Name: Cricut Maker vs. Cricut Explore: What’s Different, What’s Best - Jennifer Maker
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Cricut Maker vs. Cricut Explore: What’s Different, What’s Best - Jennifer Maker

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Skip to contentShare the love!Cricut is the BEST ever craft tool. I kid you not. Cricut changed how I craft for the better (read my story here). And as of August 20, 2017, there is a new Cricut on the scene — the Cricut Maker. I am pretty frugal, so I thought long and hard about whether I really need another Cricut. I spent a lot of time researching the new cutting machine and I found that the Cricut Maker has some significant differences. So let’s put these cutting machines head-to-head — Cricut Maker vs. Cricut Explore — and see how they compare.Trying to decide between the Cricut Maker and Silhouette Cameo 3? I have a comparison of that as well over at Cricut Maker vs Silhouette Cameo 3: What’s Different, What’s Best?But before I get too far, let me introduce the Cricut to those who are unfamiliar. Cricuts are computer-guided cutting machines. They cut precisely and FAST. They cut over 100 materials up to 12″ x 24″ in size. They are essentially little CNC machines, but oh so much easier to use than the big ones that cut plywood and metal. Cricuts are the ultimate DIY cutting machine.The Cricut Maker takes this to a whole new level by introducing several new blades — a rotary blade, a knife blade, a wavy blade, a perforation blade, an engraving tip, and a debossing tip. The rotary blade allows you to cut fabric without any backing material and the knife blade lets you cut thick things like leather and thin wood. You can read about the other blades (wavy, perforation, engraving, and debossing here!) The new blades glide and roll, and are very adaptive. The rotary blade can even be used to cut super thin and wrinkly materials, like tissue paper and crepe paper. (Hello, crepe paper flowers!) The Cricut Maker can control&nbsp;the direction of the blade and the cut pressure to match your material It’s a game-changer for makers like me and you.This post is NOT sponsored nor affiliated with Provo Craft, the makers of the Cricut machines; it my 100% honest opinion and review.&nbsp;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)!&nbsp; Read my&nbsp;full disclosure policy.Quick Links to Information in this PostCricut MakerCricut ExploreList price$399 (on sale right now - lowest price ever!)$299 (on sale right now - lowest price ever!)Fine-Point or Deep-Cut Blade(You can cut all the same paper and vinyl on the Maker that you can cut on the Explore)Rotary Cutting Blade(This is what cuts fabric without the need for any backing)Knife Blade(This is what cuts leather and wood)Scoring Tool(This produces a better score)(can only use the scoring stylus, not the scoring tool)Sewing Patterns(Via Cricut Access)Machine colorsChampagne/grey (standard color), rose, blue, and lilacLots of colors to chose from (I have a rose and mint one)Some more differences between the Cricut Maker and the Explore:In the battle of Cricut Maker vs. Cricut Explore, which is best? Because I love to sew and just generally make things with fabric and leather, the Cricut Maker is likely going to be more useful for me in the long run. I want to make ALL the things. If you are primarily a papercrafter, the Explore will probably suit your needs just fine! If you are a sewer (sewist?) or want to do more intricate cutting and scoring, go for the Maker.I hope this helps you decide whether or not you need the Maker or the Explore. If you have questions, let me know!Love,P.S.&nbsp;Want to learn more and make the most of your Cricut? check out my Cricut Coach Playbook, filled with over 65 printable one-page diagrams that show you how to do all the popular tasks in Cricut Design Space!&nbsp;&nbsp;Jennifer, is the cricut maker the same size as the Explore Or is it a bit larger/longer do you know? ThanksReplyVery informative post! I’m looking at getting my first cricut and even though I “think” the Explore would be enough, I don’t want to limit my possibilities straight out of the box you know? Your post is from August, what could you add about likes and dislikes to either machine now that it’s been a couple months?ReplyHi Jennifer! This is the first time I’m visiting your blog. I found it in a search when I was looking for advice as to whether I needed a Cricut Maker when I already have an Explore. Thank you for your input. I’m still not sure I want to or should spend the extra money for a Maker, as I don’t know if I’d use it enough to justify it. I am a sewer, but mostly quilts and things like that, and I already have an Accu Quilt GO. I think I’ll take your advice and wait a while to see what others think of the Maker.ReplyHello, I’m a fairly new SAHM and I’m looking tp get crafty amd possibly makw some extta money. I was wonderingif you could help me decide which to purchase . I believe starting off ill just be ,aking personalized