Best Pottery Wheel for Beginners to Use at Home

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It is never too late to try a new hobby or skill, such as pottery making. Yes, it can be intimidating at first due to all the things you’ll need to learn. But when you equip yourself with a beginner-friendly tool such as an electric pottery wheel, it will all make the difference!

Continue reading to find out how beneficial this machine is and choose among our recommended best pottery wheels that are available in the market today!

Kick Wheels vs. Electric Pottery Wheel

A pottery wheel, as the most basic piece of equipment required in pottery making, helps in the molding and trimming of clay into ceramic wares. It is made up of a circular wheel head that allows the user to mold the clay as it rotates. This tool is also available in both manual and electrical versions, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

For example, the manual pottery wheel, also known as a “kick wheel”, requires users to kick the wheel with their foot for the turntable to rotate. As a result, you’ll need more control and may experience physical strain as you multitask speeding up the wheel and molding the clay with your hands.

The electric pottery wheel, on the other hand, is powered by an electric motor. With it, you can center the clay faster without risking knee and joint soreness or injury.

Even though they are typically smaller and lighter, this type of pottery wheel is the best for beginners. It is more user-friendly and simpler to set up. These machines also include a convenient foot pedal that allows you to adjust the speed to your liking. They are also more portable and easier to clean.

Important Features of an Electric Pottery Wheel

Given the numerous advantages of using an electric pottery wheel, it is vital to become familiar with its major components and understand how each one works.

Electric pottery wheels, like manual pottery wheels, have a wheel head, which is a rotating circular disc made of aluminum alloy. This is the area where a slab of clay is “thrown” or molded into pottery vessels.

A removable basin or splash pan, typically made of plastic or metal, surrounds the rotating turntable. Its purpose is to keep spills and leaks from hitting the ground during clay throwing.

The wheel head, including the splash pan, is also linked to a shaft that disappears inside the wheel’s body. This body is the steel frame that serves as the wheel’s stand or table, and it is either closed or open depending on the style.

The electric motor is housed within this steel frame. This motor, as the name implies, is powered by electricity and is the one putting the wheel in motion. It is also the one giving it the ability to handle a slab of clay.

The foot pedal is another component of an electric pottery wheel. This is a press-sensitive metal piece that controls the wheel’s speed of rotation. This speed rating is depicted on a display panel or LCD screen attached to the wheel’s body.

A switch or knob, on the other hand, is a component of electric pottery that allows you to control the spinning disc’s direction by turning it clockwise or counterclockwise.

All of this may appear to be a lot to take in, but don’t worry! You’ll become more familiar with them through practice and, of course, by buying a dependable pottery wheel (such as the ones listed in the latter part of this article)!

Things to Consider When Choosing a Pottery Wheel

With so many options available today, choosing an electric pottery wheel can be difficult. However, taking some factors into account, such as the ones listed below, allows you to compare and determine which one is the most compatible for you.

Portability

When selecting a pottery wheel, prioritizing portability is a great way to go. After all, this factor determines how simple it will be to use and transport the machine to your home or studio.

You’ll be relieved to learn that electric pottery wheels are generally portable. As previously stated, they are smaller, lighter, and have parts that are simple to assemble and disassemble when compared to kick-wheels.

Some electric pottery wheels, however, are heavier than others. For example, there are electric pottery wheels that weigh less than 30 pounds in total, while others weigh 40 pounds or more. This difference is due to their size, as well as the heavier motors, metal bases, and other accessories added to the machine.

While these weights are tolerable, many prefer lighter ones that are easier to move around with, especially during daily cleaning. If you intend to involve and introduce children to pottery, you will also need a lighter pottery wheel. Pottery wheels that are mainly designed as toys are the best choice for younger users since they are made of lightweight materials.

Aside from the standard electric pottery wheel, miniature versions are available. These are also known as “fingertip pottery wheels”, and are intended for making small-sized pottery pieces. They are much lighter and easier to carry and store away. This type of pottery wheel is also appropriate for both beginners, including children and professionals.

Horsepower

The capacity of a pottery wheel motor to handle clay is measured in horsepower (HP). Essentially, the more horsepower there is, the more clay the wheel can center.

Electric pottery wheels, for example, typically have a power range of ¼ HP up to 1 HP. This range guarantees that you will be able to throw at least 150 pounds of clay.

However, for beginners who prefer to start small, a pottery wheel with a lower HP of ¾ is also advisable. This rate is equivalent to 25 pounds of clay, which is a reasonable amount if you want to get a sense of how the molding process works.

Speed

Another important factor to consider when selecting a beginner-friendly pottery wheel is speed. It refers to how fast the motor can rotate, providing the wheel head with enough power to handle clay. This factor, along with horsepower, indicates how efficient the wheel is at throwing and trimming clay.

