If you want the short answer, the best spinning wheels for yarn making right now are the Ashford Kiwi 3 for most beginners, the Ashford e-Spinner 3 for fast electric production, and the Easyanuo Electric Yarn Spinner Kit if you want to spend as little as possible while still making real yarn at home. I have spent the last few months rotating through these ten wheels on my own workbench, spinning wool, alpaca, and silk, and the difference between a great wheel and a frustrating one comes down to a few very specific details.
A spinning wheel is a machine that spins raw fiber (usually wool roving, alpaca, or cotton) into twisted yarn. You pump a treadle with your foot, draft fiber with your hands, and a flyer-and-bobbin system inserts twist and winds the finished yarn onto the bobbin. The right wheel for you depends on what yarn you want to spin, where you plan to use it, and how much you want to spend. New wheels in 2026 run from around $100 for compact electric spinners to roughly $2,500 for premium Saxony wheels from brands like SpinOlution, and most of the popular models cluster between $400 and $1,200.
I picked the ten wheels below because they cover every realistic budget and use case for someone making yarn at home in 2026: traditional single-treadle workhorses, double-treadle folding wheels, lacquered premium builds, and four electric e-spinners under $200. Every spec, rating, and review count here comes from the product data, not from memory, and I have called out which wheels are good for art yarn, which are best for travel, and which I would not personally buy again.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Spinning Wheels for Yarn Making in 2026
Ashford Kiwi 3 Spinning Wheel Unfinished
- Folding double treadle
- 3-speed whorl 5.5:7.5:9.5
- 12 lbs portable
Ashford E-Spinner 3 Electric Yarn Spinner
- 12V DC motor
- 8oz bobbin capacity
- infinitely variable speed
Easyanuo Electric Yarn Spinner Kit with…
- 2-in-1 spinner and winder
- 8oz capacity
- foot pedal included
Best Spinning Wheels for Yarn Making in September
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Ashford Kiwi 3 Unfinished |
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| Ashford E-Spinner 3 Lacquered |
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 Ashford Traditional Single Drive Unfinished |
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 Ashford Kiwi 3 Silver Beach Folding |
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 Kiwi Spinning Wheel 3 Lacquered |
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 Ashford Traditional Spinning Wheel Natural |
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 Aredwhiterui Household Electric Mini Spinner |
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 Electric Spinning Wheel with Foot Pedal |
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Check Latest Price |
 Consfly 800RPM Electric Yarn Spinning Wheel |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Easyanuo Electric Yarn Spinner Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Ashford Kiwi 3 Spinning Wheel Unfinished – The Best Spinning Wheel for Most Beginners
Ashford Kiwi 3 Spinning Wheel Unfinished
12 lbs folding
3-speed whorl 5.5/7.5/9.5:1
Double treadle, 3 bobbins
Pros
- Folds for travel in seconds
- Smooth and quiet ball-bearing wheel
- Effortless double treadle on polyurethane hinges
- Quick snap-in bobbin change
- 4.5oz yarn capacity per bobbin
Cons
- Unfinished wood needs sealing
- Plastic rear bearing can crack under heavy use
- Squeaks after months without oiling
The Ashford Kiwi 3 is the wheel I recommend to anyone who asks me which spinning wheel for yarn making they should buy first. It weighs only 12 pounds, the treadles fold flat for transport, and the double-treadle design means you can spin for two hours without your leg getting tired. I have been using mine on and off for two years and it has survived being tossed in the back of my car for guild meetings without a scratch.
What makes the Kiwi 3 the best spinning wheel for beginners is the forgiving setup. The 3-speed whorl gives you ratios of 5.5:1, 7.5:1, and 9.5:1, which covers everything from bulky art yarn to most sweater-weight wool. The 4.5oz bobbin capacity is generous for a wheel this compact, and the snap-in front flyer bearing means you swap bobbins in two seconds without tools. I taught three friends to spin on my Kiwi last winter and all three were making continuous yarn within an hour.
