The Best Cricket Printing Machines for Small Businesses in 2023

For small businesses, Cricket printing machines provide an affordable way to create professional-looking marketing materials right from your office. These user-friendly printers are designed for printing high-volume projects like brochures, newsletters, flyers, and more.

This guide reviews the top Cricket printer models on the market in 2023. We evaluate print speed, maximum paper size, ink costs, and critical features to select the best Cricket printers for business use. Whether you need a basic black-and-white printer or a high-end color machine, we have a recommendation for you. Read on for our picks of the 10 best Cricket printing machines to take your small business marketing to the next level.

Cricut Joy Machine – A Compact, Portable DIY Smart Machine for Creating Customized Labels, Cards

The Cricut Joy Machine is a compact, portable, DIY innovative machine designed for creating customized labels, cards, and crafts. It is compatible with over 50 materials, including popular ones like vinyl, iron-on, and cardstock. The machine can cut intricate designs precisely and features writing, drawing, and foiling functionalities. The Cricut Joy Machine operates via Bluetooth wireless technology and works with the free, easy-to-learn Design Space app. Users can upload and cut their designs or choose from the extensive library available on the Cricut Design Space. The machine also offers free live workshops, online courses, and beginner cheat sheets to help users get started.

Despite its compact size, the Cricut Joy Machine has received positive reviews for its functionality and precision. However, some users have noted a learning curve, especially those without Cricut experience. There are also some limitations regarding the software ecosystem, as it primarily encourages users to purchase downloadable clip art or subscribe to a service to access more shapes and designs. Overall, the Cricut Joy Machine is a versatile tool for crafting enthusiasts, offering a range of features that allow for creative customization and innovation.

Cricut Explore 3 – 2X Faster DIY Cutting Machine for all Crafts

The Cricut Explore 3 is a cutting-edge DIY crafting machine that offers twice the speed of its predecessor. This versatile tool is designed to cut, draw, score, and more with ultimate precision. It is compatible with Smart Materials, allowing for super-easy, super-long cuts up to 12 feet without needing a mat. The machine can cut over 100 materials, including cardstock, vinyl, iron-on, glitter paper, cork, and bonded fabric.

The Cricut Explore 3 works with six different tools (sold separately), such as the Foil Transfer Tool, Scoring Stylus, and Deep-Point Blade, enabling a wide range of crafting activities like cutting, writing, foiling, and more. It has wireless Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with a cloud-based app that works on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. This allows users to access thousands of customizable designs and templates to enhance their DIY projects.

The kit includes a Premium Fine-Point Blade with its housing, a welcome book, a USB cable, a power adapter, 100 ready-to-make projects, practice materials, and a free trial membership to Cricut Access for new subscribers. An optional Cricut Roll Holder can be added to keep your workspace clean and organized.

The Cricut Explore 3 has received positive reviews for its performance and versatility, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 2,000 ratings. However, some users have reported issues with missing items in the box or problems with the cutting depth, which were resolved by the company’s customer service. The product dimensions are 24.5 x 10 x 10.25 inches, weighing 16.12 pounds. It was first available on June 10, 2021, and is manufactured by Provo Craft & Novelty in Malaysia.

Cricut Explore 3 – 2X Faster DIY Cutting Machine for all Crafts

The Cricut Explore 3 is a cutting-edge DIY crafting machine that offers twice the speed of its predecessor. This versatile tool is designed to cut, draw, score, and more with ultimate precision. It is compatible with Smart Materials, allowing for super-easy, super-long cuts up to 12 feet without needing a mat. The machine can cut over 100 materials, including cardstock, vinyl, iron-on, glitter paper, cork, and bonded fabric. The Cricut Explore 3 works with six different tools (sold separately), such as the Foil Transfer Tool, Scoring Stylus, and Deep-Point Blade, enabling a wide range of crafting activities like cutting, writing, foiling, and more. It has wireless Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with a cloud-based app that works on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. This allows users to access thousands of customizable designs and templates to enhance their DIY projects.

The kit includes a Premium Fine-Point Blade with its housing, a welcome book, a USB cable, a power adapter, 100 ready-to-make projects, practice materials, and a free trial membership to Cricut Access for new subscribers. An optional Cricut Roll Holder can be added to keep your workspace clean and organized.

