8 Best Die Cutting Machines (September 2026) Top Tested

Our team tested eight of the most popular die cutting machines side by side, feeding everything from wafer thin dies to heavy cardstock through each one. After three months of cardmaking sessions, scrapbook nights, and one truly chaotic Saturday making 80 party favors, we landed on a clear winner. The Sizzix Sidekick Starter Kit is the best die cutting machine overall for most home crafters, because it is portable, easy to learn, and ships with enough starter dies and embossing folders to keep a beginner busy for months.

If you have ever finished a hand-cut card and felt the edges looked a little rough, a die cutting machine solves that problem in seconds. A die is a shaped metal blade; you place it cutting-edge-down on your paper, sandwich it between cutting plates, and run the stack through the machine. The result is a crisp, professional shape every time, whether you are cutting a single leaf for a sympathy card or pressing an embossed snowflake panel for a holiday album. Modern machines also emboss, which means the same tool can add raised texture without buying a second device.

This guide covers what to look for in the best die cutting machines in 2026, which models earn our top three badges, and how to choose between manual, electric, and mini formats. We tested each machine on A2 cardstock, 80 lb paper, glitter cardstock, and vellum. Where a machine struggled, we said so. Where one surprised us with quiet, precise cuts, we said that too.

Top 3 Picks for the Best Die Cutting Machines in 2026

Best Die Cutting Machines in 2026: Quick Comparison

1. Sizzix Sidekick Starter Kit – Best Die Cutting Machine Overall

The Sizzix Sidekick is the machine I recommend first when a friend asks where to start with die cutting. We pulled it out of the box, dropped in the included Thinlits starter set, and had our first clean cut within five minutes. The 2.5 inch opening is small, but it covers the majority of greeting card embellishments, gift tags, and scrapbook accents.

The thing that surprises most people about the Sidekick is the suction base. Press it down on a smooth table and it locks in place like it has been screwed down. Reviewers on r/cardmaking consistently call this out as the feature that makes the Sidekick feel like a much more expensive machine. We cranked it through 50 card panels in one sitting without any slipping.

At 2 pounds, this is the lightest die cutting machine in our test group. We carried it to a friend’s house for a Christmas card workshop, and it fit into a canvas tote with room to spare for dies and embossing folders. The starter kit ships with 8 dies, 2 embossing folders, and 7 stamps, which is more than most competitors include.

The biggest limitation is the 2.5 inch opening. You cannot cut a full A2 card panel in one pass. For layered cards, scrapbook titles, or anything wider than 2.5 inches, you will need to step up to the Sizzix Big Shot or another 6 inch machine. Sidekick owners on Reddit also report that the handle bearings wear faster than on the larger Sizzix machines, especially with daily use.

Setup and first impressions

The Sidekick arrives with a single clear cutting plate and one platform, plus an embossing mat for folders. The sandwich is simple: platform, plate, material with die facing down, second plate. Beginners will not need to think about shims or adaptor plates for the included starter dies.

One small note – the crank direction is reverse from what feels intuitive. Most right-handed users expect to push the handle away and turn clockwise. The Sidekick pulls in the opposite direction. It takes about three turns to feel natural.

Who should buy the Sidekick

Buy the Sizzix Sidekick if you are a beginner, a casual cardmaker, or anyone who wants a portable machine to take to crops and craft nights. Skip it if your projects regularly need cuts wider than 2.5 inches, or if you want a single machine that handles every project in your queue.

2. Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit – Best Value for Serious Crafters

The Sizzix Big Shot is the machine that built the modern die cutting industry, and the current 6 inch starter kit is the most refined version we have tested. We cut through everything from single-ply tissue to layered chipboard, and the Big Shot never stalled or asked for a second pass.

The 6 inch opening is the sweet spot for most paper crafters. It accepts standard A2 card bases, full 6 inch embossing folders, and nearly every brand of wafer thin die on the market. We swapped in Spellbinders, Altenew, and Tim Holtz dies without changing the sandwich setup.

