If you’re looking to buy a new Cricut machine and hoping to get a deal at the same time, then Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the best time of the year to make the investment. I bought my first Cricut machine on Black Friday 2016, and though a lot has changed since then, I still see the most deals on machines this time of year.
Since I knew many of you would be looking for machines, I have been tracking the best prices of all the Cricut machines for a while now to make sure I could give you the inside scoop! I will also give a brief description of each machine so help you distinguish between the differences in the machines and who the machines might be suited for.
Before we dive in, I want to let you know that the links in this post are affiliate links. I earn a small commission through purchases made through this link. Thanks for your support!
Cricut Joy
The Cricut Joy is the tiny but mighty Cricut machine! It has one tool holder that can hold a Cricut blade, Cricut pens, or a foiling tool. The Joy has a maximum cut width of 5.5 inches. It works with different types of vinyl, iron on (HTV), and cardstock. It’s great for those who are have a small space to craft. My favorite use of the Cricut Joy for cards using the card mat. Though I think the Joy is a great machine, keep in mind that the small size limits the size of projects you can make with it.
If you’re in the market for a Cricut Joy, $129 is the lowest price you will find it. I have seen it in a few for sale at this price in a few different places- Cricut, Amazon, Michael’s, etc
Shop the Cricut Joy from Amazon here
Shop the Cricut Joy from Cricut here
Shop the Cricut Joy from Michaels here
Cricut Explore
The Cricut Explore machine family include both the Explore Air 2 and the Explore 3. Both Explore machines have two tool holders that hold a variety of tools including different Cricut blades, Cricut pens, foiling tool, and scoring stylus. When cutting on a mat, both Explore machines have a maximum cut width of 11.5 inches.
One difference between the Explore Air 2 and Explore 3 is the Explore 3 can cut Smart Materials without a mat. If you’re interested in learning about Smart Materials, you can click here.
Another difference between the Air 2 and the Explore 3 is how cut settings are chosen. The Air 2 has a dial on the side with a few cut settings, but by turning the dial to “custom”, there are many more cut settings to chose from in Design Space. The Explore 3’s cut settings can only chosen through the Design Space software.
Lastly, the Air 2 is available in a variety of colors, whereas the Explore 3 is currently only available in one color.
The Explore family of machines are ideal for those who don’t consider themselves “crafty” people, or who haven’t had crafty hobbies before. The Explore machines are great to begin a crafty hobby and see where it goes.
I haven’t seen the Explore Air 2 priced lower than $169. I saw these prices from Michaels and Amazon.
Shop the Explore Air 2 from Amazon here
Shop the Explore Air 2 from Michaels here
Since the Cricut Explore 3 is part of the newest generation of machines, there aren’t many discounts on it. The lowest price I found was $279 from Cricut and Amazon.
Shop the Explore 3 from Cricut here
Shop the Explore 3 from Amazon here
Cricut Maker
The Cricut Maker family includes both the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Maker 3. The Maker machines both have a maximum cut width of 11.5 inches when cutting materials on a mat. The Maker 3 has the ability to cut smart materials, which has a cut width of 13 inches. What makes the Maker family of machines special from the others is the Adaptive Tool System. The Adaptive Tool System has a stronger motor that allows the Maker machines to cut thicker materials that other Cricut machines can’t. With the adaptive tool system included, there are 13+ different tools that the Maker can cut and work with.
One difference between the Maker and Maker 3 is that the Maker is available in multiple colors, whereas the Maker 3 is only available in one color.
I think the Maker family machines are perfect for those who have had crafty hobbies previously, or who consider themselves crafty people.
The best price on the Cricut Maker is $249. I found the Maker on Cricut and Amazon, but the Amazon listings were a little funky. I usually don’t recommend purchasing sketchy-looking Amazon listings. So I will link the various colors I found of the Maker from Cricut below.
I did find the Cricut Maker in champagne on clearance for $229 from Michaels, but it’s in store only! So check your local Michaels store to see if you can snag this deal!
Since the Cricut Maker 3 is part of the newest generation of machines, you won’t find much of a discount on it. The lowest I found from most places was $379. It’s slightly cheaper at Amazon now for $367.90. Hurry though, it says stock is low!
I hope this helps you find a deal on a Cricut machine! Leave a comment on this post and let me know.
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