A Cricut machine is used to cut and draw a variety of materials such as paper, cardstock, adhesive vinyl, and iron-on vinyl. There are several Cricut models that are available in the market. These models of Cricut have different features and price ranges. There are Cricut machines that are made to cut even thicker materials like leather and balsa wood! So, it is essential to know which model to buy that suits your needs. Most importantly, we are going to compare the models that are available and help you make the right decision to buy in 2023.
1. Cricut Explore Air 2
Although the Cricut Explore Air 2 machine was launched in 2016. It is perfect for a wide range of DIY hobbies. It has a maximum cut size of 11.5 in x 23.5 in, which can cut over 100+ materials, such as vinyl, cardstock, iron-on, glitter paper, and bonded fabric. Further, the Explore Air 2 has a maximum cut speed of 5.7 in/s and works with 6 tools that can be used to cut, write, score, foil, and more. It has built-in wireless technology and uses Bluetooth to connect to your system.
Additionally, it has a built-in tool holder and storage space to hold extra tools and accessories within reach. Along with the Explore Air 2 machine, it includes Premium Fine-Point Blade + Housing. Other items in the box are Fine Point Pen (Black), LightGrip Mat, 12✕12 inches (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm), a welcome book, a USB cable, a Power adapter, and a Free trial membership to Cricut Access (for new subscribers). It also comes with 50 ready-to-make projects and materials for a practice project. Lastly, Explore Air 2 is one of the best-selling Cricut models.
2. Cricut Maker
Primarily, The Cricut Maker Machine is one of the most versatile digital cutter machines present in the market, giving a person the freedom to make virtually any DIY project. This machine cuts over 300 different materials, like balsa wood, felt, plastic, fabric, leather, acrylic, etc. It even cuts tricky materials and produces precise, clean cuts.
Most importantly, it works with 13 tools to cut, write, score, foil, engrave, deboss, and more. It has a Bluetooth connection, a Built-in docking slot, and a USB port for charging mobile devices. Also, a built-in tool holder and extra storage to keep extra tools and accessories within reach. Further, the type of blades are available for the Maker machine are Rotary Blades, Knife Blades, Scoring Wheels, Engraving tools, Debossing tools, Perforation blades, and Wavy blades. Lastly, the Cricut Maker is one of the powerful Cricut models, allowing you to create virtually any project one can dream of.
3. Cricut Joy
Importantly, one of the newest Cricut models, Cricut Joy, is a clever little cutting machine. It has a smaller footprint, which makes it easy to set up and use. Also, it can be kept in a tight craft space or multi-use office. Weighing just 3.9 lbs (1.75 kg), For that reason, Cricut Joy is the only machine that is truly “portable” in nature. Simultaneously, it has the ability to cut more than 50 materials, including paper, adhesive vinyl, and iron-on vinyl. It can even cut some thin faux leather sheets.
Further, it can cut a design with a maximum width of 4.5”, which makes it a great machine for making mini sticker sheets, labels, greeting cards, and other small projects. It works with Cricut Joy Pens and Cricut Joy Infusible Ink Markers to draw and write in a variety of styles. Lastly, if you are starting and are new to Cricut, Cricut Joy offers you the ability to make quick and easy projects out of all the Cricut models.
4. Cricut Explorer 3
This is a new model of Cricut Explorer Air 3 that was introduced in 2021. It has a stronger motor that can cut up to 2x as fast and has the ability to cut Cricut Smart Materials without a mat! Similar to its predecessor, it is a full-sized machine that cuts more than 100 materials, including cardstock, vinyl, iron-on vinyl, and glitter paper.
Additionally, it is compatible with six different tools, including Fine Point Blade, the Foil Transfer Tool, the Scoring Stylus, and the Deep-Point Blade. Further, It can cut up to 13in with Smart Materials and 12in using a cutting mat. Lastly, This new product from Cricut is a go-to product if you have a bit of budget constraint and still get the fastest cutting device among the Cricut models.
5. Cricut Maker 3
Chiefly, This is the newest Cricut Maker 3 model that was released in 2021. Importantly, If you are looking to upgrade from Explorer 3 and want something that can offer commercial-grade performance at the fastest speeds, then you have to buy Cricut Maker 3. Following the steps of the original model, it has the ability to cut more than 300 types of materials, such as thicker materials like balsa wood, chipboard, acrylic, and leather.
Additionally, If you want to design with the most intricate cuts, it still performs at its best. The 13-tool compatibility is made for cutting, writing, scoring, foiling, engraving, and more. Furthermore, it can cut Smart Materials, making it perfect for really long projects (up to 12ft) without a mat. The 2x cutting speed is powered by a much stronger motor and has a 10x cutting force similar to the Cricut Explore.
Further, it has the Adaptive Tool System (Rotary Blade, Knife Blade, Scoring Wheels, and more). It has the great feature of being able to Print and then Cut. So, being one of the most powerful models of Cricut models. Lastly, The Cricut Maker 3 is the perfect companion for all your creative needs and projects. In the machine box, you will find 100 ready-to-make projects online, along with Materials for a practice cut.
Conclusion
To sum up, the Cricut models offer a wide range of cutting capabilities that are designed to cut a versatility of materials. From projects ranging from large to small projects, Cricut has models that cater to every need of a Cricut Design Space Software designer and suit the business. Additionally, If you are a starter and an occasional crafter, then it is advised to buy Cricut Joy.
Importantly, If you are on a budget constraint, then it is good to buy Cricut Explorer 3. However, if you are a creative crafter and someone who prioritizes freedom to create any project you dream of, the Cricut Maker 3 is the best and most powerful cutting machine.
FAQs
Q: Are there any differences between Adaptive Tool System and Cut Smart Technology?
Answer: The Adaptive Tool System in the Cricut Maker machine is for active management of the blade’s position for your next cut and allows for greater precision, especially for intricate projects or thicker materials. Moreover, Cut Smart Technology in the Cricut Explore machine works passively, dragging the blade across the materials. At the same time, It allows the curves and angles of your design to change the blade direction.
Q: Which model has Fast Mode?
Answer: By default, the Fast Mode comes for Cricut Maker 3, which is used for cutting and writing with certain materials on a mat. Specifically, This Maker model is optimized to ensure top speed and precision for Smart Materials without a mat. So, no Fast Mode is needed.
Q: What are Smart Materials?
Answer: Smart Materials are clever materials that work without a machine mat; they just need to be loaded directly into the Cricut Maker 3 machine Setup and go. Types of Smart Materials are Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, and Smart Paper Sticker Cardstock.
