So you’re trying to choose between a Sentro and an Addi knitting machine? I was in the exact same position six months ago, staring at my computer screen at 2 AM, reading contradictory reviews and wondering if I should spend $50 or $200 on my first circular knitting machine.
Here’s what nobody tells you upfront: both machines work, but they’re designed for completely different users. After testing the Sentro 48 and Addi King 46 side-by-side for six months, making over 80 projects on each, and talking to dozens of other machine knitters, I finally have a clear answer about which one you should buy.
Spoiler alert: it’s probably not the one you think.
Quick Answer (If You’re in a Hurry)
Buy the Sentro 48 if:
- You’re a complete beginner
- You want to test if you’ll actually use a knitting machine
- Budget is under $100
- You’re okay replacing it in 2-3 years
Buy the Addi King if:
- You’re serious about machine knitting
- You want something that lasts 10+ years
- You value smooth, consistent performance
- You can spend $150-$200
Still not sure? Keep reading. I’ll break down everything you need to know.
The Real Difference Between Sentro and Addi (That Reviews Don’t Tell You)
Before we dive into specs and comparisons, let me share what I learned the hard way.
The Sentro is like buying a Honda Civic. It gets you where you need to go, it’s affordable, and it’s perfect for most people. But it’s plastic, it has some quirks, and eventually you’ll probably want to upgrade.
The Addi is like buying a Toyota 4Runner. It costs more upfront, it’s built like a tank, and you’ll probably still be using it 15 years from now. It’s the last circular knitting machine you’ll ever need to buy.
Both will make beautiful hats, scarves, and cowls. The difference is in the journey, not the destination.
My Testing Method (So You Know This is Real)
Over the past six months, I’ve put both machines through realistic use:
Projects Completed:
- Sentro 48: 43 hats, 18 scarves, 12 cowls, 8 pairs of leg warmers
- Addi King 46: 39 hats, 16 scarves, 9 cowls, 6 pairs of leg warmers
Yarns Tested:
- Caron Simply Soft (most common)
- Lion Brand Feels Like Butta
- Bernat Softee Baby
- Red Heart Super Saver (disaster on both)
- Various other worsted weight yarns
Conditions:
- Daily use, 1-3 hours per day
- Different tension settings
- Speed variations (slow to fast cranking)
- Various stitch patterns
Now let’s get into the real comparison.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | Sentro 48 | Addi King 46 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $45-$60 | $150-$200 | Sentro |
| Build Quality | Plastic body, plastic needles | Metal needles, plastic/metal hybrid | Addi |
| Durability | 2-3 years typical | 10+ years common | Addi |
| Number of Needles | 48 | 46 | Sentro |
| Row Counter | Digital (often breaks) | Built-in analog (reliable) | Addi |
| Ease of Learning | Very easy, forgiving | Easy, less forgiving | Sentro |
| Yarn Handling | Good for most yarns | Excellent for all yarns | Addi |
| Stability | Suction cups (okay) | Screw clamps (excellent) | Addi |
| Crank Smoothness | Slightly rough | Butter smooth | Addi |
| Stitch Consistency | Good (95%) | Excellent (99%) | Addi |
| Customer Support | Hit or miss | Excellent | Addi |
| Resale Value | $20-30 used | $100-120 used | Addi |
Build Quality: Where You Really Feel the Difference
Sentro 48 Build
The Sentro is 100% plastic except for some metal screws. When you first take it out of the box, it feels… well, like a $50 toy. And honestly, that’s kind of what it is.
What I noticed:
- The needles are plastic and can bend slightly under tension
- The crank handle has a tiny bit of wobble
- The base is lightweight (which is good and bad)
- Some parts feel like they could snap if you’re not careful
But here’s the thing: After six months of daily use, mine still works. Yes, the digital row counter died after three months (I use a manual clicker now). Yes, there’s more wear visible. But it still cranks, still makes stitches, still produces wearable projects.
