Product Comparison: Cricut Maker vs Cricut Explore Air 2
General Specifications
About the Product
Meet Cricut Maker, the ultimate smart cutting machine. With the ability to use more advanced tools, Cricut Maker gives you the freedom to make virtually any DIY project you can imagine, from 3D art to home decor, jewellery, iron-on, vinyl, paper projects, and so much more.
CRICUT explore air 2 is a DIY speed machine. This quick, smart cutting machine lets you make projects with over 100 different materials. Plus, save even more time with CRICUT mobile apps and redesigned projects.
Brand
Cricut
Cricut
Model
Maker
Explore Air 2
Origin
China
China
Key Specs
Compatible Media Types
Мatboard, Balsa wood, Fabrics, Leather, Paper, Basswood
Cardstock, Vinyl, Iron, Paper, Сork, Fabrics, Leather
Drive Motor Type
Servo
Servo
System Compatibility
iOS, Android, Mac OS, Windows
iOS, Android, Mac OS, Windows
What customers say about "Key Specs"
Cricut Maker Ultimate Smart Cutting Machine (Champagne)
- A great machine for both scrapbooking and sewing as it cuts lots of different materials from the usual paper and card, through to acetate, fabric and more.
- It can cut harder materials such as mat board and craft foam. I have a small craft business and this is going to help me make new things for the shop.
- I love that it will be compatible with future accessories and blades and I really like the rotary fabric blade!
- You need to do the cut through your iPad with a downloaded design as connection keeps being lost via the online Design Studio via a PC.
- The adhesive stickiness has virtually gone so the blades no longer make clean cuts. The fabric mat is the worst but the light grip is also poor. Replacement mats are very expensive.
Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine, Mint
- I'm amazed at how intricate the cuts are and the huge range of materials you can work on.
- I only use a light photo-card stock (around 200gsm) but have found that this machine cuts and draws as well as I could have hoped and at a reasonable speed too.
- Very very accurate cuts, and can cut almost anything paper, fabric, card, etc. On 2x speed I cut designs in around 20 seconds. Very efficient and arrived on time.
- This would be so much easier if you could change the cutting depth/material of individual layers!!!!
- This is a really messy way to cut intricate shapes. I feel very disappointed in this product. Making things stick just the right amount is just too annoying.
Size & Weight
Height
6.2 in.
9.5 in.
Weight
24 lbs.
16 lbs.
Width
22.6 in.
24 in.
Depth
7.1 in.
9.5 in.
Cutting Parameters
Max Cutting Width
12 in.
12 in.
Max Cutting Length
12 in.
12 in.
Max Media Thickness
2.4 mm
2.4 mm
What customers say about "Cutting Parameters"
Cricut Maker Ultimate Smart Cutting Machine (Champagne)
- Cuts lots of different materials up to 2.4mm. Cuts fabric on the special fabric mat (included) without needing to back it with a stabiliser.
- I love having the ability to cut fabrics without having to back them with heat and bond or some other stabilizer. The cutting of felt is also a HUGE selling factor.
- It cuts lace and delicate material perfectly. And then really thick synthetic leather, not a problem!
- Threads left on the fabric mat build up over time although these will be cut through though. Not sure how long before the mat loses its stickyness.
- The blades seem to get blunt fast, and, seemingly unfit for purpose, as the fine blade provided struggled at times to cut through 200gsm card.
Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine, Mint
- Functions fast and quiet. Cuts everything you want, perfect for home usage as it is very user friendly.
- This is a really good machine, cuts well, looks stylish and comes with a free downloadable software for you to use called "Design Space".
- The blade pressure is not consistent throughout the material (I use sticker paper), which means some areas of your design will be cut too deep and some too shallow.
- If you are expecting to print and cut with a high degree of accuracy then only tears and madness await you.
- The Print and Cut feature is limited to a 9.25" x 6.75" area. If I use a standard 8.5" x 11" piece of paper, this creates a lot of wasted space, material and money.
Features
Control Panel Type
No
Buttons / Rotary Knob
AutoBlade
Yes
Yes
Adjustable Pinch Rollers
Yes
Yes
Interfaces
USB
USB
Accessories Included
Rotary Blade & Drive Housing, Premium Fine Point Blade + Housing, Fine Point Pen, Two 12” x 12” Cutting Mats, USB Cable, Power Adapter, 25 Sewing Patterns & Materials, 50 Free Ready-to-Make Projects
Premium Fine Point Blade + Housing, Fine Point Pen, USB Cable, Power Adapter, Free trial membership to Cricut Access™ (for new subscribers), LightGrip Mat, 12" x 12", 50 Free Ready-to-Make Projects
Extras
Rotary Blade, Digital sewing pattern library, Design Space® software, 10X more power to cut hundreds more materials, Switch DIY, Bluetooth wireless technology
Bluetooth wireless technology, Fast Mode up to 2X, Compatible with Scoring Stylus and Deep-Point Blade, Double tool holder, Design Space® software
What customers say about "Features"
Cricut Maker Ultimate Smart Cutting Machine (Champagne)
- The storage compartments are large on the Maker and there is still space under the Maker to store mats
- Extra built-in storage keeps your tools organized and within reach.
- A helpful docking slot holds your tablet or smartphone. And the convenient USB port lets you charge your device in a flash.
- Only Cricut Maker features unique, commercial-grade technology that controls the direction of the blade and the cut pressure to match your material.
- The rotary blade for the fabric seems finicky. The first time it didn't cut the sample fabric. The second time it did cut the fabric.
Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine, Mint
- Really simple and easy to work the machine and connect it to your computer via the USB or bluetooth connection.
- I have had this machine for about two months now. When it works it is great and it is great connect via USB.
- When the machine works it is great. The bluetooth connection was easier and much faster than via USB.
- However carefully you try and load the matt it is impossible to guarantee that it will be in the same position each time.
- I had continuous issues with it not being able to 'find' my Cricut and I would have to repeatedly restart the programme in order for it to communicate with the machine.
Warranty / Certifications
Certifications
CE
CE
Manufacturer Warranty
1 year(s)
1 year(s)
Other Information
MSRP
399.99 $
227.00 $