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How is a Cricut Maker Different than a Cricut Explore?

By Lydia

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A comparison of the Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore Air 2 along with answers to the most FAQs! via @lydioutloud
This post and the photos within it may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

The Cricut Maker has been an absolute game changer to my crafting life. Let’s break down what the Cricut Maker is, how it differs from the Cricut Explore series and why you will want one!

What is the Cricut Maker and what can I do with it?

I was lucky enough to be in Salt Lake City with the entire Cricut team, other bloggers and Cricut fans to see the reveal and presentation on the Cricut Maker. If you haven’t used one let me just tell you, this machine is a true marvel! I literally use mine almost every day (these are some of my favorite ways to use it!) I get a lot of questions from my friends, email subscribers and blog visitors about what the difference is between the new Cricut Maker and the Cricut Explore Air. Let’s take a look-see and answer some of those FAQs and compare the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Explore machines.

How is a Cricut Maker Different than a Cricut Explore?

The technology behind the Cricut Maker machine is beyond imagination and took years to develop. When is comes to the Cricut Maker vs. the Explore Air, it’s all about the the adaptive tool system. In addition to the fine point and deep cut blades that can also be used in the Cricut Explore Air, the Maker can also use the knife blade and rotary blade, so it has the capability to cut even more materials than the Explore can. The great thing about all of the research and testing that went into the production of the Maker is that it will be able to add additional functionality in the future. Since the Cricut Explore series does not have the adaptive tool system, the rotary blade and knife blade can only be used with the Maker.

The Cricut Maker Adaptive Tool System

Update! An amazing batch of Cricut Maker tools has launched with the awesome QuickSwap Housing system. There is a Fine Debossing Tip, Engraving Tip, Scoring Wheel (single and double), Wavy Blade and a Basic Perforation Blade. Stay tuned for some fun projects using these new tools.Cricut QuickSwap Tools

What can the Cricut Maker cut?

Soooo many things! Too many to list here honestly, but with the knife and rotary Cricut Maker blades, the Maker can cut materials from the thinnest, most delicate fabrics and papers (even crepe paper!), to thick and hard materials like basswood, genuine leather, heavy chip board and so many more materials and fabrics in between.

I already have a Cricut Explore, do I really need a Cricut Maker?

The Maker is an amazing machine with technology out the wazoo. It does not mean that the Explore Air/Air 2 is obsolete! There will still be free projects that are exclusive to the Explore, there will still be Design Space updates and new features that will be designed for the Explore as well. It’s not like an old smart phone where the updates and new apps/features won’t work on the “old” machines. I see many folks still using their original Cricut machines and they still work magnificently. However, if you want to be able to use the many tools that the adaptive tool system enables you to do, then yes, you do need a Cricut Maker!

Cricut Explore Air 2 material dial

I already cut fabric and felt with my Cricut; what makes the Cricut Maker different?

No.backing.needed! The fluid cutting of the rotary blade means no fraying or pulling at fabrics/felts, etc. You guys have seen that I love my cutting fabric with my Cricut for no-sew crafts, right? You’re hearing it first here… with all of the patterns available for the Maker and the fabric pen, I might just take up sewing! I’m thinking about a series… Lydi Learns to Sew… What do you think? 😉  Anyway, I digress…Cricut Rotary Blade

I have a deep cut blade, why would I need the Cricut knife blade?

The Maker exclusive Knife Blade works like an X-ACTO knife to slice through heavier materials up to 2.4 mm. Cutting basswood is one of my favorite things!

Cricut Knife Blade

It’s kind of pricey. How will I get my money’s worth?

I have paid for my Cricut Explore many times over through all of the gifts, home decor, accessories and party décor that I’ve made. You will still be able to make everything you make on the Cricut Explore but with so much more. The quality of products you can make with the Maker will not only cost less than buying in a store, but will have your unique touch that will mean so much to those who you gift with your creations and will add your personal style to your home décor, crafts and accessories.

I made this chart to help simplify some of the key features/differences between the Maker and Explore Air for quick and easy reference.

Cricut Maker vs. Cricut Explore Air?

So what do you think about the Maker? Please feel free to ask any other questions, I’m happy to answer any of them! You can  find great Cricut Maker bundles at Cricut.com and check some of my favorite Cricut Maker projects here!

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.

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Comments

  1. Lori says

    July 18, 2019 at 3:36 pm

    How user friendly is the Maker compared to the Explore Air 2?
    I’m finally going to take the Cricut leap and I would hate to have something learning to work is like trying to learn a different language.

    Reply
    • Lydia says

      July 21, 2019 at 5:37 pm

      Hi Lori! Although I consider them both to be user friendly, I think the Maker is even MORE user friendly and intuitive than the Explore Air 2. For example, when you’re working with the Maker, there is a dropdown menu in Design Space when you go to cut a project. It lists every single material you could possibly cut so you don’t have to guess where you would turn the dial on the Explore Air 2 for materials that aren’t on the dial or try to manually change cut settings. The Maker does that for you and tells you which blade to use for each type of material.That’s just one example but I haven’t heard any feedback from anyone (beginner Cricut-er to advanced) that they found the Maker difficult to use. As you learn it and dig in to projects, feel free to shoot me another message or email me with any questions and I can help. Most of all, enjoy it! It is by far my favorite crafting tool! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Shateviah Ransom says

    August 17, 2018 at 11:25 pm

    Do the machine do embroidery

    Reply
    • Lydia says

      August 24, 2018 at 3:19 pm

      Hi Shateviah! No it doesn’t. That would be pretty amazing if it did, though! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Jennie says

    December 9, 2017 at 2:52 pm

    I love my new Maker BUT, it makes a really loud sound when it is getting ready to cut and moving back and forth on the spool. Is that normal??

    Reply
    • Lydia says

      December 26, 2017 at 9:35 pm

      Hi Jennie, isn’t it amazing?! Yes that’s totally normal, there’s a lot of technology working in those gears. 😉 Happy New Year to you!

      Reply
  4. Kelsy says

    October 24, 2017 at 6:41 pm

    I’m on the fence about buying this machine and have been waiting for the knife blade to come out as my main interest is cutting heavy materials. It is almost the end of October and I have not seen any video’s on the knife blade. Is it still coming out this month?

    Reply
    • Lydia says

      October 28, 2017 at 10:26 am

      Hi Kelsy! I haven’t heard any update on the knife blade launch date, I’m excited to try it too!

      Reply
  5. Marie says

    September 19, 2017 at 10:47 am

    This is an amazing machine. I hope to get one for Christmas!
    Thanks for the great explanation. It sounds user friendly which I love!

    Reply
    • Lydia says

      September 19, 2017 at 11:10 am

      I hope you get one too Marie, so much fun and creativity to be had! 🙂 I’m so glad you found it helpful and you’re exactly right, it IS very user friendly!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 50 Easy Cricut Projects for Beginners - Lydi Out Loud says:
    December 31, 2020 at 11:11 am

    […] in the universe!) You can find the key differences between a Cricut Explore and a Cricut Maker here and you can see the unique features of the Cricut Joy […]

    Reply

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Hello! I'm Lydi, thank you for stopping by! I'm a recipe creator (and taster!), beauty product hoarder, DIY-er, Buckeye fanatic and lover of home decorating (and peanut butter).
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