Cricut is a digital cutting device that can cut all types of designs from different materials, such as vinyl, paper, iron-on transfers, and card stock. Some Cricut devices can even cut wood and leather. One can utilize the Cricut machine to cut anything they would cut with an X-acto knife and scissors. The Cricut machine can cut faster and more accurately than manually.
Understanding Cricut Machines
Cricut cutting machines are almost similar to household printers. Instead of printing the beautiful designs onto a paper sheet, a Cricut device utilizes a small blade to cut a design out of a material.
Firstly, generate a design on the Cricut design app and software. Next, you should send the design to your Cricut device through USB or Bluetooth. A Cricut cutting device obtains a design and cuts it out through a small, moveable, accurate blade.
Follow the instructions to learn how to use a Cricut machine.
- You must select the desired cutting material and put it on the sticky mat.
- Then, load the sticky mat into your Cricut machine.
- Now, pick a design in Design Space. Choose the material settings, and transfer your design to the Cricut machine.
- Next, hit the button on your machine to begin cutting.
- After completing the cutting process, remove the sticky mat from the Cricut machine, and your material from the mat.
Best Cricut Machines: Cricut Maker v/s Cricut Explore
You are finally ready to buy a Cricut cutting device. Now, you have two major choices between the Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker. This can be a difficult choice, but this information can help.
Let’s begin by understanding each cutting machine. Cricut Explore 3 & the Cricut Maker 3 are electronic crafting devices that enable users to cut several materials with a small, moveable blade to make different designs, which means no more X-Acto knives and no scissors. Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker are excellent machines for crafting. This guide will teach you all the essential information about these machines.
Difference Between the Cricut Explore and Maker
There are a few differences between a Cricut Explore and a Cricut Maker machine. Each device offers its benefits and drawbacks, from differences in machine sizes to the type of materials they can cut. Understanding the differences between these machines will assist you in the decision-making procedure. If you get disturbed by your decisions, take a break and go through the post when ready.
You will find useful information at the end of the blog that will simplify your decision. You will see detailed exploitation of every section of the handy flow chart and all in between. You must go through the complete blog and decide which machine can fulfill your requirements. Then read through the handy flow chart to confirm that your mode is the correct choice.
Physical Dissimilarities of Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker
Let’s look at the physical features of the Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker.
- The Cricut Maker 3 machine is 22.1 inches wide by 6.2 inches tall by 7.1 inches deep and weighs 15.4 pounds. It is a little larger than Explore 3.
- The Cricut Explore 3 is 22.2 inches wide by 5.9 inches tall by 7 inches deep and weighs 11 pounds.
The smaller Cricut Explore 3 machine can be a better option if weight is a problem. It is yet a solid device, but it is slightly simpler to lift & carry around. If you are suffering from any physical conditions that can make lifting a little difficult, the Cricut Explore 3 machine is more manageable.
Both Cricut Explore and Maker machines have in-built handle cutouts for smooth carrying. Helpful when lifting machines from a solid flat surface. As per the real dimensions of individual machines, they are very similar. One inch shorter or taller does not make much difference.
Other features that Cricut Explore and Maker share?
- Both come with an in-built smartphone device holder, can easily cut Smart Materials around thirteen inches wide and seventy-five feet long, cut the exact Print Then Cut size, and link through USB and Bluetooth.
- The Cricut Maker 3 offers an extra charging port so users can charge their smartphones while cutting. Helpful if you want to work on marathon crafting sessions.
- Another difference between these machines is color. The Cricut Explore 3 device comes in classic mint green, while the Maker 3 machine comes in a light blue tone.
If you are specific about colors, there are different third-party vinyl skins accessible for purchase. They enable users to add their design to a machine without buying a new one. Both machines have a matte finish to keep their machine looking clean and beautiful.
Accessories Accessible for Cricut Maker and Explore
- Cricut is famous for the huge range of accessories accessible for its machines, and it did not disappoint the Cricut Explore 3 and Maker 3. While Cricut has numerous accessible accessories, this post will cover the famous ones.
- It is essential to mention that Cricut provides bundles with its devices. These are excellent as users can get everything they require for less than purchasing things separately.
