Which Ashford Spinning Wheel is Right for You?
Ashford is one of the world's most trusted spinning wheel brands — and for good reason. Made in New Zealand since 1934, their wheels are beautifully engineered, endlessly upgradeable, and built to last a lifetime. But with so many models to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? Let's break it down.
Quick Comparison Overview
Not sure where to start? Use this table to compare the key qualities of each wheel at a glance, then read on for the full details.
| Feature | Kiwi 3 | Joy 2 | Traveller 3 | Traditional | Country Spinner 2 | e-Spinner 3 | e-Spinner SJ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Beginners | Travellers | All-rounders | Experienced spinners | Art yarn & bulky | Accessibility & consistency | Chunky & art yarn (electric) |
| Skill level | Beginner | Beginner–Intermediate | Intermediate–Advanced | Intermediate–Advanced | Any | Any | Any |
| Portability | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Ease of use | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Ergonomics | Good | Good (DT option) | Very good (DT option) | Good (SD or DD) | Good | Excellent — no treadling | Excellent — no treadling |
| Tension system | Scotch tension | Scotch tension | Scotch & double drive | Scotch & double drive | Scotch tension | Electronic speed control | Electronic speed control |
| Lace weight | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️✔️ | ✔️✔️ | ❌ | ✔️✔️ | ❌ |
| Everyday weights | ✔️✔️ | ✔️✔️ | ✔️✔️ | ✔️✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️✔️ | ✔️ |
| Chunky & bulky | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️✔️ |
| Art yarn | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️✔️ | ❌ | ✔️✔️ |
| Production spinning | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️✔️ | ✔️✔️ | ✔️✔️ | ✔️✔️ |
| Accessibility | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Excellent — no treadling required | Excellent — no treadling required |
| Maintenance | Very easy | Easy | Moderate | Moderate | Easy | Very easy | Very easy |
| Price point | $ (Entry) | $$ (Mid) | $$ (Mid) | $$ (Mid) | $$$ (Premium) | $$$ (Premium) | $$$ (Premium) |
✔️✔️ = Excellent | ✔️ = Capable | ❌ = Not recommended | ★ = Star rating (5 = best)
Ashford Kiwi 3 — Best for Beginners
The Kiwi 3 is the perfect first wheel. It's affordable, sturdy, and wonderfully straightforward to use — everything a new spinner needs to build confidence without getting overwhelmed. It spins a wide range of yarn weights from fine to bulky, and its simple scotch tension system is easy to understand and adjust.
- Best for: Beginners, hobby spinners, everyday yarn weights
- Maintenance: Very easy — minimal moving parts, simple tension system
- Portability: Not designed for travel, but compact enough for a dedicated corner at home
Taking your Kiwi to a spinning group? Grab the Kiwi 3 Carry Bag to keep it protected on the go.
Ashford Joy 2 — Best for Travel & Portability
If you want to spin anywhere — at a retreat, a friend's place, or on holiday — the Joy 2 is your wheel. It folds flat in minutes and fits into its own carry bag, making it the most portable full-featured wheel Ashford makes. Don't let the compact size fool you though; the Joy 2 is a capable, versatile spinner that handles everything from lace to bulky.
- Best for: Travelling spinners, classes, retreats, small spaces
- Maintenance: Easy — same scotch tension system as the Kiwi
- Portability: Excellent — folds flat, lightweight
Available as a Single Treadle or Double Treadle — double treadle is easier on the knees for longer sessions. Don't forget the Joy Carry Bag.
Ashford Traveller 3 — Best All-Rounder
The Traveller 3 is the sweet spot of the Ashford range — a full-sized, double-drive capable wheel that's versatile enough to handle almost any fibre or yarn weight. It's a step up from the Kiwi and Joy in terms of speed range and spinning options, making it a favourite among intermediate and experienced spinners who want one wheel that does it all.
