So. I'm ready to get my Cricut but my question is this (or these):

Knowing that Cricut will be releasing the Cricut Cake ($400) do those of you who already own and use a Cricut see any reason to buy the cake specific one? Might there be features better for gumpaste than the presently used machines? Or do you think the "cake" is just painted on to be able to charge more for it. I don't own nor have I used a Cricut machine but can't see how/why there would be much difference since I don't hear any complaints about using the current models and cartridges with gumpaste.

Second question is which is the better current model for cake decorating?

I'm so ready I just don't want to get one and find out there was a better option!

Thanks for reading and for your time and input!

Hi CakeDiosa,

For me personally, I got the Cricut Expression because I not only love making cakes, but I really like making cards/crafts. I just got mine last week and am amazed at what I can do with it. I ordered 2 more cutting mats and a deep blade/housing on ebay a few days ago and am waiting for them to arrive so I can start experimenting with gumpaste. I also purchased Make The Cut software so I can use my own fonts and images. I'm thinking about purchasing Sure Cuts a Lot (SCAL2) too but haven't made up my mind yet. I just finished making the cutest birthday card and am so tempted not to give it to her (but I will of course). If you're only going to do cake, you might want to get the new Cake Cricut but my feeling is that if the Expression can do both, why limit yourself to one or the other?

since we already have an expression at our bakery we are using that right now. there are plenty of problems, but we make it work. the boss already preordered the cake because it seems to work so much better. the food safe issue just adds to the reasons to get the cake i think.
if you read jennifer and tobais' blog, they have the cake and the expression in a big retail bakery and did a comparison - to me there is no question the cake does both paper and food, is safer and cuts thicker materials. if i had to do it i would get the cake

honey

You can check out the differences for yourself on my blog http://www.cuttingedgecakeart.com No matter what you decide it has side by side compairisons.

I have the small personal one I got for about $100 which I will use for paper when I get my cricut cake which I pre-ordered for $319. I looked at Jennifer's blog and decided the cake performs much better for the cake world. Plus I want the bigger mat which I don't have with the personal.

I guess my brain starts to turn off after 11pm. If you do cakes for a business I would recommend the Cricut Cake. After all, it's faster and designed for your industry. I'm just a hobby baker and, at least for right now, cannot justfy the cost of buying both machines.

Pippilotta - your designs are beautiful!

I have an expression, and I'm not about to drop another chunk of change on the cake model. If my expression ever kicks the bucket, then I might, but I also use it for papercrafts, so even then I'm not so sure. The expression works great for cakes, to me.

After seeing the differances on Jennifer's blog I will be keeping my expression for paper crafts and I pre ordered the cricut cake. www.cutncrop.com has a pre order special until 3/31/10 for just a little over $300

Pippilotta, what beautiful cakes, please share with me was this gumpaste, on your personal cricut what pressure did you use speed, and give me your details. It seems like I have struggled with tearing and not a clean cut. your are beautiful

I have never used a cricut before but I'll definitely be buying the cake one... will I be able to make stencils with it? I saw pippilottas cake above and hadn't thought about being able to make stencils...

Hi,
in this post are sooo many informations for settings and the gumpaste
http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=648533&postdays=0&postorder=asc&&start=0

"After seeing the differances on Jennifer's blog I will be keeping my expression for paper crafts and I pre ordered the cricut cake. www.cutncrop.com has a pre order special until 3/31/10 for just a little over $300"

Tiggy,
When I go to the link posted to pre order the cricut, I get a price of $344.99. Is that what you meant by a little over 300? Or did I miss out on
the better deal?

Thanks!

I thought it was $50 off?

Wow! Thank you ALL for your input! I was just sitting here wondering why I hadn't received a response to this post - I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED... weird!

So, I just read all this and will go and read the blogs mentioned but it sounds like maybe I'll do the cake one.

Hmmmm....off to read the blogs and comparisons!

Again, thank you all! Such a HUGE help!!!

FYI:

I saw a demo with the cake unit... you can use fondant,gumpaste,MMF,ANYTHING!! can be use with a pretty thick or super thin piece.... the blade is made specifically for sugar paste.... and it's with a larger mat....

HTH