Standard electric pottery wheels typically have a rotational speed range of 0 to 300 rotations per minute (rpm). This rate is high enough that you can adjust the speed to your liking. Just remember to start slowly on your first try so that you can mold the clay smoothly.

Workstation

Your workstation is another factor to consider when choosing a pottery wheel. Is your workstation in a large studio or a section of your garage or shed? Knowing this is essential for determining how much space you can devote to the pottery wheel.

If your workspace is in a large arts and crafts studio, you have more leeway to get a larger pottery wheel. However, for a makeshift workstation, an electric pottery wheel that is perfect for your limited space is best. Remember that doing pottery requires a lot of movement and other processes as well, so your station should be large enough.

Accessories and Tools

Many electric pottery wheels include extra tools, such as carving and sculpting toolsets. As a result, they are an all-in-one package and an easy way for beginners to learn and improve their pottery skills.

Cost

Buying a pottery wheel is a practical investment especially if you’re planning to pursue pottery as a profession or as a hobby.

Regular electric pottery wheels, for example, cost a few hundred dollars and can be purchased from online retailers such as Amazon. This is a reasonable price for a high-quality potter’s wheel as opposed to a cheap but flimsy one.

10 Best Pottery Wheels to Buy

1. Skytou Pottery Wheel

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Do you want to try your hand at making porcelain wares but aren’t sure which pottery wheel to use? Don’t worry, this Skytou machine is perfect for you.

With its 25-centimeter diameter wheel, throwing clays of any size will certainly be a breeze. It sits atop a large removable basin that acts as a large pan to ensure that any mud or water spills are contained in it as you work. Moreover, this machine has an easy-to-use foot pedal that allows you to control the motor’s maximum capacity of 300 rpm. Aside from that, it has a handle for changing the rotation direction from clockwise to counterclockwise.

This pottery wheel also has a vibrant green coated steel frame that is not only eye-catching but also rust-resistant. It also comes with an eight-piece clay tool kit, making it a worthwhile purchase!

2. Anbull Pottery Wheel 

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Another user-friendly pottery wheel that you can use is this one from Anbull. Resembling the Skytou style, this machine is also equipped with a reliable wheel atop a removable basin. It consists of a handle, a foot pedal, and a painted-alloy frame. It even has the same rate of 300 rpm!

But what makes this product different from the other is that it comes with a 13-piece pottery tool kit! This allows you to experiment using a variety of tools to improve your work.

3. Vivohome Pottery Wheel

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Want to make planters or ikebana vases? You can with the help of the Vivohome Pottery Wheel!

Designed with a sturdy aluminum alloy frame and wheel, this machine can withstand everyday use. It is equipped with a foot pedal to adjust the motor speed from 0 to 300 rpm. You can also monitor this speed adjustment on the LCD that is located on the frame’s side. All these features make this pottery wheel an effective and easy-to-use tool for learning the fundamentals of ceramics!

Read more: How To Store Pottery Clay

4. US Art Supply Pottery Wheel

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Exploring the world of pottery can be both rewarding and challenging at the same time. With that, you’ll need a pottery wheel that is guaranteed to work for you. Take this one from US Art Supply, for example.

Like the previous products, this machine is made with a premium aluminum alloy frame. It also has a maximum motor speed of 300 rpm, which is visible and controllable via the convenient foot pedal and LCD. There’s no need to be concerned about distracting noise because this machine has a low-noise design, allowing you to focus on your work.

In contrast to the vibrant colored pottery wheel though, the US Art Supply machine has a sleek, black look. This makes it a perfect addition to your neutral-colored craft studio!

5. Seann Pottery Wheel

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Looking forward to making your kitchen bowls and mugs? Well, wait no more because you can start now using the Seann Pottery Wheel. This machine has a large, flat disc wheel measuring 25 centimeters to make clay throwing easy to do.

Furthermore, the Seann Pottery Wheel is equipped with a total of 320 rpm and ¼ HP, making it highly efficient for your pottery projects! It also comes with a touch-screen LCD, making it extra convenient to control the speed to your liking.

You can say goodbye to the dirty and muddy floors with this machine, as it comes with detachable splash pans. These components help retain any dirt and water spills that may occur as you mold and trim your clay. 

6. Bachin Pottery Wheel

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Now is the time to cross out pottery-making from your to-do list! With the help of this fantastic product from Bachin, you can finally learn the art of pottery in a fun and easy way.

Complete with a wide wheel alloy plate, foot pedal, touch LCD screen, and a detachable basin, this machine is the perfect choice when making your own decorative tea set! This machine won’t distract you with any clicking sound and is equipped with a brushless motor that effectively reduces any noise as it rotates.

Furthermore, this machine can turn at speeds of up to 300 rpm, allowing you to complete any pottery task that you set your mind and hands to.