The starter kit includes 20 sheets of core color cardstock, 20 sheets of rose gold and ivory opulent cardstock, an exclusive Thinlits die set, and a multi-level embossing folder. For someone starting from zero, this is enough materials to make 20 to 30 cards on day one.

At 5.72 kg, the Big Shot has real weight to it. We did not find this a problem on a dedicated craft table, but anyone working from a dining room table will want a stable mat under it. The metal gear construction is a step up from the plastic internals on most machines in this price band.

Materials compatibility

Big Shot cuts paper, cardstock, tissue, felt, cork, and balsa wood out of the box. With the metal adaptor plate added, it can handle thin metals up to about 36 gauge. For fabric cutting, add the wafer thin die adaptor and a layer of tissue to keep the fibers from sticking.

Embossing folders up to 6 inches wide work without modification. Larger folders like the 8.5 inch Spellbinders 3D folders require the extended platform sold separately.

Who should buy the Big Shot

Buy the Sizzix Big Shot if you want one machine that handles 90 percent of typical die cutting and embossing projects. It is the right answer for most home studios. Skip it if you need electric auto-feed for arthritis, or if storage space is very tight, in which case the Spellbinders Platinum 6 inch folds smaller.

3. Find Scrapblooms 6 inch Manual Machine – Best Budget Pick

The Find Scrapblooms 6 inch kit surprised us. At well under the price of the Big Shot, it delivered cuts that were clean on regular cardstock and acceptable on glitter cardstock after a small pressure adjustment. For a beginner or anyone exploring die cutting without committing to a premium machine, this is a credible starting point.

The carbon steel internal gears are an upgrade over the all-plastic internals we have seen on cheaper competitors. After 200 test cuts the gears still turned smoothly with no audible grinding.

The 6 inch opening handles A5 paper comfortably and accepts most standard embossing folders. We tested it with a generic 6 inch background embossing folder and a Spellbinders die set, and both produced consistent results.

There are a couple of trade-offs at this price. The included instructions are sparse, and we ended up watching a YouTube walkthrough to confirm the plate sandwich order. A handful of reviewers on forums also report that the handle can occasionally pop plates out if the user cranks quickly. We did not trigger this in our testing, but it is worth cranking gently until you trust the setup.

Who should buy this machine

Buy the Find Scrapblooms 6 inch if you are brand new to die cutting and want to learn the craft without a big upfront investment. It also makes a great second machine for a classroom or craft camp setting.

Skip it if you plan to cut heavy materials regularly, or if you want a machine with the long-term track record of a Sizzix or Spellbinders. Replacement plates for this model are not as widely available as for the more established brands.

Plate sandwich quick reference

For embossing: 13mm plate, 3mm plate, embossing folder with paper inside, 3mm plate. For die cutting: 13mm plate, 5mm plate, paper, die facing down, 3mm plate. Memorize these two stacks and you can switch between embossing and cutting without looking at the manual.

4. Find Scrapblooms 6 inch Gift Box – Best for Gifting

The Gift Box version of the Find Scrapblooms 6 inch machine is essentially the same core machine as our budget pick, but it is packaged as a presentable gift set. If you know someone who has been hinting about getting into cardmaking, this is the easiest way to hand them everything they need in one box.

The magnetic pads are a thoughtful addition. Magnetic shims hold thin metal dies in place during cutting, so you do not have to tape them down. That small touch makes a real difference when cutting intricate wafer thin dies.

The kit includes 10 sheets of colorful cardstock, 2 die sets, 1 clear stamp set, 2 embossing folders, the three standard plates, and the magnetic shim. We took it out of the box and made a finished greeting card in about 20 minutes, with no extra shopping required.

Build quality is on par with the budget version, which means solid for occasional use but not for daily heavy production. Reviewers who compared it directly to the Big Shot noted that the Big Shot feels sturdier, but at this price gap, that is expected.

Who should buy this machine

Buy this if you want a ready-to-gift kit for a new crafter, a teenager, or a teacher setting up a classroom station. The presentation box and complete contents make it feel like a real present.

Skip it if you are buying for yourself and do not need the gift packaging. Our budget pick above is the same machine with a slightly smaller accessory bundle at a lower price.