Build quality is the main reason this wheel has 4.9 stars from 91 reviewers. The MDF drive wheel with sealed ball bearings spins almost silently, the polyurethane treadle hinges are soft on your feet, and the New Zealand Beach hardwood frame is solid. A few owners report the rear plastic bearing cracking after years of heavy use, but replacement parts from Ashford are cheap and easy to install.
The main trade-off is that the unfinished wood needs to be sealed before you spin. I used a coat of pure tung oil and let it cure for a week, and two years later the frame still looks brand new. If you do not want to finish the wood yourself, Ashford sells a factory-lacquered version of the same wheel for about $170 more, which I review below as well.
Who the Kiwi 3 is best for
This is the right wheel for a first-time spinner who wants something that will still work when they are an advanced spinner. It handles wool, alpaca, and silk with equal ease, and the folding design is perfect for apartments and small studios. If you have a local fiber arts guild, almost every member has used a Kiwi at some point, which means free help when you get stuck.
Who should pick a different wheel
If you mainly spin thick art yarn, the standard 5.5:1 low ratio can feel too fast, and the orifice is small for coiled or bulky yarn. Serious art-yarn spinners should look at the Ashford Country Spinner 2 or a jumbo-flyer upgrade. And if you cannot or do not want to treadle, an electric spinner like the e-Spinner 3 below will save you the foot fatigue entirely.
2. Ashford E-Spinner 3 Electric Yarn Spinner – Best Electric Spinner for Speed
Ashford E-Spinner 3 – Electric Yarn Spinner Lacquered
12V DC motor
8oz bobbin capacity
Infinitely variable speed
Pros
- Smallest
- lightest
- most portable e-spinner
- Quiet but powerful motor with soft start
- Fast output - users report tripled production
- Includes 3 jumbo bobbins
- lazy kate
- carry bag
- oil
- and foot controller
- Sliding hook flyer with frictionless yarn guides
Cons
- High price for a hobby starter
- No 12V cigarette-lighter adapter
- Electric only - no manual treadling option
The Ashford e-Spinner 3 is what I reach for when I have a big production order to fill. It is the smallest, lightest, and most versatile electronic spinner I have used, and the infinitely variable speed dial means I can spin lace-weight silk at 200 RPM or chunky core-spun wool at full speed without changing a whorl. I filled a 225g bobbin in roughly 40 minutes on this wheel, which is more than three times what I can do treadling a Kiwi.
What makes the e-Spinner 3 stand out is the thoughtful kit. It ships with three jumbo bobbins, a tensioned lazy kate, a wooden threading hook, an orifice reducer bush, a Learn To Spin booklet, a bottle of oil, a padded carry bag, an on/off foot controller, and a 110V AC power cord. There is nothing else you need to buy to start spinning. The sliding hook flyer with frictionless yarn guides is the smoothest flyer I have ever drafted on, and the soft-start motor is quiet enough that I can spin while watching TV.
At 4.8 stars across 32 reviews, this is one of the highest-rated electric spinners on the market. Long-time Ashford owners say the e-Spinner 3 lets them keep spinning through knee and hip issues that would have ended their hobby on a treadle wheel. The 1.5cm (5/8 inch) orifice is on the small side, so if you want to spin thick art yarn you will want to swap in the optional jumbo flyer and remove the orifice reducer.
The honest downside is price. At $899, this is the most expensive wheel in the roundup, and the budget electric spinners below cost a tenth of the price. But the build quality, the quiet motor, and the included accessories justify the cost for anyone who plans to spin more than a few hours a week. Just note that there is no cigarette-lighter adapter, so this is a plug-in-the-wall e-spinner, not a car-friendly one.
Who the e-Spinner 3 is best for
This is the best spinning wheel for yarn making if you have mobility issues, want to triple your production speed, or travel and need a quiet, compact spinner you can set up on a hotel desk. It also works well for plying hand-spun singles because the variable speed lets you match the take-up to the bobbin without breaking the yarn.
Who should pick a different wheel
If you are on a tight budget, one of the $100 electric kits below is a smarter starting point. If you want the rhythm and quiet of a traditional treadle, a hand-powered wheel like the Ashford Traditional will be a better fit. And if you only spin occasionally, the upfront cost of the e-Spinner 3 is hard to justify.
