And the Maker’s tool system allows for new tools, too - such as the new engraving tool that came out last year. The Maker machines cut up to 300 materials, while the Explore machines cut up to 100 materials. These extra tools allow for some really intricate cuts on less typical materials that you can’t get with the Explore. The biggest difference between the Cricut Explore and the Cricut Maker is the Adaptive Tool System that accommodates more and different blades and tools for the Maker to use - 13 tools on the Maker vs. The Maker cutting machine can do everything that the Cricut Explore machines can do, as well as use the knife blade to cut thick materials like balsa wood up to 2mm deep and use the rotary blade to cut more fragile materials like tissue paper, crepe paper, and fabric. The Cricut Maker machine is one step up from the Explore family, offering the Adaptive Tool System that allows us to use a variety of different tools. ![]() I am a solid Cricut fan, however, and much prefer to use the simple and free Design Space app over the free-to-start Silhouette Studio app with a higher learning curve. Note: I consider the Cricut Explore Air 2 comparable to the Silhouette Cameo 3 (I do have both), but I think the Explore Air 2 is the better machine. Who is the Cricut Explore for? I think the Cricut Explore Air 2 is a great option for those who are just getting started in cutting machine crafting, as they often go on sale and really is a solid cutting machine. And the Air Explore uses Bluetooth as well as a USB connection for versatility. The Explore family of machines also have the Print Then Cut feature, albeit it on white paper only. It can also use the Scoring Stylus, which is useful for paper crafts. The Cricut Explore machines can also use the Deep Cut Blade to cut slightly thicker materials, as well as the Bonded Fabric Blade to cut fabric with a bonded backing. The Cricut Explore Air 2 uses the basic Fine Point Blade and Smart Set Dial to cut various materials, from cardstock to heat transfer vinyl to Infusible Ink. The Explore Air 2 was my very first machine - I never used the Cricut Expression, which is the model that predates it. The Cricut Explore Air 2 is a very popular, all-around great machine at an excellent price point these days. This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Read my full disclosure policy. Let’s look closer at the main differences between these different Cricut machines to help you find the right Cricut machine for you! One machine will do, maybe two if you want portability. ![]() So I now have one of each of the five different Cricut machines, but that does not mean you need them all, too. ![]() And in 2021, two new Cricut machines made their debut: the Cricut Explore 3 and the Cricut Maker 3, which both excel at the long, continuous cut. Later that year, the Cricut Maker machine with its Adaptive Tool System was introduced and I fell in love all over again - the Maker became my best friend overnight! In 2020, a new Cricut machine came out at a lower price point - the cute and portable Cricut Joy. My first experience with the Cricut machine was the Cricut Explore family, which I was introduced to in early 2017 when I got my first machine, a pretty pink Cricut Explore Air 2.
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