Cutting machines are popular in the market, and almost everybody is aware of them. The Cricut and Silhouette are both the best competitors against each other. However, it is a little difficult to tell which is best. Every user has this question when they need to choose one machine. The Cricut machines are dominant, but it doesn’t mean it lacks a rival. Silhouette has a good series of machine models, such as Silhouette Cameo, Portrait, Mint, and Alta, while Cricut has three main models- Maker, Joy, and Explore. If you are looking for the best craft machine from these brands, read this detailed review of Silhouette vs Cricut.
The Cricut Maker is the most advanced and latest addition. It is the most capable machine of its entire lineup. So, let’s discuss which would be your best choice.
Silhouette vs Cricut Overview
On a serious note, we cannot say that one machine is 100% better than the other. Both brands have their own sets of pros and cons. Therefore, we have given a point-to-point explanation of both brands. Here you will find a guide that will help you decide which product is worth your money. If you cannot wait to know, let me break the suspense for you. Cricut Maker is the winner, if you want to know why read this article.
Size And Weight
Size is an important factor in deciding the machines. However, size is subjective because every user may have a different approach to sizes. The Cricut Maker is usually larger and heavier than the Silhouette. On the other hand, the compact size of Silhouette is also an advantage for many. The users can carry it anywhere as it doesn’t take up much space. The good thing is that both machines have passed the test of time and are resistant to wear and tear.
So, if you want a huge machine, you should choose Cricut Maker, or if you want something lightweight and compact, stick to Silhouette Cameo.
Cutting Size
Both machines have a decent cutting size for the crafters. However, there is still some noticeable difference. For instance, the Cricut Maker has a standard cutting size of 12 X 24 inches, While the Silhouette Cameo can go up to 12 inches X 10 feet due to its integrated roller. Hence, this feature is in favor of Silhouette’s Cameo machine.
Auto blade
Both machines have an Auto blade that works according to what you expected. Although both machines have this feature, the Silhouette Cameo is automated compared to the Cricut Maker, where you need to set it via the Cricut Design Space software manually.
The auto blade helps you automate the cutting process. Hence, you don’t need to set different parameters while creating a design. Also, the auto blade in Silhouette Cameo adjusts the cutting force of the machine due to its ability to recognize the material you are using for your design. But in the case of Cricut Maker, you will have to set the features manually.
Once again, the Silhouette Cameo takes the lead as its auto blade is automatic.
Dual Carriage
The dual carriage processing helps you save time by simultaneously speeding up the two processes. This feature doesn’t perform two processes simultaneously but in a sequence. Hence, you can save a lot of time manually loading machines and setting them for each step. The dual carriage feature is available on both cutting machines. Hence, both options are viable.
Working With Strong Materials
Many users use cutting machines to handle paper and other materials of the same strength. Having one of these machines will save you from lots of work that involves manual tasks. At the same time, the other materials have better resistance, including mat board, balsa wood, and vinyl.
The Cricut Maker can work with multiple materials like balsawood and matboard with its powerful cutting force of 4000 g. But, there is a limit that the thickness of the material should not be greater than 2.4 mm. The Silhouette Cameo can cut a few thick materials. However, the process will not be as easy as when you try the same thing with the Cricut Maker machine. You will have to go through some trials and errors. Hence, you may need to run multiple passes to get the right design.
If you want to perform certain complicated operations like scoring and embossing, you can’ do it only with your Cameo; you will have to buy an additional machine such as Silhouette Curio. But, if you don’t want to carry more machines, Cricut Maker is suitable for you.
Cutting Power
The Silhouette Cameo didn’t have the cutting power, and it could only offer 210 g of cutting power to the materials compared to the Cricut Maker, which has 4000 g of cutting power. But now, the Silhouette Cameo 4 has 5000g of cutting force and a clearance of 3mm. Also, it can handle thicker materials up to 3mm, while the Cricut Maker can only handle materials with a thickness of 2.4 mm.
Noise
The noise level should be considered when choosing a machine, as not all users like to have a noisy machine. But this point can be ignored as most of the cutting machines have moving parts. Hence, they are not silent, but you will definitely find a difference between both the models we chose. The Silhouette family of cutting machines is noisy no matter which model you choose. On the other hand, the Cricut Maker is also noisy. However, it is quieter than its rivals.
Therefore, if you want to maintain a normal level of noise while using the Cricut Maker, avoid using the 2X speed because the 2x speed will increase the level of noise in the cutting machine.
Conclusion
Ultimately, you have to choose whether you want to go with the Silhouette Cameo or the Cricut Maker. The first question you need to ask yourself is, what are my expectations from this machine? Recently, Cameo 4 was released. But, the Cricut Maker can still handle more than drawing and cutting, such as embossing and scoring. At the same time, the Silhouette requires an additional machine for two operations, embossing and scoring. Also, the accessories for the Silhouette machine are more expensive. Hence, the Cricut Maker wins here.
However, if the noise level doesn’t bother you and you want a machine that can work with a 10 feet long sheet, Silhouette Cameo 4 is the right pick for you.
