Cricut Maker vs Cricut Explore Air 2 – Which should I Buy?!
Over the last 4 years I have built a pretty big community of crafters and along the way I’ve received a lot of frequently asked questions for my crafts. By far, one of the most common questions I get is, “Which Cricut machine should I buy?”
Maybe you are a hobbyist or someone thinking of starting a craft business and you need to know which machine is better for your needs.
Today, I will be giving you a run down of the Cricut Maker vs Cricut Explore Air 2 so you can make the best decision possible when purchasing your machine!
Cricut Explore Air 2 and Cricut Maker both have unique uses, overlapping qualities and accessories that come included with your purchase. And both machines can cut a variety of types of materials.
Is Buying a Cricut Machine Worth it?
But let’s first address the bigger question….
Can I justify the money I will spend on a Cricut machine?
Well, I have owned more than five Cricut machines over 8 years; plus I operate a craft blog as well as two craft template websites, so my answer is hell-to-the-yes!
But if you are unsure if you can come to terms with spending this kind of money on a craft machine I would advise you to ask the following questions.
Ask yourself…
- Do I have kids, grand kids or family members in generally I love to craft for?
- Am I crafting at least 1-2x a week already?
- Do I often wish I would personalize my crafts?
- Do I have frequent life events that I could decorate for?
- Do I plan to start or already have a craft business?
- Do I want to create custom home decor?
- Do I love to make personalized t-shirts, totes, hats etc?
Although each individual needs to consider what is truly right for them, if you answered yes to two or more of the questions above I suggest strongly considering a Cricut machine.
Listed below are the basics of what comes included when you purchase a Cricut Explore Air 2 and Cricut Maker. I like to mention that Cricut also offers several starter kits that includes things like extra mats, vinyl, weeding tools etc.
If you are still deciding on a machine be sure to check out all the bundles they offer as well!
The Cricut Explore Air 2
Cricut Explore Air 2 – What’s included according to Cricut:
- Cricut Explore Air™ 2 machine
- Premium Fine-Point Blade + Housing
- Fine Point Pen, Black
- LightGrip Mat, 12″ x 12″
- USB cable
- Power adapter
- Test materials for a practice project
Now let’s take an objective look at the pros and cons of the Cricut Explore Air machine.
The Cricut Explore Air will certainly offer a wide range of functionality for a variety of projects. If you are someone looking to get the best price a.s.a.p and do NOT plan to do much with fabrics, leather, delicate materials (like crepe or tissue paper) or wood than the Cricut Explore will work just perfect!
But before you are convinced the Explore is all you will want, let’s give the Maker a chance…
The Cricut Maker
Cricut Maker – What’s included according to Cricut:
- Cricut Maker® machine
- Rotary Blade + Drive Housing
- Premium Fine-Point Blade + Housing
- Fine Point Pen, Black
- FabricGrip™ Mat, 12″ x 12″
- LightGrip Mat, 12″ x 12″
- USB cable
- Power adapter
- Test materials for a practice project
So what about the pros and cons of the Cricut Maker?
As you can see the con list with the Cricut Maker is a lot shorter.
While the price is higher, no doubt, the long term value of the Maker far out weighs it.
I know what you’re thinking, “but I don’t care about cutting fabric or wood, so I think the Explore will be fine.”
And that may be the case, now, but ask yourself this, are you 100% positive that after you get an Explore and learn all that it can do, you will NEVER EVER want to try other material options?
If the answer is no, then go with the Explore but if the answer is maybe or I don’t know, then go with the Maker.
Bottom line is this: The Maker may cost a little more initially but you will have so much more opened up to you. My advice would be, when in doubt, go with the Maker
Take a look at the what’s inside the Maker box via Cricut’s YouTube channel here! Plus take a look at Cricut’s comparison chart below.
Now that we have compared the Cricut Maker vs. Cricut Explore Air 2 let me also mention some other important notes on proper Cricut storage and an ideal home station for your machine.
Home Station & Proper Storage
Before you open your Cricut machine’s box I want you to decide where you will place your machine. This is important because you will need a suitable work station for the machine, projects, mats etc.
Ideally, opt for a designated craft space or room out of the way of any other activity. NEVER place your machine anywhere near water.
At minimum a 3 ft x 3 ft solid surface space will be required (such as a desk or craft table). Your machine needs at least 12 clear inches in front of it and 12 clear inches behind it, so when cutting, the mat can slide freely in and out of the roller at the center of the machine.
If you opt for the 24 inch mat, for a larger project, you will need to spare double the space in front and behind the machine.
