There are three models of the Cricut machine, the popular personal die cutters made by the Provo Craft company. With three good options, it can be tough to determine which one to purchase.

In fact, if you are thinking of adding one of these die cutters to your scrapbooking tools, you may be asking yourself one of these questions...

Should I buy the original Personal Electronic Cutter? It's less expensive, but will I regret not having the additional features offered by the other two machines?

Is the Expression model worth the bigger price tag, or will it be "overkill" for my needs?

How does the mid-range Create compare to the other two models? Now that it is no longer a Michael's Craft Store exclusive, and is more widely available, maybe it is the best choice.

All three models use cartridges, and these cartridges can be used in any of the three models.  The Personal Electronic Cutter usually comes with the George font and basic shapes cartridge, the Create includes the Don Juan cartridge, and the Expression usually sells with the Accent Essentials and Plantin Schoolbook cartridges

Basic operation of each of the three models is similar.  If you know how to use the Cricut Expression, it will be easy for you to use the Personal Electronic Cutter or the Create.

Generally speaking, all three Cricut machine models use the same accessories.  The replacement blades, inks, and other tools can be used with any of the machines.  The one exception is the cutting mats.  The machines use different sizes of these mats.

Although Cricut machines have many similarities, there are also a few major differences:

Each model has different capabilities regarding the range of die cuts it can produce.  The Expression has the greatest range, making die cuts up to 23-1/2" tall, followed by the Create, with a maximum die cut size of 11-1/2", and finally, the original Personal Electronic Cutter, making cutouts up to 5-1/2" tall. 

The portability of the models differs.  The Expression is a weightier machine that is intended to stay in one place.  The original Cutter and the Create are more compact, lighter machines, that can be stored in the closet or taken to scrapbooking parties. 

The modes and functions offered by the machines are different.  The Cricut Expression offers the most versatility in this category.

There are different price points for the three models.  The original Personal Cutter is the most affordable, selling for right around $300.00.  The Create is $100.00 more, and the larger Expression is the most pricey, retailing for $500.00.  Although these prices may seem a bit steep, it is easy to find deals by shopping around.