Cricut Maker or Cricut Maker 3 What is the difference which machine is right for me?

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Cricut released the new 3 series machines in June 2021 and many people are still wondering what is the difference? What machine is right for me? Should I upgrade to the Maker 3? What does the Maker 3 do that the current maker doesn't? This video is here to answer all those questions and more about the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Maker 3.
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[@beverlymackenzie6058]

So glad for this video. A great explanation of why I really don't need to spend the extra, I"m happy with my machine and it does all I need. Thanks again for this and all your other videos, you're a great teacher!

[@avernelljoseph8552]

This was THE most helpful video of all the videos I’ve watched in terms of helping me make a decision about which to buy. Thanks a lot.

[@renitahebner3084]

Ty for putting this video out. I have the maker and was thinking about getting the 3. With what you said, I’m sticking with the Maker. I got the maker because of the wireless connection. This was very helpful.

[@sheilacope7761]

I love your honest opinions!

[@hembieashwe7446]

Thank you so much for this comparison video. I just got a Maker & I am super excited to know the ins and outs of it! Can’t wait to receive it in the mail!

[@MarstaJNZ]

Thanks for the video! We went with the maker 1 !

[@The_Tinkers_Cottage]

Thank you for your honesty, this has helped me so much!!! I've been wanting to pull the trigger, I have an Explore Air and feel like it's great for most of my cutting projects but would really love to cut cardboard/chipboard and bring my projects to the next level. Again, thank you for your honest review.

[@lindaliebermann2519]

I just saw your video and enjoyed it so much. I have been trying to decide between the two Makers and thought I should always go with the latest. But now I have changed my mind. I have the Explore Air and it is going well for what I need. I never plan to cut the smart materials since they are limited. I am going to get the Maker. I think that is good for my needs since I am a card maker and also do a lot of writing. Thank you for the honest video. I have been looking at some reviews for a while now and none of them have been very helpful.

[@OklahomaJamie]

Thank you for this video!! Getting a Maker now!!

[@ElizabethDwelleJewelry]

Thank you for this video. You helped me decide what to buy.

[@tmhoward71]

Thank you this really helped me decide on which one to purchase as a beginner user.

[@TravelWithJosie]

Thank you. I was soooooo wondering which to get. I will get the Maker!

[@stephaniedumas6496]

Thanks for sharing and being straightforward

[@FredFloresca]

Excellent information! Many thanks!

[@kristitanner3022]

Thank you! I was about too pull trigger for the maker 3 but you changed my mind! I’m just starting out using one… thank for your honest opinion! ❤

[@jmjenkins97]

Thanks so much I a need this craft and I suggesting for a machine and the cost is unbelievable so I really appreciate your honesty.

[@cozystitchhaven]

Went with maker instead of maker 3. Thanks for the comparison!

[@hollysilva7128]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@cynthiafontenot8241]

I am so glad I saw this video!! I’ve been considering to buy a Maker 3 for my upcoming wedding and now I’m definitely getting just the Maker (since I am a beginner) Thank you so much!

[@CorinneBlackstone]

Awww congratulations!! 💍❤️🥰

[@jenniferblackwell2191]

Thank you so much for this video! I had a maker since the lockdown of Covid in 2020 and just recently it died. I was on the phone with Cricut and after troubleshooting they said it cannot be worked on and need to be replaced. The sales rep talked me into the Maker 3 with a heavy discount. After I bought it, and came across this video and I immediately canceled my maker 3 and went back to the maker.(Going to the Maker was still $110 less than the maker 3 with "heavy" discount) I have heard bad reviews on the "smart" materials, (which I was not planning on using anyway) and I had no complaints about the regular maker before she died. So again, I GREATLY appreciate your honesty and breakdown of the pros and cons between these machines. Now with my "replacement" maker, I get more mats, blades and other accessories that the maker 3 would not come with!!! Keep up these very informative and honest videos, Corinne :)

[@19bbl]

Thank you so much. I have the Explore 3 and regretted not getting the Maker 3 for cutting unbonded fabric and scoring wheels. Knowing that the only real difference is the Smart Materials (which I think are too expensive) makes my decision a no brainer. Thanks for stating it plainly.

[@joanbjornas682]

Thanks for the comparison

[@kathyandruss9623]

Best tutorial I have watched on the differences. I just bought the Cricut Maker and it is my first Cricut and I didn’t see myself doing anything with the smart vinyl. I haven’t turned it on yet as I feel I need to watch the videos before I screw it up, lol!

[@amywalker4359]

You won't hurt it. Please watch some more of Corinne's videos and get in there.

