I have been working with Cricut for about 5 years now, and was there for the launch of the original Cricut Explore machine. The Explore has become my favorite crafting tool and has helped me make creating easier and a lot more fun! I'm really excited about the new Cricut Maker machine, and this post is to help you learn the differences between the machines so you can find which one is right for you!
Here's a visual chart to help show the differences between the Explore machines and the Maker. If you currently own a Cricut Explore machine, don't worry. It's not disappearing anytime soon, and it's still just as useful as ever.
The Cricut Explore One is the most affordable, and the perfect machine for beginners. It has everything you need to cut, write, and score 100's of materials, and is incredibly easy to use. Research has shown that the majority of consumers are creating with vinyl and iron-on vinyl (HTV). This machine will do that without a problem! In fact, the machine also has the easy-to-use Smart Dial to help you get the cut settings right every time.
The Cricut Explore Air is the next step up in the Explore family. It can do everything the Explore One can, but with the difference of the Double Tool Holder to cut/write or cut/score in one step. It also has Bluetooth connectivity without an additional adapter so you can create wirelessly.
The Cricut Explore Air 2 is the latest Explore machine. It does everything the other Explore machines can do, but with the capability of cutting and writing 2x faster!
The Cricut Explore One is the most affordable, and the perfect machine for beginners. It has everything you need to cut, write, and score 100's of materials, and is incredibly easy to use. Research has shown that the majority of consumers are creating with vinyl and iron-on vinyl (HTV). This machine will do that without a problem! In fact, the machine also has the easy-to-use Smart Dial to help you get the cut settings right every time.
The Cricut Explore Air is the next step up in the Explore family. It can do everything the Explore One can, but with the difference of the Double Tool Holder to cut/write or cut/score in one step. It also has Bluetooth connectivity without an additional adapter so you can create wirelessly.
The Cricut Explore Air 2 is the latest Explore machine. It does everything the other Explore machines can do, but with the capability of cutting and writing 2x faster!
The Cricut Maker is a whole new cutting machine for those who are obsessed with "making" projects and learning new skills. The machine has the sleek design of the Explore machines, but with some important upgrades. The Double Tool Holder is still being used, but now uses a specially calibrated Adaptive Tool System to allow you to cut even more materials with even more tools. This system is important, because when Cricut comes up with even better tools for the machine (you know it will happen), you won't need to upgrade your entire machine again. The Cricut Maker grows with you as you master each new craft!
You can use your blades and tools from previous Explore machines, however, the new tools can only be used in the Maker.
You can use your blades and tools from previous Explore machines, however, the new tools can only be used in the Maker.
On the side of the machine, you'll see a USB port for you to connect and charge your tablet or smartphone devices while it sits on the loading dock on the top of the machine so you can see and use your device while creating your projects.
If you're an Explore fan right now, you might also notice something that's missing from this side of the machine... Yep, the Smart Dial is gone! Honestly, I was pretty nervous about this at first. I didn't know what I was going to do without it now that the dial has become one of my favorite features on the Explore machines.
After testing the Maker, I found it to be such a time saver with the way the new technology has been set up. Before you cut your project in Design Space, you'll need to select your material out of 100's listed (kind of like the "Custom" setting with the Explore). Once you've chosen your material, the machine automatically calibrates to cut it perfectly!! Isn't that genius?! My mind was definitely blown.
If you're an Explore fan right now, you might also notice something that's missing from this side of the machine... Yep, the Smart Dial is gone! Honestly, I was pretty nervous about this at first. I didn't know what I was going to do without it now that the dial has become one of my favorite features on the Explore machines.
After testing the Maker, I found it to be such a time saver with the way the new technology has been set up. Before you cut your project in Design Space, you'll need to select your material out of 100's listed (kind of like the "Custom" setting with the Explore). Once you've chosen your material, the machine automatically calibrates to cut it perfectly!! Isn't that genius?! My mind was definitely blown.
On the opposite end of the machine, you'll find the tool holder. It has been split into two parts, and the base of the storage is now lined with a rubber material so that if you drop your scissors or a blade into it, you aren't going to damage those crucial sharp tips. There's also a lot more storage on the inside door of the machine for you to keep your tools, blades, and more without having to play Tetris to get it all to fit!
With the Adaptive Tool System comes some new and exciting tools to help you to create virtually any project you can imagine. Different than the Deep Cut Blade, the Knife Blade will seamlessly cut through up to 2.4 mm (3/32") thick, which means more projects made of chipboard, balsa wood, thick leathers and more!
On the opposite end of the spectrum, you'll also be able to cut thinner materials as well - think tissue paper, crepe paper, lace, and more!
On the opposite end of the spectrum, you'll also be able to cut thinner materials as well - think tissue paper, crepe paper, lace, and more!
The Knife Blade is intelligently designed to cut using several passes. First with a lighter scoring line, then it adds more force as it cuts through the core of the material, and ending with a lighter pass to get a clean cut. You'll be able to cut through those thick materials with even more force than the Deep Cut Blade, with the precision of an X-ACTO knife. This blade will be sold separately and available in October.
The Knife Blade will be perfect for making puzzles, skeletons, architectural models, wall art, and more. Pictured is Stephanie the Stegosaurus, which is made with 3/32" (2.4mm) basswood.
You can also create projects with faux AND genuine leather. Hone up your leatherwork skills by making unique accessories like this Folded Clutch, jewelry, keychains, bows and more! For more inspiration, browse the Cricut Design Space leather projects.
Like your typical rotary blade used for sewing projects, the Cricut Rotary Blade allows you to quickly and accurately cut any fabric of your choice directly on the Cricut mat without any backing material! From silk, to lace, to even burlap, you can create any sewing project in just seconds with no sweat!
The machine also comes with a new pink mat made just for fabric and a pink fabric blade (different than the Rotary Blade), so it eliminates the need for backing your material. You can also get a Cricut Washable Fabric Pen that will draw the pattern markings straight on the fabric. If you feel confident in your sewing skills, you can turn this option off before cutting. Because the Maker is all about helping you become a "Maker" yourself, you can also find a Cricut Sewing Kit to help you with your projects! This kit includes 8 inch fabric sheers, seam ripper, pin cushion with pins, measuring tape, thread snips, and a leather thimble.
Making things like this Sewing Caddy, 18-inch doll clothes, fashion accessories, quilts and more are now something I think I'm going to become more confident in creating. I can't wait to share more of these kinds of projects with you in the future!
So now that you're "in the know" about the Cricut Maker, the big question is - Is it time to upgrade to this machine? Like I mentioned before, the Cricut Explore machines are not going anywhere anytime soon. There will still be support there to help you and new designs being made to use with your machine for a looooong time. If this is for you, I'd definitely recommend the Cricut Explore Air 2.
The Cricut Maker is the perfect machine for those wanting to take their projects to the next level. With all the technology and thought put into the details of this machine, we are ready to bring on a whole new generation of MAKERS. If you are interested in the most accurately-cut vinyl, saving time cutting fabric for sewing projects, or want to try leather/wood working, this machine is definitely for you!
No matter what you choose, you won't go wrong with Cricut.
What will YOU make with the Cricut Maker?