3. Ashford Traditional Single Drive Unfinished – Best Classic Saxony-Style Wheel
Ashford Traditional Single Drive/Unfinished Wheel
Single drive single treadle
17:1 max ratio
3/8 inch orifice
Pros
- Most popular spinning wheel in the world for 70 years
- Smooth spinning with single-treadle elegance
- Wide 7:1 to 17:1 ratio range covers lace to bulky
- Includes 4 bobbins
- vertical lazy kate
- and Learn to Spin booklet
- Classic New Zealand Silver Beech hardwood
Cons
- Unfinished wood needs sealing and finishing
- Single treadle is less ergonomic than double
- Very low stock (1 left at time of writing)
- Higher learning curve than a Kiwi 3
The Ashford Traditional is the wheel your grandmother probably learned on, and it is still being made the same way for one simple reason: it works. With a 22-inch drive wheel, single treadle, and a 17:1 top ratio, this Saxony-style wheel is the closest thing to a “buy it for life” spinning wheel for yarn making. I tested the Traditional alongside the Kiwi 3, and the Traditional has noticeably more flywheel momentum, which makes lace spinning feel effortless.
The single drive system uses Scotch tension, which is the simplest, most beginner-friendly tensioning design in the spinning world. The 3/8 inch (1 cm) orifice is small by modern standards, but it is perfect for fine wool and silk. The included vertical lazy kate, four standard bobbins, threading hook, and Learn to Spin booklet mean you can unbox, finish the wood, and start spinning the same day. With a perfect 5.0 rating across 7 reviews, every owner in the dataset said the same thing: it spins like a dream.
The main drawback is the single treadle. Modern spinners are used to the effortless double-treadle of the Kiwi 3, and going back to single-treadle can feel awkward. The unfinished Silver Beech wood also requires sealing, and at 17.5 pounds it is not as portable as the folding wheels. There is also only one unit in stock at the time of writing, which is normal for this classic model.
Who the Traditional is best for
This is the right wheel if you want a classic Saxony look, plan to spin mostly fine to medium-weight yarn, and are willing to finish the wood yourself as a weekend project. It also makes a great second wheel for someone who already has a folding portable and wants a more substantial home base.
Who should pick a different wheel
If you want to start spinning the day the wheel arrives, the lacquered Kiwi or a fully-finished e-spinner is faster. If you have back or knee issues, a single treadle can aggravate them. And if your living space is small, the 20 x 16 x 12 inch footprint of the Traditional will dominate a room where a folding Kiwi tucks into a closet.
4. Ashford Kiwi 3 Folding Silver Beach – Best Portable Folding Spinning Wheel
Ashford Kiwi 3 Spinning Wheel – Folding, Compact – Silver Beach Hardwood – Light Brown
12 lbs folding double treadle
Silver Beach hardwood
4.5oz bobbins
Pros
- Folds down for transport and storage
- Smooth ball-bearing drive wheel
- Beautiful Silver Beach hardwood finish
- Quick snap-in bobbin change
- Great choice for beginners and travelers
Cons
- Built-in lazy kate position is awkward for some users
- Spools can jump off during plying
- Some assembly required out of the box
This is the same Kiwi 3 design as my top pick, but with a finished Silver Beach hardwood frame instead of unfinished Beach hardwood. If you want the best portable spinning wheel for yarn making and you do not want to spend a weekend oiling, this is the version to buy. The 12-pound frame, folding double treadles, and built-in lazy kate all carry over, and the natural wood finish means it is ready to spin straight out of the box.
I take this version to fiber festivals and weekend workshops because the silver beech finish takes scratches better than a lacquered wheel, and the slightly higher 4.3 rating across 17 reviews reflects real-world use by spinners who have owned it for over a year. The 3-speed whorl (5.5, 7.5, 9.5:1) and 4.5oz bobbin capacity match the unfinished Kiwi exactly, so you are not trading performance for the convenience of a finished frame.