[@antoinettemitchell2888]

I was under impressed by maker 3. I am looking into starcraft thank you for your time and honesty

[@JD-72191]

I really appreciate that you clearly spelled out the reasons why someone should upgrade to the Maker 3. I am going to get the original Maker because I will never need to make a large project and not enamored with Smart Materials. Thank you!

[@mardellgrayhek9958]

Good points Corrine. I saved to upgrade to Maker 3 but have been holding out for it to be introduced in mint. For the first time I have been centering all my Cricut accessories to match my Mint Explore Air2. I figure they have a glut of colors on hand already that they need to get rid of. Lately, I noticed the diferences in what comes inside the box and that rotary blade has been on my list. Since you introduced me to 143 vinyl, I don't see using the smart materials any time soon. I don't really need another machine, but there are some projects that lend themselves better to the Maker. They have been some decent sales lately too. As always, a good comparison Corrine. Thank you.

[@debbiemoore7498]

Thank you very much. I was hoping , for my birthday, I would get a Maker. I have an Explorer now. Now I understand the difference 😃

[@sashmon4213]

Thank you i just got the cricut maker

[@LorraineCastellon-Rowe]

I absolutely L💗VE your new hair!!! It's so pretty and very feminine. I looooved your long hair too but this is a nice change. Thank you for the great/honest comparison!! I'm still happy with my Maker and don't see the Maker 3 in my near future. 💛💚🧡💛💚🧡💛💚🧡

[@anruiukimirocproductions]

I went ahead and got the Maker 3 about a month ago because I didn't have any sort of cutting machine, and besides it being a bit too hardcore with its cutting (learning curve ahoy, I've had to turn vinyl down to minimum pressure just so it won't unintentionally diecut everything haha) but I'm glad I went with the newer machine. I'm sure the Maker would have done me well too, but as I primarily bought it to cut fabric, I wanted the newest model. Thanks for the great video! :)

[@nomic50]

Thank you so much I wanted the maker 3 because it is the latest model (I have an Explorer Air 2) but after your explanation of the two for me it's not worth the extra money . I live in Canada and the price is pretty high. Thanks again great video.

[@alisona123]

Thank you for the honest review! (Also, s/o to OH and Hocking Hills!)

[@CorinneBlackstone]

Hocking hills is so pretty! We go every couple years and always find new and fun things to do!

[@elizabethgerring130]

Thanks for the great comparison! I have to comment on your sweat shirt, I love Hocking Hills. My sil and her hubby run a campground there. ❤️

[@CorinneBlackstone]

How fun! We have been a couple times and we love it!

[@boukadea]

Thank you Corinne for sharing about the challenge of the smart materials. I’ve been so discouraged with the Cricut Joy smart vinyl. I find it nearly impossible to weed and I keep thinking it’s something I’m doing. I appreciate you sharing you find it challenging as well.

[@RobbieJayOne]

Thank you!! Your review was very informative. I have the Maker and I’m satisfied with the machine but I was curious about the differences. I’ll stick with the Maker and wait to check out…hmmm, um Maker 5?? I mean whatever model follows Maker 3.

[@kristidesrosier4682]

I have the air2 and LOVE IT.. when I saw the Maker3 I mentioned it to my fiancé a few times how awesome it looked.. the mat less cutting.. I was so into the machine but NOT the price. For Xmas, he surprised me with what I thought was a much needed wireless dog fence .. only to find he splurged and bought the maker 3!!! I LOVE the smart vinyl and have found that it hold up much better than the regular vinyl. I wish they had more colors and options for permanent as well as iron on but I’m sure it’s coming. I LOVE LOVE my Maker3.. and use it almost daily. I look for excuses to use it.. lol. I never had the maker .. so I can see the point as far as what u get with each one .. I think the maker3 was intended as an upgrade machine… I still love both of my cricut machines and I believe I may just be blessed w the best man ever! Thank you for sharing your videos. I enjoy all of your ideas and tips!!

[@CorinneBlackstone]

He sounds like a keep for sure!

