addi Express Kingsize vs Express Professional: 46 or 22 Needles?
Buy the addi Express Kingsize (under $250) for scarves, blanket panels and larger hats: it has 46 needles, a 13.8 inch circular size and a 17.7 inch flat width. Buy the addi Express Professional (under $100) for smaller tubes such as hats, socks and i-cord style projects: it has 22 needles and knits tubes 4 to 6 inches across. Both are hand-crank machines that knit plain stockinette.
The verdict
The addi Express Kingsize is the right choice for most knitters who want a machine for scarves, blanket panels and adult hats, because its 46 needles and 17.7 inch flat width knit a wide panel in one pass. The addi Express Professional is the smaller German-made machine for narrow tubes: its maker lists 4 to 6 inch circular and 6 to 8 inch flat widths, which suits hats, socks and cords.
Both are hand-crank circular machines, so both knit plain stockinette only. If that distinction is new to you, read knitting machine vs hand knitting first.
addi Express Kingsize vs addi Express Professional: side by side
| Feature | addi Express Kingsize | addi Express Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Under $250 | Under $100 |
| Needles | 46 | 22 |
| Circular size | 13.8 in | 4 to 6 in (10 to 15 cm) |
| Flat width | 17.7 in | 6 to 8 in (15 to 20 cm) |
| Operation | Hand crank | Hand crank |
| Made in | Check the listing | Germany |
| Included extras | Threading tool, 4 feet, 2 clamps, 5 spare needles, 2 stoppers | Check the listing |
Which projects suit each machine?
The Kingsize's wide flat bed suits scarves, blanket strips and larger hats. The Professional's narrow tube suits small hats, socks, cuffs and i-cord style cords. Neither machine knits ribbing, cables or shaping, so finish brims and cuffs by hand.
| Project | Kingsize (46) | Professional (22) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult hat | Good | Narrow, check the size |
| Scarf or cowl | Good | Possible, narrow |
| Blanket strips | Good | Too narrow |
| Socks | Too wide | Good |
| Cords and small tubes | Too wide | Good |
Yarn for either machine
Smooth light to medium weight yarn feeds most reliably on hand-crank machines. Check the yarn weight chart before buying yarn for a machine project, and test a few rows before starting a big piece.
Choose addi Express Kingsize if
- You want to knit scarves, blanket panels or adult hats.
- You want the larger flat width of 17.7 inches.
- You value included spare needles, feet and clamps.
Choose addi Express Professional if
- You want to knit small tubes such as socks, cuffs or cords.
- You want a smaller machine at a lower price tier.
- You are happy with a flat width of 6 to 8 inches.
Machines and the gear that goes with them
addi Express Professional Knitting Machine, 22 needles
Under $100The smaller, lower price machine for narrow tubes.
Check priceaddi Express Kingsize Knitting Machine, 46 needles
Under $250The wide machine for scarves, panels and adult hats.
Check priceKnit Picks Yarn Winding Bundle, Ball Winder and Birch Swift
Under $100A ball winder and swift to wind skeins into cakes so yarn feeds freely.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
This comparison is drawn from published specifications, owner manuals and the consensus of verified owner reviews, not side-by-side testing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the addi Express Kingsize and the addi Express Professional?
The Kingsize has 46 needles, a 13.8 inch circular size and a 17.7 inch flat width. The Professional has 22 needles and knits tubes 4 to 6 inches across or flat pieces 6 to 8 inches wide. The Kingsize suits wider projects, the Professional narrow ones.
Which addi machine is better for hats?
The Kingsize makes adult hats more easily thanks to its larger circular size. The Professional is better for small hats and narrow tubes. Check the sizes against your head measurement before you buy.
Can either machine knit ribbing or cables?
No. Both are hand-crank circular machines that knit plain stockinette. Knit ribbed brims and cuffs by hand and join them, or use a flatbed machine for textured stitches.
Which is better for beginners?
Either works as a first machine. The Professional is the lower price tier, while the Kingsize gives more room for scarves and blankets. Choose by the projects you want to make.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
