Do you want to include some creative talent in your class but aren’t sure where to begin? Look no further because we’ve got you.
The Cricut Machine is among the most useful tools for instructors today, and there are numerous possibilities. With that said, you might be trying to figure out which Cricut machine is best for teachers based on your specific demands and budget.
These small devices are essential equipment that can perform practically any task. You can easily express your creativity and design projects with a Cricut machine. So, without any further hullabaloo, let’s begin with our shortlist.
List of 6 Best Cricut for Teachers and Classroom Reviewed In 2022
When a Cricut machine is introduced into the classroom, it fosters a positive approach regarding creative learning. While it makes learning more enjoyable for children by allowing them to engage in creative output and design in the classroom
It also gives teachers an easier and safer way to teach without continually worrying about the students. A Cricut machine is a cutting machine that can be used to create quality crafts out of various materials.
1. Cricut Explore Air 2
You don’t have to struggle to get this to work as it is very easy to use. It is also affordable.
This Cricut machine is ideal for teachers who want to do projects that don’t require much room. The cutter is designed in a basic and tasteful manner that is pleasing to the sight. It will also work well in a school setting.
Because of its small size, the Explore Air II is ideal for personal usage on the go or in classrooms. You can choose from 3000 pre-configured project cuts in the consumer Design Space and print from your picture library or text using the cut machine. In addition, you can use a computer, tablet, or smartphone through wifi.
While you’re on the run, this is really useful. First, it is even less expensive than its predecessor. Despite this, it can still cut up to 150 feet of material. It can also cut through a wide range of materials.
Let’s take a look at a few of the machine’s potential negatives now that you’ve learned about its advantages. It’s not for professors who want to share their computers with their students. This one needs the replacement of blades. Its cutting area is also smaller than that of previous Cricut Maker machines.
Fortunately, the Cricut Explore Air 2 works perfectly with cardstock and vinyl. It also comes with diverse settings that give you the chance to set the blade exactly for any type of material you want to cut. As a result, it’s a very useful tool for educators; you get to cut, write, print or even score on various materials to decorate your classroom.
What We Like:
- Accessible to both Bluetooth and USB
- Quite simple and straightforward to use
- Budget-friendly
What We Don’t Like:
- This machine has a slower cutting speed than newer designs.
- It has a sticky mat that must be replaced at all times.
2. The Cricut Explore 3
Known for its ease of use and speed. When you need to get work done faster, this is the Cricut to use.
For educators, the Cricut Explore 3 happens to be the best option. This machine comes with diverse qualities and accessories that help it function perfectly. In addition, being a quick-cutting machine will save time and assist you in working more effectively.
Teachers respect their time and have plenty to accomplish before completing the project on time and after school with paperwork and grading. This machine is the greatest option for educators because it is approximately twice as quick as the greatest model, the Cricut Explore Air 2.
Another possible explanation is that this machine is excellent and reasonably priced. So, although it may not be the most cost-effective alternative in the market, it is quite well-priced, and you’ll have a lot of bang for your dollars.
The Cricut Explore 3 is a powerful machine that weighs only 11 pounds. Nevertheless, you can make the choice of going with a smaller, more portable variant, which we’ll discuss later.
You can use your home (or school) printer to produce graphics for the Cricut to cut out. This functionality comes in handy when creating learning games and hands-on exercises for your students. The Cricut Explore 3 is a powerful machine that weighs only 11 pounds. You have the option of going with a smaller, more portable variant, which we’ll discuss later.
What We Like:
- Accessible to both Bluetooth and USB
- If you are cutting up to 12 with Smart Materials, you won’t be needing a mat.
- Capable of cutting up to 100 diverse materials
What We Don’t Like:
- It doesn’t come with as many features as the more expensive ones.
- It is not as versatile as the Cricut Maker for cutting materials.
3. Cricut Joy
This is a popular choice among teachers and creatives alike. Its lightweight, and being affordable makes it even more desirable.
Teachers who wish to build fascinating crafts should use the Cricut Joy machine. They are high-quality and simple to use, and they can enable you to arrange your class by categorizing.
You can use vinyl inscriptions to personalize water bottles, decorate walls, and label school folders. In addition, customized birthday cards and banners will make your kids feel extra special.
Pick a vinyl pattern and get all those tote bags made. This will save you effort since it only takes three steps to set up. First, create your design on the app, then send it to the Cricut Maker.
The bad side of this machine is that it necessitates prototype tools. As a result, you must buy items designed specifically for this operating mode.
In addition, if your project includes cutting and printing, you will need to exchange the blade and pen from time to time. Due to the limited cutting space, larger projects must be divided into smaller pieces.
What We Like:
- It is under 4 pounds in weight.
- Bluetooth and Wireless are two terms used interchangeably.
- Simple to use
- Compact and lightweight
- Cheap rates
What We Don’t Like:
- It cuts fewer sorts of materials.
- There is no inbuilt storage.
- Cutting space in a tiny area.
