Overall Rating: 4.6/5
This Cricut Maker 4 review covers real-world cutting performance, materials, and how Design Space fits into an everyday workflow. We also answer two big questions crafters ask before they buy: do you need an EasyPress 3 for iron-on projects, and is the Maker 4 bundle better value than buying the machine on its own?
What’s in the Bundle
Contents vary by retailer, but a typical Cricut Maker 4 + EasyPress 3 Iron-On Combo includes:
- Cricut Maker 4 machine with Fine-Point Blade and housing
- StandardGrip and LightGrip mats
- Premium Fine-Point pen
- EasyPress 3 heat press in the selected size
- Iron-on materials and a starter tool set (weeding tool, scraper, spatula)
- USB power and safety base for the EasyPress
- Trial access to Cricut Design Space features and sample projects
This mix lets you design, cut, weed, and press right away.
Design and Build
Maker 4 keeps Cricut’s clean, compact footprint and adds stronger motors for faster, smoother cuts. It is compatible with Smart Materials for matless cutting on longer decals or banners. The dual tool carriage accepts pens and blades so you can draw and cut in the same pass.
EasyPress 3 sits in a heat-safe base and has a simple display with temperature and timer. Compared with a traditional iron, plate heat is even across the surface so transfers adhere consistently.
Setup and App Experience
- Design Space (desktop and mobile) walks you through your first cut with clear prompts for material, mat, and blade. Templates and ready-to-make projects help beginners move quickly.
- Cricut Heat app pairs with EasyPress 3 via Bluetooth. You pick your material and base fabric and the app sends the correct temperature and time to the press. That removes guesswork for common transfers.
Tip for new users: update firmware the first time you connect both devices, then run the sample sticker or iron-on included in the box to confirm alignment and heat.
Ease of Use and Workflow
- Design a graphic or choose a ready project in Design Space.
- Cut on the Maker 4. For iron-on, mirror the design. Use Smart Iron-On for matless cuts or a StandardGrip mat for sheet material.
- Weed the excess vinyl with the pick tool.
- Press with EasyPress 3. Preheat fabric for a few seconds. Place the design, press with recommended temp and time, then peel warm or cool based on material.
After one or two projects, the steps feel routine. The guided settings in Cricut Heat reduce wasted vinyl from guessing.
Performance and Material Range
Cutting
- Everyday and glitter iron-on, adhesive vinyl, paper, cardstock, label stock, faux leather, and thin wood with the right blade.
- Fabric cuts are clean when you stabilize fabric with a backing.
- Long decals with Smart Materials save time since you skip the mat.
Pressing
- The EasyPress 3 heats quickly and keeps temperature steady to the edge. Transfers look uniform and edges stay down with the right pressure.
- The heat base and timer lower the risk of scorching compared to a home iron.
Heat Guide Quick Reference
Always check the material’s instructions and do a test press. These common settings are a helpful starting point.
| Material | Temp | Time | Peel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everyday Iron-On | 315°F | 30 sec | Warm |
| Glitter Iron-On | 330°F | 30 sec | Warm |
| SportFlex Iron-On | 305°F | 30 sec | Cool |
| Infusible Ink Transfer Sheet | 385°F | 40 sec | Warm |
| Infusible Ink Pens on Coasters | 400°F | 60 sec | Warm |
Use a firm, heat-safe surface. Apply medium pressure unless your material guide says otherwise.
Real Life Uses
- Family tees and jerseys for school events, fundraisers, and team days
- Labels and pantry decals with Smart Vinyl
- Holiday gifts like personalized aprons, tote bags, mugs with press-on sublimation blanks, and ornaments using cardstock
- Teacher projects such as bulletin letters and classroom rewards
- Side hustle runs for simple orders like birthday shirts or bachelorette sets
For Families, Teachers, and Small Shops
- Parents get fast, durable transfers that survive the wash when pressed correctly.
- Teachers can batch letters and shapes for boards without hand-cutting.
- Side sellers can fulfill small orders with consistent results and minimal space.
Maintenance and Running Costs
- Replace Fine-Point blades when cuts start to tug or snag. Keep a few on hand.
- Cutting mats last longer if you keep the protective cover on and clean lint after use.
- Iron-on costs vary by finish. Everyday iron-on is the value pick for bulk family shirts. Glitter and specialty films cost more but elevate gifts.
- Store EasyPress on its base. Avoid leaving it face down on fabric when hot.
Safety Notes
- Keep hands clear of the EasyPress plate. Use the base every time you set it down.
- Pre-press garments to remove moisture. Press on a firm, heat-safe mat or board.
- Ventilate when cutting specialty materials and follow Cricut’s material guidelines.
Comparisons
- Maker 4 vs Explore 3: Maker 4 supports a wider tool set and more materials. Explore 3 is fine for vinyl and paper. Choose Maker 4 if you want fabric, thicker materials, or more headroom.
- EasyPress 3 vs EasyPress 2: EasyPress 3 adds Bluetooth control and guided heat settings. If you want push-button simplicity with fewer mistakes, pick the 3.
- EasyPress 3 vs clamshell heat press: A clamshell can reach higher pressure for production runs but is larger and louder. EasyPress 3 is compact and family friendly for home use.
Value for Money
This bundle gives you everything you need to start with iron-on projects plus headroom for more advanced materials. Buying machine and press together usually costs less than piecing items separately. If you plan to make more than a handful of shirts, labels, and gifts each season, the time saved and the quality difference over a home iron make the bundle a good value.
Pros
- Maker 4 cuts cleanly across a wide material range
- EasyPress 3 delivers even heat with app-guided settings
- Smart Materials enable matless, longer cuts
- Strong starter tool set and materials to learn quickly
- Compact footprint that works on a dining table or craft cart
Cons
- Ongoing cost for vinyl, mats, and replacement blades
- Design Space requires a steady internet connection for most features
- Learning curve for weeding intricate designs and aligning multi-color layers
- Not a high-pressure press for heavy production runs
FAQ
Do I need a separate heat press if I buy this bundle
No. EasyPress 3 handles most home iron-on and infusible projects. A clamshell press is only needed if you want higher pressure for commercial runs.
Can the Maker 4 cut thick materials like balsa or chipboard
Yes with the correct blade and settings. Always check Cricut’s material list and plan slow passes for very thick stock.
Will iron-on last through washes
Yes if pressed with the right temp and time, then washed inside out on cold and low-heat dried. Pre-press garments to remove moisture.
Is Design Space beginner friendly
Yes. Use ready-to-make projects first, then move to text and simple shapes. There is a learning curve for advanced layering and print-then-cut.
What size EasyPress should I choose
9×9 inches works for baby and youth sizes. 10×12 inches is better for adult tees and tote bags. Pick the size that matches your most common project.
Final Thoughts
The Cricut Maker 4 + EasyPress 3 Iron-On Combo is a complete, approachable system for families, teachers, and side hustlers who want professional looking results without industrial gear. The guided apps reduce mistakes, the press gives consistent heat, and the machine grows with you as you try new materials. If you plan to make gifts, team gear, or a small run of shirts this season, this bundle is easy to recommend.
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