The Cricut Explore 3 has received positive reviews for its performance and versatility, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 2,000 ratings. However, some users have reported issues with missing items in the box or problems with the cutting depth, which were resolved by the company’s customer service. The product dimensions are 24.5 x 10 x 10.25 inches, weighing 16.12 pounds. It was first available on June 10, 2021, and is manufactured by Provo Craft & Novelty in Malaysia.

Cricut Joy Machine – Portable DIY Decal and T-Shirt Designs Bundle

The Cricut Joy Machine is a compact, Bluetooth-enabled smart machine designed to make DIY projects simple and enjoyable. This bundle includes Smart Iron-On, Smart Vinyl Sample Packs, and Transfer Tape, making it an all-in-one solution for creating customized decals, t-shirts, crafts, cards, and home decor projects. The Cricut Joy is straightforward to set up and use, allowing users to personalize, organize, and customize daily tasks. It can make continuous cuts up to 4 feet and repeated cuts up to 20 feet using Cricut Smart Materials, eliminating the need for a cutting mat. Users load the material and let the machine do the work.

The bundle also offers free access to Cricut Design Space, where users can upload and create designs using computer tablets or mobile devices. The platform is compatible with iOS and Android apps. A monthly subscription to Cricut Access provides an extensive library of over 100k images, fonts, and ready-to-make projects. The package includes materials for starting your projects, such as decals for coffee mugs, water bottles, wall art, and more. Users can design iron-on decals to create custom t-shirts, baby onesies, pillows, and more.

The included Premium Permanent Vinyl and StrongBond Iron-On Rolls are Smart Materials, so no cutting mat is required. The bundle consists of the Cricut Joy Cutting Machine, Premium Fine Point Blade + Housing, Fine Point Pen, StandardGrip Mat (4.5″ x 6.5″), Welcome Card, Power Adapter, Free trial membership to Cricut Access, and sample Smart Material for a practice cut. It also comes with Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl Permanent, Beachside Sampler, Cricut Joy Smart StrongBond Iron-On, Elegance Sampler, and Cricut Joy Clear Grid Transfer Tape for Vinyl. The product has received positive customer reviews, rated 4.7 out of 5 stars. Users have praised the machine for its ease of use, versatility, and the quality of the projects it produces.

Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine Bundle 

The Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine Bundle is a comprehensive package for beginners and professionals interested in crafting and design. The bundle includes the Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine, a tool kit, a vinyl pack, and a beginner guide to help users start their projects. The machine offers professional-level cutting performance with an adaptive tool system, allowing up to 2x faster cutting and writing. It can cut through various materials, including paper, iron-ons, felt, and lightweight leather, making it versatile for multiple creative projects.

The bundle also comes with a complimentary design app from Cricut that provides unlimited use of 150,000 images, fonts, and professional designs. This app stores all your projects in one place and is compatible with Windows and Mac computers and iOS and Android devices. The Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine has built-in Bluetooth for wireless cutting, writing, and scoring. It also features a Smart Set dial that adjusts to the material used. Users can upload images to the Cricut Design Space online using an iPad app, computer, tablet, or smartphone.

The tool kit contains a spatula, weeder, scraper, scissors, and tweezers. The vinyl pack comprises 9×12 inch sheets in various colors and two transfer papers. The bundle also includes a Getting Started Guide in electronic format to assist beginners with their first project. The product has received positive customer reviews, with many praising its user-friendly design, versatility, and the value provided by the additional tools and materials included in the bundle. The product is available for purchase on Amazon with free delivery and return options.

VEVOR Upgrade Heat Press Machine ETL Safety Certification

The VEVOR Upgrade Heat Press Machine is a versatile and efficient tool for printing applications. This 8-in-1 heat press machine has been certified by ETL for safety, ensuring reliable operation. It features a large 15 x 15-inch heat platen coated with Teflon, providing a non-stick and stable surface for transferring designs onto different items such as caps, T-shirts, mugs, plates, and aluminum pots. One of the critical features of this machine is its digital control and display system. The dual-screen display is precise and user-friendly, with silicone buttons that are comfortable and easy to press. Users can switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit measurements at their convenience.

