Cricut Maker Vs. Explore Air 2 - Which Should You Buy? My Expert Opinion! Comparison. Review

[@joancook8454]

You are the reason I bought the Cricut Air 2, less than 6 months after my son bought this machine for me they released the MAKER! DAMN! last Christmas my husband surprised me with the MAKER! WOW! thank you fore your reviews , I think it’s important to have someone as knowledgeable as you to do electronic cutting machine reviews. Great video

[@KensKreations]

Thank you for all the kind words :)

[@traveldreamer4616]

My machine of choice is the Maker due to the pressure and adaptive tool system. You were the one to help me decide early on. No regrets.

[@KensKreations]

Im glad to hear that. Thank you for the support

[@kelliekells404]

I just got the explore air 2. So excited to begin my crafts. Great video!

[@KensKreations]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@Nick-el2kz]

Apparently the maker is pretty rare couldn't find one within 50 miles but it was only $300. But I'm glad I got it for my fiance for Christmas. Almost got the explore air 2 glad I didn't. GREAT VIDEO

[@anabdelcastillo38]

This is the most thorough and clearly spoken video I’ve watched - it help me make my decision to go for the maker three thank you so much Ken!🌸❤️🌿

[@RHG412]

Thanks for this video, Ken! It really helped me in my decision making!

[@ShadowSinger31]

Thank you for your information. My husband just got me the Circuit Maker for Christmas. I started quilting 5 years ago and I believe this will be great for that. I also enjoy DIY crafts and hope to make lost of stuff for each season.

[@margievanhandel259]

Your the Man! Not much in the crafty world that I have purchased that wasn't based upon your reviews; You've never steered me wrong! Just been sitting on this purchase in hope that in a few weeks we might see a bit of a holiday price reduction. Thanks Ken for your Hard, HARD, work.

[@KensKreations]

Awe thank you Margie. ❤️ Glad I could help ya out. 😊

[@KensKreations]

Yea trust me if you can get this on sale you will be extremely happy :)

[@darlaherrera4006]

I just received my Explore Air 2 today so excited

[@aungsangsui7344]

Hyy hello.how can I buy that

[@aungsangsui7344]

Hyy hello.how can I buy that

[@aungsangsui7344]

Hyy hello.how can I buy that

[@aungsangsui7344]

Hyy hello.how can I buy that

[@holly7869]

Thanks for this informative review. My husband is a model train enthusiast and with this machine, he will be able to build houses, buildings, background trees, and other single and three-dimensional objects. Very cool device.

[@KensKreations]

I’m so excited for him!! 🙏🏽

[@CraigFromTheLand]

with so many bad review comparisons videos out there with people rambling about non-sense, I really enjoyed you discussing specifics and keeping the video to a comparison. It was the exact kind of help I was looking for when trying to get the right one for my wife. Thanks!

[@KensKreations]

You are very welcome. Hope she enjoys her new machine.

[@jennieostgaard1971]

Questton (VERY new to cricut) Will both of these work to make mug subliminals? Not glue on, but ink Thanks! ((lol, new and confused))

[@parmacrafter]

Great comparison Ken! I love my Maker and I am so glad I purchased. I love how they are still adding new blades and tools to give us even more options.

[@KensKreations]

Yea i'm glad they pulled through on their promise

[@KensKreations]

Thanks for watching, Jamie. 💜

[@hempstead.studio]

This was the first truly informative video I have seen comparing the two. Thank you!

[@KensKreations]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@MamaDisney123]

Another GREAT review Ken! I LOVE my Maker and have gifted my previous Cricut machines. I think the only way to improve it would be to make it a 15 or 20 inch machine option for those with that need. Thank you Ken and team!

[@rebeccakilgore8203]

Right now I am using my Maker for cutting a lot of fabric. Never thought I would be when I purchased it. 😀

[@KensKreations]

Thank you for the kind words and I agree

[@MickisMom]

Rebecca Kilgore What are you doing with the cut fabric, if you don’t mind me asking?

[@margrigden353]

Thank you for explaining about these machines

[@telmabermudez8235]

Thank you x1000, you did a remarkable job explaining the differences. Thank you so much for all the research and time you spent making this video.