[@calissaobviouslycannotdeci7419]

I’m soooooo glad you explained the difference between the two Makers! I have the Maker and was so upset the 3 came out and I was going to miss a bunch of cool features. My maker was a great deal when I got it for the price. I just wish CRICUT would update software because the print and cut feature is so weird not to allow you to use the entire sheet. And I’m so tired of wasting materials. Plus I HATE the calibration part. I cannot ever cut stickers even no matter how many times I do it! Thanks for sharing Corrine!💋💋

[@Waynetta180]

I had that problem too. I thought something was wrong with my machine. Left the whole print & cut thing for months before finally trying to tackle it. It's been a bit since I've done it but I had it spot on. I saw the tips to line up your paper ¼ down from the top line. On the line on the left as usual just down ¼ of an inch from the top. I put a thin strip of washi on the mat to mark that. TIP no.2: close the lid over when you're calibrating. I had bright lights that were causing it issues and when it turned them off and held the lid closed it made such a difference. Best of luck :) I really hope you find your solution. I was dreading the thought of having to return mine. Really thought it was faulty

[@Waynetta180]

Oh and same. I ordered my maker and only a month later they announced the release of the maker 3. I was devastated! Now I love my machine so much and I will be using print and cut again soon. Have so many plans of things I want to make. Just never enough time haha I can't stand waste either. I save all my scraps so much so that my craft room is a mess haha. All the oddly shaped pieces of card and paper make for an eyesore. Will have to force myself to sort through and cut them down into different neater sizes.

[@MarstaJNZ]

Is that issue with the 3 also?

[@amywalker4359]

@@MarstaJNZ yes, the Maker and Maker3 have the same print then cut parameters.

[@Pinkkermit17]

I honestly think its odd to have the Maker 3, when the first one came out they said that it would last,, it would have all the updates and you would never need to buy a “new version “ ,, all lies….

[@shawnstover5818]

Hello, I love your honesty and I need your help. If I’m just starting out and would like to learn to make: Cups, t-shirts, hats and maybe party favors like the personalized potato chip bags. So, which machine would you recommend…. Pls help! Thank you

[@eileendarbon5022]

I'd love the link for the rhinestone lid please? Thank you this video was so helpful x

[@CorinneBlackstone]

Here you go! amzn.to/3gTmcd8

[@vmarsfiles]

Thank you for your review! I ended up buying the explore air 2 because of the color and I wont be cutting any wood materials!

[@CorinneBlackstone]

I wish I got the peacock or yellow explore but the mint is so cute too!

[@vmarsfiles]

@@CorinneBlackstone thats a great color! I got the last few of the lilac colors available. Super happy with it so far🥰

[@kristibrooks6014]

Thank you so much. Your video by far explained the difference the best. I have a question though. I know you said you can use all the tools with both machines, does that mean you can engrave and cut wood on the maker like you can with the maker 3?

[@CorinneBlackstone]

Yes you can. They are the same when it comes to cutting wood and engraving.

[@katrinadixon4510]

I love how you explain ,im a newbie to it and got marker 3 now looking at taking it back , but what is the diffrence explorer air

[@CorinneBlackstone]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5vanKOmnZyKaJYsi=nVK-WN_NolgQCQVf

[@strayviolets]

My explore air 2 is only a year old and has been disconnecting with my laptop and now not cutting deep enough .. considering upgrading or getting a Juliet

[@2Bs_scrapsNcrafts]

Cute shirt!

[@CorinneBlackstone]

Thank you!

[@creationsbyclo9325]

Thanks for a great review, I am leaning towards the maker because where I live we don’t have much access to their smart materials and I think it a rip off they don’t put the mats. And the fact that it is faster ONLY with the smart materials was a deal breaker for me. Great review!

[@Cs39927]

If you get cricut access, you can buy mats in bulk and they can be about $3 or less!

[@heathergomos882]

I was just researching the 2 machines the other day. They hooked a lot of people on the maker 3 by saying it was twice as fast. What they put in the small print is that that only applies to the Cricut smart vinyl. I personally can’t stand the Cricut vinyl and the price on the small vinyl about gave me a stroke. As far as the 12 feet, I would just use the 12x24 mat and slice it image to fit the mat with a good vinyl.

[@Cs39927]

For me the 3 sold me when it said it was smoother and less clanky. MIL has the maker and I hated the noise it made. I don't get that with the 3, it cuts so smooth.

[@heathergomos882]

@@Cs39927 I’ve had a Cricut since they originally came out. I was so excited when the Expressions machine came out because the other ones didn’t cut as large. Then when the Air 2 and Maker came out, I debated and decided I couldn’t afford the Maker, especially with my projects at the time. Then I wanted to engrave and cut thicker materials and started pouting because I wanted the Maker. Not long after that, the 3 came out and they dropped the price on the Maker. Sooo I have some projects I do on the Air 2 and some on the Maker. In short, I have a craft addiction 🤣🥴

[@mika24ful]

To make more things have a cricket joy in a cricket air two & current of ike threm both of them to make things with them

[@jrjanette2]

Cricut is done for me!!! Those machine end up with lid issues

[@jackieschwartz5691]

Thanks- I’ve been trying to decide and this clears up some questions. Can the maker cut leather? (Not cricut leather, my own leather.)

