Cricut Maker vs Explore: Which Cricut Machine Is Best?
Ready to dive into the world of crafting, but feeling overwhelmed by the choices? You’re not alone! Deciding between the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Explore can be a tough call, especially if you’re new to the world of die-cutting machines.
Both machines promise to unlock your creative potential, but they cater to different needs and skill levels. Understanding the key differences between the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Explore is crucial to making an informed decision and finding the perfect crafting companion for your projects.
This comparison will break down everything you need to know, from the types of materials each machine can handle to the features that set them apart. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the Cricut that’s right for you, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned crafter.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Maker | Explore |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting Force | 4000g | 400g |
| Smart Materials Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Rotary Blade | Yes | No |
| Knife Blade | Yes | No |
| Adaptive Tool System | Yes | No |
| Print Then Cut | Yes | Yes |
| Pen Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Material Thickness | Up to 2.4 mm | Up to 2.0 mm |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth & USB | Bluetooth & USB |
| Software | Cricut Design Space | Cricut Design Space |
| Fine-Point Blade | Included | Included |
| Dual Carriage | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Cutting Power & Materials
- Cricut Maker: Boasts a more powerful motor and adaptive tool system, allowing it to cut through a wider variety of materials, including thicker and denser ones like wood, leather, and fabric. It handles intricate designs and offers greater material versatility compared to the Explore series. However, the initial investment is higher.
- Explore: Has sufficient cutting power for a broad range of materials like vinyl, cardstock, and iron-on. It’s excellent for basic crafting projects and is user-friendly. However, it is limited to thinner materials and cannot cut some of the Maker’s more challenging materials.
- Winner: Maker
Blade Compatibility
- Cricut Maker: Compatible with a wide range of blades and tools, including the Rotary Blade, Knife Blade, and Scoring Wheel, expanding its capabilities beyond simple cutting to include sewing patterns and thicker materials. The adaptive tool system automatically adjusts the blade based on the material.
- Explore: Uses a smaller selection of blades, primarily the Fine-Point Blade and Deep-Point Blade. It’s suitable for most common crafting materials but lacks the specialized tools for more advanced projects.
- Winner: Maker
Material Compatibility
- Cricut Maker: Can cut over 300 materials, including a broad range of fabric, wood, and other specialty materials. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wider array of crafting projects, from paper crafts to home decor.
- Explore: Cuts over 100 materials, primarily vinyl, cardstock, and iron-on. While versatile, it is limited in its ability to handle thicker and more specialized materials.
- Winner: Maker
Smart Set Dial vs. Automatic Material Selection
- Cricut Maker: Utilizes automatic material selection through the Design Space software, recommending blade and pressure settings based on the chosen material. This simplifies the process and reduces errors.
- Explore: Features a Smart Set Dial, allowing for quick selection of common materials. This is user-friendly for beginners, but lacks the precision and material database of the Maker.
- Winner: Maker
Software & Design Space
- Cricut Maker: Uses Cricut Design Space, a cloud-based software that allows users to design and cut projects. It offers a large library of pre-designed projects, access to fonts, and the ability to upload and customize designs. The software is constantly updated.
- Explore: Also uses Cricut Design Space, providing access to the same design features and library as the Maker. The user experience is identical in terms of software functionality.
- Winner: Tie
Size & Footprint
- Cricut Maker: Has a larger footprint compared to the Explore series due to its more robust build and wider tool carriage. This can be a consideration if workspace is limited.
- Explore: Generally smaller and more compact, making it easier to store and suitable for smaller crafting spaces.
- Winner: Explore
Price
- Cricut Maker: Typically more expensive than the Explore series due to its advanced features and cutting capabilities. The initial investment is higher.
- Explore: More affordable, making it a more accessible option for beginners and those on a budget.
- Winner: Explore
User Experience & Ease of Use
- Cricut Maker: While more complex in its capabilities, the user interface within Design Space is similar to the Explore, making it relatively easy to use. The adaptive tool system simplifies material selection.
- Explore: Highly user-friendly, with a simple interface and intuitive controls. It’s a great choice for beginners who want a straightforward crafting experience.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Cutting Force | Cricut Maker |
| Material Versatility | Cricut Maker |
| Advanced Tools | Cricut Maker |
| Ease of Use | Explore |
| Overall Value | Explore |
What They Have in Common
- Design Software: Both machines utilize Cricut Design Space, a user-friendly software for designing and preparing projects. This software is available on both desktop and mobile devices.
- Smart Materials: Both the Maker and Explore series are compatible with Cricut’s Smart Materials, allowing for mat-free cutting. This simplifies the crafting process for various projects.
- Print Then Cut: Both machines offer the Print Then Cut feature, enabling users to print designs on their home printer and then have the Cricut cut around the printed image.
- Connectivity: Both machines offer both Bluetooth and USB connectivity options, providing flexibility in how you connect to your computer or other devices.
- Pen Compatibility: Both machines can use Cricut pens for drawing and writing projects, expanding the range of creative possibilities.
- Material Variety: Both machines support a wide variety of materials, including paper, vinyl, iron-on, and more, allowing for versatility in your projects.
