You probably are here because you heard that Cricut has released a new machine – Cricut Explore 3!
Learn all about the newest Cricut Machine- Cricut Explore 3 and how it outperforms the Cricut Air 2 so you can make an informed decision on whether you should upgrade your machine.
Cricut has recently announced that they are releasing two new Cricut Machines on June 10, 2021 -the Cricut Explorer 3 and Cricut Maker 3.
Both of these cutting machines are the newest Cricut Cutting Machines out there and they both have some really amazing new features that their predecessors did not have.
I have been using the Cricut Air 2 for about 5 years now. So keep on reading to learn if I’m going to upgrade to one of the latest Cricut cutting Machines or stick with the one I got.
WHAT IS THE CRICUT EXPLORE 3?
The Cricut Explore 3 is a smart cutting machine that can cut over 100 different materials. It can also cut, draw, and score.
It is very similar to it’s predecessor, the Cricut Expore Air 2, but the newest Cricut Machines offers even more features and capabilities.
Cricut decided to drop the word “air” because Bluetooth is now a standard feature with all Cricut Cutting Machines. So they don’t need to emphasize it in the cutting machine title anymore.
The Cricut Explore 3 has 6 different tools to help you expand your crafting possibilities.
The Cricut Air 2 has a material dial while the Cricut Explore 3 does not. Instead, you will pick the material setting in Cricut Design Space.
WHAT COMES WITH THE CRICUT EXPLORE 3
The Cricut Explore 3 comes with the Cutting Machine, a fine point blade and housing, a power cord, welcome book, and a practice project.
If you don’t have Cricut accessories, you’ll still need to buy them such: Cricut Basic tools and a Cutting mat (to cut material other than smart material).
WHAT’S NEW WITH THE NEWEST CRICUT MACHINES
Some of the newest features is that the Cricut Explore 3 can cut up to 2 times faster than the Cricut Air 2.
When the Cricut Explore 3 is released, it will only come in one color while the Cricut Air 2 comes in multiple colors.
The Cricut Explore 3 is a smart cutting machine that can cut over 100 different materials. It can also cut, draw, and score.
One of the biggest things that the Cricut Explore 3 can cut that the Circut Air 2 cannot is Smart Materials!
Smart Material is a new product by Cricut that does not require a mat to cut! So you can use the Cricut Explore 3 without a mat!
You can also cut up to 12 feet of Smart Vinyl without a Cutting Mat.
The Cricut Explore 3 has 6 different tools to help you expand your crafting possibilities.
TYPES OF SMART MATERIAL
Cricut is also releasing Smart material with the newest Cricut cutting machines.
Smart Material can be cut without a cutting mat. So you don’t need a cutting mat if you cut with 3 any of the 3 smart materials:
- SMART VINYL
- SMART IRON ON
- SMART PAPER
While the machines can cut over 100 different materials, they will need a cutting mat. Only the Smart Material can be cut without a cutting mat and it can also be used for longer projects (more than 50 ft).
Cricut is also releasing a Smart Material Roll Holder to make it easier to hold the vinyl while cutting projects without the cutting mat.
SHOULD I GET THE CRICUT AIR 2 OR CRICUT EXPLORE 3
There are some really great updates with the Cricut Explore 3. So if you are shopping for a new Cricut Cutting Machine, go with the Cricut Explore 3.
If you already have the Cricut air 2, I’m not sure if it’s worth updating to the Cricut Explore 3.
I currently have the Cricut Air 2 and right now, I’m not planning on upgrading to the Cricut Explore 3.
My machine works just fine and honestly, I have not been a huge fan of Cricut Vinyl. So I’m not excited about the Smart Materials that can cut without a mat.
Also, the Cricut Explore 3 only cuts 12 inches wide, just like the Cricut Air 2.
So since it doesn’t cut any wider, this is the main factor of why I am not upgrading my Cricut Cutting machine to buy the Cricut Explore 3.
However, if I did not have a Cricut Cutting Machine and I was buying my first machine, I would absolutely go with the Cricut Explore 3.
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