5 Best Printers to use with Cricut Machines for Print Then Cut Projects
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Printers can do a lot for you as a crafter. I get the question all the time, which printer is best to use with my Cricut? What is the most affordable printer to use for Print Then Cut projects? What about printers that accommodate 12 x 12 size cardstock? Today, I am excited to share the best printers for all your needs! Whether you are someone who is on a budget or who wants the best craft printer there is, I have a full comparison below that will help you choose the best ones for your crafting needs!
If you’re a crafter or someone who likes quick and easy craft projects, you’ll be excited to know that your printer is an awesome resource! Want even better news: you don’t have to spend a lot of money on a great home printer for crafting and printables.
To learn more about how your printer works synergistically with your Cricut machine for Print Then Cut projects read how to calibrate your Cricut for Print Then Cut and make stickers with me step-by-step!
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What Printer Works with Cricut?
In short, any printer can work with your Cricut. It does not matter if you have the Cricut Explore Air 2, Maker, Maker 3, or Explore 3 you can use the same printer across any of these machines because Cricut Design Space can integrate with any of them. Rather, the question is which Cricut printer is best for your craft printing needs.
The Best Printer for Cricut Machines
Before I list out my favorite printers let me give you a bullet point checklist of important questions to ask yourself when you are looking at any printer. That way if you are considering one that is not on this list you at least know how to make the best decision for yourself.
Things To Consider When Buying A Craft Printer
- What type of paper can the printer handle?
- Will it only work with thin copy paper? Or can it handle photo paper or cardstock? I strongly recommend making sure your printer can at least handle photo paper which means it usually can handle light-weight cardstock.
- How does your printer use ink?
- How many pages will you get when you print? More importantly how much does it cost to refill your printer’s ink?
These questions may seem silly but these are major factors when buying the best printer for your Cricut crafting needs! You always want to make sure you are getting the best value for your money and Cricut machines are no different – check out my buyer’s guide for Cricut machines here!
Top 5 Best Printers for Cricut Machines
I will start with the least expensive option and work my way up to what I consider the Cadillac crafting printer!
I have owned most of these printers below and used them with my Cricut machine. The couple of printers that I have not personally used I have fellow creatives who have attested to them being a good companion to their Cricut machines.
Canon Pixma TS3320
The Canon TS3320 is a great option for a better-priced printer that will work well with your Cricut machine and Print Then Cut projects. If you are looking for a compact printer that has quality with affordability then this may be perfect for you.
Here are some valuable things to consider with the Canon TS3320.
Pros
- Very affordable price point for the quality
- Average size. Not overly large
- High yield ink cartridges
- Works with mobile devices
- Wireless connectivity
Cons
- Cannot print on 12 x 12-inch paper
- No borderless printing
HP Printer Envy 6455E
The HP envy strikes a balance between efficiency, price, and quality. The HP Envy would be a mid-ground printer in my opinion and I have known many crafters who have been happy with it.
Pros
- Prints, copies, and scans
- Borderless printing
- Affordable price point
- Affordable ink refills
- Hold 100 sheets of paper in the paper tray
- Works with mobile devices
- Wireless connectivity
- Compact (doesn’t take up much space)
Cons
- Runs through ink slightly faster than others so your ink costs may be higher.
- No separate photo tray
Canon TS6420
Are you seeing a trend? Canon makes good printers! The Canon TS6420 is another affordable option when searching for the best printer for Cricut.
Pros
- Print, copy, and scan
- High yield ink cartridges
- Auto duplex printing
- Can handle thicker paper like photo paper
- Works with mobile devices
- Canon mobile print app is available
- Wireless connectivity
Cons
- No separate photo tray
- Ink costs are higher than other printers
- Less paper capacity
Epson Ecotank
The Epson Ecotank is a good printer for everyday printing but it can also be purchased with the intent to use it as a sublimation printer!
Note: If you plan to use the Ecotank for sublimation you need to fill it only with sublimation ink. The printer cannot go back and forth between different ink types. I have my Epson for sublimation only and then my Canon Pixma TS9521C (next up) for crafting.
If you are searching for a great and affordable sublimation printer to get started with, then the Epson Ecotank is your best option.