When your machine is not in use always be sure to have the cover closed completely, so the cut blade and internal housing/mechanics are protected from dust, dirt, or that pesky glitter that followed you from 3 moves ago. 🙂
Here are a few suggested storage units/desks that I would recommend if you are currently searching. By no means do you have to have these to craft but I want to provide as many resources as possible to help you get started!
Like I said above, you do not have to have a fancy craft desk like this option BUT you do need to have a home station for your Cricut!
The rolling cart is great if you own more than one machine or what to have a printer located near by for the print then cut feature.
If you ever decide to travel with your machine, you will need proper travel storage to protect it!
So after reading the comparison list between the Cricut Maker vs the Cricut Explore Air 2, which machine do you think you want? I’d love to know in the comments!
Still not sure? Ask the advice of well seasoned crafters inside my Crafters and Cricut Lovers Facebook group!
Want Some Free SVG Files to Use with Your Cricut?
Get access to my Craft Freebie Vault here!
New to Cricut?
Are you ready to Master your Cricut, discover new hobbies and skills, and design for yourself?! Be sure to join my FREE masterclass on the 3 biggest beginner Cricut crafter misconceptions and how to fix them!
This masterclass is for you if you…
…own a Cricut machine but feel like you have no clue what you are doing!
…wish you could design your own project files.
…are tired of searching Pinterest and Google for answers
…craft several times a week, and want to personalize your crafts, home or event decor or maybe even want to sell your crafts!
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About Abbi Kirsten
My mission is to inspire you to nurture the creative magic inside your soul – bringing you fun, easy to learn DIY projects, and quality template designs. I share a variety of projects, such as printables, svg cut files and craft tutorials, but specifically love paper crafting and paper flowers. Interested in paper flowers?! I’ve created dozens of signature designs for you to enjoy – starting with my best seller, The Art of Giant Paper Flowers, the Giant Flower Library and my shop of endless paper designs and flower templates.
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Robin says
Thank you Abbi! I’m planning on getting a Cricut, hopefully sooner rather than later. I do so much paper crafting and was torn between the Explore Air 2 and the Maker. I no nothing about using either but know enough about me to know that I’ll be want to expand my Cricut horizons to the max as I learn and do more. I mostly do a lot of party decorations. I’m currently working on wedding decor for a family member. Making flowers in large quantities by hand cutting is so slow. I’ve also done numerous retirement party decorations. Each project starts out being fun but halfway through it becomes more like a job due to doing by hand what the Cricut was designed for. There’s so much more that I can do for this upcoming wedding if I had a Cricut. Unfortunately I just had surgery and unable to work at the minute. As soon as I get up and running again I’m getting a Cricut maker. I had high hopes I’d have it by my birthday which is why I offered to decorate for my cousin’s wedding. My birthday was June 8th and it didn’t happen but it will soon. At least I know which one to get and I thank you for that information Abbi. I hope the tutorials are still available once I have my Maker in my hands. I’ll be desperately needing them to finish the wedding decorations. I have high hopes and an even bigger imagination. Should be a great creative combo. Have a wonderful day Abbi!
Cass says
This is so helpful! Thank you! I’m definitely going with the Maker and can’t wait to join your course!
Yvonne says
Thank you. I love this
Yvonne
Liv says
The maker! Thanks for this post
Lindsey Brown says
Is this workshop online?
Abbi says
Hi Linsey, Yes, the Cricut Freedom Workshop is online. 🙂
Susan L Brower says
I am new to Cricut and thoroughly enjoy your workshops. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I have
The Explorer Air 2. I am anxious to supplement my crafting business. Facebook page Suzy’s Sensations-Tipton. Thank you!
Sharon Mottola says
I had won the Joy at a fundraiser for the animal rescue I volunteer with, Rescue Dogs Rock NYC. Shamless plug lol) I was always interested in the circuits…well now I’m hooked. I find myself limited with the Joy, and was asking Santa for a new machine. I didnt know which one I wanted, what was better for me and is cost worth it! I read you article and it helped me decide..I had read other articles and was confused and got no clear help….. after reading your comparison, I got knew! Thank you so much…… I am a new fan…..
oh yeah…. going with the Maker lolol
Abbi says
Glad to hear it!
YVONNE says
So do you have a sku number for the circuit machine that you are suggesting to purchase? Like CROOO1, CROOO2. That is what I am asking.
I purchase one on eBay, and it was just a circuit explorer, MY BAD. What goes in the web site ling below, Yes I do not know it its mine or your?
help
YVONNE