[@CorinneBlackstone]

Depends on the thickness but generally yes

[@NaeNaeDIY]

I was thinking about getting the maker 3 because I read somewhere that it cuts wood faster

[@CorinneBlackstone]

I’m going to be honest with you. Cricut wood cutting is subpar at best. It can’t cut very intricate details. It still takes forever with tons of passes and if cutting wood is the main reason you want a cricut it’s a waste of money. Look into an inexpensive laser cutter for wood.

[@NaeNaeDIY]

@@CorinneBlackstone thank you so much for your reply

[@jodiepotter6029]

Hey there! I have a Maker and snagged a Maker 3 from Dick Blick this past fall for $227 including shipping….yes, you read that right. It was an impulse buy and I’m not sure if I have buyers remorse or not. I love my Maker so much I wonder sometimes if I made a mistake buying the 3. Question: aside from smart materials, do you find the roll holder worth it if one will not be using smart materials?

[@CorinneBlackstone]

Not at all worth it for the roll holder. There really isn’t much point to it unless your cutting off mat. It gets in the way of the mat if you are using one

[@creationsbyclo9325]

Corinne, can I please ask if you were buying a new machine and had the choice between an Explorer 3 or an original Maker would you feel anything is a deal cruncher? I would not be using smart materials. The cutting of wood and fabric is nice, realistically I am not sure I would use them. Any pearls of wisdom? many thanks

[@CorinneBlackstone]

100% get the Maker. The Explore 3 is a nice machine but the upgrade for the price are not there

[@creationsbyclo9325]

@@CorinneBlackstone thanks so much, the Maker it is. I figure the only advantage it has over the Maker original is the use of smart materials. thanks for the help.

[@stevensmith9001]

My Cricut maker was defective right out of the box. Hopefully they’ll send a new unit after contacting them.

[@CorinneBlackstone]

Aww dang! That stinks! I’m sure they will replace it!

[@stacyjones200]

I heard that the Maker 3 has a more powerful motor than the Maker. The 3 has a Servo motor while the Maker has a Stepper motor. However, the Maker is still a great choice and appears to be faster in some cases.

[@CorinneBlackstone]

It can’t cut anything thicker or harder. I may have misspoke about the motor but it doesn’t sadly make the machine more powerful

[@stacyjones200]

@@CorinneBlackstone yeah I agree, it's not really a great upgrade from the original. I have a Brother Scan and cut, now this is a whole different user experience. I am still a Cricut girl though.

[@britneyhall3703]

With the cricut maker can you still make the super long cuts or is that only a feature of the cricut maker 3?

[@CorinneBlackstone]

The maker can cut 23.5 inches long any longer the maker 3 and smart materials are required

[@swiftdetecting]

duno this band or the cameo one ? mainly for t-shirt stuff though like to do mugs and coffee cups and hats too

[@CorinneBlackstone]

The maker is a great option as it does the most for what you want to create and you won’t need to upgrade

[@swiftdetecting]

@@CorinneBlackstone whay about for Stickers as someone said the software wont go on a full A4 sheet and to do stickers u do this with a inkjet printer?

[@swiftdetecting]

this was avideo put up 1 year ago which is why switched to a cameo one ?

[@swiftdetecting]

@@CorinneBlackstone Cricut Explore ™ 3 that one good as thats on offer in uk today only, though duno if comes with everything need

[@CorinneBlackstone]

@@swiftdetecting it’s not worth the upgraded price from the explore air 2 but if it’s all you can get in the UK it will do what you want

[@tiffanyrachowicz6426]

hey I got a question for you I have an air Explorer 2 and I was thinking of getting a maker as well because I need two machines not the three but just the regular maker which one cut stickers faster do you think the air Explorer or the maker?

[@CorinneBlackstone]

The maker is a tad faster

[@tiffanyrachowicz6426]

@@CorinneBlackstone Thanks!!

[@ghazalarrabea4291]

does really cricket maker have a loud sound, then cricket3?

[@CorinneBlackstone]

No

[@raquelnegron3448]

Thank you so much for the explanation. I just bought the explorer air 2 as I found it cheap I think, for 160 dollars at Walmart online, but I might want to use it to cut iron on patches for my daughter. Do you think I can do that? The videos I have seen to cut fabric use an iron with fridge paper and I think that won’t work for those patches. Do you think I should return the air 2 and get a maker? Thank you!!!

