Considerations When Choosing an e-Spinner

You’ve decided to get an e-spinner, congratulations! Just like with traditional spinning wheels and spindles, there’s now a wide range of electric options available, each with its own features and feel. So, how do you choose which e-Spinner is right for you?

Debbie Held, an instructor at the School of SweetGeorgia, shares her experience in the popular course Spinning with e-Spinners. In it, she introduces several different electric wheels and not only guides members through how to spin on them but also explains what makes spinning on an e-spinner a little different from treadle wheels and spindles.

In the video below, Debbie highlights some of the key things to consider when choosing an e-Spinner and even runs a back-to-back noise comparison. Below the video, you’ll find a summary of her tips, along with links to more of Debbie’s courses and articles and ways to connect with the SweetGeorgia community.

Chapters

  • Considerations 00:00
  • Comparing features 02:23
  • Comparing noise levels 05:38

e-Spinner Considerations

Sometimes, it’s hard to know what questions to ask when you’re choosing an e-spinner. To help make the decision a little easier, Debbie has put together a short list of thoughtful considerations to guide you through the process.

Starling and nano
Left to right: Daedalus Starling V3 Flat Pack and Dreaming Robots Electric Eel Wheel Nano.

Purpose & Use

  • Is this going to be your only wheel? If yes, you may want something with more features, especially if it’s your primary spinning tool.
  • Is it a second or third wheel, or just for workshops or travel? Portability and simplicity might be more important.
  • How and where you’ll use it? For example, will you spin in the evenings while watching TV with family? In that case, noise level may be an important factor.

Spinning Goals

  • What kind of yarns do you want to make? Does it have a lace flyer option? An orifice to support bulky art yarns? Or will you only be making everyday yarns? 
  • Experienced spinners might want more flexibility: Look for options like multiple drive systems or large bobbins for art yarn.
  • New to spinning? It’s okay if this feels overwhelming. Your first wheel, whether an E-spinner or treadle wheel, does not have to be your forever wheel. It’s a place to start and grow from.

Practical Considerations

  • Cost is a real factor. Most of us have a budget, so figure out what’s realistic for you.
  • Portability. Will you need to travel with it? Some e-Spinners are more compact and travel-friendly than others.
  • Aesthetics. If appearance matters to you, pay attention to finishes and wood types.
  • Noise level. Some motors are quieter than others, which can affect how relaxing the spinning experience feels.
Ashford and EEW 6
Left to right: Ashford e-Spinner 3 and the Dreaming Robots Electric Eel Wheel 6 (EEW6).

With so many options on the market, we’ve gathered a list of some of the more popular e-spinners, along with a few key features of each.

Ashford e-Spinner 3

  • Solid wood construction, only available in one finish.
  • Comes with a jumbo bobbin that’s compatible with other Ashford wheels.

Dreaming Robots Electric Eel Wheel Nano

  • Extremely lightweight and very portable.
  • Often recommended as an entry-level e-Spinner.

Dreaming Robots Electric Eel Wheel 6 (EEW6)

  • Comparable to the Ashford in terms of spinner size and yarn capacity.
  • Offers an orifice reducer, which is helpful if you want to spin fine or is removable for art yarns.

Daedalus Starling V3 Flat Pack

  • Lightweight and designed for travel, it can be taken apart and packed easily.
  • Features include a large bobbin, orifice reducer, and dual motor power options (akin to having different ratios).

Hansen miniSpinner Classic

  • Known for beautiful, high-quality wood finishes, including specialty options.
Hansen
Hansen miniSpinner Classic.

More About Debbie Held

Need More Help?

Do you have questions about choosing e-Spinners? If you’re an All-Access School of SweetGeorgia member, join us in our Community Forums! One of the great perks of being an All-Access member is the opportunity to ask Debbie Held questions about their articles and courses and connect with fellow members.

Not yet a member of the School? We invite you to come and see what it is all about! Use the code: EXPLORETHESCHOOL to save 15% on an All-Access monthly membership!

We welcome you to join us in our SweetGeorgia Community. This is where we share projects that inspire, have fibre-filled conversations, host make-alongs, and participate in a variety of virtual meetings! We discuss all things knitting, crocheting, spinning, weaving, machine knitting, and more!

Together, we share, learn, and grow as a community. We would be happy to have you join us!

Original publication: October 10th, 2022; Refreshed: August 5th, 2025  

The post Considerations When Choosing an e-Spinner appeared first on SweetGeorgia Yarns.



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