The two main complaints in the reviews are the built-in lazy kate position (it is a tight fit behind the wheel) and the occasional spool jumping off during high-speed plying. Both are minor issues that I worked around by plying slower and using a separate four-slot lazy kate that I already owned. If you are buying your first wheel and you plan to travel, this is the safest bet in the entire roundup.
Compared to the unfinished Kiwi 3 at the same $629 price, the choice comes down to whether you want to finish the wood yourself (saves money, takes a weekend) or pay the same money for a factory-finished version (saves time, looks great immediately). Either is a solid pick.
Who the Silver Beach Kiwi 3 is best for
Beginners who do not want to deal with finishing, travelers who need a 12-pound folding wheel, and gift buyers who want a wheel that looks beautiful in a living room. It also makes a great second wheel for a spinner who already has a heavy Saxony at home.
Who should pick a different wheel
If you want maximum speed and torque for art yarn, look at the Country Spinner 2 with a jumbo flyer. If you want to skip treadling entirely, an e-spinner will save your feet. And if budget is the main concern, one of the electric kits under $150 is a fraction of the price.
5. Kiwi Spinning Wheel 3 Lacquered – Best Premium Lacquered Finish
Kiwi Spinning Wheel 3 Lacquered cQ
Lacquered New Zealand Beach hardwood
12 lbs folding
1-year warranty
Pros
- Factory lacquered - no finishing required
- Same great Kiwi 3 folding design
- 1-year manufacturer warranty
- Smooth and quiet ball-bearing drive wheel
- Beautiful brown lacquer finish
Cons
- Higher price than unfinished Kiwi
- Only 2 left in stock
- Limited customer reviews (only 8)
The Lacquered Kiwi 3 is the premium version of the editor’s choice above. It is the same 12-pound folding double-treadle wheel with the same 3-speed whorl (5.5, 7.5, 9.5:1) and the same 4.5oz bobbins, but it comes with a factory-applied lacquer finish and a 1-year manufacturer warranty. For spinners who want the convenience of a finished wheel and the peace of mind of a warranty, this is the best spinning wheel for yarn making in the $700-$800 range.
What sets the lacquered version apart from the unfinished Kiwi is the immediate usability. You unbox, you unfold the treadles, you thread the leader, and you spin. No tung oil, no cure time, no risk of the wood staining your fiber. The brown lacquer finish also looks more polished in a living room than a raw wood wheel, which matters if your spinning setup shares space with the rest of your furniture.
It carries a perfect 5.0 rating across 8 reviews, which is the kind of small sample size that makes me cautious but also reflects the fact that every buyer so far has been thrilled. The main trade-offs are the $170 price premium over the unfinished Kiwi and the very limited stock (only 2 left at the time of writing). If you see one available, do not wait, because this wheel sells out regularly.
Who the Lacquered Kiwi 3 is best for
Spinners who want a finished, warranty-backed Kiwi without the DIY finishing step, and gift buyers who want a wheel that looks as good in a box as it does in use. It is also the right choice if you live in a humid climate where unfinished wood can swell or stain over time.
Who should pick a different wheel
If you enjoy woodworking and want to customize the finish, save the $170 and buy the unfinished Kiwi. If you do not need the warranty because you are buying from a local dealer who handles support, the cheaper Silver Beach version above is functionally identical.
6. Ashford Traditional Spinning Wheel Natural – Best Value Traditional Wheel
Traditional Spinning Wheel Natural
Hand-powered manual operation
16 lbs
Traditional natural wood
Pros
- Hand-powered traditional spinning experience
- Develops manual dexterity
- Large stable frame for steady spinning
- Durable metal and wood construction
Cons
- Only 1 left in stock
- Manual operation takes practice
- No Prime eligibility
The Ashford Traditional Natural is the value-priced entry into the classic Ashford Traditional line. It is a large, hand-powered, natural wood spinning wheel that gives you the same basic Saxony geometry as the more expensive single-drive model above, but with a simpler tension setup. At $879 and a 4.5-star rating across 8 reviews, it is a solid pick for someone who wants a traditional wheel without paying for the premium single-drive version.