4. Silhouette Portrait 3 Electronic Cutting Tool
You can never go wrong with the Silhouette Portrait 3 cutting tool, it works well on various lengthy and thick materials.
Eventually, there’s the Silhouette Portrait 2 that comes with BlueTooth and an auto blade. This machine is suitable for both Mac and PCs and utilizes the same Silhouette Studio software as the Cameo 4.
It’s fantastic for teaching children to be imaginative because they may make various crafts out of various materials. These options are cardstock, paper, adhesive vinyl, vellum, magnet paper, heat transfer material, and fabrics up to 12′′ wide.
When you link to the online store, you may download a variety of designs and fonts to cut and 50 special digital designs; nevertheless, you need to read the user manual first.
The Portrait 2 has a tiny footprint, which means it won’t require as much room in your classroom as the Cameo 4 or Cricut Maker. Of course, it can only cut a limited number of materials. Still, if you plan to utilize only vinyl and paper, it’s a great low-cost piece of equipment.
What We Like:
- This machine can cut various lengthy and thick materials, offering you a lot of creative freedom.
- It’s one of Silhouette’s best machines for making stickers.
- It is reasonably priced compared to other cutting machines, making it an excellent choice for individuals on a tight budget.
- The machine is simple to operate and has a range of choices for various cuts.
- It comes with a large image collection that will provide plenty of ideas for your creations. If you find a different image online, you may quickly download it to your pc and then use your machine to create it.
What We Don’t Like:
- This machine isn’t as good at cutting 12′′ X 12′′ projects because they don’t fit as well.
- The program might be difficult to comprehend, and upgrading your software incurs additional fees.
- When it came to making clean slices, some consumers considered the blade inadequate.
5. Cricut Maker 3
This is a heavy-duty Cricut you’d love to get your hands on as a teacher. It gets the job done efficiently.
Do you want the most powerful Cricut machine possible? That’s it! Strong blades, pens, and scoring tools are ideal for crafts. In addition, you can utilize it to use gorgeous designs to captivate your students.
It is the family’s largest and most powerful member. This machine is ideal for teachers who want to make more complex projects. Likewise, this Cricut machine is ideal for larger projects. However, it lacks adaptability as its smaller brethren (the Cricut Explore).
This powerful machine would not be appropriate for your students to operate. But, despite this, the power it provides makes it a great tool for getting things done.
With this equipment, the opportunities are unlimited. Whether you’re making bespoke pillow covers for your reading area or cutting out paper lettering for bulletin boards, the possibilities are endless.
Like Cricut Explore, this machine uses internet software to produce personalized graphics or text for your product. In addition, you can charge gadgets while working wirelessly on your projects thanks to the built-in storage, USB docking, and Bluetooth compatibility.
What We Like:
- Bluetooth and USB connectivity
- With Smart Materials, you don’t need a mat to cut up to 12′.
- It can cut over 300 different materials.
What We Don’t Like:
- This is the priciest Cricut machine.
- The heaviest machine weighs more than 15 pounds.
6. Cricut Maker
This Cricut is highly functional, features packed, easy to use and the Cricut to go for when working with delicate materials.
The Champagne Cricut machine strikes the ideal blend of power and flexibility. In addition, it is less expensive than some other brands, making it a great choice for teachers to buy their first machine.
Because of its compact footprint, this model may be utilized by both you and your students to do various projects, ranging from sewing crafts to leather crafts. In addition, it can cut through almost anything, including thicker materials, with ease.
This is your safest alternative if you want a machine with more power while still having the flexibility of the Cricut Explore or Maker.
What We Like:
- Bluetooth and USB connectivity are available.
- It can cut over 300 diverse types of material.
- Discounted recently.
- The adaptive tool system allows you to utilize an increasing number of tools. For example, each blade detects the amount of pressure required to cut through each material.
- You can cut through materials up to 25mm thick, such as chipboards, with over 4000 grams of pressure, allowing you the ability to experiment with the materials you use in your class works.
- The rotary blade can cut through delicate textiles and fine paper-like crepe paper, allowing you to produce a wide range of projects.
- It’s simple to operate, making it ideal for any classroom because you can start making crafts right away without learning how to operate a machine.
What We Don’t Like:
- Fabric and machine mat are required.
- The Cricut Maker 3 has a slower operating speed.
- Unlike other machines, the software for this Cricut maker only works when you’re connected to the internet. This isn’t a huge issue in a school setting, but it’s something to consider any technical issues.
- If you wish to access a larger range of photographs, you’ll have to charge for the software.
Conclusion
You can do so much with a Cricut machine in the classroom, from decorating classroom facilities to making cards and magazines. You can even use the Cricut machines to customize various materials like t-shirts and bags.
This is an opportunity for children to showcase their ideas by making various products. The cost of a Cricut machine is an important consideration.
Not only should you think about the equipment itself, but also any other tools and materials you could need. While it can be very costly, the enjoyable learning process it provides makes it an excellent asset for any classroom.