How I got my Cricut Maker 3
It was my 40th in July and it wasn’t a big fancy event. It was low key, small and pretty quiet. And I loved it. What I loved more is the most amazing gift bought by my Husband. And I am actually blogging about my birthday gift today. I present to you The new Cricut maker 3 review!
My hubby asked me what I wanted for my birthday and I instantly knew this is what I wanted. So my gift wasn’t a surprise at all. Again, I was ok with this as I’d much rather have a gift I want as oppose to a surprise that I’m underwhelmed with.
Do Your Research
I actually researched my own deals on the Maker 3 and got an amazing bundle from Cricut themselves. The deal is on Cricut still if you’d like to buy. I’m not a Cricut affiliate so I don’t earn anything. But I love sharing deals/moneysaving ideas and I get immense satisfaction in helping people save money. Also if you want to save more money, there is an additional 10% discount if you’re a Cricut access member and another 10% off with various codes from Cricut affiliates. You can use ‘makerykate’ for another 10% off. Kate is an affiliate with Cricut and she is also an awesome all round human being and crafter. Go follow her on Instagram. She has so many Cricut tips and tutorials.
I also just want to point out that I got my own Maker (well my Husband paid). This Cricut Maker 3 review is not an AD or affiliated with Cricut. It is an independent review from me. All views are my own.
Ok, Now that I’ve gone over my backstory, let’s get started on the meaty stuff. The Cricut Maker 3 review.
What You Get In your Cricut Maker 3 Box
Firstly what comes in the box:
- Cricut Maker 3 machine
- Premium Fine-Point Blade + Blade Housing (pre-installed in the B clamp)
- Accessory Adapter (pre-installed in the A clamp)
- Quick Start Guide
- Safety document
- Warranty document
- USB cable
- Power adapter and power cord
- Material for test cut
- Bonus materials
This is a beast of a machine. It is about 54 cms long and weighs 4.84kgs (thats about 5 bags of sugar).
The look and feel of the Cricut Maker 3 is very premium and it is solid and sturdy. It’s not one of those machines that will break at the slightest knock. Another this I like about this Cricut machine is that it can be placed anywhere in your home without feeling like its an industrial workhorse. It has this unassuming look about it. It will probably blend in with your office to kitchen gadgets but as all Cricut fans know, the Maker 3 is anything but unassuming and is certainly not made to just look nice or blend in.
Cricut Maker 3 looks like Clark Kent but has the power and capabilities of Superman. It is super fast (2 times faster than its predecessor), super easy to use and can cut up to 300+ materials including wood up to 2mm thick, leather and heavy cardstock.
What you need to know when you get it out of the box.
The Cricut Maker 3 is set up and ready to use out of the box. All you have to do is register on Cricut Design Space (the programme used to design projects on) and connect your machine and you are ready to go. You can connect via USB or Bluetooth which gives you the freedom to work from your desktop or from your tablet/phone. Design Space is free but you can upgrade to Cricut access which offers you a great deal of images and fonts on a monthly subscription basis.
Now a lot of people do not like design space. They feel its glitchy and clunky. But I’m not amazingly tech savvy and cannot really use programmes like Inkscape (I’ve really tried but my time brain can’t take it). So I like the ease of Design Space. I think Cricut have deliberately made design space simple so everyone can use it. And it works for me. There are a million and one tutorials on YouTube and I’ve made a few myself on Instagram. Go check my Design Space basic tutorials. And do let me know what you think?
The difference between the old Cricut Maker and the new Cricut Maker 3
There isn’t actually a lot of difference between the Maker and the Maker 3. Both can cut the same materials and use the same tools. But the new Maker 3 is a lot faster. If you’ve used the Maker and then use the Maker 3, you can really tell how speedy the new maker is.
Apart from this, Cricut have introduced Smart Materials with the maker 3 which basically means you don’t need a Mat to cut a Project out. It also means you can cut out longer projects. (up to 12ft).
Is it Worth Upgrading to the Cricut Maker 3
This is a very subjective thing. I wanted the new Maker 3, but it was my 40th and I wanted to be spoilt etc.
And I hate to admit this, but I’m a bit like those iPhone users who need the new iPhone as soon as it comes out, apart from I’m like that with Cricut machines.
Also like I said earlier, my husband was gonna spend money on me for my 40th anyway, so this was a good gift for me.
But if I’m looking at it objectively and it wasn’t my 40th and I wasn’t so fickle, I would say you don’t need to upgrade at all unless you plan to do big projects.
If you’re buying from new, I would say go for the new Maker 3 as you then have the option of making big projects.
What essentials will you need for the Cricut Maker 3 that don’t come in the box?
Ok, this really does depend on what you intend to make. For example if you think you’ll be cutting lots of wood, you’ll need to invest in a knife blade. If you want to make professional looking cards or gift boxes, a scoring wheel or a scoring stylus are a must or if you want to cut really heavy card, in my opinion the fine point blade won’t do, you’ll need the deep point blade.
You will also need to buy some essential tools like a weeding tool for vinyl and intricate crafts, a good pair of scissors and a scraper to get card/vinyl off your mats.
Also, I honestly do not know why Cricut have not included Mats in their machines. Again my opinion is that these are essential and should be included in the box. Not everything you make will be with Smart Materials and if you’re crafting with leather/cloth you’ll absolutely need a mat. As far as I’m aware, Cricut haven’t developed Smart cloth yet! So you’ll have to buy at least one mat.
I was actually really disappointed that Mats were not included and I really do hope Cricut include these in the future. (I’ll explain the difference between mats later on in this Cricut Maker 3 review).
