Cricut machines are a total game-changer when it comes to crafting magic. However, with different models like Explore, Maker, and Joy on the market, many beginners and even seasoned crafters are confused about the difference between Cricut machines. Each model has unique features, its own capabilities, and project possibilities, making it essential to find the one that best aligns with your creative needs. Whether you’re dreaming of creating custom T-shirts, intricate cards, vinyl decals, or stunning home decor, understanding what sets each machine apart can save you time, money, and effort.
This blog will dive deep into the key differences between popular Cricut machines, helping you confidently choose the perfect one for your crafting journey. Let’s explore what each machine offers and discover which Cricut companion is ready to bring your next project to life!
How to Choose the Perfect Cricut Machine
When choosing the Best Crafting Machine, there are four essential questions to consider:
- What is your budget?
- What kind of craft projects do you enjoy making?
- Do you foresee expanding or evolving your crafting skills in the future?
- What are the capabilities of your smart cutting machine?
The Cricut Explore Air 2 typically costs around $249.99, but it often goes on sale for about $199.99. It’s a powerful machine that can tackle many projects. However, if your budget allows and you’re looking for the best, consider the Maker. At around $399.99, it’s the ultimate smart cutting machine that does everything the Explore Air 2 can do and much more.
Meanwhile, the Joy is the most affordable option, costing around $99. It is ideal for beginners, individuals with limited space, and those seeking a portable, versatile cutting and writing machine.
Cricut Machine Comparison: Explore, Maker, and Joy
In this section, we will explore the difference between Cricut machines, such as Joy, Explore Air 2, and Maker, with in-depth descriptions of each model, its features, and many helpful details.
1. Cricut Joy
The Cricut Joy is the most affordable and compact model in the Cricut series, making it a great choice for beginners. We can call it the “stand-alone machine,” ideal for crafters with limited space or who require a portable machine. This machine cuts materials up to 5.5 inches wide and up to 20 feet long, which makes it a perfect choice for beginners and smaller projects, such as cards, labels, or vinyl decals.
However, if you’re more into intricate projects, this machine might work a little slower than other models. Unlike other machines, it can’t use specialized tools for foiling, engraving, fabric cutting, or embossing. This limits its functionality for advanced crafting projects.
2. Cricut Explore 3
It is almost identical to the Cricut Explore Air 2 but comes with several exciting upgrades. One of the best advantages is its compatibility with familiar Smart Materials, allowing you to cut without a cutting mat. It excels when working with iron-on vinyl and transfer vinyl, two of the most popular materials used in crafting.
Smart materials are an excellent feature; however, since they are only compatible with this model, they may not appeal to crafters who mainly work with traditional materials like standard vinyl or paper. As you know, it is more expensive than the Joy machine, so you have to weigh the pros and cons, including the benefits of the additional features, against your specific crafting needs.
3. Cricut Explore Air 2
It supports a variety of tools for different projects, including the fine-point blade for regular materials, the deep-point blade for thicker materials, and a fabric-bonded blade for cutting bonded fabric. It can cut up to 100 materials, including vinyl, iron-on, paper, and cardstock, and supports several useful features, such as pens for writing, print-and-cut stickers, and many more.
However, it lacks the new features of the Explore 3, such as cutting smart materials and matless cutting, making it less convenient for larger or longer cuts. It also isn’t as fast as the Explore 3, but it is still quicker than the Cricut Joy, which makes the Explore Air 2 a fantastic mid-range option for those who want efficiency without investing in a higher-end machine.
4. Cricut Maker
This Maker machine is the most expensive tool, but its features make it worth the investment. This beauty can cut over 300 materials and features more than 12 different tools. It is primarily used for large projects, such as cutting A4-sized paper, t-shirts, cake toppers, Infusible Ink cushions, felt flowers, and many more, offering a smooth cutting process.
It works with a variety of tools, including fabric, balsa wood, and leather, making it the go-to choice for serious crafters who require the most advanced features. Due to its larger size, it is best suited for crafters with a dedicated workspace, such as a craft room or desk.
Which Cricut Machine Should You Buy?
Choosing the best Cricut machine model depends on your needs and goals. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a simple and affordable machine option, a casual crafter seeking speed and convenience, or someone who requires the most advanced features, Cricut has you covered, offering numerous options.
Quick Recap: Joy is best for beginners and smaller projects. Cricut Explore Air 2 is an ideal crafting machine at a mid-range price, while Cricut Explore 3 is great for those who require faster speeds and advanced features, such as smart materials. Maker is perfect for serious crafters who want to work with a wide variety of materials and tools.
This guide to Cricut Machines Provides a thorough understanding of their unique features, advantages, and disadvantages, which helps you make the right decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What can Cricut Maker 4 do that Cricut Maker 3 can’t?
You can create large banners, deboss leather, engraving on metal, and much more. It is also capable of creating all the popular projects, such as custom cards, T-shirts, and stickers. It offers 2x cutting speed, which is faster than the Maker 3. Additionally, it features technology that enables collaboration with Smart Materials, eliminating the need for a cutting mat and allowing cutting up to 12 feet long with the Maker 4.
Can Cricut Maker 4 cut acrylic?
This Cricut Maker 4 machine can engrave acrylic, but it is not recommended for cutting thicker acrylic sheets due to machine limitations. Cricut machines are not made to cut acrylic due to their brittleness and potential to damage the machine. Some users report success in cutting very thin acrylic sheets using a knife blade and a strong grip mat; however, this is not a standard or recommended practice. If you need to cut acrylic, a laser cutter is generally a more suitable option.
Is Cricut Joy best for beginners?
Yes, the Cricut Joy is generally considered a great machine for beginners because of its ease of use, small size, and affordability. It’s designed to be user-friendly, allowing you to learn and create various projects quickly. Despite its compact size, it can cut a wide range of materials and even write and draw, offering various creative options. It is well-suited for smaller projects, such as cards, labels, tags, and other items within the machine’s cutting area.