There are various pottery techniques you can use to start practicing the craft. There’s hand-building, slip casting, and the method that we’ll be using today — wheel throwing.
Wheel throwing is perfect for beginners because it takes away the pressures of hand-building, but at the same time, still offers you some level of challenge to build your skills.
When practicing wheel throwing, one of the first things you’ll need—besides pottery clay—is a pottery wheel. This can be a big challenge, especially for neophytes.
Luckily for you, we’ve made this comprehensive review of the best pottery wheel for beginners, plus a few other recommendations (to give you more variety and choices).
We’ve also included a detailed buyer’s guide to help you properly evaluate each product/recommendation.
5 Best Pottery Wheels for Beginners (Review)
Speedball Artista Pottery Wheel — Best Budget Pottery Wheel
The Artista Pottery Wheel from Speedball is an introductory wheel that’s perfect for beginners and hobbyists. Priced at around $500 to $600, it’s compact, affordable, and has everything a beginner needs to get started on the right foot.
This pottery wheel is lightweight and easy to store; it’s also quite easy to transport. So, if you’re taking classes in a studio and want to bring your own wheel, the Artista is a perfect choice for you.
It’s also perfectly fine to use at home. Featuring an 11” wheel-head with a ⅓ HP motor, hand controls (speed of 0-220 RPM), and a two-part splash pan — you’ll have everything you need to start wheel throwing right off the bat.
The Artista has a centering capacity of 25 lbs, meaning it’s great for small- to medium-sized projects. It also comes with a free 2-year warranty, so you know you’re safe for any repairs for the first two years of your studies.
Its awkwardly shaped splash pan might not be as effective at catching water. Although, if this is a flaw you can overlook, the Artista Pottery Wheel is a great starter wheel.
What we like:
- It has an adequate centering capacity.
- Users get a free 2-year warranty on damages and repairs.
- It has a wide wheel-head (11 inches) and can rotate at 0-220 RPM.
- It has a motor that runs smoothly at ⅓ HP.
What we don’t like:
- It has an awkwardly shaped splash pan.
Shimpo VL-Whisper Potter’s Wheel — Best for Remote Use
The Shimpo VL-Whisper is a great choice for beginners, although it may lean a little toward the pricey side. It has all the features you need to improve your practice and to train your skills.
Popular for being one of the quietest pottery wheels on the market, the VL-Whisper is perfect for classrooms, studios, and even home uses. It features a two-piece detachable splash pan, a smooth ½ HP DC motor (runs at 0-250 RPM), 14” alloy wheel-head, and a centering capacity of 100 lbs.
This is perfect for beginners who wish to take on bigger, heavier projects.
Unlike the Speedball Artista which has a hand control mechanism, the VL-Whisper has a remote foot pedal that allows you to adjust speed. It also has a reversible motor, making it adaptable to both left-handed and right-handed potters.
One drawback that we noticed with this model is that its splash pans can be incredibly difficult to remove. Because of its interlocking mechanism, you’ll have to yank one pan after the other, which could cause some spillage in the process.
What we like:
- It has a reversible motor to accommodate both left- and right-handed users.
- It has a ½ HP DC motor that runs at 0-250 RPM.
- It has a strong centering capacity of 100 lbs.
What we don’t like:
- The process of removing the splash pans is incredibly difficult and can cause some spillage.
Shimpo VL-Lite Pottery Wheel — Best Choice
If you’re looking for a lighter and more compact version of the VL-Whisper, the Shimpo VL-Lite Pottery Wheel is what you need. It’s light enough for potters to carry around and transport, while still holding enough sturdiness to throw on.
It features a durable steel body, a 12” alloy wheel-head, ½ HP DC motor (runs at 0–250 RPM), and a centering capacity of 25 lbs. Perfect for home, studio, and classroom uses.
Similar to the VL-Whisper, the VL-Lite also has a reversible motor that can easily cater to both left- and right-handed users. The only difference is, this model is cheaper than the Whisper.