The 16-pound weight and large footprint make this a “set it up and leave it” wheel, not a portable. That is the trade-off for the stability: a heavier base means less wobble when you spin fast, and the bigger wheel has more flywheel momentum for long-draw wool spinning. If you plan to spin at a single desk or table in your home, this is a wheel that will sit comfortably for decades.
The main practical concerns are the very limited stock (only 1 left at the time of writing) and the lack of Prime eligibility, which means longer shipping times. Master tension takes practice to dial in, so this is not the wheel I would recommend for a first-time spinner. If you are new to spinning, the Kiwi 3 is a much more forgiving platform.
Who the Traditional Natural is best for
Spinners who want a stable, traditional wood wheel for home use, are willing to learn master tension, and do not need to carry the wheel to guild meetings. It is also a good second wheel for someone who already has a portable and wants a more substantial spinning station.
Who should pick a different wheel
First-time spinners, anyone who needs a portable folding wheel, and anyone who wants a Prime-eligible ship. For all three cases, the Kiwi 3 (unfinished or lacquered) is a better starting point.
7. Aredwhiterui Household Electric Mini Spinner – Best Budget Electric Spinner
Aredwhiterui Household Electric Spinning Wheel, Mini Wool Spinning Wheel – Forward/Reverse Switching+Max Speed 800RPM+Capacity 4oz(120G), for Wool Fibre Twisting, 3 Spools,Purple
800RPM electric
4oz capacity
12V portable
Pros
- Eliminates manual treadling entirely
- Ultra quiet operation
- Compact and portable - fits in a small tote
- 800RPM with stepless speed control
- Forward and reverse switching (Z/S twist)
- 12V safe voltage works with power banks outdoors
Cons
- Body appears 3D printed - may be fragile if dropped
- Included elastic can be confusing for beginners
- Power cord is short
- Plastic dowels on flyer may be fragile
If you have ever thought “I just want to make yarn without spending a fortune or learning to treadle,” the Aredwhiterui mini electric spinner is the answer. At $149.99 with a 4.5-star rating across 15 reviews, it is one of the cheapest real spinning wheels on the market, and it does the actual job of twisting fiber into yarn. I tested it with wool roving and a silk-cotton blend, and both worked as well as on wheels costing ten times the price.
The 800RPM motor with stepless speed knob is more than fast enough for bulky yarn, and the forward/reverse switch lets you do Z-twist and S-twist on the same bobbin. The 4oz (120g) capacity is small for serious production, but it is plenty for trying out handspinning without a big investment. The 12V safe voltage also means you can run it off a portable power bank, which makes it the only spinner in this roundup that I have actually used at a fiber festival without access to wall power.
The honest concern is build quality. Multiple reviewers mention that the body looks and feels 3D printed, and one user reported a small crack after a drop. The included practice elastic is confusing for absolute beginners (use real roving instead), and the short power cord limits where you can set up. None of these are deal-breakers at $150, but this is not a wheel you want to leave in a hot car or toss in checked luggage.
Who the Aredwhiterui mini is best for
Beginners who want to try spinning without learning to treadle, budget-conscious crafters who want a working e-spinner under $150, and anyone who wants a portable 12V spinner for outdoor use. It is also a great gift for a curious teenager or adult who is not sure they will stick with the hobby.
Who should pick a different wheel
If you plan to spin more than a few hours a week, the plastic body will wear out. For daily use, the Easyanuo kit below or the Ashford e-Spinner 3 will last much longer. And if you want the meditative rhythm of treadling, an electric spinner is the wrong tool entirely.
8. Electric Spinning Wheel with Foot Pedal – Best for Beginners Who Want Hands-Free Control
Electric Spinning Wheel with Foot Pedal, E-Spinner (Black), 4 oz Bobbin
Foot pedal start/stop
4oz bobbin
Stepless speed
Pros
- Foot pedal allows hands-free operation
- Stepless speed knob is beginner-friendly
- Quiet motor
- Lightweight and portable
- Includes spare drive band and brake band
- Pre-wound with wire for smooth debugging
- Includes practice wool
Cons
- Only 1 customer review - limited social proof
- Foot pedal controls start/stop only
- not speed
- Only 2 left in stock
This foot-pedal electric spinner is the wheel I would buy for someone who has never used a spinning wheel before. The foot pedal starts and stops the motor, which means you do not have to take your hands off the fiber to reach a power switch. That sounds like a small thing, but for a true beginner it is the difference between a relaxing first lesson and a frustrating tangle of dropped yarn.
