We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Pottery Wheels For Beginners 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

VEVOR 14in/35cm Pottery Wheel for Adults, 0-6in Lift-Table 450W Professional Pottery Kit with Foot Pedal Detachable Basin DIY Art Clay Potter's Wheel for Kids Adults Beginners at Home Pottery, White

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,243
Wheel Head Size
Motor Power
Speed Control

Most important from
342 reviews

Wheel Head Size
A slightly larger wheel head compared to typical beginner wheels provides more space for creativity.
Motor Power
The wheel has more power than expected, easily centering 3 lbs of clay without slowing down.
Speed Control
Responsive foot control allows for precise speed adjustments, although low-speed control may become tricky over time.
Build Quality
For its price, the wheel is an amazing value, performing well despite using lighter materials.

The VEVOR 14in/35cm Pottery Wheel is a solid choice for beginners diving into pottery. It features a robust 450W motor that can handle up to 18 lbs of clay, making it powerful enough for simple to moderately complex projects. The 14-inch wheel head is a generous size, giving ample space for beginners to experiment with different shapes and sizes of pottery. Its adjustable speed, controlled via a foot pedal, ranges from 60 to 300 rpm, providing flexibility for various crafting needs. The foot pedal allows users to keep their hands free to work on their pottery, which is particularly helpful for novices learning the craft. Additionally, the machine includes a forward and reverse switch, a nice touch for adjusting the direction as needed.

The portability and build quality are commendable due to its detachable ABS basin, which helps in easy cleaning and prevents splashing. However, the heavy-duty base might make it less portable for someone needing to move the wheel frequently. The lift-top design is a thoughtful ergonomic feature, adjusting to suit users of different heights, although the 2-inch range may limit its effectiveness for some users.

Security features like the earth leakage protection device ensure safe operation, which is comforting for beginners who may be concerned about electrical safety. The included accessory kit and waterproof apron are great additions, enriching the starter experience. While this wheel offers many great features for newcomers, its robust motor and size might be overwhelming for those just testing the waters or seeking a lighter, more compact option for casual home use. Nevertheless, it's a comprehensive starter kit that caters well to both casual hobbyists and those aiming to delve deeper into pottery crafts.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,243
Wheel Head Size
Motor Power
Speed Control

Most important from
342 reviews

Wheel Head Size
A slightly larger wheel head compared to typical beginner wheels provides more space for creativity.
Motor Power
The wheel has more power than expected, easily centering 3 lbs of clay without slowing down.
Speed Control
Responsive foot control allows for precise speed adjustments, although low-speed control may become tricky over time.
Build Quality
For its price, the wheel is an amazing value, performing well despite using lighter materials.
#2

VEVOR 11inch Pottery Wheel Direct Drive, 350W Ceramic Forming Machine with LCD Touch Screen Foot Pedal 50-300RPM Adjustable Speed, 18PCS Accessory Tools Kit, Craft Gift For Kids Adults Beginners, Pink

Rating
10.0
Wheel Head Size
Motor Power
Speed Control

Most important from
285 reviews

Wheel Head Size
The 11-inch aluminum wheel head offers sufficient space for medium-sized projects but feels lightweight and somewhat fragile, requiring careful handling to avoid damage.
Motor Power
The wheel's power and weight limit it to handling clay amounts around 5 to 8 pounds comfortably, making it less suited for very large or heavy pieces.
Speed Control
Speed control is convenient with both an LCD touch screen and foot pedal, although the wheel doesn't go slow enough for delicate finishing tasks like trimming or cutting off pieces.
Portability
Its compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable, ideal for artists who need to transport it to fairs or workshops without hassle.
Build Quality
The wheel runs smoothly and without wobble when properly leveled, providing a stable experience essential for beginners learning to center clay.

The VEVOR 11-inch Pottery Wheel is a solid choice for beginners, offering a good balance of power and control. Its 350W direct-drive motor keeps the clay stable and centered, which is important when learning to shape your work smoothly. The 11-inch aluminum wheel head provides enough space to work on medium to large pieces, making it versatile for various projects.

Speed control is very user-friendly, featuring both an LCD touch screen for precise adjustments and a foot pedal that lets you change speeds without stopping your work. The ability to reverse the wheel direction with a simple switch adds helpful flexibility, especially when trying different shaping techniques. The wheel’s design is compact and ergonomic, with a clear 45° angle screen so you won’t have to bend awkwardly while working. Although it weighs around 19 pounds, it’s still manageable to move around if needed, but it’s not the most lightweight option for portability. Noise is kept reasonably low, under 60dB, so it won’t be too distracting in a home or classroom setting. The included 18-piece toolset and apron make it a convenient starter kit for beginners and hobbyists alike.

Some might find the build feels a bit basic compared to higher-end models, and while the speed range is broad, very advanced users may want more power or finer speed control. Nevertheless, for someone new to pottery, this wheel provides great features and an enjoyable learning experience.

