A die cutting machine presses paper, card and thin materials through a die to cut or emboss shapes. Manual models use a hand crank, while electric ones feed the sandwich through for you. The opening width decides how large a die plate you can use.
The six machines below include crank, portable and electric models from Sizzix, BAOFALI, BiraBira and Anna Griffin. Details come from each listing page. We have not used these machines ourselves. Compatibility and cutting claims are the makers’ own.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Opening width | Sets the largest plate and die you can run |
| Manual or electric | A crank is simple, while electric feeds for you |
| Portability | Handles, suction feet and fold-up designs help storage |
| Kit contents | Starter kits add dies, folders and plates |
| Compatibility | Check which dies and embossing folders fit |
Specs at a Glance
| Machine | Opening | Operation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sizzix Big Shot | 6 in | Manual | Machine only; pair of standard cutting pads; clip-on handle |
| Sizzix Sidekick | 2.5 in | Manual | Starter kit; vacuum seal base; about 7.75 x 3.5 x 4.75 in |
| BAOFALI mini | About 3 in plate | Manual | 6.3 x 3.8 x 3 in; built-in suction |
| Big Shot Switch Plus | 9 in | Electric | Auto feeder; one-touch reverse; 24 Thinlits and a 3D folder |
| BiraBira | 6.25 in | Manual | Adjustable height gears; folds to about 10 x 6 x 9 in |
| Anna Griffin Empress Elite | Large plates | Semi-automatic | 360 degree turntable; USB port; built-in handles |
The 6 Best Die Cutting Machines
1. Sizzix Big Shot Machine, 6 Inch
The redesigned Big Shot in grey, sold as a machine only with a pair of standard cutting pads. The maker says it has a clip-on handle that stores underneath. The table lists 6 by 6 by 6 inches and a very small surface area, which does not match the 6 inch title.
Suits: a familiar crank machine. Strengths: a clip-on handle and cutting pads. Weaknesses: dies are sold separately and the size data is odd. Skip it if you want a kit with dies.
View Sizzix Big Shot 6 Inch Die Cutting Machine on Amazon
2. Sizzix Sidekick Starter Kit
A portable manual machine with a 2.5 inch opening, a vacuum seal base for a smooth work surface and a starter kit. The maker says it cuts a single sheet of lightweight cardstock or paper and works with Thinlits, Framelits and embossing folders.
Suits: small travel projects. Strengths: a compact body and a kit. Weaknesses: a narrow opening. Skip it if you cut wide plates.
View Sizzix Sidekick Starter Kit Manual Die Cutter on Amazon
3. BAOFALI Mini Manual Die Cutting Machine
A small white machine, 6.3 by 3.8 by 3 inches, with a plastic plate about 6.3 by 3 inches and 3 mm or 4 mm thickness. The maker says it has a built-in suction system and cuts or embosses tissue paper, foil, acetate ribbon and thin leather.
Suits: a small hand machine. Strengths: a tiny body and suction. Weaknesses: small plate area. Skip it if you need a wider opening.
View BAOFALI Mini Manual Die Cutting Machine on Amazon
4. Sizzix Big Shot Switch Plus Starter Kit
An electric machine in white with a 9 inch opening, an automated feeder, a one-touch reverse, an integrated carry handle and non-slip feet. The starter kit adds 24 Sizzix Thinlits and a 3D embossing folder.
Suits: electric cutting with a wide opening. Strengths: an auto feeder and a starter kit. Weaknesses: it needs power. Skip it if you want a crank machine.
View Sizzix Big Shot Switch Plus Starter Kit White on Amazon
5. BiraBira Die Cutting and Embossing Machine
A manual machine with a 6.25 inch feeding slot, an alloy steel body and a height adjustment gear system that the maker says removes mat combinations. It works with acid etched dies, steel rule dies and embossing folders, and folds to about 10 by 6 by 9 inches with a removable crank handle.
Suits: a crank machine with adjustable height. Strengths: a fold-out platform and removable handle. Weaknesses: large when open. Skip it if you want a tiny machine.
View BiraBira Die Cutting and Embossing Machine 6.25 Inch on Amazon
6. Anna Griffin Empress Elite
A gold electric machine with large plates, a semi-automatic operation, a 360 degree turntable for reaching the plates from any side, built-in handles and a USB charging port. The maker says it is up to 10 percent faster than its earlier model.
Suits: a large craft table. Strengths: a turntable and a large plate area. Weaknesses: the speed claim is the maker’s. Skip it if you have little desk room.
View Anna Griffin Empress Elite Electric Die Cutting Machine on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Match the plate stack to the die thickness the maker lists.
- Clean cutting pads with a dry cloth.
- Store the handle with the machine.
- Use the suction or non-slip feet on a smooth surface.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a machine narrower than your dies.
- Skipping the cutting pads.
- Forcing thick material through a small manual model.
- Forgetting that dies are often sold separately.
Die Cutting Machine FAQ
Manual or electric?
Manual models use a crank. Electric ones, such as the Switch Plus and Empress Elite, feed for you.
Do all dies fit?
Not always. Check each listing for compatible die types.
The Short Version
For a familiar crank, the Big Shot. For small trips, the Sidekick. For a tiny hand machine, the BAOFALI. For electric with a kit, the Switch Plus. For an adjustable crank, the BiraBira. For a large electric table, the Empress Elite.
