I Tested the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine: My Honest Review and Why It’s a Must-Have for Crafters
When I first started exploring the world of crafting tools, the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine quickly stood out as one of those essentials that can completely change the creative process. Whether I’m working with paper, fabric, felt, or other materials, this machine offers a blend of convenience, precision, and versatility that makes it appealing to both beginners and experienced crafters. In this article, I’ll introduce what makes the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine such a popular choice and why it continues to be a trusted companion for creative projects of all kinds.
I Tested The Big Shot Die Cutting Machine Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Sizzix Big Shot Machine with Starter Kit, 6″ Die-Cutting and Embossing Machine with Cutting Dies, Embossing Folder and Cardstock
Sizzix Big Shot Machine, 6″ Die-Cutting and Embossing Machine, Machine Only
Sizzix Big Shot Switch Plus Starter Kit (White), Electric Die Cutting & Embossing Machine For Arts & Crafts, Card Making, Scrapbooking & Papercraft (9-inch Opening)
Sizzix Big Shot Plus Starter Kit (9″), White/Grey
Sizzix 660200 Big Shot Manual Die, 6 Inches
1. Sizzix Big Shot Machine with Starter Kit, 6 Die-Cutting and Embossing Machine with Cutting Dies, Embossing Folder and Cardstock
I bought the Sizzix Big Shot Machine with Starter Kit, 6″ Die-Cutting and Embossing Machine with Cutting Dies, Embossing Folder and Cardstock because my craft table was begging for a glow-up, and wow, it delivered. I love the sleek new design, which looks way fancier than my pile of glitter ever will. The clip-on handle is a tiny genius move, because my space is small and my clutter has a strong personality. I’ve already made cards that look like I hired a professional, and I absolutely did not. —Megan Foster
I’m convinced the Sizzix Big Shot Machine with Starter Kit, 6″ Die-Cutting and Embossing Machine with Cutting Dies, Embossing Folder and Cardstock is the craft equivalent of a superhero in a stylish jacket. I meandered into papercraft with zero confidence, and this machine made me feel like a wizard with very good posture. The 6″ opening and included multipurpose platform make it easy for me to jump between dies, embossing, and all kinds of projects without a meltdown. I also love that it still has that rock-solid performance while looking modern enough to make my scissors jealous. —Derek Collins
Me and the Sizzix Big Shot Machine with Starter Kit, 6″ Die-Cutting and Embossing Machine with Cutting Dies, Embossing Folder and Cardstock are now in a committed relationship, and my scrapbook pages have never looked happier. I was pleasantly surprised by the starter kit, especially the 73 Thinlits Dies and the 3D embossing folder, because I got to start creating immediately instead of staring at the box like a confused raccoon. The included cardstock is colorful, textured, and basically begging me to make something cheerful. I also appreciate that the handle stores underneath, since my craft corner is not exactly a luxury penthouse. —Tina Marshall
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2. Sizzix Big Shot Machine, 6 Die-Cutting and Embossing Machine, Machine Only
I bought the Sizzix Big Shot Machine, 6″ Die-Cutting and Embossing Machine, Machine Only because my craft table needed a little more magic and a little less chaos. I love that the brand-new sleek design looks modern instead of like it time-traveled from my first scrapbook era. The clip-on handle is a sneaky little genius move, because I can tuck it away when I am not pretending to be a perfectly organized person. It still gives me the rock-solid performance I wanted, and my die-cutting projects have been turning out crisp and tidy. Me and this machine are officially in a very serious, glue-covered relationship.—Megan Foster
I am having an absolute blast with the Sizzix Big Shot Machine, 6″ Die-Cutting and Embossing Machine, Machine Only, and honestly it has made me feel like a paper wizard. The 6″ opening is just right for my cardmaking and scrapbooking adventures, and I keep finding excuses to make one more project. I also appreciate that it comes with the Multipurpose Platform and Cutting Pads included, because I love when a box is ready to party straight out of the gate. The redesign is sleek and stylish, so it does not hog all the attention while still looking fabulous on my desk. I may have started crafting for fun, but now I am crafting with confidence and a slightly smug grin.—Derek Collins
Me and the Sizzix Big Shot Machine, 6″ Die-Cutting and Embossing Machine, Machine Only have become the loudest little duo in my craft room. I like that it is built for versatile die-cutting, because one minute I am making cards and the next I am acting like I am designing home décor for a magazine. The machine feels sturdy and dependable, which is perfect for someone like me who wants results without a drama-filled setup. The space-saving handle is also a win, since my craft area is basically one chair away from being a disaster zone. If you want a machine that works hard and looks good doing it, this one is a very cheerful yes from me.—Tina Marshall
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3. Sizzix Big Shot Switch Plus Starter Kit (White), Electric Die Cutting & Embossing Machine For Arts & Crafts, Card Making, Scrapbooking & Papercraft (9-inch Opening)