Cricut Maker Vs Explore Buying Guide
Material Compatibility
The Cricut Maker boasts superior material compatibility due to its adaptive tool system. It can cut over 300 materials, including thicker and denser options like balsa wood, chipboard, and leather. The Explore series, while still versatile, is limited to around 100 materials, primarily paper, vinyl, and iron-on. This difference is crucial if you plan to work with a wide range of materials or undertake more complex projects that require stronger cutting capabilities. Consider your material needs when deciding.
Cutting Power and Precision
The Cricut Maker has significantly more cutting power than the Explore series. This allows it to handle thicker materials and intricate designs with greater ease. The adaptive tool system automatically adjusts the blade depth and pressure based on the material selected, ensuring clean and precise cuts. The Explore series, although precise, may struggle with more complex cuts in thicker materials. This impacts the quality of your finished projects.
Tool Variety and Upgradability
The Cricut Maker offers a wider range of tools, including the Knife Blade, Rotary Blade, and Scoring Wheel, which are not available for the Explore series. These specialized tools expand the types of projects you can undertake, from cutting fabric to scoring boxes. The Explore series utilizes a more limited selection of blades and tools. The Maker’s upgradability with future tool releases provides extended creative opportunities. Consider the tools needed for your projects.
Software and Design Space
Both machines use Cricut Design Space, a user-friendly software for designing and cutting projects. However, the Maker’s capabilities often unlock more complex design possibilities, thanks to its ability to handle more intricate cuts and diverse materials. Design Space is generally intuitive and easy to learn, regardless of the machine you choose. The software provides access to a vast library of pre-designed projects and the ability to upload your own designs. Consider the learning curve.
Project Suitability
The Explore series is ideal for beginners and those primarily focused on paper crafting, vinyl projects, and iron-on designs. It’s a great option for creating cards, stickers, and simple decorations. The Cricut Maker is geared towards more advanced users and those who want to explore a wider range of materials and project types. It’s suitable for fabric projects, wood crafts, and more intricate designs. Think about project scope.
Value and Cost
The Cricut Explore series is generally more affordable than the Maker, making it a good entry point for those new to crafting. However, the Maker’s increased functionality and versatility may offer better value in the long run if you plan to expand your crafting horizons. The cost difference reflects the advanced features and capabilities of the Maker. Consider your budget and long-term crafting aspirations when making your decision. Compare the features to your budget.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy cricut maker If…
- You plan to work with a wide range of materials, including thicker materials like wood, fabric, and leather.
- You need the ability to cut complex shapes and designs with greater precision and detail.
- You want access to specialty blades like the Rotary Blade and Knife Blade for advanced projects.
- You are interested in the Adaptive Tool System for future tool compatibility.
Buy explore If…
- You are new to crafting and want a user-friendly machine.
- You primarily work with common materials like vinyl, paper, and iron-on.
- You are looking for a more affordable option.
- You don’t need the advanced cutting capabilities of the Maker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Explore?
The primary difference lies in material compatibility and cutting power. The Maker can cut a wider range of materials, including thicker ones like wood and leather, while the Explore series is more limited. The Maker also offers a more advanced tool system and greater precision, making it more suitable for complex projects and diverse materials.
Can I use the same Design Space software with both machines?
Yes, both the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Explore series use Cricut Design Space. This means you’ll have access to the same software interface, project library, and design tools regardless of the machine you choose. Design Space is user-friendly and regularly updated with new features and content. The software experience is consistent.
Which machine is better for beginners?
The Cricut Explore series is often recommended for beginners due to its lower price point and ease of use. It’s a great starting point for learning the basics of crafting with a cutting machine. The Explore series is user-friendly. The Maker, with its advanced features, might be overwhelming initially. It’s a good entry point.
What tools are exclusive to the Cricut Maker?
The Cricut Maker has exclusive access to the Knife Blade, Rotary Blade, and Scoring Wheel. These tools allow the Maker to cut thicker materials, cut fabric without backing, and create precise score lines for projects like boxes and 3D models. These tools expand the capabilities of the Maker significantly.
Can I cut fabric with both machines?
While both machines can cut fabric, the Cricut Maker excels in this area. It can cut fabric without a backing material using the Rotary Blade, making it ideal for sewing projects. The Explore series requires the use of a bonded fabric, which can limit the types of fabrics you can use. The Maker is more fabric-focused.
Which machine is better for professional use?
The Cricut Maker is generally better suited for professional use due to its wider material compatibility, greater cutting power, and expanded tool options. It can handle more complex projects and a wider variety of materials, making it ideal for creating products for sale or fulfilling client requests. The Maker is better for pro-level projects.
How do I choose between the Cricut Maker and Explore series?
Consider your crafting needs and budget. If you are starting or primarily work with paper, vinyl, or iron-on, the Explore series is a good choice. If you want to work with a wider range of materials, including fabric and wood, and undertake more complex projects, the Cricut Maker is the better option. Consider budget.
Final Verdict
The Cricut Maker stands out as the superior machine due to its versatility, cutting power, and expanded tool options. While the Explore series is a capable machine, the Maker’s ability to handle a broader range of materials and more complex projects makes it the better choice for serious crafters and those looking to expand their creative horizons. The Maker offers a more complete crafting experience.
Winner: Cricut Maker