The machine uses dual-tube heating technology, offering superior performance to traditional single-tube heating. This technology ensures a minimal temperature difference between the platen’s center and edge, improving transfer quality. The 360° swing-away design of the machine allows for even pressure distribution on the sublimation machine and reduces the risk of accidental contact with the heating element. Additionally, the device employs dual insulation technology, keeping the surface temperature between 50-70℃ despite a working temperature of 210℃.

The VEVOR Upgrade Heat Press Machine comes fully assembled and includes a variety of accessories, such as a cap press, three mug presses, an aluminum pot press, and two plate presses. This makes it a comprehensive solution for all your heat-pressing needs. Customer reviews indicate satisfaction with the product’s quality, ease of use, and heat distribution, although some users noted a learning curve with the touchscreen settings.

F2C Heat Press Combo 5 in 1 Heat Press Machine

The F2C Heat Press Combo 5 1 Heat Press Machine is a multifunctional, digital sublimation heat transfer machine designed for various applications. It features a swing-away design that allows for 360-degree rotation, making it suitable for printing on T-shirts, mugs, hats, plates, caps, and patterns. The machine has a large heat platen measuring 12 x 15 inches, providing ample space for transferring designs onto targeted items. The heat press machine has a digital control box that allows users to set the desired time and temperature according to different materials. It also features an overload protector button that pops up when the voltage is unstable or too high, protecting both the control box and the heat plate. The machine comes fully assembled and includes a platen press, mug press, hat/cap press, and two plate presses.

The F2C Heat Press Machine is made from vinyl and silicone materials and weighs 45.8 pounds. Its dimensions are 20.6 x 19.3 x 20.2 inches. The machine is black and is priced at $165.99. It is sold by F2C Direct and is shipped from Amazon. Despite its many features, some users have reported issues with the machine’s temperature consistency and lack of clear instructions for using the additional attachments. However, the company offers customer support seven days a week via phone or chat to assist with any issues. The brand, F2C, is committed to providing customers with better products and more favorable prices, and they welcome customer feedback to optimize their products continuously.

TOPDEEP 5 in 1 Heat Press Machine 

The TOPDEEP 5 1 Heat Press Machine is a versatile and multifunctional tool for various heat transfer applications. It comes with a 12×10 inch T-shirt heat press machine, a 5.5″x 3″ hat press, an 11oz mug press, and two 5″ and 6″ plate presses. The device has a premium-quality heating plate made from die-cast aluminum with a non-stick Teflon-coated surface, preventing scorching during heat transfer. This coating is heat resistant, easy to clean, and ensures steady printing. The machine features a 360° rotation and guide rail design, allowing the heating element to be moved safely aside, reducing the chance of accidental contact. It also makes it easy to replace the plate press and hat press. The strong base and top pressure knob ensure stability during use, providing a full range press directly and evenly, guaranteeing the quality of finished transfers.

The machine has a precise digital control system with an LCD Digital control box that shows time and temperature (in Fahrenheit or Celsius), providing accurate control of time and temperature. It has a temperature range of 30-450 °F / 0-250 °C and a timer range of 0-999s. Once the preset time is reached, the temperature will remain constant. The machine will stop heating when the set temperature is gone, and a sound alarm will be issued when the time is completed. It also has a feature to dissipate heat and automatically shut off when overheated, ensuring safe use.

The TOPDEEP 5 1 Heat Press Machine can be used for various items, including T-shirts, caps, ceramic plates, hats, tiles, mugs, coasters, mouse pads, jigsaw puzzles, lettering, and other flat items. It is suitable for ceramics, glasses, and textiles such as cotton, flax, chemical fiber, nylon, etc. The package includes different sizes of mug presses to meet other transfer demands.

The machine has received positive customer ratings for its heat distribution, temperature control, and ease of use. It comes with a 2-year warranty and lifetime technical guidance and support. However, it’s important to note that products with electrical plugs are designed for use in the US, and outlets and voltage differ internationally. This product may require an adapter or converter for use at your destination.

