Mod Maker vs Cricut Mug Press: Which Craft Tool Fits You?
By Michaels Canada | Published: 2026-10-15
Category: Comparisons
A practical comparison of the Cricut Mug Press and the Jonathan Adler x Michaels Mod Maker collection, with clear guidance on which fits your crafting goals.
Quick answer
Choose the Cricut Mug Press if you want to make custom mugs with Infusible Ink and a repeatable heat process. Choose the Mod Maker collection if you want decorative home décor and craft pieces that do not require heat pressing. They are not direct substitutes: one is a mug-making tool, the other is a curated décor and craft line.
What each option actually does
The Cricut Mug Press is a dedicated heat press for Infusible Ink compatible mugs. You create a design with Infusible Ink materials, attach it to the mug, and the press handles the heat and pressure. It has a patent-pending heat plate for consistent results and no manual temperature or pressure settings.
The Mod Maker collection is a limited-edition décor and craft line from Jonathan Adler x Michaels. It includes items such as a tomato-scented ceramic candle, layered rainbow wall art, and a graphic sun stencil. These are finished décor pieces and craft tools, not mug-pressing equipment.
Materials and workflow compared
With the Cricut Mug Press, your workflow centers on Infusible Ink materials and compatible mugs. You need a design, a mug that works with the system, and the press itself. The process is heat-based and designed for repeatable mug customization.
With Mod Maker items, your workflow depends on the product. The stencil is for art creations and home décor updates using paint or other media you supply. The candle and wall art are ready to display. No heat press or Infusible Ink is involved.
Skill level and space needs
The Cricut Mug Press suits crafters who are comfortable preparing Infusible Ink designs and want a dedicated appliance on their work surface. It removes manual temperature and pressure guesswork, but you still need to design and attach the ink correctly.
Mod Maker items have a lower barrier to entry. The stencil can be used by beginners for simple painted projects, while the candle and wall art require no crafting at all. They take up display or storage space rather than a dedicated pressing station.
Where the two overlap and where they do not
Both can contribute to a personalized home, but they do it differently. The Cricut Mug Press creates custom drinkware. Mod Maker pieces add graphic, maximalist style to a room or provide a stencil for handmade décor. If your goal is mugs, the press is the relevant tool. If your goal is quick décor updates or a stencil-based project, Mod Maker is the relevant choice.
Trade-offs to weigh
- Cricut Mug Press: repeatable mugs vs. dedicated supplies: The press automates heat and pressure for consistent mug results, but it requires Infusible Ink materials and compatible mugs to work. Best if you plan to make multiple custom mugs and will keep the supplies on hand.
- Mod Maker décor: instant style vs. no customization: The candle and wall art arrive ready to use, but you cannot change their design or use them to make mugs. Best if you want immediate décor impact without a crafting process.
- Mod Maker stencil: low-cost creativity vs. manual work: The Soleil stencil enables custom painted projects at a low entry price, but you supply the paint, surface, and technique. Best if you enjoy hands-on decorating and want a reusable design tool.
Product facts at a glance
- Cricut Mug Press™: Cricut Mug Press uses Infusible Ink materials and a patent-pending heat plate for consistent results with no manual temperature or pressure settings. You get a repeatable mug-making process, but you must use compatible mugs and Infusible Ink supplies.
- Jonathan Adler x Michaels 6oz. Tomato Scented Ceramic Candle: Jonathan Adler x Michaels 6oz. Tomato Scented Ceramic Candle is a limited-edition décor piece with a fresh tomato scent and an Atlas design on white ceramic. It adds ready-to-display style and scent without any crafting or heat tools.
- Jonathan Adler x Michaels 30" x 30" Love Wall Art: Jonathan Adler x Michaels 30" x 30" Love Wall Art features graphic lettering in layered rainbow colours and is a limited-edition Michaels exclusive. It is a large, ready-to-hang statement piece for maximalist décor, not a customizable craft blank.
Which should you choose?
Choose this if
- You want to make custom mugs with Infusible Ink and a consistent heat press.
- You want a dedicated tool for repeatable mug projects rather than one-off décor.
Skip this if
- You want ready-to-display décor with no crafting or heat tools.
- You prefer stencil-based painting or a low-cost entry into home décor projects.