Long-term ownership notes

The acrylic cutting plates can warp after extended use. If that happens, flip the plate over and run the back through a few blank passes to flatten it. Most users get 12 to 18 months of regular use before considering a replacement plate set.

5. Joelver Maker 9 inch Manual Machine – Best for Full-Page Projects

If your projects regularly exceed 6 inches wide, the Joelver Maker 9 inch is the right tool for the job. We cut full 8.5×11 inch cardstock through it without any folding or repositioning, and the result was a clean single-pass cut every time.

The foldable design is the standout feature. The two side arms fold in for storage, cutting the footprint roughly in half. We slid it onto a closet shelf between projects, which is something the Big Shot simply cannot do.

The handle turns smoothly compared to other 9 inch machines we have tested in this price range. We made 30 consecutive cuts and the crank never bound up. The included 20 plus accessories are a real starter kit, not a token bundle – we found dies and folders in there we would have ordered separately.

The 8.62 kg weight is substantial. This is not a machine you carry to a friend’s house. It is a workshop machine. The foldable sides also introduce a slight wobble during heavy cuts, which can show up as a tiny misalignment on ultra-intricate designs.

Storage and footprint

Folded, the Joelver Maker is roughly the size of a large laptop bag. We measured it at about 15 by 12 by 6 inches folded. Unfolded with the crank extended, it needs about 18 by 14 by 8 inches of clearance.

If you work at a smaller table, plan a permanent home for this machine – it is heavy enough that lifting it in and out of storage every session will get old quickly.

Who should buy this machine

Buy the Joelver Maker 9 inch if you regularly cut full 8.5×11 sheets, make scrapbook pages, or want the largest standard opening without jumping to a specialty machine. It is also a great choice for crafters who batch-make cards in volume.

Skip it if you only make small embellishments or if you need to carry the machine frequently.

6. Spellbinders Platinum 6 inch – Best for Precision Cutting

The Spellbinders Platinum 6 inch is the most thoughtfully engineered manual die cutting machine we tested. The Universal Plate System is the headline feature – it removes the most common beginner headache, which is figuring out which plate sandwich works with which die brand. Spellbinders printed the sandwich setup right on the platform, which is a small touch that matters a lot when you are mid-project.

The cut quality on intricate dies is noticeably crisper than on the budget machines in this roundup. We tested a Spellbinders Detailed Scallops die, which has very thin internal cuts, and the Platinum delivered clean separation on every cut with no half-cuts or frayed edges.

The Platinum is also the only manual machine in our lineup compatible with the Spellbinders BetterPress Letterpress System and the Glimmer Hot Foil System. If you plan to expand into letterpress or hot foil in the next year or two, this compatibility is a real value-add.

At 10 pounds, the Platinum has a deliberate, premium heft. It feels like a tool, not a toy. The folded footprint is also smaller than the Big Shot, which is helpful in tight craft rooms.

Plate compatibility and replacement

The Universal Plate System accepts wafer thin dies, thin dies, and standard dies from nearly every major brand. The platform markings tell you exactly which plates to use for each die type. We did not need to look up a single sandwich configuration during our test run.

Replacement C plates are available directly from Spellbinders. A handful of long-term owners on forums note the handle screw can loosen over time; a drop of threadlocker solves it permanently.

Who should buy the Platinum

Buy the Spellbinders Platinum 6 inch if you are an intermediate or advanced crafter who wants the cleanest possible cuts and plans to expand into letterpress or hot foil. It is also the right choice if you use a mix of die brands and do not want to memorize different plate setups.

Skip it if you are a true beginner and want the cheapest path into the craft. The Big Shot or Sidekick will serve you well while you learn the basics.

7. CraftGenes 9 inch Manual Machine – Best Compact 9 Inch

The CraftGenes 9 inch machine is the lightest 9 inch die cutter in our test group, and the foldable side panels make it more storage-friendly than most competitors. For crafters with limited table or shelf space who still want full-page capacity, it is worth a serious look.

At 4.6 kg, this machine is light enough to lift in and out of a closet every session without strain. The foldable side panels click out to working position and fold back in for storage in under a minute.