[@KensKreations]

Thanks so much for watching

[@shannonoakley-moore2292]

Best comparison I have seen! Thank you!!! I've finally made my decision!

[@KensKreations]

Good luck on your new purchase!

[@karencarter3312]

Great video. I did buy the Maker and you confirmed that I bought the right machine. Thank you so much!

[@KensKreations]

Woohoo! Thank you for watching. 😊

[@nikkigrimmz1994]

Thank you! Great video! Really helped me understand the cricut differences.

[@janetgasston9888]

Great video . I now think I will save up to get the Cricut maker because I use a lot of fabric

[@madhatter4743]

I love my maker always remember that if you wait until QVC is offering 6 payments it’s completely worth it.

[@jjr929]

What’s QVC? Can u explain a lil more pleasee

[@reneer4068]

Great video Ken, Sean and Ryan! So professional and you can see all the work that went into it. Very thorough comparison of the Maker and Air 2. Keep up the great work!💕

[@KensKreations]

Thank you :)

[@samayala08]

Which one u choosed

[@erickitapeinadoduran4848]

Thank you so much for your help and your time 🙏🏻NICE INFORMATION ✍🏻👏👏👏🙏🏻thank you

[@scottsworld]

I don't even know what I need these for, but I really WANT ONE after watching your video. thanks. Or, should I buy the small cheap 'Joy'?

[@KensKreations]

Haha thank you! The cricut joy is small but it’s a great machine. Go for it. It’s a good way to get yourself used to Cricuts software

[@120paj]

Hi I would be using heavy materials eg the Bristol board, foam material, cloth, vinyl. Which machine can I use for 2021 ? Also I would be doing alot of printing year round eg 30 sets per design. Thanks

[@johnbutler5650]

My wife has been trying to figure out which machine would be the best fit for her, and honestly, I was NO help in the information department about the Cricket machines! I have been interested in the desktop plotters myself, but there has been a dearth of information out there, but this video has been SUPER helpful! She has said that this video has made her mind up for her! Thanks so much for taking the time to do this video! Have a great day!

[@KensKreations]

Awe!! So glad my video helped. Thank you so much.

[@alexruiz7021]

So I'm interested in getting a Cricut, but I need to know which does the job that I need it to do. I make customized paintings and I use poster board to make my stencils, but it just takes so long to do. So my question is, if I am able to draw out a design or picture, will the machine be able to stencil it out for me, or does it only do what is available within it's program? Thank you for any help you can provide me with.

[@KensKreations]

Yes, the Cricut Maker can do this.

[@HobbyAddictions]

Thanks for the video. What is the max length of a vinyl decal can the machines make

[@mlwhite786]

I keep seeing what the machine has as far as features but what can I actually do with this machine and why would I want one?

[@MsPoliteRants]

As for the Explore Air: it cuts shapes out, for crafting or for card making. I've seen people will cut out lace looking patterns into paper, fold it over, and then they have a fancy birthday card. Another thing is homemade signs. By taking a solid color paper and cutting out letters with this machine, you can then glue those letters onto a canvas, or piece of wood, and then you'll have a nice sign over your door or where ever. It can also cut out stickers, either from ones you've printed with a regular printer, or just by using a solid color sticker paper and cutting out letters and shapes. That would be good for making fancy labels around the house. Or making a bumper sticker! Same goes for iron-on patters, for custom clothing. The Explore also has a little pen in it to write things, which is sort of like a printer but with just a pen, which is handy if you don't have a printer, or if you want to have it write directly onto sticker paper and THEN cut out around the letters. Ken has another video comparing the Explore Air, and Air2, and you can watch it in action. Can't speak for the Maker though.

[@queque5williams748]

@@MsPoliteRants wow thanks!

[@kelliekells404]

@@MsPoliteRants Thank you for your comment. I'm still learning what all the Explore Air 2 does.

[@allisonjacobs6145]

Thank you for this. Definitely grabbing the maker. I'm new to this machine but would prefer spending a little more and cutting way more material!

[@KensKreations]

You are welcome!

