Last updated on August 30th, 2021
For any potter, pro or amateur, the most important tool is obviously the pottery wheels. It’s a fact. There are so many pottery wheels out there. But which one is really better?
If you are an inexperienced potter, then you’ll need something convenient and versatile at the same time. So what are the best pottery wheels for beginners? For that matter, how can you pick the best pottery wheel for beginners?
Well, let’s dive in and find out.
Pottery wheel buying guide for beginners
Making a buying guide for pottery wheels is not that easy because there are so many different potter wheels out there. For that reason, there are so many variables that we have to consider. So let’s talk more about it and make things a bit easier
Kick wheel vs Electric Wheel- Which one to buy?
As our goal is to pick the best pottery wheel for beginners, you need to know which type of pottery wheel you need to buy. also there are some more interesting things you should know about Pottery wheels.
Now, there are mainly two types of pottery wheels in the market- Kick wheel and electric. Although electric pottery wheels can be a bit expensive at times, they are much beginner-friendly.
So our first piece of advice to you is that you buy the electric pottery wheels. That’s why most of the pottery wheels we have picked are electric pottery wheels and this is something that makes total sense.
Now, there are also other things that you must consider before you buy a pottery wheel. Let’s talk about them-
- Diameter of the wheel head
This is the most important thing you must consider. The larger the wheel head is, the more clay it can handle. An ideal pottery wheel machine should have a 25 cm wheel diameter. Now, you can buy a pottery wheel that has a wider diameter if you need one. But from our experience, a 25 cm wheel diameter is more than enough.
- Weight
You want your pottery wheel to be portable. That way you can easily move it around. For that, it has to be lightweight.
- Foot Pedal
The quality of your products depends heavily on the foot pedal. The sensitivity of your foot pedal is something you must consider. If it’s too sensitive, then it may speed up quickly. When that happens, it becomes difficult for you to control the device. That is a genuine issue and you need to pay attention to it. So make sure that the foot pedal is good enough. That will help you to control the device.
- Material: What kind of material should be used to make a pottery wheel?
This is indeed a tricky question. Usually, materials like stainless steel, aluminum alloy, and plastic are used to make these devices. So which one is perfect? You can argue that stainless steel is the strongest material here and plastic is the weakest. So we should buy pottery wheels that are made of stainless steel. But in that case, the machine will be much heavier. So it won’t be easy to move around. On the other hand, the plastic ones will be more lightweight.
- Noise Level
This is another important aspect that you must consider. The device will inevitably produce a bit of noise but it should be 60 decibels or under 60 decibels. if it’s more than that, then we recommend you not to buy it.
- Speed
You also need to check its RPM(Rotations per minute) which is the speed of the pottery wheel. The RPM should be around 0-300. It can be less than that. You can choose a pottery wheel that has a range of 0-250 rpm. But from our experience, we think it should be around 0-300 rpm.
- Compact
It’s always better to buy something that takes little space. So it is necessary for you to buy a pottery wheel that is compact. At the end of the day, a compact device is always convenient and easy to use.
- Warranty
It’s always better to buy a product that has an authentic warranty. No matter what kind of product you are buying, it should come with a warranty. Pottery wheels are no different. If you have recently bought a product and there is something wrong with it, then you can use the warranty. That is why having a warranty is so important.
- Interchangeability
An ideal pottery wheel should have replaceable parts. After working with it for a long time, some parts will be damaged and need to be replaced. But if you have to throw away the whole device just because some of the parts are damaged, then it will be a big waste. That’s why interchangeability is important.
- Detachable basin
Cleaning the device is definitely one of the most important things you need to do as a potter. If the pottery wheel has a detachable basin, then it becomes easier for you to clean it. So that is another thing you need to consider.