items, shirts, and such. Would you say the cricut is only good for ppl that sew?ReplyI am purchasing either the Air 2 or the maker for my daughter for Christmas. Right now we are using the old personal cutter that someone gave us when we upgraded. We absolutely fell in love with it and now want to upgrade. I am so much on the fence between the two newer machines. I just don’t know if I can justify the extra money for the Maker. Plus I would have to purchase the cartridge adapter to use all the cartridges I purchased to go with the one we use now. The reason we want to upgrade is mainly because of the size restriction (5½ “) on the personal cutter, and the fact that you can’t purchase too may die sets anymore because everything is on-line. And, oh yes the use of the pens in the newer models. I don’t foresee a need to cut fabric – but then again who knows… Seeing that we are fairly new to all of this , do you think I should just stick to the Air2??ReplyHi Jrnnifer,You said, “The Cricut Maker does not have the Open button or the SmartSet material dial found on the Explore..” How crucial is this? Does it make a huge difference? I’ve never had a Cricut at all and I’ve used a friend’s Cricut Expression just a handful of times. However, I figure, why not go for the gusto? My only question is this….Is the Maker the gusto?🙂 KristaReplyHi Jennifer – my wife does a lot of crafts, primarily woodworking. She had told me that she would like to get a Cricut because she wanted to make stencils to put letters and numbers on her wood signs/plaques. She won’t be using it much for fabric or leather.Which Cricut do you recommend?ReplyThe Cricut Maker take the mat all the way in and out again, and then the cutting tool goes all the way to the far right and does a little dance before the machine is ready to cut. Why??? Maybe I’d be more patient if I knew the reasons behind it.ReplyI hope to get the new cricut maker i sew a lot and teaching my 9 year old to sew I think t he pattern cutting will be cool. I want a cricut the little toy of the cricut that you received the other day. what are my chances? I’m also in my second month of the 30 day craft room organizing challenge. It is taking me longer, I’m not lazy but seem to always have to go some place. I’m painting the kitchen currently. my Epson printer broke they are sending me a new one but I wonder what type of printer do you use?ReplyHi! I am looking to purchase one of the cricuts. I’m mainly going to be making signs and putting designs on bottles and shirts. Which would you think would be a good choice for me?ReplyThanks so much for taking the time to write up this review. It was very helpful and I will be saving up for the “Maker” now thanks to this detailed report.ReplyHi, I just came across your blog while trying to make a decision on which machine will be best for me. I’m interest in make shirts and cups for my daughter sweet 16. Also i love to be crafty so will the explore limit me from that im new to this whole cricut worldReplyHi! Thank you for your informative post! I am about to purchase a Cricut but I don’t know if I should spend the extra money for the Maker. I plan on making stuff for my classroom and for my son (shirts, puzzles, etc.) Do you think the Explore is sufficient enough, or would it be worth it to upgrade to the Maker?ReplyI plan on using the cricut for cutting felt to make quiet books. Which machine would cut felt the best?ReplyCan you not use the accessories like the knife cutting blade(for wood) on the explore if you purchase them separately?Replythank you so much for your post! it helped me a lot!!ReplyPingback: Make Print Then Cut T-Shirts with Your Cricut the RIGHT Way! | Nikkies TutorialsPingback: Cricut Tool Bench: A Craft Tool Holder &amp; Organizer Made on the Cricut Explore or Maker!! – Crafty KeeperHi Jennifer! Thanks so much for explaining everything. I’m leaning towards the explore ($) because I only do vinyl and paper. However, if I wanted to cut a simple pattern for a stuffed toy for example, would I be able to do this on the EXPLORE?ReplyThis site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.I inspire you to make crafts and decorate your home. Follow along on my DIY adventures, reconnect with your creativity, and learn more about me here.More Recommended Posts

Skip to contentShare the love!Cricut is the BEST ever craft tool. I kid you not. Cricut changed how I craft for the better (read my story here). And as of August 20, 2017, there is a new Cricut on the scene — the Cricut Maker. I am pretty frugal, so I thought long and hard about whether I really need another Cricut. I spent a lot of time researching the new cutting machine and I found that the Cricut Maker has some significant differences. So let’s put these cutting machines head-to-head — Cricut Maker vs. Cricut Explore — and see how they compare.Trying to decide between the Cricut Maker...

Cricut Maker vs. Cricut Explore: What’s Different, What’s Best - Jennifer Maker

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