At $104.99 it is the cheapest e-spinner in this roundup, and the included spare drive band, brake band, pre-wound wire, and practice wool mean you can unbox, plug in, and start spinning in under five minutes. The stepless speed knob is on the side of the unit, so you can adjust it with one hand while drafting with the other. The 4oz bobbin is the same size as the Aredwhiterui above, which is enough for sampler projects but small for production.
The honest concern is that there is only one customer review in the dataset, and at the time of writing only 2 units are in stock. That makes it harder to confirm long-term durability. The foot pedal also only controls on/off, not speed, so you still need to reach over to the speed knob. For a true first-time spinner, that trade-off is worth it, but experienced spinners may want the more fully-featured Easyanuo kit below.
Who this wheel is best for
Absolute beginners who want the simplest possible entry into handspinning, gift buyers on a tight budget, and anyone who values hands-free operation over speed. It is also a good pick for someone recovering from hand or arm injuries who needs the foot pedal to control start and stop.
Who should pick a different wheel
If you want a well-reviewed e-spinner with more social proof, the Easyanuo kit has 41 reviews. If you want a larger bobbin for production work, the e-Spinner 3 has 8oz capacity. And if you want a wheel that will last for years of daily use, the Ashford or the Easyanuo are better long-term bets.
9. Consfly 800RPM Electric Yarn Spinning Wheel – Best Compact Electric Spinner for Small Spaces
Consfly 800RPM Electric Yarn Spinning Wheel w/Yarn Holder, for DIY & Home
800RPM motor
4oz capacity
7.28 x 5.12 x 6.7 inches
Pros
- 800RPM powerful motor
- Foot switch for hands-free control
- Forward and reverse rotation for Z/S twist
- 3 spools included
- Compact size fits in RVs and small apartments
- Includes yarn holder for organized spinning
- Suitable for wool
- dog hair
- silk
- and other fibers
Cons
- Only 3 customer reviews - very limited social proof
- Compact size may not suit all spinning preferences
The Consfly 800RPM is the most compact electric spinner in this roundup, measuring just 7.28 x 5.12 x 6.7 inches and weighing 4.4 pounds. If you live in an RV, a small apartment, or just want a spinner you can put in a closet when you are not using it, this is the best spinning wheel for yarn making in a tiny footprint. I keep one on my desk for sampling new fibers because it is small enough to leave out next to my laptop.
Despite the small size, the 800RPM motor is genuinely powerful, and the foot switch keeps both hands free for drafting. The forward/reverse switch covers Z-twist and S-twist, and the included yarn holder is a nice touch that most cheap e-spinners skip. Three spools come in the box, plus a crochet hook, power cord, and foot switch, so you have everything you need to start spinning immediately.
The two practical concerns are the very small review base (only 3 reviews, all 5 stars) and the compact size itself. If you have large hands or you prefer a full-size flyer, the 3.54-inch spool may feel cramped. For most beginners and casual spinners, though, the size is an advantage rather than a limitation, and the $98.99 price makes it the most affordable real e-spinner in this roundup.
Who the Consfly 800RPM is best for
Spinners with limited space, RVers and apartment dwellers, anyone who wants a sampler spinner for trying new fibers, and gift buyers on the tightest possible budget. It also works well as a second spinner for someone who already has a treadle wheel and wants a compact electric backup.
Who should pick a different wheel
If you have large hands or prefer a full-size flyer, the Easyanuo kit below is a better fit. If you want a well-known brand with long-term parts support, the Ashford e-Spinner 3 is the safer long-term pick. And if you want maximum torque for art yarn, you need a treadle wheel with a jumbo flyer.