List of Best Pottery wheels for Beginners
| Image | Features | Ratings | Available |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Brand: YaeTek Wheel Diameter: 25cm/9.84” Weight: 27.2 Pounds Rated Power: 250-350W | 4.8 out of 5 | Amazon |
 | Brand: YaeKoo Wheel Diameter: 25cm/9.84” Weight: 19.96 Pounds Rated Power: 250-350W | 4.8 out of 5 | Amazon |
 | Brand: ZXMOTO Wheel Diameter: 25cm/9.8″ Weight: 33 Pounds Rated Power: 250W | 4.9 out of 5 | Amazon |
 | Brand: ZXMOTO Wheel Diameter: 25cm/9.8” Weight: 30.9 pounds Rated Power: 350W | 4.7 out of 5 | Amazon |
 | Brand: HighFree Wheel Diameter: 25cm/9.8” Weight: 29.9 pounds Rated Power: 350W | 4.6 out of 5 | Amazon |
 | Brand: US Art Supply Wheel Diameter: 30.5 cm/12″ Weight: 10 pounds Rated Power: N/A | 4.7 out of 5 | Amazon |
 | Brand: YaeKoo Wheel Diameter: 25cm/9.8” Weight: 33 pounds Rated Power: 250-350W | 4.6 out of 5 | Amazon |
 | Brand: YaeKoo Wheel Diameter: 25cm/9.8” Weight: 27.8 pounds Rated Power: 250-350W | 4.5 out of 5 | Amazon |
 | Brand: VIVOHOME Wheel Diameter: 25cm/9.8” Weight: 30.7 pounds Rated Power: 350W | 4.6 out of 5 | Amazon |
 | Brand: CO-Z Wheel Diameter: 25.4cm/10” Weight: 31.7 pounds Rated Power: 250W | 4.8 out of 5 | Amazon |
YaeTek 25CM 350W Electric Pottery Wheel Machine
Specifications:
- Wheel Diameter: 25cm/9.84”
- Weight: 27.2 pounds
- Rated Voltage: AC 110V
- Power: 250-350W
- Speed: 0-300r/min inorganic speed
- Motor: Advanced brushless motor
- Noise: <60db
- Material: Metal + Aluminum Alloy
It’s not the most elegant pottery wheel out there but it’s efficient for sure. You’ll notice its compact design. But that’s just the beginning. It has a foot pedal and it’s easy to adjust the speed with it. The pottery wheel has a forward and reverses Button that will help you to choose the rotation direction. The motor is powerful enough to handle big projects
The noise level is pretty good. It’s under 60 decibels which means it’s quiet when in operation.
Pros
- Easy to use
- No noise issue
- Made of durable material. So it Lasts longer.
- Extremely efficient
Cons
- Looks too simple
- No extra sculpting tools
YaeKoo 25CM Electric Pottery Wheel with LCD Touch Screen
Specifications:
- Wheel Diameter: 25cm/9.84”
- Weight: 19.96 pounds
- Rated Voltage: AC 110V
- Power: 250-350W
- Speed: 0-300r/min inorganic speed
- Motor: Advanced brushless motor
- Noise: <60db
- Material: Metal + Aluminum Alloy
First of all, it just looks gorgeous. It’s easy to use this thing because of its LCD touch-controlled panel. With it, you can access all of its features. All the other functions look pretty decent. You’ll get 11 pieces of sculpting tools and its detachable basin can be cleaned pretty easily. So you can see why this device is so dynamic and versatile. Forward and reverse rotation are available and of course, it’s safe to use. The weight of the product is only 19.96 pounds. Compare to many other devices, it is lightweight which is great if you want to move it around
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Easy to use
- Powerful motor
- Lightweight
cons
- A bit expensive
ZXMOTO 250W Electric Pottery Wheel
Specifications:
- Wheel Diameter: 25cm/9.8″
- Weight: 33 pounds
- Rated Voltage: AC 110V
- Power: 250W
- Speed: 0-300r/min inorganic speed
- Motor: Advanced brushless motor
- Noise: <60db
- Material: stainless steel and plastic
You won’t get that cool LCD touch-controlled panel nor does it look wickedly good. However, it does function pretty well and it has all the necessary features for an average potter. The wheel diameter looks good, the motor is powerful enough and the speed is great. With its easy cleaning ABS basin, it’s even more convenient. So it looks good. The only drawback with it is that it’s a bit heavy. But if you consider all the other aspects of this product, then you’ll find it quite dynamic.
Pros
- Lasts longer
- The design is pretty decent
- Easy to use
Cons
- The weight is too much.