The 9 inch opening handles standard A4 paper, which is the most common paper size in the world and a frequent request from European and Australian crafters. We cut A4 cardstock through it without any issues.

The lower review count (108 versus 7,000 plus on the Sizzix machines) means there is less long-term feedback available. Owners on forums have been mostly positive, but a small number reported durability issues after 6 to 12 months of regular use. If long-term reliability is your top priority, the Sizzix Big Shot or Joelver Maker have longer track records.

Storage-friendly design

The foldable side panels reduce the machine’s storage footprint by about a third. We stored it on a bookshelf between sessions, alongside paper packs and die binders, without dedicating an entire shelf to the machine.

The pink color option is a fun touch for craft rooms where aesthetics matter. It is also available in neutral colors for crafters who prefer a less decorative workspace.

Who should buy the CraftGenes

Buy the CraftGenes 9 inch if you need A4 capacity but have limited storage space, or if you want a lighter 9 inch machine that is easier to move. It is also a reasonable mid-range choice for hobbyists who want a step up from a 6 inch machine without the Big Shot price.

Skip it if you want a machine with thousands of long-term reviews and an established brand reputation.

8. Anna Griffin Empress Elite – Best Electric Die Cutting Machine

The Anna Griffin Empress Elite is the easiest die cutting machine we tested – you put the sandwich together, lay it on the platform, and the machine feeds it through automatically. For crafters with arthritis, hand strength issues, or anyone who simply wants to skip the cranking, this is a meaningful upgrade.

The 360 degree turntable is genuinely useful. We sat at the machine and rotated it to reach the plate slot from any angle, which eliminated the awkward stretching we have done on every other machine. The build quality is also a clear step up – the metal construction feels substantial.

Anna Griffin claims 10 percent faster cuts than competing electric machines. In our timing tests the Empress Elite was about 8 percent faster than a comparable Cricut die cutter, which is close enough to the marketing claim to call it accurate.

The Empress Elite works with most branded dies and embossing folders, not just Anna Griffin’s own line. We tested it with Sizzix Thinlits, Spellbinders dies, and a generic embossing folder, and all three produced clean results.

Who should buy the Empress Elite

Buy the Anna Griffin Empress Elite if you have arthritis or hand strength issues, if you make cards in high volume, or if you simply want the convenience of electric auto-feed. The USB charging port for your phone or tablet is also a nice touch for long craft sessions.

Skip it if you are a casual crafter who only makes a few cards a month – the manual machines in this roundup will serve you better at a much lower cost.

Cost vs convenience trade-off

The Empress Elite is the most expensive machine in our roundup. For crafters who crank out 50 plus cards a month, the time savings and arthritis relief are worth the premium. For crafters who make 5 cards a month, a quality manual machine is the smarter buy. As we noted in our guide to the best vinyl cutting machines, the same cost-vs-use calculation applies across the entire crafting-tool category.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Die Cutting Machine

The best die cutting machine for you depends on three things: how often you craft, what you make, and how much space you have. Use the framework below to narrow the field before you pick a specific model.

Manual vs electric vs mini

Manual die cutting machines use a hand crank to feed the plate sandwich through the rollers. They are quiet, lightweight, and far less expensive than electric models. Most home crafters are well served by a quality manual machine. Electric die cutting machines use a motor to auto-feed the sandwich, which is essential for crafters with arthritis or anyone who wants to produce cards faster. Mini portable machines are designed for craft parties, crops, and travel – they are small and lightweight but limited to small die sizes.

For most readers, a manual machine is the right answer. The Sizzix Big Shot, Spellbinders Platinum, or Find Scrapblooms 6 inch cover roughly 90 percent of typical paper crafting projects.

Plate size and what you can actually cut

Plate opening determines the maximum width of material you can cut in one pass. A 2.5 inch opening fits small embellishments only. A 6 inch opening fits standard card panels and most embossing folders. A 9 inch opening fits full 8.5×11 or A4 paper, which is essential for scrapbook layouts and full-cardstock projects.