[@MarcRCAddict]

Great video.. I was using the cricut explore air 2 for two years and even started a business with it, 2 months ago I upgraded! To the explore 3, after two months it started playing up and cutting unevenly, so the shop replaced it, I tested the brand new explore 3 and on its very first test it was faulty, no matter what pressure setting I use it cuts through the vinyl and through the backing and into the cutting Mat, it’s like the machine is stuck on its maximum pressure, I even manually put the machine of its lowest pressure setting 80 and it still cut into the Mat, they are rubbish or I’ve been crazy unlikely so I’m going back to the shop tomorrow.. not sure if I will leave with another explore 3 , I would rather use my old explorer 2 again.. also the so called extra speed of the explore 3 is a bit of a scam to be honest, all they did was take the opinion away in design space to use fast mode and fast mode is automatically applied when using the smart! Vinyl. The explore air 2 also has fast made you just have to manually select it, but fast mode on both machines cuts less accurate..

[@patgodwin8319]

Can you make signs that people put on wreaths? I have the first 2 machines and have a lot cartridges. Can you go in detail about how We will use our cartridges? Thanks for sharing your information. First time watching. I’m trying to decide whether to buy the maker or the air 2 explorer. I just want to be able to use my cartridges. Pat in NC

[@imeemallari9968]

Im going for the maker yeyy thanks for helping me decide with your informative video

[@KensKreations]

Good choice!

[@carinasoriasobeautifulthan6738]

Thank you so much for your video because I didn’t understand The difference thank you so much for your explanation

[@pazadrianacamposgonzalez9132]

Hi Ken, great video, l need to get a plotter to cut basically vinyl and pictures - which one should l get?

[@KensKreations]

I would go with the Explore Air, (there is now a 3!). Cheaper than the Maker as long as you are not doing really anything else.

[@thescepterofjudah12]

I bought both! But of course I got mine almost 2 years after you made this video. I got both of mine for a steal due to the impending releases of both new Cricut machines. I got the Cricut Air Explorer 2 (Walmart Emerald Green exclusive) $100 brand new! Then just recently, I got the Champagne Cricut Maker for $305 from Micheal’s. Can’t wait to get started on the multitude of projects I’ll be into!

[@KensKreations]

That is so cool! Great prices!! Have lots of fun with them!

[@yszjhaescanela8213]

I’m planning on starting my own stationery business. I’m planning on focusing cards, school/office supply, and stickers. Which one is better to use to begin with?

[@KensKreations]

If you are just doing paper cutting and nothing really else, the Explore Air 2 would do just great.

[@yszjhaescanela8213]

@@KensKreations thank you!

[@dianebelle2227]

thank you, I just ran across your page. I just got the Cricut air 2 for Christmas . I have a card ministry and this is going to take my card to a different level. But I'm afraid it's so much. my question is where do I start. Thank you for any help you can give.

[@clintharris4894]

I’m thinking about getting one for pmc for jewelry designs which would be better

[@MJ-gd3fc]

Well I'm happy with my explore air 2 next thing we'll see is the cricut maker 2 they will compare it with the first maker telling us that the maker 2 is better..then you'll regret getting the first maker .lol

[@shatirabarry]

What is the difference with the cricut maker blue, mint, champagne

[@WARPAINTandUnicorns]

I'm looking forward to a comparison of the Cricut Maker to the Cameo 4 in the future, I'm also worried about the non-metal body for the Cameo 4. I'm a cosplayer looking for something to cut a lot of odd materials. Cut and score foam, all sorts of fabric, HTV, thermal plastic-like Worbla & Thibra (which is like wood cutting) and acrylic etching is a really nice bonus. I'm looking to buy one in the spring and the larger format Camo 4 were calling me but I need to see how it handles other materials with the different tools first for the standard sizes.

[@KensKreations]

I am excited to do a comparison video for sure. Thanks for watching 💕

[@Tatacali88]

Can't wait to see this comparison too

[@mathildabalopi1521]

Thank you for explaining, I now know what will work for me.

[@KensKreations]

You are welcome!

[@rebekahwalsh7064]

Hi, I would to know what machine does stickers?

[@moniregb5682]

Hi. I work with leather that is usually between 1.2 and 1.4 mm in thickness. What depth of leather can these machines cut and what width of leather can they cut as well. Also, what cutter would I need to cut leather and is there a special mat that is needed for leather as well. Thank you.

