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The Best Embossing Machines make it easy to make interesting, one-of-a-kind cards, labels, and personalized gifts out of a wide range of materials. In the past, these were all manual tools, but now you can also get digital ones. These can even be used to press images onto leather to make crafts and gifts that look like they were made by a professional.
Getting a good embossing machine is a great way to step up your making game, just like getting one of the best Cricut machines is a great way to do so. And luckily, we have some suggestions for you that won’t break the bank. We put together this list based on customer feedback and our own knowledge. Check out how we test craft and sewing machines if you want to learn more about how we test things.
We’ve put together a list of the best embossing machines on the market right now. You can choose between electronic and manual machines, depending on what you prefer. With the first one, all you have to do is press a button, which makes everything quick and (almost) hands-free. With the second one, all you have to do to get even compression across your cloth is turn a handle. If you aren’t sure what you want, scroll down to see our tips on how to choose a stamping machine.
Best Embossing Machines Comparison Table
| Embossing Machine Model | Type | Size | Compatibility | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sizzix Big Shot Switch Plus | Manual | 14.25″ x 12.375″ x 6.625″ | Paper, cardstock, fabric, felt, foam, and thin metal | Includes multiple cutting and embossing dies, adjustable platform, and compatibility with other brand dies | $119.99 |
| Bira Craft Die Cutting & Embossing Machine | Manual | 13.4″ x 6.7″ x 5.9″ | Paper, cardstock, and other thin materials | Comes with adjustable plate, easy-to-use handle, and compatible with other brand dies | $79.99 |
| Gemini Twin-Function Cutter & Embosser Machine | Electric | 14.17″ x 7.87″ x 6.61″ | Paper, cardstock, fabric, and thin metal | Automatic pressure control, high-pressure system, and compatibility with other brand dies | $229.99 |
| Spellbinders Die Cutting and Embossing Machine | Manual | 14.5″ x 12″ x 6.5″ | Paper, cardstock, and other thin materials | Comes with cutting and embossing plates, adjustable platform, and compatibility with other brand dies | $149.99 |
| Sizzix Sidekick Starter Kit | Manual | 7.75″ x 4.75″ x 3.5″ | Paper, cardstock, and other thin materials | Includes cutting and embossing dies, portable size, and compatibility with other brand dies | $49.99 |
| Vevor Leather Cutting Machine | Electric | 18.9″ x 14.2″ x 13″ | Leather, rubber, and other thicker materials | Adjustable cutting depth, precision cutting, and compatibility with multiple blade types | $549.99 |
| We R Memory Keepers Mini Evolution Embossing Machine | Manual | 10.25″ x 4.25″ x 5″ | Paper, cardstock, and other thin materials | Includes cutting and embossing plates, portable size, and compatibility with other brand dies | $49.99 |
Sizzix Big Shot Switch Plus
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | Manual die cutting and embossing machine |
| Compatibility | Accommodates Sizzix dies and embossing folders |
| Cutting Width | Up to 6 inches |
| Cutting Thickness | Up to 1/8 inch |
| Switchable Functionality | Easily switch between cutting and embossing |
| Weight | Approximately 7.5 pounds |
The Sizzix Big Shot Switch Plus is one of the best die-cutting and embossing tools on the market, and it’s finally caught up with Cricut and Silhouette. Sort of. Even though this new machine is all digital, it doesn’t use an app to do the embossing. Instead, it uses the same metal tools that you may be used to from manual machines.
The Sizzix Big Shot Switch Plus uses the same metal die cutting process. You put your material and pre-sized templates into the machine, and it uses pressure to stencil, emboss, or cut the patterns. But because it is digital, this can be done by pressing a button, and the machine will figure out how much power to use and feed the material through. It’s a great machine, especially if this is how you’re used to embossing (and it now also comes in a cool shiny black finish).
The Good
- Versatile switchable functionality
- Compatible with a wide range of Sizzix dies and embossing folders
- Portable and lightweight design
The Bad
- Limited cutting width
- Requires manual operation
Bira Craft Die Cutting & Embossing Machine
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | Manual die cutting and embossing machine |
| Compatibility | Compatible with most thin metal dies |
| Cutting Width | Up to 3.8 inches |
| Cutting Thickness | Up to 1/8 inch |
| Weight | Approximately 4.4 pounds |
We’ll start with the Bira Craft Die Cutting & Embossing Machine, which is the best embossing machine on the market right now. Why do we like it so much? First of all, it has a gear system that lets you change the height of the platform for different projects. It also has a 9-inch slot hole and a cutting surface that folds up and can be taken with you.
So, not only is it big enough for full-sized A4 jobs, but it’s also a good choice for being portable. Also, you can store the handle underneath the cutting area when you’re on the go. There are three modes to choose from, and the dial at the top lets you change them. There is a die cutting mode as well as a 3D stamp and a 2D letterpress emboss.
The Good
- Compact and lightweight
- Can accommodate a variety of thin metal dies
- Easy to use and portable
The Bad
- Limited cutting width
- Manual operation can be time-consuming for larger projects
Gemini Twin-Function Cutter & Embosser Machine
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | Electric die cutting and embossing machine |
| Compatibility | Suitable for most thin metal dies and embossing folders |
| Cutting Width | Up to 9 inches |
| Cutting Thickness | Up to 1/8 inch |
| Dual Functionality | Can cut and emboss simultaneously |
| Weight | Approximately 20 pounds |
Gemini and its products are quite different from most other embossing tools and brands on the market because they come with many useful features. Gemini’s Twin Function embossing machine is second on this list because it is the only machine on this list that is automatic.