ZXMOTO 350W Electric Pottery Wheel
Specifications:
- Wheel diameter: 25cm/9.8”
- Weight: 30.9 pounds
- Rated voltage: AC 110V
- power: 350W
- Speed: 0-300r/min inorganic speed
- Motor: advanced brushless motor
- Noise: <60b
Its features are actually similar to the previous ZXMOTO pottery wheel in terms of the wheel diameter, rotary speed, noise level, and all the other stuff. However, the design is a bit different. It’s a lot more compact than the previous one. Plus, it’s less heavy. However, the best aspect of this pottery machine is that the price of this product is reasonable.
Pros
- Compact and convenient
- Reasonable price
- Safe for kids.
Cons
- None
HighFree 350W Electric Pottery Wheel
Specifications:
- Wheel diameter: 25cm/9.8”
- Weight: 29.9 pounds
- Power: 350W
- Speed: 0-300 rpm
- Motor: advanced brushless motor
- Noise :< 60 dB
One of the many reasons why it has such a good customer review is that it tends to last longer. The motor is extremely durable and powerful. You will have 8 carving tools that can help you to do your job. It has a detachable basin that is easy to remove. Furthermore, you will see that the basin has two small dividers where you can keep the tools or water. So there are a couple of useful features that a lot of pottery wheels do not offer. However, the price is a bit stiff. So that’s one aspect that you may not like.
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Lasts longer
- Extra tools make things even easier.
Cons
- Can be a bit expensive.
US Art Supply 12″ Sculpting Wheel
Specifications:
- Wheel Diameter: 30.5 cm
- weight: 10 pounds
- Material: Heavy cast metal
So far we have only talked about electric pottery wheels because they are really helpful for beginners. However, we have decided to make one exception. This device is just a manual pottery wheel. So why did we put it on our list? Well, we had to include it because this is the best manual pottery wheel that is perfect for heavy-duty.
It’s not the most convenient pottery wheel you’ll ever see but beginners can work with it if they try. The base and top are made of heavy metal and joined with a heavy-duty ball bearing. Basically, it means that spinning it is easy. That’s why we are making the case that it’s relatively easy for beginners. The best aspect of this pottery wheel is that it is the most durable product on our list. There is one other aspect of this product that you may like. This pottery wheel is only 10 pounds which means that you can move it wherever you want.
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Extremely lightweight.
- Compact
- Cheapest product of our list.
- Decent design
Cons
- Beginners will have to spend a bit more time with it.
YaeKoo 350W Table Top Electric Pottery Wheel
Specifications:
- Wheel Diameter: 25cm/9.84”
- Weight: 33 pounds
- Rated Voltage: AC 110V
- Power: 250-350W
- Speed: 0-300r/min inorganic speed
- Motor: Advanced brushless motor
- Noise: <60db
- Material: Metal + Aluminum Alloy
Let’s take a look at the design first. It has a 25cm diameter aluminum alloy plate. With steel-made legs that are attached with a rubber cushion, you can pretty much guess that it’s an extremely durable device. That is one of the main features of this pottery wheel machine. As the legs are attached to a rubber cushion, it can prevent shock. With its 11 pottery tools and removable basin, it’s one of the most versatile and flexible pottery wheels you will ever see in the market. That’s the main reason why this product is on our list of the best pottery wheels for beginners.
However, there is a drawback. Even though it’s a durable product, it’s a bit heavy which can be a problem.
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Stable and low noise
- Versatile and flexible
Cons
- A bit Heavy
YaeKoo 350W Electric Pottery Wheel
Specifications:
- Wheel Diameter: 25cm/9.84”
- Weight: 27.8 pounds
- Rated Voltage: AC 110V
- Power: 250-350W
- Speed: 0-300r/min inorganic speed
- Noise: <60db
- Motor: Advanced brushless motor
- Material: Metal + Aluminum Alloy
Just like all the other pottery wheels we have mentioned, this one also has efficiency and versatility. You’ll get all the things you need with this one. YaeKoo electric pottery wheel also has a good motor, proper speed, low noise, proper tools, and many other useful features. You’ll get 6 pieces of pottery tools which aren’t bad. But having a few more would be the icing on the cake. Then again, maybe we are being a bit greedy.
