{"id":123476,"date":"2022-04-02T19:54:53","date_gmt":"2022-04-02T19:54:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/appleinsider.com\/articles\/22\/04\/02\/compared-cricut-maker-lineup-vs-cricut-explore-range?utm_medium=rss"},"modified":"2022-04-02T19:54:53","modified_gmt":"2022-04-02T19:54:53","slug":"compared-cricut-maker-lineup-vs-cricut-explore-range","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/2022\/04\/02\/compared-cricut-maker-lineup-vs-cricut-explore-range\/","title":{"rendered":"Compared: Cricut Maker lineup vs Cricut Explore range"},"content":{"rendered":"
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AppleInsider is supported by its audience and may earn commission as an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner on qualifying purchases. These affiliate partnerships do not influence our editorial content. <\/em> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Whether you’re an avid crafter or starting your own small business and want to handle the merchandising yourself, Cricut machines can help create some truly impressive projects. Here’s how each model compares to the next, and which one you should check out.\n<\/p>\n

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Maybe you’ve known about Cricut for a while from the company’s marketing to crafters. Or perhaps you’ve only recently seen them at your local Big Box Store, and you’re suddenly interested in what this machine can do.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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If you’re in the market for one of these devices, we’ve compiled a helpful guide that walks you through the differences between machines, which can help you make a more informed purchasing choice based on your needs.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The Cricut lineup at a glance<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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There are a few things to keep in mind before buying a Cricut. First, you’ll want to make sure that you have a space for it, as many of the machines can be considerable in size. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Secondarily, of course, you’ll want to make sure that the machine you purchase works for the projects you’d like to do. If you’re planning on primarily cutting paper, vinyl, and cardstock, a model in the Explore lineup will work well here.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Cricut<\/a>\n<\/div>\n

Cricut Explore 3 | Image Credit: Cricut<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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To cut thicker materials \u2014 or if you need to cut fabric \u2014 the Cricut Maker series will be a better bet.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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If you’re just starting into machine cutting or interested in getting a machine for a younger member of your family, the Cricut Joy may be for you, too. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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It’s a smaller, more portable machine that you can use to do smaller projects. For example, the Cricut Joy is primarily used for cutting smaller stickers and decals, cards, and labels. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Here’s a handy chart that provides a bit of information about the machines at a glance:\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
 <\/th>\nCricut Joy<\/th>\nCricut Explore Air 2<\/th>\nCricut Explore 3<\/th>\nCricut Maker<\/th>\nCricut Maker 3<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Dimensions
(inches)<\/td>\n		8 x 4 x 4<\/td>\n22.6 x 7.1 x 6.2<\/td>\n22.6 x 7.1 x 6.2<\/td>\n24 x 9.5 x 9.5<\/td>\n22.1 x 7.1 x 6.2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weight
(pounds)<\/td>\n		3.9<\/td>\n10.9<\/td>\n10.9<\/td>\n10.7<\/td>\n15.4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Max material width
(inches)<\/td>\n		4.5<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n13<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n13<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Max cut length
(feet)<\/td>\n		20<\/td>\n1.9<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n1.9<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Material compatibility<\/td>\nBasic,
Specific Smart Materials<\/td>\n		Basic<\/td>\nBasic,
Smart Materials<\/td>\n		Basic,
Advanced<\/td>\n		Basic,
Advanced
Smart Materials<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tools<\/td>\n3<\/td>\n6<\/td>\n6<\/td>\n13<\/td>\n13<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Print-then-Cut feature<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
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Cricut allows users to quickly swap various tools in and out to perform multiple tasks. Most of these tools are miscellaneous craft knives and blades, but the Cricut can do more than cut. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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In fact, the Cricut also draws, scores, perforates, engraves, debosses, and can do foil transfers \u2014 depending on the machine. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Tools that work across both Explore and Maker lineup
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Regardless of which machine you pick \u2014 with the exception of the Cricut Joy \u2014 there are a few tools that work with both machines. These include:\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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