Cricut Explore Air 2 Review: Is this Model Right For You?

The Cricut Explore Air 2 is suitable in the middle of Cricut’s three machines. The Joy machine is the smallest and least expensive, perfect for newbies and occasional crafter. The Cricut Maker is a deluxe, ideal for severe craftspeople and makers. The Cricut Explore Air 2 will sit in the middle in price, features, and size.

So, what is Cricut anyway? This is a machine for later cutting, writing, and scoring. It can cut a wide variety of smart materials into almost anything you can dream up for all creative projects. But, it does more than cut. You can change the blade for a pen or scoring tool. Each Cricut machine works only through Cricut’s app, Design Space. You can download the Design Space app to your iPad, Mac, or iPhone. Do your project within the Design Space app, and then send it to the Cricut machine to make it. Each Cricut machine cut tons (or hundreds) of smart materials like cardstock, faux leather, adhesive vinyl, iron-on vinyl, etc. You will need a few Cricut tools, accessories, and materials in addition to the machine.

We have compiled everything you need to know about the machine before buying, including an in-depth review that hopefully helps you make the best decision for your circumstances.

Pros:

  • A beautiful and well-created machine

  • Accurate cuts on vinyl and cardstock

  • It can import SVG for free

  • Easy cutting with 2x Faster Mode, Double Tool Holder, and Smart Set Dial

  • Great community support

  • Wireless cutting machine with Bluetooth

Cons:

  • Limited cutting size (up to 12″ by 24″)

  • Web-based software needs an Internet connection on a PC and Mac

  • Cricut Design Space software is simple and sometimes difficult to access

  • No touchscreen

  • Best not for cutting fabric or thick materials

What Comes with Cricut Explore Air 2?

What exactly is included in the Cricut Explore Air 2 cutting machine? Thankfully, it comes with everything you need to start your first project. When you want to do more with the Cricut machine, you can buy other accessories and materials to open up even more possibilities.

Your box should include:

  • Cricut Explore Air 2 cutting machine

  • Premium Fine Point Blade + Blade Housing (pre-installed)

  • Fine Point Pen + Accessory Adapter (Pre-installed)

  • 12″ x 12″ StandardGrip Cutting Mat

  • Power + USB cord

  • Getting Started Guide

  • Cardstock + vinyl samples (varies by model)

Also, your purchase of the Cricut Explore Air 2 cutting machine has many bonuses that you can access online:

  • 100+ Free Pictures

  • 50+ Free Projects

  • Cricut Design Space Software (Free Download)

  • Free trial subscription to Cricut Access (for new customers)

Here are the technical specifications of the Cricut Explore Air 2 cutting machine:

  • Size Dimensions: 24″ wide by 9.5 long by 9.5″ deep

  • Product Weight: 14 pounds

  • Cutting power: 210 gf

  • Maximum Cutting Size: 11.5″ 23.5″

  • Maximum Cutting Depth: 1.5mm (with a Deep Point blade, not included)

  • Warranty: 1-year limited warranty

  • Bluetooth: Included

Major Features of Cricut Explore Air 2

Below, we have chosen the important features of the Cricut Explore Air 2 cutting machine. As you will find, this is a versatile machine that is great for anyone who wants to start making easy and professional-looking crafts projects or is looking to upgrade from an old vinyl cutter to one with the latest technology.

The Cricut Explore Air 2 cutting machine has 3 different tools you can use: a Fine Point Blade, a Deep Point Blade, and a Bonded Fabric Blade. With these tools, you can cut more than a hundred different smart materials, including vinyl, foam sheet, bonded fabric, paper, chipboard, paper and vinyl, foam sheet and chipboard, and bonded fabric. This machine can make everything from vinyl decals to puzzles to quilts.

Smart Set Dial

With this smart set dial, you can easily select the material you’re cutting, and the Cricut automatically picks the appropriate cutting depth and speed. Choosing cut settings will take a lot of frustration and guesswork, saving you time and material.

2x Faster Mode

Cricut’s Explore Air 2 cutting machine features 2x Faster Mode, which will let you cut thin materials such as paper, vinyl, and cardstock twice the speed. Another big-time saver, as some projects can take a surprising amount of time to cut.

Accessories

The machine can be used with great accessories. Write and draw with this colorful Cricut pen to create personalized cards and signs. You can use a scoring stylus to make 3D paper art or give homemade cards professional-looking. Since the Cricut Explore Air 2 has a double tool holder, you can use any two of these tools at the same time.

Cricut Design Space Software

Cricut Explore Air 2 cutting machine is used with Cricut Design Space, its free design software. This is cloud-based, so you can seamlessly access and work on designs on a computer, smartphone, or tablet. Also, the machine is Bluetooth-ready, so you can wirelessly send your designs for cutting.

Is Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine Worth Buying?

You should buy a Cricut Explore Air 2 cutting machine if you are serious enough about crafting: You are willing to give some money and space in your home for a hobby you take seriously. You plan to make many things for yourself, home, gifts, classroom, and maybe even start a small business or storefront.

You want to do various projects: You are interested in working with paper, iron-on vinyl, infusible ink, stickers, cork, cardstock, vinyl, bonded fabric, etc. You want to cut, score and write different smart materials.

You are goldilocks: The Cricut Explore Air 2 cutting machine sits right between the high-end Cricut Maker machine (“Too expensive”) and the portable Cricut Joy machine (“Very limited”). The Cricut Joy machine is easier and more affordable than the Cricut Explore Air 2 cutting machine and will take up less area. But it is limited in the number of smart materials and tools it can use, plus a smaller size means smaller projects. While the Cricut Maker machine works with more tools and materials, it’s worth more than the Cricut Explore Air 2 cutting machine.

Conclusion

The Cricut Explore Air 2 machine is perfect. Its speed is very good. It gives you a wide variety of uses and incredible accuracy. Including German carbide blades will make this durable.

This is in addition to the fact that it has some well-thought-out storage compartments. So, even though it isn’t perfect, the Cricut Explore Air 2 cutting machine is still great for beginners and hobbyists.

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Cricut explore air 2 setup

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