Cricut Explore Air 2 – A DIY Cutting Machine for all Crafts

The Cricut Explore Air 2 is a versatile DIY cutting machine for all crafts. It allows users to create customized cards, home decor, and more. The device is compatible with iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac systems and features Bluetooth connectivity for wireless operation. The device comes with Design Space, a free, cloud-based software that enables users to edit, customize, and preview their projects. Users can choose from ready-to-make projects and thousands of Cricut images or upload their designs. The software also offers an offline feature for designing without an internet connection.

The Cricut Explore Air 2 can cut, write, and score with built-in Bluetooth. It offers a library of over 100,000 images for every project, holiday, and style. Additionally, it can print full-color images and patterns and then cut them out. More than 50,000 printable images and 920 printable patterns are available in Design Space. The machine has a Premium Fine-Point Blade for precise, intricate cuts on various popular materials like cardstock, vinyl decals, HTV iron-on, and more. It also works with specialty materials like glitter paper, cork, and Infusible Ink. The machine is compatible with six tools for cutting, writing, foiling, and more, which are sold separately.

Despite its many features, some users have reported issues with the software, particularly with complex designs causing the browser to crash or lock up. Some users noticed the noise level when working on larger projects and consistently had difficulty cutting thicker materials. However, overall, the Cricut Explore Air 2 is considered a solid investment for DIY enthusiasts and crafters looking to add a professional touch to their projects.

VIVOHOME 8 in 1 Combo

The VIVOHOME 8 1 Combo is a multifunctional heat press transfer machine for sublimation printing. It is ideal for transferring designs onto various items such as T-shirts, hats, mugs, plates, etc. The device features a swing-away design and guide rail that ensures direct and even pressure during printing, enhancing the quality of finished transfers.

The machine has a dual-integrated digital LED display with a controller that allows users to pre-set temperature and timer countdown. The temperature range is 32-480 °F / 0-250 °C, and the timer range is 0-999 seconds. Once the preset time is reached, the temperature remains constant, ensuring accurate settings for solid performance. A safety feature includes a small red button on the control box that pops up when the temperature is too high or the voltage is unstable.

The heating plate, made from die-cast aluminum, measures 12″ x 15″, providing a wide range of printing options. It has a non-stick Teflon-coated surface to prevent scorching during thermal transfers. The removable foaming silicon pad can endure a maximum heat of 250°C without distortion. The machine is rated 3.7 for sturdiness, 3.4 for ease of use, 3.2 for heat distribution, and 3.1 for beginners. It is important to note that products with electrical plugs are designed for use in the US and may require an adapter or converter for use in other countries.

HTVRONT Auto Heat Press Machine 

The HTVRONT Auto Heat Press Machine is an innovative 15″x 15″ heat press machine designed for T-shirts. It is engineered to heat quickly and distribute heat evenly, making it ideal for HTV, sublimation, and heat transfer projects. The machine features an automatic heat press function that reduces the guesswork of pressure. After setting the temperature and time, the device auto-determines the thickness of the item to be pressed, up to 1 inch thick and controls the optimum pressure. It also auto-releases the thing after pressing, allowing users to engage in other activities.

The machine uses NTC thermistor technology and a dual-tube heating engine to heat up quickly, saving users 30% of their waiting time. It also ensures precise control of the temperature at each position of the heating plate, distributing heat evenly. This makes it suitable for crafters and beginners to complete professional heat transfer projects. The HTVRONT Auto Heat Press Machine is large enough for “hands-free” heat pressing. It combines multiple practical modes, including 4 fast modes, 2 customer-defined modes, and an automatic mode. The automatic mode allows the machine to heat, press, and release clothes, making it perfect for small businesses that need to make batches.

For safety, the machine adopts exclusive H-Cooling technology and multilayer heat insulation material to dissipate heat when turned off efficiently. It also features a drawer slide design for the placement plate and a side handle to protect hands from hot areas. The machine will auto shut off if there’s no operation after 10 minutes, preventing overheating. The HTVRONT Auto Heat Press Machine is easy to use and comes with detailed instructions. It is FCC-certified and meets the required safety standards in the USA. The warranty period is 1 year from the date of purchase. The machine is light blue, made of vinyl material, and operates at 110 volts. It measures 19.68 x 15.74 x 11.81 inches and weighs 40.3 pounds.