Pros
- Can be used as a stand-alone sublimation printer
- Yields high-quality prints
- Long-lasting ink (low print cost)
- Works with mobile devices
- Easy to use
- Wireless connectivity
- Work with cardstock and printable sticker paper
Cons
- Large and heavy
- A little messy to refill. You have to use squeeze bottles instead of cartridges
- Faster print speed than the Canon Pixma
Canon PIXMA TS9521C (My Pick)
For the price and quality, I highly recommend the Canon PIXMA TS9521C printer. It may be a bit pricey at first, but they’re worth it in the long run. But be warned! This printer sells out A LOT! Be sure to check your local Walmart or Best Buy because sometimes they have them. Otherwise, keep checking back here or get on their email list.
Pros
- Yields high-quality prints
- Borderless printing
- Large paper size – 12 x 12 cardstock supported
- 20-sheet Auto Document Feeder
- Scanner
- Long-lasting ink
- Touch screen
- Memory cards can be inserted
- Wireless
- Connect to Alexa
- Front and rear loading tray
- Works with mobile devices
- Canon mobile print app is available
- Wireless connectivity
- Works great with printable sticker paper
Cons
- Large, not portable
- Higher price-point
- Ink refills are a higher cost
- A bit of a learning curve
- Slower print speed when using the highest quality setting
So which of the printers above gives the best results? I can personally say that the Epson EcoTank and the Canon Pixma TS9521C give the best results in my opinion out of those recommended above. Both printers allow you to set the quality of the print to high and it produces a beautiful result. Out of those two, I would say that the Epson EcoTank is superior in ease of use, however, you cannot print as wide as 12 inches as you can on the Pixma.
Likewise, many Cricut crafters want to know which printer is best for creating stickers, and I would say the Canon Pixma TS9521C based on my experience.
How Does Cricut Print Then Cut?
What is the difference between Print Then Cut and a layered SVG?
For those who are beginners to Cricut, you may still be trying to understand how to use Print Then Cut for your Cricut projects so let me give you a comparison here on how Print Then Cut is different from a layered SVG file. If you are looking for more Print Then Cut Cricut projects be sure to check these out here!
Print Then Cut
The best way to understand Print Then Cut is to think of it like this, you printed a colored image out from your computer on your home printer (for example, let’s say a gift tag), and naturally, you would cut the printed gift tag out with scissors by hand.
Print Then Cut replaces the part where YOU have to do the cutting. Instead, your Cricut machine does the work for you with incredible precision! Watch a full Print Then Cut tutorial here!
Layered SVG
So how is a Print Then Cut different from a layered SVG cut file? With SVG cut files, each color is represented by a layer that can be ungrouped and cut out on a specific material and built into a final design.
You will use a material such as vinyl, paper, etc. to build the image out into a craft design.
Printers for Cricut – Crafters Also Asked
What is the best printer for making stickers with Cricut?
The Canon Pixma TS9251C or the Espon Ecotank is the best since it has a rear loading tray which works very well for thicker papers like sticker paper. Learn how to make stickers with your Cricut here!
Does Cricut work with any printer?
Cricut technically works with any inkjet printer! The reason why you may want to consider a specific printer to use with your Cricut is because of the paper type or thickness typical used with a Cricut machine such as cardstock, sticker paper, waterslide paper, printable vinyl, etc. Basic printers meant to handle only copy paper may or may not be able to handle the thicker-weight papers. Before buying a new printer for your Cricut machine be sure to check the specs on your existing one to see if you have a printer that can already do the job!
Can you use a laser printer with Cricut?
There is some confusion as to whether or not you can use a laser printer with Cricut machines. I have personally tested this and found you can use a laser printer with Cricut depending on the material you choose to print on. Laser printers apply the toner with heat so materials such as printable vinyl or waterslide would not be compatible with a laser printer. If you are using just cardstock or plain paper with your laser printer then yes, you can use it with your Cricut machine. In general, it is wise to give yourself all the material options and stick with an inkjet printer for your crafting needs.
What is the best printer for Cricut sublimation?
Using your Cricut’s Print Then Cut feature for sublimation is very popular. I highly recommend the Epson Ecotank with the Hiipoo sublimation ink. It’s important to note that you cannot switch between sublimation ink and regular ink for other Print Then Cut projects. In other words, you need one printer dedicated to sublimation and another for regular inkjet print then cut projects.
I hope this post has been helpful to anyone who is looking to buy or upgrade their printer! What other questions do you have when it comes to finding the best printer for Cricut? What are some other great printers you love to use or craft with? I’m always open to suggestions 🙂
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About Abbi Kirsten
Welcome to my colorful corner of the internet, where we play with vibrant crafts and unlock your creative magic! Hang out with me and get lost in a fun array of projects, tutorials, and products, from stunning papercraft ideas to flower templates, Cricut help for beginners, and endless crafter’s hacks.
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