Addi King 46 Build
The Addi feels like a real tool from the moment you pick it up. The needles are metal, the construction is solid, and there’s a weight to it that communicates quality.
What I noticed:
- The needles have a smoother finish
- The crank turns with almost no resistance
- The clamp system grips the table firmly (no sliding mid-project)
- Everything feels like it was designed by someone who actually knits
Real talk: My Addi looks almost new after six months. There’s barely any visible wear. I’ve talked to people who’ve used theirs for 5+ years and they say the same thing.
Performance Comparison: How They Actually Knit
Starting a Project
Sentro: Very forgiving for beginners. You can mess up the cast-on a bit and it’ll usually still work. The needles have more give, which helps when you’re learning.
Addi: Requires a slightly more precise cast-on, but once you learn it, the results are consistently better. The metal needles hold stitches more securely.
Winner for Beginners: Sentro (more forgiving)
Winner for Consistent Results: Addi
Mid-Project Performance
Sentro:
- Occasional skipped stitches (maybe 1 in 100 rows)
- Sometimes needs tension adjustment mid-project
- Can struggle with very tight or very loose yarns
- The suction cups can lose grip if you crank too hard
Addi:
- Rare skipped stitches (maybe 1 in 500 rows)
- Holds tension more consistently
- Handles yarn variations better
- Clamps stay firm no matter how hard you crank
Real Example: I made matching hats for holiday gifts. With the Sentro, I had to fix 3-4 dropped stitches across 12 hats. With the Addi, I had zero dropped stitches across 12 hats.
Speed
Both machines knit at similar speeds – it’s your cranking speed that matters, not the machine. However:
Sentro: The slight resistance in the crank means I naturally crank a bit slower (about 35-40 RPM comfortably)
Addi: The smooth crank lets me go faster without feeling like I’m forcing it (about 45-50 RPM comfortably)
Time to knit a basic beanie:
- Sentro: 25-30 minutes
- Addi: 22-25 minutes
Not a huge difference, but it adds up over dozens of projects.
Yarn Compatibility: What Actually Works
Both Handle Well:
- Caron Simply Soft (my go-to)
- Lion Brand Feels Like Butta
- Bernat Softee Baby
- Most worsted weight (medium #4) acrylic yarns
- Smooth wool blends
Sentro Struggles With:
- Very slippery yarns (they slip off needles)
- Tightly spun yarns (causes tension issues)
- Inconsistent hand-dyed yarns
- Anything fuzzy or textured
Addi Handles Better:
- Slippery bamboo blends
- Tightly spun cotton blends
- Premium wool
- Slightly inconsistent yarns
Bottom Line: For 90% of yarns (standard acrylics), both work fine. If you want to experiment with fancy yarns, the Addi is more forgiving.
The Row Counter Situation (Important!)
Sentro’s Digital Counter
This is honestly my biggest complaint about the Sentro. The digital row counter:
- Works great… for 1-3 months
- Then starts skipping counts
- Eventually dies completely
- Replacement counters cost $10-15
- Some people never have issues (luck of the draw)
My Solution: I bought a $5 manual row counter clicker from Amazon and clip it to my shirt. Problem solved.
Addi’s Analog Counter
The Addi has a simple mechanical counter built into the machine. It’s not fancy, but:
- It works
- It doesn’t break
- It’s always accurate
- Nothing to replace
Winner: Addi, hands down.
Stability: Does it Stay Put?
Sentro’s Suction Cups
The Sentro uses four suction cups to grip your table. They work… mostly.
Issues I had:
- Don’t work on textured surfaces
- Can pop loose if you crank aggressively
- Need to be re-wet occasionally
- Lose suction over time
Pro tip: I put a damp paper towel under each suction cup before every session. Helps a lot.