7. Tzutogether Maratti Mini Pottery Wheel

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When it comes to pottery, regular-sized electric pottery wheels aren’t the only great beginner’s tools. Miniature electric machines are also available! Take the Tzutogether Maratti Pottery Wheel, for example.

Compact and portable, this machine can be used in any area of your home. You can use it in the bedroom, craft station, or even in the dining hall. It is also made with high-quality motors that can turn for up to 1,500 rpm!

Due to its smaller size, this machine can only accommodate smaller blocks of clay. As a result, it is better suited for making miniature ceramic pieces.

Aside from that, this machine has a low-noise mechanism, saving you from a constant buzzing noise as you make your ceramic masterpiece. It is also a perfect 10 in terms of aesthetics, thanks to its attractive flower pattern and convenient lid!

Read more: Antique Pottery Shopping: How To Spot Hidden Gems

9. Yofuly Fingertip Mini Pottery Wheel

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The Yofuly Mini Pottery Wheel is another innovative mini machine to jumpstart your venture into pottery. Compact in structure as that of Miratti, this machine is perfect for a small craft station.

In addition to that, this machine’s turntable is made of an aluminum alloy and can turn as fast as 2,000 rpm. Use it to make miniature ceramic plates, incense burner, and figurines!

Want to introduce your kid to pottery making as well? Don’t hesitate to gift this machine to them. Its small size and lightweight construction are perfect for their delicate hands. Just make sure to teach and supervise them so they can learn while having a good time!

9. MindWare Pottery Wheel

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While all the products mentioned above are suitable for children, nothing beats buying them a colorful pottery wheel. The MindWare Pottery Wheel is a great example of this.

This machine has excellent features that you and your children will undoubtedly enjoy. It has an easy-to-use wheel disc, a foot pedal, and an AC adapter. Aside from that, this pottery wheel has a multi-directional knob that gives your child complete control over the wheel’s speed.

What’s more, the MindWare Pottery Wheel has a vibrant green color that children will enjoy looking at. When combined with the generous painting and carving tools, this machine can get your kids motivated to try their hand at ceramics!

10. Dan & Darci Pottery Wheel

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Need another exciting, child-friendly pottery wheel for your little artist? Get this machine from Dan & Darci!

Just like that of MindWare, this machine comes in lively colors with essential parts such as the pressure-sensitive foot pedal, a sturdy wheel disc, and an AC power adapter.

What’s even more amazing about this machine is that it comes with a wide range of extra tools! For example, the free pound of clay, sculpting tools, and spray bottle are sufficient for them to experiment with making animal-shaped mini figurines and pots. They can also decorate their masterpieces however they want with the paint, paintbrushes, color palettes, and a sponge.

With this machine in their craft station and playroom, kids can have fun while also improving their motor skills!

Tips for Maintaining a Pottery Wheel

Exploring pottery means not only honing your skills but also ensuring that your pottery wheel is safe and in good condition. After all, this is an investment you do not want to go to waste. Here are a few pointers to help you maintain and care for your pottery wheel.

Storing

You’ll need a dedicated space for pottery making, just like you would for any other recreational activity. As explained previously, having a separate and spacious pottery studio in your home is ideal because it ensures you have a safe and quiet place to work.

Remember that you’ll also need a place for your kiln. A kiln is a container where the molded clay undergoes a heating process to transform it into ceramic material. As such, make sure you have enough space to accommodate it. You can also lock your studio to ensure that no one else has access to it besides you.

But while thinking long-term is the best, you can always start small. Since you’re only starting to learn pottery, why not set up a makeshift studio in your garage? Just allot a space that is big enough for you to work on. Make sure to install some reliable and sturdy garage storage racks for your pottery wheel and sculpting tools as well.

Aside from the garage, you can also buy a waterproof outdoor storage unit where you can safely store all your pottery essentials. These units are typically easy-to-assemble sheds that can be converted into mini pottery studios!

Cleaning

Cleaning your electric pottery wheel is also necessary to ensure that it lasts a long time. Here are some pointers to help you get started:

• Always clean the pottery wheel after every use. Do this by removing the detachable pans first and emptying their contents in a trash bin or a slop bucket. After that, proceed by wiping the wheel head and the rest of the wheel’s body with a damp sponge and water to remove any excess clay and moisture.
• Make sure that the foot pedal is free from any moisture. It is made of metal which means that is more susceptible to rust.
• Always turn off and unplug the machine when not in use. This will not only prevent overheating but will also save power.

To wrap it up, pottery making is a productive and rewarding hobby that you can pursue regardless of your age or social status. This is also made possible by the use of a dependable electric pottery wheel, which is ideal for both beginners and experienced potters! These electric machines may be small, but they are just as effective as manual kick wheels! So don’t sit there and wait any longer. Buy a pottery wheel now to begin the fantastic journey of pottery creation!