How We Research
Every guide on PerkyLoft starts with one question: will this product work for the person who is shopping for it? For our cutting machine guides, that means the projects you want to make and the materials you want to cut.
Here is how we answer it.
1. We start with your projects
Cards, vinyl decals, iron-on shirts, felt and fabric can each point to a different machine. A machine that suits stickers may not suit fabric.
We check the cutting widths, the materials the maker lists and the tools in the box. When your projects limit the choice, like thick materials or long vinyl rolls, we say what to check.
2. We compare specs and features
We look at cutting width, supported materials, blade and tool types, connection options, print then cut and what comes in the bundle.
We also note the warranty terms the maker lists, and whether the maker ties features to a design app. When a detail comes from the maker, we say so.
3. We look at buyer feedback
We read through what buyers report after using a machine. We look for patterns, like mat problems, blade wear, connection trouble or cuts that tear.
One angry review doesn't sink a product. A pattern does.
4. We score each product
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. A product that's great for one buyer may score lower in a guide written for another.
Scores spread out on purpose. A 10 is rare.
5. We keep pages up to date
Products change, and some disappear from stores. Cricut sells several machines and bundles with similar names, so we check each model name and code before we write about it.
When we update a guide, the "Updated on" date at the top changes with it.
What our picks are not
Our picks are research, not lab tests. We don't claim to have cut with every machine we cover.
Our guides don't replace the maker's manual. For blades, heat tools and power, follow the maker's steps.
We aren't affiliated with Cricut, Silhouette or Brother. We use their names only to describe their products.