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Has all the qualities of a good pottery wheel
- No hassle with the noise
Cons
- None
VIVOHOME LCD Touch Pottery Wheel
Specifications:
- Wheel Diameter: 25 CM/9.8 INCH
- Weight: 30.7 pounds
- Voltage: 110V
- Power: 350W
- Speed: 0-300rmp/min
- Noise: <60 dB
- Motor: Advanced brushless motor
- Material: Steel, aluminum alloy
We are almost done with our list of the best pottery wheels for beginners. Now, let’s talk about this device because this is a special one. Not only it’s stylish, but it’s also easy to use. This is another product on our list that has an LCD. So operating the device is a breeze and you will like it for sure. Furthermore, you’ll get all the necessary tools and the detached basin things will get even easier. So all in all, it is a terrific product
Pros
- Excellent motor power.
- Extra tools that can be very handy
- No issues with noise.
Cons
- The foot pedal can be a bit too sensitive
CO-Z Pottery Wheel Machine
Specifications:
- Wheel Diameter: 25 CM
- Weight: 31.7 pounds
- Rated Power: 250W
- Speed: 0-300 rpm
So this is the last product of our list of the best pottery wheels for beginners. It’s not the most elegant-looking device you’ll ever see. It’s rather simple. However, its efficiency and versatility have made us include it in our list. You’ll get 8 sharpening tools which will obviously help you out. However, it’s not as powerful as some of the other products that we have included. But if you think about the price you are paying, it’s relatively a decent product.
Pros
- Reasonable price
- The extra tools are extremely handy
- No noise issues
Cons
- Less powerful
- Not the most convenient product.
FAQ about the Pottery wheel
It’s a question that we get on a daily basis. The answer is- YES, they do work.
But it only works for a couple of months and rests assured that you will find issues with it pretty soon. Just think about it. A pottery wheel that is made by a genuine brand with a credible warranty will surely be better than the cheaper ones. It’s a fact.
Well, it depends. If you are a professional potter, then you have to buy one. There is that. But if you are just an average DIY enthusiast, then you won’t have to buy one. In that case, if you buy it(even though you don’t have to), will it be worth it? Well, we feel that it is indeed worth buying. Pottery is not just about making pots and stuff. It’s an ancient form of art that dates way back to Egyptian times.
Well, there are mainly three types of clay- Earthenware clay, Stoneware clay, Porcelain, and Ball clay. Among them, people usually use the first three types of clay.
Well, that actually depends on the type of clay you are using. In most cases, potters use three types of clays- Earthenware clay, Stoneware clays, and Porcelain clay. Their costs are different. However, porcelain clay is the most expensive one.
The thing is that learning the basics is not really that difficult. However, if you want to be a skilled potter, then you’ll have to work hard for it. It’s a fact. Acquiring any type of skill is hard. You have to invest your valuable time in it.
Interestingly, the answer is actually yes. It is absolutely possible. You can make pots without pottery wheels. There are some techniques that can help you to do it. Basically, you can learn 2 hand-building techniques- pinch pots and coil pots.
Clay and soil do look alike. But there is a subtle difference. There is one simple thing you can do to know whether the soil is clay. If it sticks to your shoe and forms big clods and cracks in dry weather, then it is clay for sure.
Well, it’s a difficult question. As a beginner, you should be willing to spend almost $100 to buy a good pottery wheel that is efficient and convenient at the same time. In fact, you may eventually have to spend more than that. Now we are not saying that you can’t get a pottery wheel that is under $100. But that may not really be a good one for the beginners. So if you do want to buy a good pottery wheel, you need to spend a bit of money.
Final verdict
So we are done with our list of the best pottery wheels for beginners and we are done with the buying guide. Keep in mind that we have done extensive research before picking all the products you are seeing here. All of them have similar features yet every single one of them is unique in its own way.
A skilled potter can have an average device and still produce something outstanding with all said and done. But as for beginners, they need something efficient and easy to use. So our list will definitely help them out. Lastly, we are going to recommend YaeTek 25CM 350W Electric Pottery Wheel for beginners. If you are an amateur, you can pick YaeTek 25CM 350W Electric Pottery Wheel, which is our first product. Even though it has some drawbacks, maximum users of this wheel are satisfied with it.