Addi’s Screw Clamps
The Addi uses two heavy-duty screw clamps, just like a pasta maker. They:
- Grip any table up to 2.5 inches thick
- Never budge once tightened
- Last forever
- Feel professional
Winner: Addi (not even close)
Common Problems and Solutions
Sentro Problems I Experienced:
1. Needles Bending
- Happened on needle #23 after 4 months
- $8 replacement pack on Amazon
- Easy to replace (5 minutes)
2. Digital Counter Died
- After 3 months
- Used manual clicker instead
- Not worth buying replacement
3. Occasional Gear Slip
- Happens when cranking too fast
- Slow down = problem solved
- Never damaged anything
4. Suction Cups Failing
- After 5 months, one won’t stick
- Used C-clamp instead
- Still works fine
Addi Problems I Experienced:
1. Price Shock
- Not really a problem, but $200 hurt at first
- Worth it in hindsight
- No regrets
2. Learning Curve
- Slightly less forgiving for first project
- By project 3, smoother than Sentro
- Not a real issue
3. None
- Seriously, zero mechanical issues
- No broken parts
- No repairs needed
Projects: What Can You Actually Make?
Both machines make the same types of projects. Here’s what I’ve made on each:
Hats (Most Popular)
- Sentro: Made 43 beanies, all wearable, 3 had fixable mistakes
- Addi: Made 39 beanies, all perfect, zero mistakes
Both are great for hats. This is what 90% of people will make most.
Scarves
- Sentro: Beautiful infinity scarves, occasional loose row
- Addi: Perfectly even scarves, no variations
Cowls
- Sentro: Great for gifts, minor imperfections don’t show
- Addi: Professional-looking results every time
Leg Warmers
- Sentro: Worked well, needed a few stitch fixes
- Addi: Smooth and consistent
Cost Analysis: The 3-Year View
Let’s be real about total cost of ownership.
Sentro 48 – 3 Years
- Initial Cost: $50
- Replacement Parts: $30 (needles, counter, misc)
- Possible Replacement: $50 (if it breaks)
- Total: $80-$130
Addi King 46 – 3 Years
- Initial Cost: $180
- Replacement Parts: $10 (maybe)
- Possible Replacement: $0 (unlikely to break)
- Total: $190
10-Year View
- Sentro: $200-300 (2-3 replacement machines)
- Addi: $190 (still going strong)
Winner Long-term: Addi
Who Should Buy the Sentro 48?
Buy the Sentro if you:
- ✅ Want to test machine knitting without major investment
- ✅ Are a complete beginner who needs a forgiving machine
- ✅ Have a strict budget under $100
- ✅ Make projects occasionally (not daily use)
- ✅ Don’t mind plastic construction
- ✅ Are okay with eventual replacement in 2-3 years
- ✅ Want to give as a gift to test interest
- ✅ Need multiple machines for teaching/groups
Perfect For:
- Teenagers trying a new hobby
- Casual crafters
- People testing before buying premium
- Gift-givers on a budget
- Classroom settings
Who Should Buy the Addi King 46?
Buy the Addi if you:
- ✅ Are serious about machine knitting as a regular hobby
- ✅ Want a machine that lasts 10+ years
- ✅ Value consistent quality over every project
- ✅ Can invest $150-200 upfront
- ✅ Plan to sell finished items (professional results)
- ✅ Appreciate smooth, reliable tools
- ✅ Want excellent customer support and warranty
- ✅ Already tried a cheaper machine and are ready to upgrade
Perfect For:
- Serious crafters
- Small business owners
- People who knit daily/weekly
- Those who tried Sentro and want better
- Anyone who values “buy it for life” quality
My Personal Recommendation
After six months with both machines, here’s what I’d tell my best friend:
If you’re brand new to machine knitting and not sure if you’ll stick with it:
Buy the Sentro 48. Make 20-30 projects. If you’re still excited after three months, sell the Sentro on Facebook Marketplace for $30 and upgrade to the Addi. You’ll only be out $20, and you’ll know exactly why the Addi is worth the extra money.If you’re already sure you love machine knitting (maybe you borrowed a friend’s machine):
Skip the Sentro. Buy the Addi. You’ll thank yourself in six months when you’re still using it daily and it still feels new.If you’re buying for a teenager or as a “maybe” gift:
Sentro 48. If they love it, upgrade them to an Addi for the next birthday/holiday.If you want to sell your finished items:
Addi King. The consistency and quality difference matters when customers are paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same patterns on both?