Advice on buying Materials
I also need to make you aware that Cricut Materials and tools are not cheap and also do need to be replaced on a regular basis too. So if you think buying a machine is as simple as making a one-off payment, then I’m sorry to say that is not true.
But it is like any other hobby/passion or small business. If you’re a knitter, I’m sure you but endless supplies of yarn and knitting needles. And it is the same with Cricut. You buy the materials and then create with your machine.
I would always recommend you use the Cricut tools for your machines (use anything else and it voids your warranty) but you can choose other materials like card and vinyl from other suppliers which can be cheaper and better. I buy my vinyl from Teckwrap craft mainly. (you can find out more about this Company on my instagram page).
I buy my card from a company called Craft label. They are brilliant and very reasonably priced.
Also love a good shop at Hobbycraft (who doesn’t)! You can always pick up some great blanks and materials and they always have a sale going on.
So, you have a lot of options to shop around and buy different materials from different places and find what suits you best.
The only materials you cannot buy elsewhere (as far as I’m aware) are Smart Materials.
What are Smart Materials?
Cricut Smart Materials are simply materials like vinyl and sticker paper/cardstock that you can use without a Mat on the Maker 3 or Explore 3.
There are currently 3 smart material varieties available.
- Smart Vinyl: Can be used on cards, cups, walls and a variety of other things. These do not need a heat press and once cut can be stuck on a multitude of products. The Smart Vinyl comes in two forms permanent and removable.
- Smart Iron-on: Can be used to personalise things like Clothing or cushion covers etc. Requires a heat press.
- Smart Sticker cardstock: Can make stickers or use on card.
The Smart vinyl and iron on vinyl soles in rolls and can be used to make projects unto 12 ft long.
These materials would be great if you are decorating a wall space, sell large wall stickers or crafting for a wedding.
I think when the Cricut Maker 3 was being developed with Smart materials, Cricut were looking at how they could enable people to make their own big projects and I think they probably wanted to emphasise how the maker 3 could help with interior design.
What Mat should I buy?
There are four different mats:
- LightGrip (blue): use for thin materials like paper and light/thin card.
- StandardGrip (green): use with medium-weight materials such as heavy cardstock and vinyl
- StrongGrip (purple): use with heavy-weight materials like balsa wood, poster board, leather.
- FabricGrip (pink): use with any type of fabric.
Like I said earlier you will need at least one mat for the Maker 3 to start off with. I use the standard grip mat the most.
Where Can I buy the Maker 3?
In the UK the Maker 3 can be bought from:
These are the official sellers I know about. If I find more, I’ll further add to this list.
Should I buy a Machine or a Bundle?
I bought a bundle because I wanted to try out the Smart Materials and use as many products as I could for this Cricut Maker 3 review. And with my Cricut access discount and a code from a Cricut affiliate I (My husband) ended up paying just a little bit over what a Maker 3 would cost on its own. I bought my Maker 3 at Cricut online and it arrived within a week or so. Can’t fault Cricut customer service so far.
Cricut maker 3: A Summary
The Good
The new Cricut Maker 3 is a beautiful premium product. It makes an amazing gift. So if you have a crafter or creative in your life and you’re looking for a great gift, this is perfect.
Also Christmas is just around the corner and this machine would make an ideal Christmas gift.
Not only is the Cricut Maker 3 beautiful to look at, it is also a very sophisticated piece of equipment that cuts over 300 materials and is easy to set up and use.
It is a step up from the Cricut Maker but I wouldn’t say it is an essential upgrade. If you have a Maker and don’t need to use Smart materials to make big projects, then this machine doesn’t have too much more to offer than your current Maker.
However, if you want to buy a new Cricut machine or want to gift an amazing present then the Cricut Maker 3 is the one. Of all the Cricut machines, this is the one that is the most powerful, most sophisticated and one that offers you options to create some amazing craft projects. You can do it all with the Cricut maker 3.
But as with everything, there are positives and negatives.
The Not so Good
The Cricut maker 3 doesn’t come with a mat (Can you tell I’m upset about that)? It’s such a small thing but I think it just would have made the whole thing complete. I really do hope the powers at Cricut start to include mats with their machines.
Buying a Cricut Maker 3 also means you have to buy accessories with it. A weeding tool, scissors, and scraper are all essentials. Just remember that you will require to add to your Cricut collection. It is an expensive thing to own.
I also can’t get the Cricut Maker 3 to connect to Bluetooth. I think I read somewhere that this is a technical issue that is being resolved.
Also you’ll require space. The Cricut maker 3 is 54 cms long and quite heavy. It is not something you can just slide under a cupboard. It will need some space. You’ll also need some space for accessories and materials. Just something to think about.
The Verdict of the Cricut Maker 3
In conclusion, yes there are some downsides. But I wanted one for my 40th birthday, so that must tell you that I really approve of this machine.
My personal view is that the Cricut Maker 3 is worth the investment. If you’re a Creative person, then you need this machine. There are so many things that you can make with the Cricut Maker 3, you’ll be amazed.
Before you buy anything though, do your research and make sure you’re happy before you buy. It’s a lot of money so be sure it is something you want and will use.
Or maybe start dropping hints to family and friends now, so you can get it gifted for Christmas?
Final Notes
Thank you for reading my Cricut Maker 3 review. I would love your support on Instagram. If like me you love gifts and are a Cricut addict, follow me on instagram.
Please also leave your comments on my Cricut Maker 3 review below.
Also if you want some other amazing gift ideas, do look around my website for inspiration. From Valentines Gifts to Spectacular fathers Day gift ideas. I have gift inspiration for every occassion.