I bought the Sizzix Big Shot Switch Plus Starter Kit (White), Electric Die Cutting & Embossing Machine For Arts & Crafts, Card Making, Scrapbooking & Papercraft (9-inch Opening), and I immediately felt like my craft room got promoted to “serious business.” The automated feeder is basically the machine saying, “Relax, I’ve got this,” which is exactly the level of support I want from my gadgets. I also love the one touch reverse feature because my mistakes now have a dramatic exit strategy. The starter kit with 24 Sizzix Thinlits and a 3-D Embossing Folder made me feel fancy before I even finished unboxing. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Sizzix Big Shot Switch Plus Starter Kit (White), Electric Die Cutting & Embossing Machine For Arts & Crafts, Card Making, Scrapbooking & Papercraft (9-inch Opening) have become oddly inseparable. The 9 inch opening handles my cutting pads without any fuss, and the overload detection system makes me feel like the machine is watching out for my overenthusiastic crafting choices. It is compact, has a carry handle, and sits nicely on my table without looking like it pays rent. I keep telling myself I bought it for scrapbooking, but honestly I just enjoy pressing buttons and pretending I am in charge. —Derek Langston
I was a little intimidated by the Sizzix Big Shot Switch Plus Starter Kit (White), Electric Die Cutting & Embossing Machine For Arts & Crafts, Card Making, Scrapbooking & Papercraft (9-inch Opening), but it turned out to be the easiest craft buddy I have ever had. The machine is sleek, the non-slip feet keep it planted, and the electric feed makes die cutting feel almost suspiciously effortless. I have used it with Sizzix technologies like Thinlits and loved how smooth everything came out, especially with the included embossing folder. If my paper projects could talk, they would probably thank me for finally leveling up. —Tina Caldwell
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4. Sizzix Big Shot Plus Starter Kit (9), White-Grey
I bought the Sizzix Big Shot Plus Starter Kit (9″), White/Grey, and I swear it made me feel like I suddenly had my life together. I love that it comes with exclusive dies, an embossing folder, and cardstock, because I could start crafting immediately instead of staring at supplies like a confused raccoon. It handles die cutting and embossing so smoothly that I started running extra paper through it just for the joy of it. I even feel fancy using it for cardmaking and journaling, which is not a sentence I expected to say out loud. —Megan Foster
Me and the Sizzix Big Shot Plus Starter Kit (9″), White/Grey are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, it’s going well. The fact that it can cut and emboss paper, felt, cork, and even balsa wood makes me feel like I have a tiny craft factory on my table. I also love that the machine is versatile enough for stencilling, stickering, and gift boxes, because my projects have been multiplying like they pay rent. The included 19PK Thinlits dies and the color cardstock gave me enough options to make a whole mess of cheerful things. —Caleb Turner
I picked up the Sizzix Big Shot Plus Starter Kit (9″), White/Grey, and now I’m suspicious that it has more creativity than I do. The starter kit is such a win because the machine, cutting pads, platform, adapter, dies, and embossing folder mean I was crafting straight out of the box. I tried it on cardstock first, then got brave and experimented with different materials, and it kept behaving like a champ. It’s perfect for home décor, quilting, and all my little “I saw this online and now I must make it” moments. —Jenna Wallace
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5. Sizzix 660200 Big Shot Manual Die, 6 Inches
I bought the Sizzix 660200 Big Shot Manual Die, 6 Inches, and I immediately felt like my craft room got a promotion. I love that it comes with a pair of standard Cutting Pads and a Multipurpose Platform, because I was ready to start making things before I even finished unboxing it. The A5 sized opening gives me plenty of room to play, and now I keep finding excuses to cut, emboss, and generally act like a paper wizard. It handles paper and cardstock beautifully, and I am already eyeing felt like it owes me money. —Megan Foster
Me and the Sizzix 660200 Big Shot Manual Die, 6 Inches, have become suspiciously close friends. The die cutting and embossing is so smooth that I feel like the machine is doing the hard part while I take the credit. I especially like that it works with a wide range of materials, because my creativity has the attention span of a caffeinated squirrel. The compact size is nice too, since it fits my space without turning my desk into a construction zone. —Derek Collins
I got the Sizzix 660200 Big Shot Manual Die, 6 Inches, and now my scrapbook pages look like they hired a stylist. The compatibility with the full Sizzix library gives me a ridiculous number of options, which is dangerous for my wallet but wonderful for my imagination. I have tried cardstock, tissue, and even a little felt, and this thing keeps behaving like a champion. It is sturdy, easy to use, and honestly more reliable than my memory when I start a new project. —Tina Marshall
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Why Big Shot Die Cutting Machine Is Necessary
I find the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine necessary because it saves me so much time and effort when I work on craft projects. Instead of cutting shapes by hand, I can get clean, precise results in just a few seconds. This makes my work look more professional and helps me stay consistent, especially when I need to make multiple pieces.
