Which to buy, the Cricut Maker or the Cricut Explore Air 2?

 Which to buy, the Cricut Maker, or the Cricut Explore Air 2?

 I happened to open an email from Michael’s one day when they were advertising their Black Friday sales. The first image in the email was a beautiful candy apple red Circut Explore Air 2 on sale. Man, that machine was hot, and apparently, it was a good price being $50 off. I convinced a friend of mine to go shopping with me as I wanted to see this beauty in person. I remember the excitement knowing that I was going to go and see my beautiful candy apple goodness, possibly even taking her home.

 At this moment in time, I had convinced myself that I needed that machine for my crafting and that she needed me too. (For no other reason other than that I felt she needed a new home). This was almost like going to the Humane Society and picking up a new puppy. Just stepping foot in that sanctuary of critters guarantees that you will bring a fur baby home.

As I walked into the store on that windy day in November I was stopped by a sales associate.

“Can I help you?” she asked

“Yes please,” I replied, “Where is your Cricut section?”

  She pointed me to the far-left corner of the store. It was a mere second before I was saying my thank yous as I quickly hurried to where she pointed. As I turned the corner, I saw the isle where they displayed all the Circuit machines. I could see my red beauty down at the end on the right, shining in the florescent lighting of the store.

I took two steps forward and something else sparkled in my prereferral vision. I stopped and turned. Their sitting on the shelf was an understated machine with a Tiffany blue metallic top. She was regal and not flashy like the red one further down the aisle. She sat there knowing her worth and dared you to challenge her. Cricut Maker, her box read. What in the world is a Cricut Maker and why am I so drawn to her?

Needless to say, I left Michael’s that day with no flashy candy apple red machine. I now needed to research to see what the difference was between these two machines to make an informed choice.

After that, I went right to YouTube. What did the influencers have to say? Then I went to the Cricut website to find out machine specifics, and lastly, I went to HSN for more information. Yes, I know, the Home Shopping Channel seems like a strange place to go to conduct research. However, they have some of the best feature videos out there, and sometimes you can get bundles with various starter kits and supplies for the same price as the machine. Now, which to buy the Maker or the Explore?

The Results of My Research

The Cricut Explore Air 2

• Cuts over 100 materials
• 4 tools available (cutting, writing, scoring)
• Bluetooth & UBS (you can use it offline)
• Can cut fabric but the fabric must have a stabilizer on the back

This is a great machine for those that want the versatility of a cutting machine like the Cricut Maker but have a tighter budget. You can still cut fabric with it, you just have to put a stabilizer on the back. Freezer paper can be used as a stabilizer. It is cheap and effective. The Cricut Explore Air 2 is a great machine for those just starting out crafting.

The Cricut Maker

• Cuts over 300 materials (Are their 300 materials to cut out there, we shall see?)
• 12 tools (cutting, writing, scoring, double scoring, engraving, debossing, perforator, wavy, knife blade, rotary blade for fabric) I am sure that there is more.
• Can cut fabric without a stabilizer backing
• Bluetooth & USB (you can use it offline too)

This machine is amazing. However, if I was newer to crafting and cutting machines, in general, I may feel a little overwhelmed. It is also higher in price. So to make a sound decision I would way the pros and cons for you and your personal situation.

Conclusion

There are two things you should consider when choosing this purchase. The price, how it fits into your budget, and what you want to use the machine for. Consider these questions when making your choice:

1. Am I knew to crafting?
2. What will I be using the machine for? (If you are unsure I would go for the Cricut Air Explore 2)
3. Is cost a factor?

I love to sew and the Cricut maker allows you to cut all types of materials from wood to fabric to paper. I felt that even though the price was higher, $150 more, I would use it more because of the multimedia cutting features. However, if you think that you would not use it to cut fabric or other materials then I would go with the Cricut Air Explore 2 as the extra cost for the features is just not worth it for you.

Moreover, I will say that using a Cricut has allowed me to utilize my time more efficiently, as I have little to spare. This fact made purchasing a Cricut Maker worth the price.

No matter which one you choose, you too will reap the benefits of having this lovely machine in your craft area. Who knows, maybe you will get the candy apple red beauty?

As Always,

Happy Crafting!

FYI- here is an unbiased review of the Cricut Joy.