Which spinning wheel is right for me?

You rarely buy a spinning wheel twice, so it pays to spend a few minutes before you choose. We have sorted every wheel in our range by the questions that almost always decide it when we advise customers. Still unsure afterwards? Write to us or give us a call, we are happy to help.

Woman spinning on a Kromski Minstrel spinning wheel in a meadow
Spinning on the Kromski Minstrel

Four questions first

1. What is your budget?Good beginner wheels start at around €400. Between €500 and €900 you get more ratios, double treadle or a folding frame. Above that are complete sets and handcrafted wheels.
2. Do you only spin at home?If you take your wheel to classes, spinning groups or on holiday, a folding wheel or an e-spinner is the better choice. For a permanent spot in the living room, go with what you like.
3. Fine or chunky yarn?Chunky yarn and art yarn need low ratios and a large orifice, sock yarn or lace needs high ratios. If you don't know yet where you are heading, choose a wheel with plenty of ratios.
4. One foot or two?With a double treadle you use both feet, which is more comfortable on long evenings. A single treadle is plenty for many spinners. The wide treadle on the Lojan Buddy even works with one or both feet.

For beginners

Sturdy, easy to adjust and good for the yarn weights you spin at the start. The Kromski Fantasia is by far our best-selling wheel: around 40 percent of all wheels we sold in the last two years were a Fantasia. The Kromski Prelude comes second.

Kromski Fantasia spinning wheel
Our best-selling wheelKromski FantasiaDouble treadle, magnetic flyer for quick bobbin changes and 4 ratios. The most popular beginner choice in our shop.View wheel →
Louet S17 spinning wheel
Budget startLouet S17Comes as a kit, Irish tension gives a strong take-up. Good for medium to chunky yarn.View wheel →
Lojan Buddy single treadle spinning wheel
Budget startLojan Buddy single treadleWide treadle for one or both feet, open orifice with no threading, 5 ratios.View wheel →
Lojan Buddy double treadle spinning wheel
Beginner with double treadleLojan Buddy double treadleLike the Buddy, but with two pedals. Smooth treadling even on long spinning evenings.View wheel →

Classic wheels

The traditional spinning wheel shape with turned details. Light enough to move around.

Kromski Prelude spinning wheel
Single treadleKromski PreludeCompact Saxony wheel with a 45 cm wheel and 4 kg weight. Simple and reliable.View wheel →
Kromski Interlude spinning wheel
Single treadleKromski InterludeSimilar to the Prelude, with a 46 cm wheel. For anyone who prefers spinning without a double treadle.View wheel →
Kromski Minstrel spinning wheel
Double treadleKromski MinstrelCastle wheel with upright drive wheel. Small footprint, optional double drive.View wheel →
Kromski Sonata Encore spinning wheel in a living room
The Kromski Sonata Encore folds up and fits into the included bag

For travel

Folding or take-apart, with bag or backpack. Ideal for classes and holidays.

Kromski Sonata Encore spinning wheel
Folding, 5 kgKromski Sonata EncoreFull-size 50 cm wheel with double treadle, folds without tools.View wheel →
Lojan Travel Buddy spinning wheel
Folding, with backpackLojan Travel BuddyThe travel version of the Buddy with double treadle, backpack made from recycled material included.View wheel →
Louet Victoria spinning wheel
Folding, 3.6 kgLouet VictoriaVery light and flat when folded. High ratios for fine yarn.View wheel →
Louet S10 Concept spinning wheel
Grows with youLouet S10 ConceptModular: treadle, tension system and drive wheel can be changed later. Takes apart for travel.View wheel →

Large wheels and wheels for life

60 cm drive wheel or Canadian craftsmanship: wheels that last for generations.

Kromski Symphony spinning wheel
Double treadle, 60 cmKromski SymphonyLarge wheel in alder and birch, very smooth running, single or double drive.View wheel →
Kromski Polonaise spinning wheel
Single treadle, 60 cmKromski PolonaiseBased on historic wheels from the Baltic region. Ratios up to 20:1.View wheel →
Lendrum maple spinning wheel
Handcrafted in CanadaLendrum mapleFolding, double treadle, can be extended with Fast Flyer and plying head. Delivery time 3 to 4 months.View wheel →

Spinning without treadling

E-spinners are compact and quiet. A good choice if your knees or back object or you spin on the go a lot.

