Hi,
Most ppl have the Makins Clay Extruder, at least when i was looking to get one, thats what ppl had. I have it and i love it!! Its inexpensive and very handy for me 
I'm sure others might have other brands to share with you as well.
I too have the Merkins clay extruder that I got at hobby lobby. It was $25, less 40% off coupon and a $15 gift certificate I got for my birthday. I ended up paying just over $1 (due to taxes) for it! I've seen it offered online for about $60, and that did NOT include S&H. A rip off, if you ask me! Definitely shop around.
I bought Makins over the red/black one because:
a) cheaper
b) can fit more in the barrel
c) the red/black one has lots of little parts that can break, and if they do you need to buy a whole new one.
The only drawback is that the red/black one can be used with one hand, the green Makins one can't. But I have never found that to be a problem. You turn the handle a few times and it keeps on coming out even after you've finished turning.
Yes to the Makins green extruder. Here's some tips...be sure and grease the inside of the tube with some crisco...and rub some on your fondant or gum paste as well before inserting. It makes it a LOT easier to push out and easier to clean. And that's another thing...Makin's extruder is easy to clean and it MUST be cleaned thoroughly after your project is over.
No matter how much I wipe the tube and the screw-in area, little tiny pieces of fondant and gumpaste get between the grooves and can harden and make it difficult to screw all the way in the next time you use it. I just took mine partially apart and you wouldn't believe the gunk that was up at the top! I soaked it in hot soapy water and took a toothpick to get stuff out of the grooves and now it's like it's brand new. I LOVE my extruder!
I just ordered one but I'm not sure what to do with it, other than branches and swirls.
I thought the same thing when I got mine, but have used it for loads. Hair, bumble bee stripes, bumble bee stingers, borders, long sausages to cut tiny circles from, loads of stuff! You'll find that when you're doing your cake you'll know when it's useful.
After doing research, the "Walnut Hollow" extruder got the best and highest reviews over any other brand including the Makins. I don't like the Makins personally, and I bought the Walnut Hollow. You can get at Micheals and try and use a coupon for a good deal. AC moore does NOT carry this brand. Good luck
I have a Walnut Hollow extruder and I love it. Got it at Michaels.
Im not sure what brand mine was but I got it at micheals... I lost one of the disc yesterday though (i think I accidentally through it away) I hope I can replace it
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