[@KensKreations]

You would be best to buy the Maker 3(which is the newest one out there) It can do up to 2.44mm plus it has much more downward force than the Explorer Air by 10x. It also has the rotary tool as well as the knife blade.

[@moniregb5682]

@@KensKreations thank you so much.

[@Jenny_wren_crafts_]

Great advice as always. I hope you don't mind but I'd like to suggest a future video from you. Would you consider reviewing and comparing the We Are Memory Keepers Foil Quil and Heidi swapp Minc foil laminator? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

[@KensKreations]

I will consider. Thank you. 😊😊😊

[@Milliehippo]

Hmmm you like the maker better, I would have liked to know more about the differences. The noise levels, seeing them in action , comparisons with the same materials etc. this feels like an advert for the maker. Not that I don't love my air 2 and am looking forward to getting a maker, but Ive not had my questions answered.

[@pameckensviller58]

Can you use the cutting blades in the Air 2

[@samayala08]

Which one is good for shirts caps mugs I brought Cricut explore air 2

[@KensKreations]

Explore Air 2 is great for those type of things.

[@jackylambert8451]

Hi. All I want is to cut personalised cake toppers. Which machine should I get?

[@lexusformetwo7097]

We just bought the Maker at. Costco for $279 - excited to try it out!

[@enataki1407]

Which one is better Brother design n cut or circut explore air 2

[@janetg.1154]

will the Cricut Maker engrave an item that is 5/16" thick? Or up to 1/4 "???

[@mariapennylane]

Yep. Maker it is!! Thank you so much for this video. It was really the deciding factor for me 😸

[@KensKreations]

💙💙💙

[@lotlotdg4300]

I just need a machine that will stand on time I don't want to buy another machine but I am not making a lot of stuff just mugs and shirts and cards ... one question do you think Air2 will be replace by Air3? If they already have the Maker?

[@KensKreations]

I honestly don’t know 🤔

[@lcampbell2217]

So I listened 3 times to the part where you talked about the cartridge. I have to have it in order to use the Explorer 2? I just bought it and that wasn't mentioned in the other video from Joann Fabrics with explanation on how to.chose the right machine.

[@KensKreations]

All the new machines do not use the cartridge, since they no longer make them. If you still have them, you can get an adaptor to the machine and use it, but almost everyone now has some type of online access to their cartridges. Basically, this video was to show the difference between the 2 because of the price point and asks what are you going to use the machine for. Just cutting paper and some fabric, Explore Air 2 is great. Want to do more than that and cut more material, Maker is the choice. But now, there are the Maker 3 and Explore Air 3.

[@lcampbell2217]

@@KensKreations OK. Thank you.

[@anabelapereira8076]

So glad I got the circuit maker now😊

[@KensKreations]

Awesome!! Did you get the Maker 3?

[@gailw8999]

I have one of the original Cricut that was 12X12 I had a 6" one but no longer have, I have never linked any of my over 150+ cartridges. I used it a lot until the silhouette came out then moved over because I didn't have to buy cartridges. It also cut more delicate images. I am getting ready to sale both machines and get a new one after watching this review it looks like you prefer the cricut over the Silhouette. question I have a 12X24" mat and extra Blades for my Cricut can either be used for the new cricuts?

[@KensKreations]

They can!

[@aalispahic4359]

Hello. Can u tell me, can maker cut leather

[@stephaniewhite7788]

I didn’t know it had an adapter for the cartridges...that is the only reason I got the air ..ugh.”I really wish I would have gotten the maker “ :( oh well...I still LOVE my air 2...maybe Santa will surprise me this year ;) thank you for a great video !!! Loved it 🥰

[@KensKreations]

It is so crazy what the maker can do, though you do have to buy the adapter separately for cartridges

[@fionaough3015]

really informative between the 2 machines think you've just helped me to make my mind up

[@KensKreations]

Thank you 😊

[@Roaming_Realms2B]

Great explanation of the machines. I will be starting out & the maker would be a good choice for me to learn to craft other things as I progress to bigger projects

[@cw5157]

Which one of those would best help if I want to start out making labels, and design coasters?

[@KensKreations]

The Cricut Joy can do labels really well. Look into using Cricut's Infusiable ink to design costers.

