyer’s Guide
When purchasing craft cutters and embossers, you’ll quickly discover that there is a wide array of options available. Instead of browsing through machines aimlessly, you’d be wise to narrow down your search by a few criteria. Having a better idea of what you’re looking for will go a long way toward helping you find a product with which you’re satisfied. Consider the criteria listed below.
Cost
When it comes to craft cutting and embossing machines, the price is one of the primary things you’ll want to consider. If it’s within your budget, you should avoid cutting costs. Doing so could end up costing you more money in the long run. That’s because craft cutting and embossing machines that are of poor quality will break down quickly, requiring you to purchase a new one for your next project.
You should consider craft cutters and embossers as an investment. If you plan on using your machine frequently or repeatedly, you should consider putting a bit of money into a device that will hold up over time. Knowing that you have equipment that you can trust to do an excellent job without breaking will make your projects much more manageable, while also keeping you safe.
Machine Size
Before purchasing your machine, you should have an idea of what type of projects you’ll be creating. The size of your projects will determine the size of your device. You’ll likely find that bigger embossing machines are versatile enough to use on multiple different projects, whereas smaller tools are more limited in the scope of what they can handle.
So, why not just purchase a more substantial machine? Portability. Larger devices are likely to be stationary while smaller units are not. Those who bought larger cutting and embossing machines have found that it’s difficult to move them around or to share them with other artisans. If you’d rather be able to take your device on the go, consider something that is smaller and more lightweight.
Machine Type
Some of the cutting and embossing machines on the market today take advantage of technology and are computerized. Others still utilize the manual techniques that have existed for decades. This is ultimately a matter of personal preference, but it’s something worth considering. If you have experience with the machines, you may find yourself wanting to use a manual unit.
How You Can Use the Machine
You should have an idea of what materials will be compatible with the machine that you choose. The more a tool can use, the more versatility you’ll have in the projects that you can create. For example, quality cutting and embossing machines will be able to cut much more than paper. Instead, they will be able to cut through materials such as:
- Foam
- Felt
- Leather
- Fabric
- Craft Metal
- Foil
Imagine knowing you have the flexibility to work with any of these materials, and not just paper. The design options for your projects would be endless. Similarly, some units are more compatible than others. Meaning, some machines will not work without using a specific type of dye, while others will work with dies from many different companies.
Investing in a versatile machine that is compatible with different dies could also be well worth your time and money. You will have access to a broader color spectrum, which will allow you to complete your projects as you imagined initially. The last thing you want to do when creating a plan is to limit what you’re capable of producing.
Last update on 2023-03-21 at 10:52 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