Another great thing about the VL-Lite is that it comes with a set of videos informing users of the product design and functions. It also comes with a variety of “step-by-step” project ideas like plates, bowls, juicers, flower pots, cylinders, bird feeders, and others.
This pottery wheel doesn’t come with bats, so you’ll have to purchase them separately.
What we like:
- It has a lightweight build that’s great for portability and easy storage.
- It has a reversible motor that can accommodate both left- and right-handed users.
- It has a ½ HP DC motor that runs smoothly at 0-250 RPM.
- It has an adequate centering capacity of 25lbs.
What we don’t like:
- It doesn’t include pottery bats, so you’ll have to buy them separately.
Speedball Boss Potter’s Wheel
The Speedball Boss Potter’s Wheel is an entry-level wheel that works perfectly well for beginners. There are 3 different models to choose from: the Big Boss, Clay Boss, and Big Boss Elite.
The one that comes highly recommended for beginners is the Clay Boss. It features a 14” steel wheel-head that is mounted on a sturdy steel frame, allowing for more balance and durability.
Its splash pan has full-circle coverage, so you won’t have to worry about spillage. The wheel also has a ½ HP industrial motor (runs at 0-240 RPM) and a centering capacity of 100 lbs.
Another noteworthy feature that comes in the Clay Boss is its load sensing system, which helps maintain wheel speed under changing clay loads.
One downside to this model is that it’s a little more expensive than the other products in its range.
What we like:
- It has a centering capacity of 100 lbs — perfect for heavier projects.
- It has a ½ HP industrial motor that runs at 0-240 RPM.
- It has a 14” steel wheel-head and frame, allowing for more durability and balance.
What we don’t like:
- Price is much steeper than other wheels in its range.
SKYTOU Pottery Wheel
The SKYTOU Pottery Wheel is a compact entry-level wheel. It’s the perfect wheel for classrooms and studios, although you can easily have it at home, too.
It has a 9” aluminum wheel-head — much smaller than the previous wheels we reviewed, but great for smaller projects like pots, plats, and saucers. It has a centering capacity of 5 lbs and a high-quality brushless motor that runs at 0-300 RPM.
This certainly is not the strongest in the list, but it is worth mentioning because of its price range, portability, and ease of use. Beginners won’t experience as much of a learning curve with this model compared to others.
One downside to the SKYTOU Pottery Wheel is its height. Taller users might find the distance between their body and the pedal is far too short for comfort. However, if you can find a way to elevate the wheel’s body a little, it should work well for you.
What we like:
- It’s incredibly affordable, which is perfect for beginners.
- It’s compact and lightweight, meaning it’s easy to transport.
- It has a brushless motor that runs at 0-300 RPM.
What we don’t like:
- The overall height of the wheel can pose a great inconvenience for taller users.
How to Buy a Pottery Wheel
Investing in a pottery wheel can be intimidating — you don’t want to be purchasing the wrong thing after all. Below are some considerations you need to take before making a final decision.
Wheel Material and Diameter
Pottery wheels can be made of plastic, aluminum alloy, and steel. The best wheels are made of steel, which extends longevity and durability.
Plastic wheels can also last you a long time depending on your use, but they are far too sensitive compared to other materials.
We recommend buying a wheel that’s made of either aluminum or steel.
Wheel Diameter
Diameter can limit the size of the projects you can take on. We recommend finding something that’s at least 11” wide, so you have more space and flexibility to play around.
Centering Capacity
Centering capacity is another factor that can influence your projects. It signifies the amount of clay you load onto your wheel without damaging it. Aim for at least 5 lbs, if you plan to work on smaller projects.
Portability and Weight
If you’re taking classes across town or in a studio nearby, portability should be a feature to look into. The Shimpo VL-Lite is a great choice for most beginners.
Alternatively, if your plan is to strictly practice around the house, then the VL-Whisper is what we recommend.
The Bottom Line
There will be plenty of factors to consider when you’re buying your first pottery wheel — from the type of projects you plan to make to the features you want your pottery wheel to have.
Hopefully, this guide makes it easier for you to reach a good and beneficial decision.
Good luck and happy throwing!