[@fastshelby5226]

I have a couple of questions. I'm Not a crafter. I'm looking to solve a production problem. Will this machine accept a 8-12ft long piece of felt 12" wide and be able to cut multiple 3" circles with a 4" straight tail coming off the circle that is 3/8" wide? Can i do this by feeding the felt directly into the maker? The other thing. Can I set up this circle with the tail design in the program to utilize the felt in the most economical way by means of getting the greatest number of pieces out of the piece of felt? Thanks, Dan

[@KensKreations]

I believe the newer machines can do this, but you may need to look into it since we don't have those machines.

[@mollypittman1776]

Seems I should get the Cricut Maker for felt projects.

[@carinasoriasobeautifulthan6738]

That is exactly what I wanted to know because the person on Michael’s couldn’t explain me either way I got the maker

[@darlenemurray5643]

I've only used the first cricut imagine. My question is all the cartridges are they in cricut design. I'm nervous about using the computer thank u

[@susanb3297]

hi what the cable to machine called so i can put cartraiges to it?? is it advible UK-trying to find it as love some of my cartagies-

[@KensKreations]

According to Melody Lane of Melody Lane Designs, she is a Cricut expert. The cable they came out with does not work. You would have to call Customer Support on what to do with your Cartridges.

[@Bonjour-World]

Are these limited to BlueTooth connections .... what if you want to use it with a real desktop computer ?

[@KensKreations]

Yes, you can plug them in via a cord.

[@twin.gaming97]

Which is best for beginners? I plan to make stickers, shirts, and cup decals. Thanks in advance❤

[@KensKreations]

I would say the Explore Air2 would be best for you.

[@ShoryoTombo]

I am looking for a machine that can do a wooden cutout for jewelry. Is this machine capable?

[@KensKreations]

It can.

[@MickisMom]

The best comparison I’ve seen. Thanks!!

[@KensKreations]

Thank you so much

[@gemmas3172]

Thank you for this informative video. Can I please clarify something - are all the cutting blades and housings compatible with both machines? Thank you.

[@KensKreations]

Some of them are but not all of the tools are interchangeable

[@richard26162]

Hi Ken, I've just been watching your video about the cricut maker and how you think this machine grows with the user and I was completely excited. I watch another video a little later and to my surprise I see that Cricut is already working on maker 3. A machine much faster than the original maker. So the cricut maker is not so accommodating to the consumer, who has to buy a new machine to be able to use that new fast technology. I find that very unfortunate. However, this does not take away from the fact that I always enjoy watching your videos! Keep it up!

[@KensKreations]

I know, it was a shocker to a lot of us, when they did that. Thanks for watching my videos!

[@MarcRCAddict]

Great video.. I was using the cricut explore air 2 for two years and even started a business with it, 2 months ago I upgraded! To the explore 3, after two months it started playing up and cutting unevenly, so the shop replaced it, I tested the brand new explore 3 and on its very first test it was faulty, no matter what pressure setting I use it cuts through the vinyl and through the backing and into the cutting Mat, it’s like the machine is stuck on its maximum pressure, I even manually put the machine of its lowest pressure setting 80 and it still cut into the Mat, they are rubbish or I’ve been crazy unlikely so I’m going back to the shop tomorrow.. not sure if I will leave with another explore 3 , I would rather use my old explorer 2 again.. also the so called extra speed of the explore 3 is a bit of a scam to be honest, all they did was take the opinion away in design space to use fast mode and fast mode is automatically applied when using the smart! Vinyl. The explore air 2 also has fast made you just have to manually select it, but fast mode on both machines cuts less accurate..

[@Talksatmidnight]

My cricut maker stopped turning on. Any suggestions?

[@BrittanyGonzalez-cr5ji]

My maker just died after 3.5 it just stopped turning on one day and a new power cord did nothing. So sad.

[@sbudzinski]

You are awesome at these reviews! Thanks Ken :)

[@KensKreations]

Thank you Sue :)

[@rhyanonstuddert7384]

Does it cut felt? That's basically what I want it for, to cut out small or intricate patterns for felt ornaments.

[@KensKreations]

The maker does cut felt

[@JanineMKartist]

Can the maker cut thick plexiglass or acrylic plastic? Also where could I buy that to fit the machine? I’m thinking of upgrading my original explore to the maker.

