If you're torn between the Kromski Fantasia and the Ashford Kiwi 3, first of all: you've got good taste. You've narrowed it down to two absolute spin stars! Both are beginner-friendly, both will happily grow with you into intermediate/advanced spinning, and both will make you want to spin "just one more bobbin" day after day.
But they do have slightly different personalities – and that's what this guide is here to tease out for you.
Meet the Wheels
Kromski Fantasia
The Fantasia is a Polish-made beauty that turns heads before you've even started spinning. Available in a range of stunning stained finishes, it's a single-drive wheel with Scotch tension, making it wonderfully versatile. It's compact, upgradable, and surprisingly lightweight – perfect if you like to spin on the go or simply don't have a dedicated spinning room (sigh).
Ashford Kiwi 3
The Kiwi 3 is a New Zealand classic – sturdy, reliable, and no-nonsense. It's a single-drive, Scotch tension wheel that's been refined over decades to be one of the most approachable wheels on the market. It comes flat-packed and is straightforward to assemble, making it a popular first wheel for many spinners. It's also highly upgradeable as your skills develop.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Price
Both wheels sit in a similar beginner-to-intermediate price bracket, though prices can vary depending on finish and accessories. Neither will break the bank compared to higher-end wheels.
Portability
These two are more evenly matched here than you might expect! The Fantasia doesn't fold, but it comes with a handy carry handle and will easily fit in the boot of a car – great for spinning groups or holidays. The Kiwi 3 is similarly portable; the foot pedals on the latest model fold up, giving it a slightly smaller footprint than previous versions (though it was a smidge larger than the Fantasia). The Kiwi also has the optional extra of a carry bag, which is a brilliant addition if you need to walk anywhere with it on your back.
Drive System
Both wheels use Scotch tension, which is wonderfully intuitive for beginners – easy to adjust and forgiving as you find your rhythm. Where the Fantasia stands out is its magnetic flyer, which pulls off from the front for super-easy bobbin changes. No fiddling, no frustration – just a smooth, satisfying swap. A small detail that makes a big difference mid-spin!
Ratios & Speed
The Fantasia offers a great range of ratios straight out of the box, suitable for everything from chunky art yarns to finer singles. It also has a range of optional extra whorls – including a fast whorl and super fast whorl – making it a fab lace spinner at one end of the spectrum, and the Jumbo Flyer upgrade takes it all the way to super chunky art yarn at the other. The Kiwi 3 covers a solid range too, and with the optional High Speed Kit, it can handle finer spinning as your skills grow.
Ease of Use
One of the Fantasia's standout features is its weighted wheel, which gives a lovely, smooth momentum to your treadling. It helps keep the wheel going in the right direction at a steady pace – and because of this, you can even use it comfortably with one foot. The Kiwi 3 is also very easy to use, though it doesn't have that same weighted, flowing feel. Both are genuinely great for beginners; it just comes down to personal preference.
Aesthetics
If looks matter to you (and there's absolutely no shame in that), the Fantasia is a showstopper. The lacquered colour options are gorgeous and it looks like a piece of art in your home. The Kiwi 3 is clean and functional – a classic natural wood look that fits quietly into any space. And many people really love its characterful wide feet – like a real little kiwi!
Customisation
Both wheels are a joy to make your own – and painting is a wonderfully popular way to do it! Kromski actually offer the Eco Fantasia, an unfinished version of the Fantasia sold specifically as a blank canvas for painting, staining, or decorating however you like. It's a brilliant option if you want a truly one-of-a-kind wheel. The standard Fantasia's lacquered finishes are gorgeous straight from the box, but the Eco version opens up a whole world of creative possibilities. The Ashford Kiwi 3 can also be painted and personalised – there's a wonderful community of spinners who have made their Kiwis into real works of art. Whichever wheel you choose, making it your own is all part of the fun!
Who Should Choose the Kromski Fantasia?
- You want a wheel that doubles as a statement piece
- Portability is important – you spin at groups, retreats, or on the move
- You'd like the flexibility of added whorls and ratios as you progress
- You're drawn to a more European aesthetic
- You fancy painting your own custom design with the Eco Fantasia
Who Should Choose the Ashford Kiwi 3?
- You want a tried-and-tested, no-fuss first wheel
- You love the Ashford aesthetic
- You prefer a simple, intuitive tension system while you're learning
- You like the idea of upgrading gradually with accessories over time
- You want a wheel that's a brilliant blank canvas for painting and personalising
Our Verdict
Honestly? You can't go wrong with either. Both are excellent wheels that will serve you well for years to come.
If you're a complete beginner who wants simplicity, the Ashford Kiwi 3 is a wonderfully solid choice. If you're someone who wants a wheel that's a little more versatile from the start – and you want it to look absolutely gorgeous in your living room – the Kromski Fantasia is hard to resist.
Still not sure? Pop into our shop or drop us a message – we're always happy to talk wheels. Happy spinning! 🐑