- All the older tools work with the new Cricut Explore 3 and Maker 3 machines. These include pens, markers, Foil Transfer Kit, Tool Sets, and machine mats.
- Cricut has launched a brand new Roll Holder that functions with both devices and is important while working on big projects. It will grip rolls of the Cricut Smart Materials from four to seventy-five, enabling users to use the power of the devices entirely.
- The major difference in accessories accessible for Cricut Explore Vs. Cricut Maker is a huge range of tools, mainly for the Maker 3 machine. These enable the Cricut Maker 3 device to cut more than 300 materials, while the Explore 3 machine can cut 100.
Materials cut by Cricut Maker v/s Cricut Explore
The range of materials Cricut Explore and Maker can each cut is a vast difference between these machines. So before purchasing a machine, you must decide the type of material you plan to cut.
- To cut vinyl and paper, you can use Explore 3. This machine can do everything you require and much more.
- To cut fabric, wood, or leather, or you need your options to be open, the Maker 3 machine is the best choice.
The Cricut Maker 3 machine has ten times the cutting energy of Explore family devices, which is like a dream come true for people who like trying new materials. This feature enables the machine to cut a massive variety of materials. You can create anything from a thin chiffon to a thick chipboard with the Cricut Maker 3 machine.
Below is the list of tools accessible for Cricut Explore 3.
- Deep-Point Blade
- Bonded-Fabric Tool
- Fine-Point Blade
- Scoring Stylus
- Pens and Markers
- Foil Transfer Tool
List of tools accessible for the Cricut Maker 3.
- Fine-Point Blade
- Pens and Markers
- Foil Transfer Tool
- Scoring Wheels ( double and single)
- Perforation Blade
- Scoring Stylus
- Deep-Point Blade
- Knife Blade
- Engraving Tool
- Wavy Blade
- Debossing Tool
- Rotary Blade
- Bonded-Fabric Tool
You can decide which machine can help cut your desired material based on the above two lists. If you need to cut some iron-on pieces of vinyl and Infusible Ink projects and don’t want to extend beyond that, the Cricut Explore 3 machine will execute the task flawlessly. If you wish to cut fabric or wood and try different materials, go for the Cricut Maker 3 machine.
The Cricut Maker 3 device is the option if you are adventurous with the material choices. If unsure what option you may require, try the Maker 3 machine to cover your bases.
Pricing of Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore
Accessories and materials are not the only elements you must consider when considering which Cricut device to purchase. You also wish to consider your budget.
- The Cricut Maker machine costs $ 399.99 compared to the Cricut Explore 3 machine at $299.99. Both machines are a steal when users consider how much they can generate with either machine.
- Remember that Cricut frequently has deals and promotions so users can get a better cost at any given time. Also, the bundle deals are outstanding if you are in the market for much more than a device.
- Cricut Maker 3 Everything Bundle consists of the machine and a massive variety of Smart Iron-On, Smart Vinyl, and others to get users to begin immediately for $ 499.99. That is a saving of more than 150 dollars.
- The Cricut Explore 3 Bundle is almost the same bundle that goes for 399 USD.
- Users can go through the Cricut Bundle Deals over the shop. From EasyPress bundles to vinyl bundles, there is something for every user. Just a suggestion, although, ensure to grab those deals quickly. They are well-known for selling out.
Which Cricut Machine can Meet your Requirements and Budget
After reading the above information, you must have understood the essential difference between Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker. Only you can decide which Cricut machine is best for your situation.
The two essential points to consider when purchasing a Cricut device are the projects you need to generate and your budget. If you must rapidly cut some pieces of vinyl for the project, the Cricut Explore 3 machine will do that task correctly. If you need to generate projects involving fabric, wood, or other materials in one go, the Maker 3 machine is a great option.
Final Thoughts
The two Cricut machines are a bit comparable, but still, there are some details users must be aware of before selecting the Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker machines. The cutting abilities of the device are the essential factor to consider. As mentioned earlier, the Cricut Maker machine can cut much more materials (300) than the Cricut Explore, so if you need to do any fabric and woodwork, this is the one to select. Also, consider the cost of the machine. The manufacturer’s recommended retail price of the Cricut Maker 3 device is $399, while the Cricut Explore three costs approx $299. You can go through the above information to learn about Cricut Maker and Explore machines.