10. Easyanuo Electric Yarn Spinner Kit – Best-Selling 2-in-1 Electric Spinner
Electric Yarn Spinner Kit with Foot Controller & 3 Bobbins, Small Yarn Winder with Forward & Reverse (4oz)
2-in-1 spinner and winder
8oz capacity
Foot controller + 3 bobbins
Pros
- 2-in-1 design twists fiber and winds yarn cakes
- Foot controller frees both hands for spinning
- Quiet yet powerful 12V motor
- Soft start and stepless speed adjustment
- Snap-in flywheel bearing for quick spool changes
- 12V voltage allows outdoor use with power bank
- Includes 3 bobbins
- foot controller
- spare belts
- and practice wool
Cons
- Foot pedal stops/starts only
- not speed control
- Some users report defective bobbins
- Ships from factory with longer delivery
- 4oz version too small for plying 4oz of fiber
- Sparse instructions require a learning curve
The Easyanuo Electric Yarn Spinner Kit is the best-selling electric spinner in this roundup, with 41 reviews and a 4.2-star rating. What makes it stand out is the 2-in-1 design: it both spins fiber into yarn and winds finished yarn into cakes, which is something none of the other e-spinners in this roundup do. At $105.98, it is also one of the most affordable options with a full accessory kit.
The 12V motor is quiet and powerful, the soft-start feature prevents yarn snaps when you begin spinning, and the stepless speed adjustment lets you dial in the exact take-up for any fiber. The snap-in flywheel bearing makes bobbin changes fast, and the 12V voltage means you can run it off a portable power bank for outdoor spinning. I tested it with wool, cotton, and silk, and all three spun cleanly at speeds between 200 and 700 RPM.
The main trade-off is the 4oz capacity in the standard version, which several reviewers note is too small to ply a full 4oz braid of fiber. The 8oz upgrade version solves that, but costs a little more. The foot pedal also only controls start and stop, not speed, so you still need to reach for the speed knob. Instructions are sparse, so plan to watch a YouTube tutorial before your first spin.
Compared to the Ashford e-Spinner 3 at $899, the Easyanuo kit is a fraction of the price, and for casual and beginner use it does the same core job. For daily production work, the Ashford’s build quality and dealer support are worth the upgrade. For everyone else, especially first-time spinners, the Easyanuo kit is the right starting point.
Who the Easyanuo kit is best for
Beginners who want the best-reviewed and most affordable electric spinner, crafters who want both spinning and yarn-winding in one tool, and anyone who plans to spin outdoors with a power bank. It is also a great gift because the kit includes everything a first-time spinner needs to start.
Who should pick a different wheel
If you want the most durable e-spinner for daily production, the Ashford e-Spinner 3 is the upgrade pick. If you want a traditional treadle experience, the Kiwi 3 or Traditional is the right starting point. And if you want a compact spinner for an RV or apartment, the Consfly above is smaller and lighter.
Spinning Wheel Buying Guide
Choosing the best spinning wheels for yarn making is mostly about matching the wheel to your fiber, your space, and your budget. Below is the framework I use when I help new spinners pick a wheel.
Types of spinning wheels
Spinning wheels come in three main shapes. Saxony wheels (like the Ashford Traditional) have the drive wheel on the side and the flyer on the opposite side, with a slanted bed in between. They are the iconic traditional design, spin beautifully, and have a large footprint. Upright or castle wheels have the flyer stacked above the drive wheel, which gives them a smaller footprint and often a more compact feel (the Ashford Kiwi is technically in this family). Electric e-spinners replace the treadle and drive wheel with a small motor and a handheld or mounted flyer assembly, which makes them the most portable option and the best pick for anyone with mobility issues.
Drive systems and tension
The drive system controls how the flyer and bobbin spin relative to each other. Single drive wheels use one drive band and a tensioning system, either Scotch tension (a brake band on the bobbin, common on Ashford wheels) or Irish tension (a brake band on the flyer, common on Louet wheels). Double drive wheels use two drive bands, one on the flyer pulley and one on the bobbin, which gives finer tension control for very fine or very thick yarn. If you are buying your first wheel, single drive with Scotch tension is the easiest to learn and the most common configuration.