- Best for: Intermediate to advanced spinners, a wide range of yarn weights, long spinning sessions
- Maintenance: Moderate — double drive adds a little more to manage, but still very approachable
- Portability: Can be disassembled for transport
Ashford Traditional Single Drive & Double Drive — Classic & Timeless
The Traditional is Ashford's iconic wheel — the one that's been in production (in various forms) since the very beginning. It's a beautiful, large-flyer wheel with a classic aesthetic that looks as good as it spins. The double drive version offers greater control and a wider range of ratios, making it well-suited to fine spinning and production work.
- Best for: Experienced spinners, fine yarns, production spinning, those who love a classic look
- Maintenance: Moderate — the leather conrod joint needs occasional conditioning
- Portability: Not ideal for travel — this is a stay-at-home wheel
Shop Single Drive → Shop Double Drive →
Ashford Country Spinner 2 — Best for Bulky & Art Yarn
Got a thing for chunky, textured, art yarn? The Country Spinner 2 is your wheel. With its massive jumbo flyer and huge bobbins, it's designed specifically for spinning thick, lofty, and textured yarns at speed. It's also brilliant for processing large quantities of fibre quickly — perfect if you're spinning for weaving or large projects.
- Best for: Art yarn, jumbo/bulky weight, production spinning, weaving yarns
- Maintenance: Easy — robust and straightforward
- Portability: This is a big wheel — it lives in your studio
Ashford e-Spinner 3 & e-Spinner Super Jumbo — Best for Accessibility & Consistency
No treadle, no problem. The e-Spinner range uses an electric motor to drive the flyer, leaving your hands completely free to focus on drafting. This makes it a game-changer for spinners with mobility challenges, and a favourite among those who want perfectly consistent twist without the physical effort of treadling.
The standard e-Spinner 3 handles fine to medium weights beautifully, while the e-Spinner Super Jumbo is built for chunky, art yarn, and bulky spinning.
- Best for: Spinners with mobility needs, consistent twist, travel (runs on battery or 12V car power)
- Maintenance: Very easy — no treadle mechanism to maintain
- Portability: Excellent — compact and can run off battery power
Shop e-Spinner 3 → Shop e-Spinner Super Jumbo →
Replacement Parts & Maintenance Supplies
Keeping your wheel in great shape is simple with genuine Ashford parts. Here are the essentials to have on hand:
Drive Bands (Polycord)
Drive bands wear over time and are one of the most common things to replace. Make sure you get the right size for your wheel:
- Drive Band for Kiwi 2 & 3
- Drive Band for Joy 2
- Drive Band for Traveller 3
- Drive Band for e-Spinner Super Jumbo
Tension Springs
Tension springs are tiny but mighty — and they do occasionally snap. Keep a few spares so you're never stuck mid-project:
- Tension Spring — Pack of 10
- Brake Band Set — includes tension springs and a nylon brake band
Other Handy Parts
- Ashford Spinning Wheel Oil — a few drops in the right places keeps everything running smoothly
Keep Your Wheel Running Beautifully — Grab a Maintenance Kit
Whether you're a new spinner or a seasoned pro, regular maintenance is the secret to a wheel that spins like a dream for decades. The Ashford Maintenance Kit has everything you need to service your wheel and keep it in top condition — all in one handy package.
Think of it as a little love letter to your wheel. It deserves it.
Need Your Wheel Serviced?
You can drop your wheel into the shop or call us to book a service, and we can put you in touch with a local spinning wheel service person so you can keep your wheel functioning in optimum condition.
We also offer a wood finishing wax if you need to give your wheel a fresh coat and restore that beautiful finish.
Skein Machine Yarn Store
3/276 Shepherds Hill Rd, EDEN HILLS, South Australia
You can call ahead to book in a service via our shop phone (during business hours): 0494 109 675
Get in Touch → Shop Finishing Wax →
Still not sure which wheel is right for you? We love talking spinning — get in touch and we'll help you find your perfect match.
