Which to buy... A Sizzix Bigshot or a Provocraft Cuttlebug?

Well, you've decide to take the plunge and buy a die-cutting machine. But you have no idea which one to buy! You've noticed that the Bigshot and the Cuttlebug have large followings, but you don't know what the difference between the two is. You jump on the online discussion boards to try and glean some wisdom from other crafters, but it just leaves you feeling more confused! Here is our definitive guide to the pro's and con's of both machines, to help you make an easy and informed choice!

Sizzix Bigshot

Pro's:

• Sturdy, makes "cranking" the dies and embossing folders through the machine a breeze
• Can fit the newer, wider Sizzix dies
• Comes with all of the plates that you need for basic die cutting and embossing
• The cutting "sandwich" or "stack" is easy to remember as the combinations are printed on the spacer platform
• Easier to cut different materials, such as fabric, felt and chipboard

Cons:

• Large and heavy, making it difficult to transport 
• Doesn't fold up, so it is difficult to pack away and store
• Slightly more expensive than the Cuttlebug (retails for $149), but includes all of the needed plates

Cuttlebug

Pro's:

• It folds up and is very lightweight making it the more portable machine
• It is easier to pack away and store
• Slightly less expensive than the Bigshot (retails for $129), although the machine doesn't include the plate needed to cut wafer thin dies (a C Plate)

Con's:

• The fact that it is lightweight and has a retractable handle make it harder to "crank" dies and embossing folders through the machine
• Some newer Sizzix dies are too wide to fit through the machine
• You have to invest in a C Plate in order to cut wafer-thin dies, such as Spellbinders
• The cutting "sandwich" or "stack" of the plates is harder to remember
• Harder to cut different materials

In summary, the Bigshot is a better investment if you're looking for a machine that is easy to use, however a Cuttlebug is the winner if you want a machine that you can transport, or if you are short on space and need to store it away.

Hopefully this will make your decision a little easier!

- Heather