Louet Jenn-E spinning wheel
E-spinnerLouet Jenn-ESwitchable Scotch and Irish tension, plying at the push of a button without rewinding.View wheel →
Ashford e-Spinner 3 spinning wheel
E-spinner, 2 kgAshford e-Spinner 30 to 1,800 rpm, fits in hand luggage. Three jumbo bobbins and a lazy kate included.View wheel →
Ashford e-Spinner Super Jumbo spinning wheel
For chunky yarnAshford e-Spinner Super Jumbo27 mm orifice and a bobbin holding up to 1.4 kg. Made for art yarn and coarse fibres.View wheel →

All spinning wheels compared

On mobile, swipe the table sideways.

ModelTreadleTensionWheelRatiosWeightFoldingPrice range
Louet S17Louet S17SingleIrish50 cm1:5.5 to 1:10.55 kgnounder €500
Lojan Buddy single treadleLojan Buddy single treadleSingle (wide)Dutch41 cm1:4 to 1:185.5 kgnounder €500
Lojan Buddy double treadleLojan Buddy double treadleDoubleDutch41 cm1:4 to 1:185.5 kgnounder €500
Kromski FantasiaKromski FantasiaDoubleScotch5:1 to 16:15.7 kgnounder €500
Kromski PreludeKromski PreludeSingleScotch45 cm6:1 to 13:14 kgnounder €500
Kromski InterludeKromski InterludeSingleScotch46 cm6:1 to 13:15 kgno€500 to €900
Lojan Travel BuddyLojan Travel BuddyDoubleDutch41 cm1:4 to 1:185.5 kgyes€500 to €900
Louet S10 ConceptLouet S10 ConceptSingle or doubleScotch or Irish3 optionsexpandable6 kgtakes apart€500 to €900
Kromski MinstrelKromski MinstrelDoubleScotch or double drive45 cm6.5:1 to 16:15.5 kgno€500 to €900
Kromski Sonata EncoreKromski Sonata EncoreDoubleScotch or double drive50 cm5.5:1 to 15:15 kgyes€500 to €900
Kromski SymphonyKromski SymphonyDoubleScotch or double drive60 cm4 whorls6.8 kgno€500 to €900
Louet VictoriaLouet VictoriaSingleScotchexpandable3.6 kgyes€500 to €900
Kromski PolonaiseKromski PolonaiseSingleScotch or double drive60 cm8:1 to 20:17.3 kgnoover €900
Lendrum mapleLendrum mapleDoubleexpandable6 kgyesover €900
Louet Jenn-ELouet Jenn-EFoot switchScotch or Irishelectric0 to 820 rpm5 kgcompactover €900
Ashford e-Spinner 3Ashford e-Spinner 3Foot switchScotchelectric0 to 1,800 rpm2 kgcompact€500 to €900
Ashford e-Spinner Super JumboAshford e-Spinner Super JumboFoot switchFlyer brakeelectric0 to 500 rpm3.65 kgcompact€500 to €900

Scotch, Irish or Dutch tension?

The terms sound more complicated than they are. They simply describe how the bobbin is braked and how strongly the yarn is drawn in. With Scotch tension the drive band turns the flyer and a brake band slows the bobbin. Irish tension is the other way round: the band turns the bobbin and the flyer is braked. This gives a stronger take-up and suits thicker yarn. Dutch tension on the Lojan Buddy is a variant with a finely adjustable brake. With double drive, flyer and bobbin run on a doubled band at slightly different speeds.

All systems work well for beginners. What matters more is that the tension can be finely adjusted.

Kromski Prelude spinning wheel with blue wool in a garden
Kromski Prelude, unfinished

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best spinning wheel for beginners?
There is no single best wheel. Beginners in our shop most often choose the Kromski Fantasia, followed by the Kromski Prelude. The Louet S17 and the Lojan Buddy are also good starter wheels. All four are easy to adjust and forgive beginner mistakes.

Do I have to assemble the wheel myself?
The Louet S17 comes as a kit. Most other wheels are pre-assembled and set up in a few minutes, and instructions are always included.

Is an e-spinner a real spinning wheel?
Yes. You spin exactly as on a treadle wheel, only a motor drives the flyer instead of your foot.

Can I try a wheel before buying?
Just ask. We will tell you which models you can try and where, and we are also happy to advise you by phone.

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