By Sage McHugh on November 20, 2010 in
Rejoice, scrapbookers! Cricut scrapbooking machines were big sellers on Black Friday last year. Turns out, you can get just as good a deal this year. Jo-Ann Fabrics and Walmart are offering unbeatable prices on two Cricut models.
Cutting a deal on a Cricut
Jo-Ann Fabrics is offering a doorbuster deal on the Cricut Expression Personal Electronic Cutter. This machine usually goes for $399, but it's on sale for $199. That's a $200 savings for consumers who are able to beat the crowds. We took a look at reviews and found they're just as good as the prices. Over 40 owners review the Cricut Expression at Amazon.com, where it earns a solid four-star rating. The majority of users rave about the machine, praising its efficiency, precise cutting, and versatility with various designs and fabrics. Scrapbook.com, a website for scrapbooking enthusiasts, has over 70 reviews of the Expression. There, the machine receives a perfect five-star rating and users love it.
Also available at Jo-Ann Fabrics is the smaller, less expensive Cricut Expression Personal Electronic Cutter, offered as a Saturday doorbuster for $69.99 (reg. $199.99). We found very positive feedback for this machine on Viewpoints.com and Amazon.com, where it earns an average score of 4.5 stars. Owners say it's easy-to-use and works just as well as the larger, more expensive Circuit Expression.
Walmart is also offering the smaller-sized Cricut Expression Personal Electronic Cutter at an even lower price: $185 with a Cricut Classic Font cartridge included as a free bonus. Consumers should consider their color preference: The Cricut Expression Personal Electronic Cutter is available in aqua, plum, green or canary at Walmart. Although Jo-Ann Fabrics doesn't specify the color choices available, the machine featured in their circular is white.
Similarities:
- Both cutters conveniently make letter and shape cutouts.
- They're equally praised for their precision and skill.
- All Cricut machines share the same blades and cartridges.
Differences:
- The main difference between the two machines is cutting size.
- The $199 machine fits 12" x 12" and 12" x 24" mat sizes, allowing you to cut characters from 0.25" to 23.5"
- The $69.99 machine, with a 6" x 12" cutting pad, is limited to shapes and letters ranging from 1" to 5.5".
The $69.99 Cricut Expression Personal Cutter is smaller and lighter, making it easier to carry around and store. Since the $199 model is a much larger unit, it's intended to stay on a table or in a media room. In addition, the more expensive model offers more modes and functions, allowing for greater cut customization. Unlike the cheaper version, the pricier machine has an LCD display and it can change languages and units.
Contrary to many Black Friday offerings out there, these are genuinely amazing deals. Get up early and head to Jo-Ann Fabrics or Walmart to save big on Cricut Expression paper cutters.