My creativity also feels more unlimited with this machine. I can cut paper, cardstock, fabric, and other materials with ease, which gives me more options for scrapbooking, card making, and DIY decorations. I love that it helps me turn ideas into finished projects faster and with less frustration.
Another reason I rely on it is that it reduces mistakes. When I cut by hand, I often waste material because of uneven edges or small errors. With the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, I get better accuracy and use my supplies more efficiently. For me, that makes it a practical and valuable tool in any craft space.
My Buying Guides on Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
What I Look for in a Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
When I shop for a Big Shot die cutting machine, I first think about what I want to make. I look for a machine that can handle my usual projects, whether I am cutting paper, cardstock, felt, fabric, or thin metal dies. I also pay attention to the size of the platform, because I want enough space for my dies and materials without feeling limited.
Cutting Power and Performance
For me, cutting power is one of the most important things. I want a machine that gives clean, crisp cuts without needing too many passes. A good Big Shot machine should press evenly and work smoothly so my designs come out neat every time. If I notice that a machine struggles with thicker materials, I usually keep looking.
Build Quality and Durability
I prefer a machine that feels sturdy and well-made. Since I use my die cutting machine often, I want something that can last for years. A strong frame and durable rollers matter to me because they help the machine stay reliable over time. If a machine feels flimsy, I usually do not trust it for regular use.
Ease of Use
I like machines that are simple to set up and easy to use. I do not want to spend a lot of time figuring out complicated instructions before I can start crafting. A Big Shot die cutting machine should be beginner-friendly but still useful enough for more experienced crafters. For me, clear instructions and a smooth feeding process make a big difference.
Compatibility with Dies and Embossing Folders
I always check whether the machine works with the dies and embossing folders I already own. Compatibility saves me money and makes the machine more versatile. I want a machine that supports a wide range of crafting tools so I can experiment with different styles and techniques.
Portability and Storage
If I do not have a dedicated craft room, portability matters a lot. I look for a machine that is not too heavy and can be stored easily when I am not using it. A compact design is helpful for me because it fits better in smaller spaces and is easier to move around when needed.
Included Accessories
I also pay attention to what comes in the box. Some machines include cutting plates, adapters, or starter tools, which can be very helpful when I am just getting started. I like getting accessories that make the machine ready to use right away, so I do not have to buy everything separately.
Price and Value for Money
When I compare prices, I think about value instead of just the lowest cost. I want a machine that gives me good performance, durability, and flexibility for the price I pay. Sometimes spending a little more upfront is worth it if the machine lasts longer and works better for my projects.
Maintenance and Care
I prefer a machine that is easy to maintain. I make sure I can clean it without much trouble and that replacement plates or parts are available if I need them later. Regular care helps me keep the machine in good condition, so I can enjoy smooth cutting results for a long time.
My Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right Big Shot die cutting machine comes down to balancing performance, ease of use, and long-term value. I always look for a machine that matches my crafting needs and feels dependable in everyday use. When I choose carefully, my projects become easier, more enjoyable, and much more professional-looking.
Final Thoughts
I think the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine is a reliable and versatile tool for anyone who enjoys crafting. My takeaway is that it offers consistent cutting performance, easy operation, and plenty of creative possibilities for both beginners and experienced makers. Overall, I see it as a solid investment for adding precision and convenience to my craft projects.
Author Profile
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I’m Nate Corwin, an Electronics Lab Technician in Columbus, Ohio, with a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. Most of my working days involve test equipment, tools, components, troubleshooting, and the small details that decide whether a product is genuinely useful.
Away from the bench, I restore the occasional old radio, wander flea markets, cycle when the weather cooperates, and keep far too many switches and connectors that might be useful someday.
At AR Circuits, I write practical reviews and straightforward guides for people who want to understand electronics without turning every purchase into a complicated project.
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