Since it is an automated choice, the size of the cutting platform, which is 6 inches by 8.9 inches, is a bit small. This automatic machine does both die-cutting and stamping, as its name suggests. It is a bit on the portable side because the cutting board isn’t very big. It comes with a 1-year guarantee on the motors to make sure they work well.
The Good
- Electric operation for effortless cutting and embossing
- Large projects need a wide cutting width.
- Having two uses at once saves time.
The Bad
- Heavier and less portable compared to manual machines
- May require additional accessories for optimal performance
Spellbinders Die Cutting and Embossing Machine
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | Manual die cutting and embossing machine |
| Compatibility | Compatible with most thin metal dies and folders |
| Cutting Width | Up to 6 inches |
| Cutting Thickness | Up to 1/8 inch |
| Weight | Approximately 5.5 pounds |
Spellbinders is another name you might want to think about if you need a large embossing machine for heavy-duty use at home or in the office. This Spellbinders PE-100 Platinum 6.0 embossing machine is in third place because it is another great choice for buyers on a budget. Even though the price isn’t too high, the cutting area is still pretty big at 6 inches by 12.28 inches.
As you might expect from a cheap product, this one is also a manual embossing machine that uses a lever to cut and stamp. Since this is a low-cost option, the quality of its construction isn’t the best. Spellbinders still comes with a 1-year guarantee, which is good.
The Good
- Easy-to-use manual operation
- Accommodates various thin metal dies and folders
- Portable and lightweight
The Bad
- Limited cutting width
- Requires physical effort for operation
Sizzix Sidekick Starter Kit
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | Manual die cutting and embossing machine |
| Compatibility | Compatible with Sizzix Thinlits and Framelits |
| Cutting Width | Up to 2.5 inches |
| Cutting Thickness | Up to 1/16 inch |
| Weight | Approximately 1 pound |
If you want to get into crafts and are new to embossing, the Sizzix Sidekick Starter Kit is a great choice. It was made to meet all of your artistic needs. It comes with everything you need to get started, like aqua cutting pads and thinlit dies, as well as a lot of different stamps and embossing folders to help you make things like birthday cards, thank-you cards, and flower designs.
This portable machine can cut, emboss, and stencil thin materials like cardstock, paper, and vellum. It is made to work with wafer-thin dies and embossing files up to 2 1/2 inches wide. Even experienced users will like how easy it is to use. It can also be used on any smooth surface thanks to a special pressure seal that keeps it in place. This is great for crafters who are always on the go!
The Good
- Compact and portable design
- Ideal for small, intricate projects
- Compatible with Sizzix Thinlits and Framelits
The Bad
- Limited cutting width and thickness capacity
- Not suitable for larger or thicker materials
Vevor Leather Cutting Machine
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | Electric leather cutting machine |
| Compatibility | Designed for cutting leather and other fabrics |
| Cutting Width | Variable (depends on machine model) |
| Cutting Thickness | Variable (depends on machine model) |
| Weight | Variable (depends on machine model) |
If you frequently work with leather, the Vevor machine is the one that is going to serve you the best. This embossing machine is both sturdy and long-lasting thanks to its construction with 45-pound cold-drawn steel that has been given a black oxide finish. It is also capable of managing substantial leather cutting operations.
It is able to withstand a greater load because to the integrally forged double needle bearing and dual guiding shafts that it possesses. This contributes to the fact that it is very reliable. In addition, the pressure relief PP pads ensure that it is capable of withstanding pressures of up to one thousand pounds. It is useful for working with a wide range of difficult materials.
The Good
- Specifically designed for cutting leather and fabrics
- Electric operation for efficient and precise cutting
- Variable cutting width and thickness options to suit different needs
The Bad
- Specific compatibility limits its usage to leather and fabric materials
- The specifications may vary depending on the machine model
We R Memory Keepers Mini Evolution Embossing Machine
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | Manual embossing machine |
| Compatibility | Compatible with embossing folders and dies |
| Embossing Width | Up to 3 inches |
| Weight | Approximately 3 pounds |
If you want a cheap starter kit for an embossing machine for smaller craft projects, you don’t have to look any further. The We R Memory Keepers machine is small and easy to move, so it works best in small areas. It comes with a sticky top that keeps the machine from moving around on the table while you work.
You also get 50 pieces of paper, 50 cutting plates, 50 embossing folders, 50 dies, and 50 cutting plates. The cutting plates are good quality and don’t warp, but you can’t get new plates for them. Since this machine is only good for small craft projects, it would work well as a partner to a larger embossing machine.
The Good
- Compact and portable design, suitable for on-the-go crafting
- Compatible with various embossing folders and dies
- Ideal for smaller embossing projects
The Bad
- Limited embossing width may not be suitable for larger designs
- Manual operation requires physical effort
FAQs
A: An embossing machine is a device that presses patterns or designs onto paper, cardstock, or other materials, creating a raised or 3D effect.
A: Using an embossing machine can add texture and dimension to paper crafts, enhance the appearance of handmade cards and invitations, and create unique designs on scrapbook pages and other projects.
A: Key features to consider when selecting an embossing machine include the size and compatibility with different materials, the type of embossing plates or folders that can be used, and the ease of use and portability.