Choose the Die-Cutting Tool that’s Right for You

We’ve compiled a complete comparison and review of several die-cutting tools to help make the decision of which to buy easier on you. We’ll look at ease of use, price, size, versatility, and die selections for each of the following seven tools:

A) Boss Kut
B) QuicKutz Squeeze
C) Sizzix Machine by Ellison and Provo Craft
D) Sizzix Sidekick by Ellison and Provo Craft
E) The Wizard™ Embossing and Die Cutting System™ by Spellbinders™
F) ZAZ™ by AccuCut®
G) Zip’eMate™ Personal Die Cutting Machine by AccuCut®

Ease of Use
If ease of use is your main concern, you’ll want to look at three primary factors: time, simplicity and success.

Consider the preparation time it takes for each cut, such as adding foam to the die, finding the right cutting mats, creating a “sandwich” with the varying layers, and pressing the die using the tool. Look at the learning curve for how difficult it is to understand the instructions for using the tool, how many adapters and extra pieces you need to have for the different types of dies, and how easy it is to physically press the die. Finally look at how well the machine made the cut.

Based on ease of use, we ranked the die-cutting tools in the following order from easiest to most complicated:

1. Sizzix Sidekick
2. QuicKutz Squeeze
3. Sizzix Machine
4. Zip’eMate™
5. Boss Kut
6. The Wizard™
7. ZAZ™

Price
If you’re scrapping on a budget, price will be a major consideration as you choose which die-cutting tool to purchase. Don’t forget to look at more than just the tool price as you research. Make note of the prices for accessories, replacement cutting mats, dies and storage containers that you may want to purchase.

We’ll look at the basic prices for the tool, alphabet sets, shape dies, and adapters. You can visit each manufacturer’s web site for pricing information about storage totes, specialty accessories, and replacement cutting mats.

Based on the price of the tool, we ranked the die-cutting tools in the following order from cheapest to most expensive:

1. Sizzix Sidekick
2. ZAZ™
3. Sizzix Machine
4. Zip’eMate™
5. QuicKutz Squeeze
6. Boss Kut
7. The Wizard™

Size
Size may be a deciding factor for you if you don’t have very much space to store your tools and supplies, plan to carry your die-cutting tool with you to crops, and/or want to use large-sized dies. There are several variables to think about in regard to size: storage space needed for the tool, cutting area available, and storage space needed for the dies. You’ll also want to consider the weight of the machine and the dies if you plan to carry them with you to crops.

Based on the footprint for each tool, we ranked the die-cutting tools in the following order from smallest to largest:

1. ZAZ™
2. Sizzix Sidekick
3. QuicKutz Squeeze
4. Boss Kut
5. Sizzix Machine
6. The Wizard™
7. Zip’eMate™

Die storage was ranked in the following order from least storage space needed to the most storage space needed for the dies:

1. QuicKutz Squeeze
2. Boss Kut
3. ZAZ™
4. The Wizard™
5. Zip’eMate™
6. Sizzix Sidekick
7. Sizzix Machine

Versatility
If you want to be able to use dies from several companies with one tool or want to use specialty features such as embossing, versatility will be important in your search. While most tools are made primarily for their own dies, many of them will also accommodate the dies from several or all of the other companies. By choosing a tool with more versatility, you can significantly increase the variety of die selections available to you.

Based on the versatility of using dies from different manufacturers, we ranked the tools in the following order from most versatile to least versatile:

1. The Wizard™
2. Zip’eMate™
3. Sizzix Machine
4. ZAZ™
5. Sizzix Sidekick
6. Boss Kut
7. QuicKutz Squeeze

Alphabet and Shape Die Selections
The style and variety of the die selections are another major factor to consider. Especially if you choose a tool with less versatility with other manufacturer’s dies, you’ll want to be sure that the die selection for your tool is appealing to you. This factor is ever-changing as each manufacturer releases new designs, but you can often get a general feel of the size, style and design of each manufacturer’s selection. You may be partial to alphabets, shapes, themed kits, or embossed designs. Look closely at the type of dies that you would be most interested in purchasing to see which best matches your personal style.

Since this element is based primarily on personal tastes and opinions, we did not rank the die selections. You can learn more about the die selections by clicking on the more detailed descriptions of each of the tools below and visiting the manufacturer’s web sites:

A. Boss Kut (A)
B. QuicKutz Squeeze (B)
C. Sizzix Machine (C & D)
D. Sizzix Sidekick (D)
E. The Wizard™ (E)
F. ZAZ™ (F)
G. Zip’eMate™ (F & G)

Now that you’ve learned all about each of the different die-cutting tools available, you can use this information to make a more educated decision. Remember that even though one particular tool might not have ALL of the features you want, you can prioritize your needs to choose the tool that best fits your criteria.

More Reviews
To read user-reviews or to add your own reviews of these die-cutting tools please see each tool’s listing in the Product Review section of Scrapjazz.com:

Boss Kut Reviews
QuicKutz Squeeze Reviews
Sizzix Machine Reviews
Sizzix Sidekick Reviews
The Wizard™ Reviews
ZAZ™ Reviews
Zip’eMate™ Reviews

Product names, descriptions, images, and trademarks used throughout this article are used for editorial purposes only, with no intention of infringing on trademarks.