How Much is a Pottery Wheel? Quick Guide to Buying Your First Pottery Wheel

Buying a pottery wheel requires serious thought – especially if it’s your very first one.

However, with the number of available pottery wheels in the market, you’d be hard-pressed not to feel overwhelmed or even intimidated when choosing the best one for yourself. 

That’s understandable.

Pottery wheels come in different sizes, makes, and budgets. And for beginners, buying the right pottery wheel among thousands of choices with little to no knowledge is the same as choosing the best color with both eyes closed. It isn’t easy.

But don’t despair just yet.

While the task is certainly not a cakewalk, it’s not impossible either. That’s what this guide is for.  It is here to help you make informed decisions for the successful purchase of your first-ever pottery wheel.

What determines a pottery wheel price? 

One of the biggest concerns for many fledgling potters when buying a pottery wheel is the price. It plays a pivotal role in determining whether a purchase will happen or not.

So, just how much is a pottery wheel?

Well, pottery wheels can accommodate a wide range of budgets. You can expect to pay anywhere between $200 to $2000 or even more. These prices largely depend on various features and special functions the wheel possesses. And picking the right wheel depends entirely on your intended use.

Here are some features you have to consider.

• Size

A bigger wheel head diameter means you can create larger pieces for your project. Generally, a 10-inch diameter is a good size if you’re just starting and don’t intend to create large pieces. If you wish to accommodate larger pieces, a 14-inch diameter is a perfect size. 

• Power 

The pottery wheel power determines the amount of clay you can center. Needless to say, you need higher horsepower to center larger amounts and ensure better outcomes for your project. For small to medium pieces, a wheel with around 1/4 horsepower is enough.

• Reverse switch

A reverse switch allows you to change the spin direction of your pottery wheel – from clockwise to counterclockwise or vice versa. So whether you’re left or right-handed, you won’t have any trouble throwing in your preferred direction. 

• Portability

A lightweight portable pottery wheel is a great option if you want to move your workspace wherever. Electric or table-top pottery wheels are better suited for portability than the heavy kick wheel pottery wheels. Just remember that portable wheels tend to have a lower load capacity than heavy ones.

• Longevity

Buying a beginner’s pottery wheel can seem like a good option if you’re just starting. But, you should also consider your long-term goals. Pottery wheels are investments, so it’s best to choose a wheel that can serve its purpose now and in the future. 

Which is better? Expensive or budget wheels?

Sometimes, expensive doesn’t always mean the best, and cheap doesn’t always mean subpar. The same is true for pottery wheels. Both options present their own advantages and disadvantages and provide functions that suit different needs.

Since budget pottery wheels are more affordable, they are perfect for individuals on a tight budget. They’re perfect for beginners who started pottery on a whim and want to get a feel of the craft first. 

However, because of the price limitation, expect budget pottery wheels to lack some features. Most of them do not have bat pins and come in smaller sizes. If you’re tall or have a big build, it can be awkward to use this kind of pottery wheel.

Pottery wheels with a higher price range, on the other hand, present a wider range of special features. Many of these high-end wheels come with adjustable height, a bigger wheel diameter, and stronger horsepower. With proper care and maintenance, they can also last for a decade or even more. 

To get these features, however, expect to shell out thousands of dollars. If you don’t have that kind of money to spend on your hobby or if you don’t find yourself doing pottery for a long time, it’s better to opt for a cheaper but high-quality wheel.

What are the best pottery wheels for my budget?

Like previously said, pottery wheels come at different prices, so there are pottery wheels for every budget. To help you choose the best one for your price range, we’ve compiled options for budget (< $300), mid-range ($300 – $1000), and top-range (> $1000) pottery wheels.

Budget Pottery Wheel Options

SKYTOU Pottery Wheel Pottery

SKYTOU Pottery Wheel is a compact wheel made up of sturdy ceramic and aluminum alloy materials. With its 9.8 inches wheel diameter, you can center up enough clay to create decently sized pottery pieces – perfect for hobbyists and beginners.

What we like:

1. Strong horsepower for its size
2. Adjustable rotary speed
3. Comes with an 8-piece tool kit

What we don’t like:

1. Awkward height adjustment
   
   

SEAAN Electric Pottery Wheel Machine 

This electric pottery wheel features an LCD touch screen that lets you adjust rotational speed and reverse spin direction. It’s lightweight and has a wheel diameter of 9.8 inches, which is perfect if you value portability and ease of use.

What we like:

1. Impressive speed and horsepower
2. Easy to set up and clean
3. Comes with a foot pedal for additional control
4. Includes sculpting tools

What we don’t like:

1. Smaller than classroom-use wheels

Mid-Range Pottery Wheel Options

Speedball Artista Potter’s Wheel

This pottery wheel comes highly regarded for its versatility and impressive performance. Despite its compact size, Speedball Artista Potter’s Wheel boasts incredible horsepower. With its 11-inch wheel diameter, it can support up to 25 lbs. of clay loads.

What we like:

1. Comes with dual adjustment control
2. Can be converted to a free-standing unit

What we don’t like:

1. Doesn’t come with a reverse function

Skutt Thomas Stuart Prodigy

This pottery wheel comes from the renowned Skutt brand. Despite being the least expensive in the line, it boasts high-quality performance, durability, and functionality. 

What we like:

1. Can hold large clay load
2. Large motor and wheel diameter

What we don’t like:

1. The default spin direction is counterclockwise

Top-Range Pottery Wheel Options

Brent Model EX Potter’s Wheel

Brent is another trusted brand when it comes to pottery wheels. This one boasts superior horsepower and can center up to 450 lbs. of clay. If you’re planning on creating larger pieces, Brent Model EX can surely deliver.

What we like:

1. Electronic and foot pedal speed control
2. Automatic belt tensioning
3. Easy troubleshooting

What we don’t like:

1. Pricey for beginners

Shimpo VL-Whisper Potter’s Wheel

This pottery wheel lives up to its namesake for its quiet motor. With its reversible motor, ½ horsepower motor, sturdy body, and thoughtful engineering, you can’t go wrong with Shimpo VL-Whisper Potter’s Wheel.

What we like:

1. Can be used as a banding wheel 
2. Have five adjustable height positions
3. Easy speed control

What we don’t like:

1. Low clay capacity for its price

Final thoughts 

Buying your first-ever pottery wheel is a huge step. Hopefully, this guide has helped you learn more about your options and that you find the right pottery wheel that suits your needs and budget. And when you do buy your first pottery wheel, I hope you’ll have fun with it and experience the joys of pottery at a deeper level.

Have a great day!