[@CorinneBlackstone]

You need to have bonded fabric I’m not sure what the patches are like but usually bonding is like a coating on the back. Also it can’t cut thick fabric the maker cuts thicker

[@raquelnegron3448]

@@CorinneBlackstone thank you, I think I’m going to return it and change it for the silhouette cameo 4 🫣 , I’m between the cameo 4 and the maker (the first one) and I’m not scared of the software, what do you recommend? Please help! 😂

[@CorinneBlackstone]

@@raquelnegron3448 look at the solo or juliet honestly far better quality

[@swiftdetecting]

also maybe cut out terrian stuff too so wood and plastic too ?

[@CorinneBlackstone]

These machines cannot cut thick items very thin wood and plastic are difficult and cannot be very intricate cuts

[@nancyt.pasour7658]

Would I be able to cut faux leather on the Maker?

[@CorinneBlackstone]

Yes

[@maryliconproudgrammycroche8487]

Is the regular maker good for faux leather tags ?

[@CorinneBlackstone]

Yes I use it for them all the time

[@maryliconproudgrammycroche8487]

@@CorinneBlackstone ty so much now to convince my wife to get me one 💖

[@CorinneBlackstone]

@@maryliconproudgrammycroche8487 I wish you luck!

[@ghazalarrabea4291]

I really want to buy a cricket machine, but I don't know what to decide, cricket maker or cricket maker 3, and I read that cricket maker has a loud sound then cricket maker3 is that true?

[@CorinneBlackstone]

No they sound the same to me.

[@cherylholt-boyd7050]

Just upgraded to the Maker from the Explore Air. Not a fan of smart materials.

[@CorinneBlackstone]

Hey are terrible for real

[@mardellgrayhek9958]

Corrine, have you cut chipboard with your explore air 2 using a deep cut blade in the deep housing

[@CorinneBlackstone]

No I have not.

[@lexy10985]

I want to get my first cricut but don’t know what to get I basically just want to make greeting cards and vinyl decals and iron ons u have a recommendation?

[@CorinneBlackstone]

Explore air 2

[@lexy10985]

@@CorinneBlackstone I was looking at that one but the bundles I was looking at on the cricut website the explore 2 bundle was more expensive than the maker bundle don’t know why?

[@CorinneBlackstone]

@@lexy10985 could just be what’s in the bundle but I don’t recommend the bundles unless it’s mostly tools. Cricut brand materials are awful

[@susybot]

Here to second the explore air 2. I’ve had it for several years and I put it through the ringer! I legit do the weirdest things with it and it just keeps going like a work horse. Highly recommend! And I also second the suggestion against bundles, you can get better quality materials and they’re not cricut brand.

[@lexy10985]

@@susybot oh really? I thought I have to use cricut brand? I can use any kind of vinyl? Also so the explore air 2? That’s the one u recommend as well?

[@slopez7918]

Hello, how are you doing? From Yakima Washington

[@CorinneBlackstone]

Hi Sally! I’m well! How are you?

[@margaretross8486]

Also, the Maker 3 only cuts faster on the smart materials, not on the mat.

[@CorinneBlackstone]

Correct I mention that in the video. I wish they would make that more clear but it’s in very tiny writing on the side of the box

[@galeem713]

Supposedly the maker 3 is quieter

[@CorinneBlackstone]

It’s honestly not quieter or at least not enough to be noticed

[@britannia55]

I was disappointed when I bought my machine, I didn’t get any Mat at all, the machine cost enough, I got the materials but how could I try the machine without a mat, I had to go back to my craft store that’s 5 miles from where I live. 😢

[@CorinneBlackstone]

Yep that’s one other thing I hate about the maker 3. They really seem to do that to push people to buy their awful smart vinyl

[@takeeachdayasitcomes5221]

So basically there is zero reason to but the 3. Why did they even make it? I didn’t hear one reason to buy the 3.

[@CorinneBlackstone]

The only reason is to cut off mat… with smart vinyl…. Which is awful. It’s hard to weed hard to transfer just not a quality product. So yep pretty much no reason. They made the 3 to make money of course. They figured people would think the 3 is the latest greatest with tons of new features but of course it’s not.

[@gailarmstrong241]

can the maker use matless material?

[@CorinneBlackstone]

No only the 3 but I have to say I’m not impressed with the matless material options from cricut

[@Jesus-warrior]

So.... basically the maker 3 is a maker.... and your just getting less for you buck...............

[@CorinneBlackstone]

Pretty much