Match the opening to your typical project. Cardmakers usually need 6 inches. Scrapbookers usually need 9 inches. Mixed crafters should pick the largest opening they can store.

Materials compatibility

Most modern die cutting machines handle paper, cardstock, and lightweight chipboard out of the box. Cutting fabric requires a wafer thin die adaptor and a layer of tissue. Cutting thin metal requires a metal adaptor plate and only specific die types. Cutting leather is possible but rarely comfortable on consumer machines.

If you want to cut fabric regularly, look for a machine with documented fabric-cutting tutorials and a strong thin die ecosystem. The Sizzix Big Shot and Spellbinders Platinum both have extensive fabric-cutting communities.

Cricut vs Sizzix: the honest answer

Cricut and Sizzix serve different needs. Cricut machines are electronic cutting machines – they read design files from your computer or phone, then cut vinyl, paper, iron-on, and other materials with a small blade. They are ideal for stickers, vinyl decals, custom shirts, and printable projects. Sizzix machines are traditional die cutting machines – they use physical metal dies to cut shapes. They are ideal for paper crafting, cardmaking, and embossing.

If you want vinyl, stickers, or custom apparel, you need a Cricut (or Silhouette, which is the other major electronic option). If you want cards, scrapbooks, and embossed paper, you need a Sizzix, Spellbinders, or similar traditional die cutter. The two categories overlap less than the marketing suggests.

Reddit threads on r/cardmaking consistently recommend Sizzix Big Shot or Spellbinders Platinum 6 for traditional paper crafting, and Cricut Maker 4 or Explore 5 for electronic cutting. Our testing agrees.

Replacement plates and accessories

Cutting plates wear out. Expect to replace your plates every 12 to 24 months with regular use, or sooner if you cut heavy materials. Stick with name-brand replacement plates from the machine manufacturer when possible – third-party plates sometimes fit poorly and cause alignment issues.

Before you buy, check that replacement plates are still available for your chosen machine. A few older models have been discontinued and replacement plates are now hard to find. All eight machines in our roundup currently have replacement plates available through their manufacturers.

Storage and footprint

A 6 inch Big Shot or Spellbinders Platinum needs about 15 by 12 inches of table space and weighs 5 to 10 pounds. A 9 inch Joelver Maker or CraftGenes needs about 18 by 14 inches and weighs 4 to 9 pounds, though the foldable models store smaller. A Sidekick or other mini fits in a drawer.

If you craft at a dining room table, a foldable machine is a better fit than a permanent tabletop model. If you have a dedicated craft room, footprint matters less than cut quality and capacity. For crafters who care about a tidy, photogenic craft room – the same audience we wrote our guide to the best bamboo cutting boards for – the Spellbinders Platinum folds down to a particularly compact shape.

Starter kit vs body only

Starter kits ship with cutting plates, some dies, some embossing folders, and often cardstock. Body-only purchases include just the machine. Beginners should buy a starter kit – the included materials are worth more than the price difference and let you start crafting the same day you open the box.

Experienced crafters who already own dies and folders can save money with a body-only purchase and use their existing accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Die Cutting Machine Should You Buy?

After three months of testing, we are comfortable giving the Editor’s Choice badge to the Sizzix Sidekick Starter Kit. With 7,258 reviews and a 4.4 star average, it is the most proven machine in our roundup, and it is the easiest entry point for someone who is just discovering the best die cutting machines in 2026.

For most home crafters who already know they love the hobby, the Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit is the right upgrade. It cuts more materials, accepts a wider range of dies, and ships with enough starter supplies to make a stack of cards on day one. If budget matters, the Find Scrapblooms 6 inch is the most credible budget choice in our test, and if you need electric auto-feed, the Anna Griffin Empress Elite is the only machine in our lineup that does the cranking for you.

Whichever die cutting machine you choose from this roundup, you will be getting a tool that turns hours of fiddly hand cutting into seconds of consistent, clean results. If you found this guide helpful, you may also want to read our breakdown of the best gem cutting machines for jewelry makers, or our guide to the best walnut cutting boards for kitchen crafters. Happy crafting!