My honest review: From Silhouette Cameo to Cricut Maker and back – with heart, hurdles and a clear conclusion for plotter fans.
✂️ Cutting with heart and hurdles – My journey from Silhouette Cameo to Cricut Maker and back again
A few years ago, I received a Silhouette Cameo plotter as a gift. I was curious, but somehow I didn't quite click with the machine. I thought, "Plotting probably isn't for me." That is, until I happened to try the Cricut Maker – robust, intuitive, and powerful. I was thrilled and soon found myself at the checkout to buy one for myself.
🤓 Fine print? I always read it afterwards…
What I overlooked: The Cricut software requires a monthly subscription – €8.99. Cancelable, of course, but still something to be aware of before buying. I'm the type of person who reads the instruction leaflet after buying. My Silhouette Cameo ended up as decoration in our BrandBox CRAFT display in The BrandBox showroom, and when I wanted to do some cutting, I used the Cricut.
💬 One workshop, one customer, one exchange
At one of our plotter workshops in 22145 Braak near Hamburg, a lovely customer – a true plotter expert – was present. She saw my Silhouette Cameo 4 and suggested I give it a try. She herself only had version 3 and was thrilled with her machine. Wanting to make her happy, I swapped my Cameo 4 for hers. So now the "older" version is on display in our BrandBox CRAFT.
😬 And then came the rubber ring…
Shortly after, a rubber ring in the Cricut Maker came loose – the mat was no longer being fed in properly. Anyone who uses a cutting plotter knows: vinyl is expensive , and when the machine malfunctions, it's incredibly frustrating. I contacted Cricut customer service right away. Unfortunately, my machine was no longer under warranty . Ordering a replacement part? Repair service? Forget it. I was told to send a video and photos – they'd find a solution.
📧 Email ping-pong and a subscription that keeps running
I sent everything – and heard nothing. So I called again. "Email not received." Sent it again. Called again. This went on for four months . My subscription, of course, continued as well. So I had exchanged my Silhouette 4 for a 3, and the Cricut was broken. Mild frustration began to set in. But Cricut managed to increase it even further, because customer service finally said:
"Throw away the machine and buy a new one from us."
😡 Sustainability? Not a chance.
I was stunned. A high-quality machine, just a minor defect – and the solution is to throw it away ? I posted my experience on our The Brand Box Instagram account. The response was huge. Many had similar problems. Then, surprisingly, the Cricut Instagram account got in touch. Friendly, solution-oriented – but still no spare parts . After some back and forth, I received a new machine. You can probably guess why. Sounds good? Not quite.
📦 A new machine that I'm not using
The new Cricut Maker 4 is sitting unopened in storage . I'd simply lost interest. And the kicker: my old machine was deactivated by the Cricut server . Even if I'd repaired it, it would never cut again. Other users have told me that Cricut machines are tied to the original purchaser and can't be transferred. Is that really true? I wouldn't be surprised.
💡 Back to the silhouette – and finally thrilled
I recently tried out my Silhouette Cameo 3 in a workshop. And what can I say? I'm thrilled . Yes, it feels a bit flimsier than the Cricut, but it can do so much . The software is free , and with a little practice – or a helpful customer to assist you – it's a definite recommendation .
🧵 Conclusion: Between frustration, slides, and friendship
Plotting is like real life: sometimes it goes smoothly, sometimes a rubber band comes loose. I've learned that not every shiny machine offers shiny service – and that an "older" Silhouette with a helpful customer (friend) by your side can bring more joy than a brand-new Cricut in its box.
My tip:
📌 Read the fine print
📌 Listen to your gut feeling
📌 And above all:
Don't get discouraged – sometimes the solution is already in your BrandBox CRAFT 😉 (I should have listened to myself sooner.)
🟢 Cricut Maker – Advantages
- High-quality workmanship and modern design
- Powerful motor, even for thicker materials
- Intuitive operation and large community
🔴 Cricut Maker – Disadvantages
- Software only usable with a paid subscription
- No repair service or spare parts available
- Higher price
🟢 Silhouette Cameo – Advantages
- Free, powerful software
- Flexible and versatile
- Cheaper to purchase
- No subscription required, no user commitment
🔴 Silhouette Cameo – Disadvantages
- The workmanship appears somewhat less high-quality.
- The software requires some training.
✅ Both machines cut and plot equally well – in the end, your workflow, budget, and the question of subscription or no subscription will decide.