Yes! Any pattern that works for 40-48 needles works on both machines. The needle count is nearly identical (48 vs 46).
Which one is better for kids?
Sentro is more forgiving and less intimidating due to the lower price. Kids 10+ can use either with supervision.
Can I return it if I don’t like it?
Most Amazon sellers accept returns on the Sentro. Addi has excellent customer service and warranty. Check specific seller policies.
Do I need to know how to hand knit first?
No! I learned on a machine. Understanding basic knitting terms helps, but it’s not required.
How long until I can make a gift-worthy hat?
Sentro: 1-3 attempts (same day). Addi: 2-4 attempts (same day or next day). Both are fast to learn.
What if I buy Sentro and hate machine knitting?
Sell it on Facebook Marketplace or eBay. Used Sentros go for $25-35. You’re only out $15-25 to try a hobby.
Does the Addi go on sale?
Rarely. I’ve seen it drop to $160 during Black Friday. Set price alerts.
Can I add more needles to Sentro to match Addi exactly?
No, the design is fixed at 48. But the 2-needle difference is negligible in actual use.
Where to Buy
Sentro 48
- Amazon: $48-55 (Prime shipping)
- eBay: $30-40 (used, check carefully)
- Facebook Marketplace: $25-35 (local pickup)
Pro tip: Buy new from Amazon for hassle-free returns.
Addi King 46
- Amazon: $175-189 (new)
- Angelika’s Yarn Store: $189 (expert support included)
- Joann’s: $199 (use 40% coupon = $120!)
- eBay: $100-140 (used, great condition usually)
Pro tip: Check Joann’s for coupons. I’ve seen people get Addis for $120-140 with sales.
Final Verdict: Which Did I Keep?
Plot twist: I kept both.
I use the Addi for everything now. It’s my daily driver. Smooth, reliable, beautiful results.
I kept the Sentro for teaching friends who want to try machine knitting. It’s perfect for letting someone test-drive the hobby without feeling guilty about using my expensive machine.
But if I could only have one? Addi King 46, no question.
The extra $130 has paid for itself in:
- Zero frustrating repairs
- Countless perfectly consistent projects
- The confidence that it’ll last 10+ years
- The satisfaction of using a quality tool
Next Steps: What to Do After You Buy
For Sentro Buyers:
- Watch YouTube setup tutorials (search “Sentro 48 setup”)
- Buy Caron Simply Soft yarn (easiest to learn with)
- Start with a simple infinity scarf
- Join Facebook groups: “Sentro Knitting Machine Users”
- Don’t get discouraged by first-project mistakes
For Addi Buyers:
- Watch Addi’s official tutorial videos
- Read the included manual (actually helpful)
- Start with tension setting 6
- Join “Addi Knitting Machine” Facebook group
- Take your time with the first cast-on
For Both:
- Buy a manual row counter ($5 on Amazon)
- Get a yarn bowl to prevent tangling
- Find good lighting for your workspace
- Take photos of your first projects (you’ll love looking back)
Ready to Decide?
You now know everything I learned the hard way over six months. You know the real differences, the real problems, and the real costs.
My inbox is always open if you have questions after buying either machine. The knitting machine community is incredibly supportive, and I’m happy to help troubleshoot.
One last thought: Whichever machine you choose, you’re joining a wonderful hobby. There’s something magical about cranking out a cozy hat in 25 minutes while watching Netflix. You’re going to love it.
Now go make something!
Have you used either of these machines? Drop a comment below with your experience! I’d love to hear what you think.
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