Rating
10.0
Wheel Head Size
Motor Power
Speed Control

Most important from
285 reviews

Wheel Head Size
The 11-inch aluminum wheel head offers sufficient space for medium-sized projects but feels lightweight and somewhat fragile, requiring careful handling to avoid damage.
Motor Power
The wheel's power and weight limit it to handling clay amounts around 5 to 8 pounds comfortably, making it less suited for very large or heavy pieces.
Speed Control
Speed control is convenient with both an LCD touch screen and foot pedal, although the wheel doesn't go slow enough for delicate finishing tasks like trimming or cutting off pieces.
Portability
Its compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable, ideal for artists who need to transport it to fairs or workshops without hassle.
Build Quality
The wheel runs smoothly and without wobble when properly leveled, providing a stable experience essential for beginners learning to center clay.
#3

VEVOR 11in Pottery Wheel for Adults Beginners, 60-300RPM Speed Adjustable Forming Machine with 0-2in Lift-top Leg Foot Pedal Detachable Basin, 350W Ceramic Clay Wheel for Kids Adults, Craft Gift

Rating
10.0
Wheel Head Size
Motor Power
Speed Control

Most important from
342 reviews

Wheel Head Size
Its 11-inch wheel head and 350W motor work well for projects using up to 5 pounds of clay, but larger pots over 8-10 pounds may exceed its capacity.
Motor Power
Its 11-inch wheel head and 350W motor work well for projects using up to 5 pounds of clay, but larger pots over 8-10 pounds may exceed its capacity.
Speed Control
Speed control is smooth via foot pedal, though the minimum speed is still a bit fast for delicate finishing touches.
Reversibility
The forward and reverse function helps with centering clay, which is often challenging for beginners.
Portability
The wheel is lightweight and easy to move, making it suitable for hobbyists and portable enough for art fairs and demos.
Build Quality
Build quality feels sturdy and stable when the wheel is properly leveled and placed on a solid surface, but it requires careful setup to avoid wobbling.

The VEVOR 11in Pottery Wheel is designed with beginners and hobbyists in mind, offering a solid balance of power and usability. Its 11-inch aluminum wheel head is a good size, providing enough space to comfortably work with up to 15 pounds of clay, which is ample for most beginner projects. The 350W motor is strong enough to deliver consistent performance, and the speed control via a foot pedal allows smooth adjustment from 60 to 300 RPM, making it easy to find the right speed for different stages of shaping clay. A forward and reverse switch is a nice bonus, helping users center their work more easily, which is often a tricky skill for beginners.

The wheel’s build quality feels sturdy thanks to its heavy-duty base and triangular support design, which keeps the wheel stable during use. Height adjustment of up to 2 inches adds comfort for users of different heights, though it might be limited for taller people. The detachable water basin helps keep the workspace clean and is simple to remove for cleaning. However, the wheel is somewhat bulky and may not be the most portable option if you need to move it frequently.

Included with the wheel is a good starter toolkit and a waterproof apron, making it ready to use out of the box and a thoughtful gift for those new to pottery. It meets the essential needs of a beginner's pottery wheel well, combining power, ease of use, and stability, though those wanting something lightweight for easy transport might find it a bit heavy.

Rating
10.0
Wheel Head Size
Motor Power
Speed Control

Most important from
342 reviews

Wheel Head Size
Its 11-inch wheel head and 350W motor work well for projects using up to 5 pounds of clay, but larger pots over 8-10 pounds may exceed its capacity.
Motor Power
Its 11-inch wheel head and 350W motor work well for projects using up to 5 pounds of clay, but larger pots over 8-10 pounds may exceed its capacity.
Speed Control
Speed control is smooth via foot pedal, though the minimum speed is still a bit fast for delicate finishing touches.
Reversibility
The forward and reverse function helps with centering clay, which is often challenging for beginners.
Portability
The wheel is lightweight and easy to move, making it suitable for hobbyists and portable enough for art fairs and demos.
Build Quality
Build quality feels sturdy and stable when the wheel is properly leveled and placed on a solid surface, but it requires careful setup to avoid wobbling.

Buying Guide for the Best Pottery Wheels For Beginners

Choosing the right pottery wheel as a beginner can be a bit overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can find a wheel that suits your needs and helps you develop your skills. The key is to understand the different specifications and how they impact your pottery experience. Here are some important factors to consider when selecting a pottery wheel for beginners.
Wheel Head SizeThe wheel head is the flat, circular surface where you place your clay. Wheel head sizes typically range from 8 to 14 inches in diameter. For beginners, a wheel head size of around 10 to 12 inches is usually sufficient. This size provides enough space to work on small to medium-sized projects without being too cumbersome. If you plan to create larger pieces in the future, you might consider a larger wheel head, but starting with a medium size is generally a good balance.
Motor PowerThe motor power of a pottery wheel is measured in horsepower (HP) and determines how much torque the wheel can generate. For beginners, a motor with 1/4 to 1/2 HP is typically adequate. This range provides enough power to handle most beginner projects without being too overwhelming. If you plan to work with larger amounts of clay or more complex projects, you might need a more powerful motor, but starting with a lower HP is usually sufficient for learning and basic projects.
Speed ControlSpeed control allows you to adjust the rotation speed of the wheel head. This is important because different stages of pottery require different speeds. For beginners, a wheel with a variable speed control is ideal, as it allows you to easily adjust the speed to suit your needs. Look for a wheel that offers smooth and responsive speed adjustments, which will help you maintain control over your work and improve your technique.
ReversibilityReversibility refers to the ability of the wheel to spin in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. This feature is particularly useful for left-handed potters or for certain techniques that require the wheel to spin in a specific direction. While not essential for all beginners, having a reversible wheel can provide added flexibility and convenience as you develop your skills.
PortabilityPortability is an important consideration if you need to move your pottery wheel frequently or have limited space. Some wheels are designed to be lightweight and compact, making them easier to transport and store. For beginners, a portable wheel can be a great option, especially if you plan to take classes or work in different locations. However, keep in mind that more portable wheels may have smaller wheel heads and less powerful motors, so balance your need for portability with the other specifications.
Build QualityThe build quality of a pottery wheel affects its durability and stability. Look for a wheel made from sturdy materials, such as metal or high-quality plastic, and with a solid construction. A well-built wheel will provide a stable platform for your work and last longer, even with regular use. For beginners, investing in a wheel with good build quality can make your learning experience more enjoyable and help you avoid frustration with a wobbly or unreliable wheel.

FAQ