[@KensKreations]

Yes it can cut plexiglass and acrylic plastic. You can purchase those 2 on the cricket site as proof grade

[@KensKreations]

Sharing a link with you that shows all the materials the Maker can cut below. And if I had to choose between the Explore or the Maker, I'd choose the Maker. help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/360009504773-Which-materials-can-I-cut-with-my-Cricut-Explore-and-Maker-machine-#maker

[@suhasinisukavashi339]

Which one should i buy if i make more projects with FELT ??

[@rumbymar4637]

Can you engrave a night light with an explore 3?

[@KensKreations]

It is possible depending on the type of surface. I have not see the new Explorer 3 yet.

[@rosiejimenez3953]

Thank you, you explained the differences so well. Had watched another video but you helped me decide and I'm going with the Maker. Saw it on sale for $299.99, placing my order right now.

[@SeahorseLover0927]

Where is this sale???

[@SDSYRT]

@@SeahorseLover0927 i bought mines at walmart in the store for $300

[@rosiejimenez3953]

Amazon had it on sale fir $299.00

[@TheAlicat08]

Does the Cricut maker come with the blade that cuts card stock?

[@KensKreations]

Yes, that is typical. All the others are sold separately.

[@nicola_k-s]

I'm curious to know about parts and accessories for these machines cost wise and are they easy to get hold of? I also looked at your old video comparing 3 machines. Originally I was set on the Brother until you mentioned that buying mats etc was quite difficult. Then I was drawn to the silhouette but seeing how it performed scared me some what. Has the design space improved for the Cricut? I'm a beginner with these machines but I'm really good with general design software being trained as a Graphic Designer to Degree level and worry if the design program will annoy me. My uses for any machine is to design my own designs for cutting. I want to cut paper, make stickers, cut fabric, cut shrinky dinks, do vinyl and more. I look forward to your or anyone's honest opinion.

[@KensKreations]

Maker sounds like the machine you need. Unfortunately design space hasn’t changed much.

[@nicola_k-s]

Thanks Ken for your valued and honest opinion😊

[@A347baker]

Can you do an updated video to include the new machines?

[@dianamccullough1736]

My husband wants me to get the maker , so that will be my new toy. I have never had a machine so this is my first rodeo. Wish me luck. And I subscribed to your channel and I know you will help alot. Thank you so much Ken

[@KensKreations]

Thank you! You’ll love it.

[@johnbolton8606]

HI DIANA, please can we have an update on how you are getting on with your machine. I have had an explore air 2 for a month and its very good.

[@abysss56]

What us size difference ?

[@KensKreations]

They are the same size, but the Maker is heavier.

[@vincentgiardina6769]

can i use the cricut to make and cut waterslide decals ?

[@KensKreations]

Yes you can.

[@karenlovisa6078]

Great job,myopic did it..I am convinced the Cricut maker is the right one for me.thanks again.

[@KensKreations]

Woohoo!! Congrats.

[@annecokeley2482]

Thank you for the review. Very helpful

[@Hdgsgdhsh]

I loooooooveee your energy ! You have a great vibe !! Subscriberrrrrr

[@KensKreations]

Thank you so much!!

[@TheAlicat08]

How often do you replace the blades?

[@KensKreations]

Depends on what you are cutting and how much cutting you do.

[@shondra6]

I’m gravitating now lols... TFS a great explanation on this subject.. I was concerned I would be sorry down the track.

[@liveoffthewallco]

Im going to be making a tshirt biz thats more my own designed graphics rather then words on a shirt. In your opinion should i still get the cricut or no?

[@KensKreations]

If you are doing just T-Shirts and cutting Iron is all you will be cutting, the NEW Explore Air 3 would be best.

[@clcoleman3839]

So glad I found your video. THANK YOU! Subbed and Liked 👍🏾😊

[@KensKreations]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@twalker3362]

So, it’s 60% more and you have to buy most of the other blades in order to use the additional features at $30 to $70. Wow.

[@darlingmendivil532]

So which one would be best for centerpiece cutouts?

[@KensKreations]

Cricut maker

[@knd225]

Which is better for first time T-shirt maker? Which is better for printing own drawings for tshirts?

[@KensKreations]

Cricut maker

[@geminitalks7749]

Very good guy explained everything to the point