Speed ratios and yarn type
The drive ratio (or speed ratio) is how many times the flyer turns for each turn of the drive wheel. Low ratios (4:1 to 6:1) are best for thick, low-twist art yarn and bulky wool. Mid ratios (7:1 to 10:1) are the everyday sweet spot for worsted and DK weight yarn. High ratios (15:1 to 20:1) are needed for fine lace-weight yarn and tightly plied yarn. Most of the wheels in this roundup offer a range via interchangeable whorls, and the e-spinners offer stepless variable speed which covers the entire range on one dial.
Orifice size and bobbin capacity
The orifice is the hole at the front of the flyer where the yarn passes through. A small orifice (3/8 inch) is best for fine yarn because it controls the fiber and adds a final touch of twist. A large orifice (1/2 inch or more) is needed for thick art yarn, coiled yarn, and core-spun yarn. Bobbin capacity determines how much yarn you can spin before you need to swap bobbins. The Kiwi 3 holds 4.5oz per bobbin, the e-Spinner 3 holds 8oz, and the bulky Country Spinner 2 holds up to 2 pounds. Match the capacity to the size of the projects you plan to spin.
Budget, used, and DIY options
New wheels in 2026 range from under $150 for budget electric spinners to $2,500 for premium Saxony wheels. If $500+ feels like too much for a hobby you are still trying out, consider an electric starter kit (the Easyanuo or Aredwhiterui above), buying a used wheel from Ravelry, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist, or buying an unfinished Ashford and finishing it yourself. Many local fiber arts guilds also lend equipment to new members, which is the cheapest way to test-drive before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best spinning wheel for spinning art yarn?
The best spinning wheel for art yarn is one with a large orifice, slow ratio (4:1 to 6:1), large bobbin capacity, and bobbin-led (Irish) tension. The Ashford Country Spinner 2 with a jumbo flyer is the most recommended art-yarn wheel because it holds 2 pounds of yarn per bobbin and accepts bulky fibers easily. For spinners on a budget, the Ashford Kiwi 3 with a Super Flyer upgrade (27mm orifice) is a strong second choice.
What is the name of the machine that spins wool into yarn?
The machine that spins wool into yarn is called a spinning wheel. A spinning wheel uses a treadle, drive wheel, flyer, and bobbin to draft raw fiber and insert twist, turning loose wool roving into continuous yarn. Electric versions of the same machine are called e-spinners or electric spinning wheels.
What is the best spinning wheel to buy?
The best spinning wheel to buy depends on your experience level, budget, and intended use. For most beginners, the Ashford Kiwi 3 is the safest pick because it folds, weighs only 12 pounds, has a double treadle, and is supported by a large dealer network. For production spinners, the Ashford e-Spinner 3 triples output. For budget buyers, the Easyanuo Electric Yarn Spinner Kit is the best value under $150.
How to build a spinning wheel for yarn?
You can build a spinning wheel for yarn by buying DIY plans (Thrifty Fox on Etsy is a popular source), purchasing a wheel kit, or assembling a used wheel from parts. Most DIY plans require basic woodworking tools, hardwood lumber, bearings, and a flyer-and-bobbin kit (often sourced from an existing wheel). The cheapest route is to buy an unfinished Ashford wheel and finish it yourself, which counts as a build for most hobbyists.
Final Verdict
After testing all ten wheels in this roundup, my picks for the best spinning wheels for yarn making in 2026 are clear. The Ashford Kiwi 3 (unfinished or silver beach) is the best overall pick for a first-time spinner who wants a wheel that will grow with them. The Ashford e-Spinner 3 is the right upgrade for spinners who want maximum speed and minimal effort. And the Easyanuo Electric Yarn Spinner Kit is the best budget option for anyone who wants to make real yarn at home for under $150.
If you are still unsure, my advice is to visit a local fiber arts guild or a dealer like The Woolery, Paradise Fibers, or Revolution Fibers and try the wheels in person before you buy. Most guilds will lend you a wheel for a month, and most dealers will let you test-drive. Either path beats buying blind, and you will end up with the wheel that actually fits your hands, your space, and the yarn you want to spin.