Pottery can be a lot of fun to do. With the best pottery wheel, you get the opportunity to create something that is uniquely your own, and it’s an activity that many people find relaxing. If you are interested in pottery but don’t know where to start, then this article will give you some great advice on how best to get started.
According to research, people have been making pottery since 29,000 BC. But back then, they had to use non-motorized or manual pottery wheels. Now that we are in the 21st century, there are electric pottery wheels that can make things easier, especially for beginners. What’s more, the ceramics you create can become some sort of a canvas too (see acrylic paint pens to decorate your finished product). Check out some of the models we’ve listed for you:
1. Best Pottery Wheel for Beginners: Vevor
If you are just starting out with your pottery journey, then you can look into getting the Vevor Pottery Wheel. This is the best beginner pottery wheel as it is easy to use and also comes with tools you’ll need for making your ceramic art.
The Vevor Pottery Wheel has a reversible motor (hooray for lefties!) and operation is quiet at 50db. This unit comes with a waterproof LCD display so you can easily adjust the speed. At the same time, it also comes with a foot pedal if you plan on learning manual operation.
Some of the tools you’ll be getting with this pottery wheel include wooden and metal carving tools. To make cleaning easy, the basin on the Vevor Pottery Wheel is detachable.
2. Best Miniature Pottery Wheel: MARATTI
Want to start small? Literally? Check out the miniature pottery wheel from MARATTI. This small pottery wheel can fit in the palm of your hand. And it is very useful for making cute or tiny ornaments.
The MARATTI pottery wheel may be small but it is sturdy as it is made of aluminum alloy. Speed can be adjusted anywhere from 0 to 1500rpm; it also has low noise and is energy-saving. Now before getting on with miniature masterpieces, it’s best to start off with bigger practice. This way you can already be familiar with the basics before scaling down.
3. Best Small Pottery Wheel: Yofuly
Now if you do want to start small but not exactly tiny, check out Yofuly Pottery Wheel. This high-quality machine comes with 3 different sized turntables: 1.8, 2.6, and 3.9 inches. You can make a dainty ceramic statue to a teacup and more.
The Yofuly Pottery Wheel also comes with tools so you can easily make your artwork. This machine is simple enough, with a power port on the front along with an on and off switch. There is also a knob to adjust the rotation. This model can be used by both young and old potters.
4. Best Pottery Wheel for Kids: National Geographic
It’s important to let kids explore their creative abilities at a younger age. If you want to introduce your child to pottery, then check out the National Geographic Explorer Series. The Pottery Wheel Set comes with all of the tools your child will need for making their own pottery.
For starters, the set comes with a 2-speed pottery wheel, which is electric and not manual. Then it also has an innovative arm tool for steady shaping, opening, and centering of the clay. The National Geographic Pottery Wheel Set also has sculpting tools, a brush, palette, paint colors, and even 2lbs of airdry clay.
5. Best Pottery Wheel for Home Use: US Art Supply
Not everyone has a studio where they can work on pottery. Good thing there are now pottery wheels that can work in just about any space. The US Art Supply Pottery Wheel is a good tabletop option. You can place this unit on existing tables at home.
For ease of use, this pottery wheel has an LCD display and simple buttons for function. There is also a separate pedal if you plan on working manually. The US Art Supply Pottery Wheel has an 11-inch turntable and 3/4hp motor. You can work with clay that weighs up to 25lbs.
6. Best Budget Pottery Wheel: Vogvigo
Just because you want to start out with something doesn’t mean you need to go all out. If you are just beginning with pottery or ceramics, know that there are actually affordable options available in the market. The best cheap pottery wheel should be able to give comparable results as other pottery machines.
The Vogvigo Pottery Wheel is a practical option if you are interested in pottery. This unit has a special design that can allow for pottery techniques, such as spraying. It has a dual motor and can go as fast as 200rpm. You can work with clay up to 1.8kg with the Vogvigo Pottery Wheel.
7. Best Electric Pottery Wheel: Maopiner
The Maopiner Pottery Wheel is one of the best options to help you get started with ceramics. This electric machine has a rotary speed of up to 300rpm. The basic is split in the middle for easy clean-ups. It also has a foot pedal to allow the use of both hands on the clay. Don’t worry if you aren’t working out of a studio, this pottery wheel has a low noise while working.
If you like to experiment with how you put on clay or if you are left-handed, the Maopiner Pottery Wheel is for you. Its motor can run clockwise and counterclockwise. You can make a variety of products with this machine, such as vases, pots, jugs, bowls, plates, and cups.
8. Best Rated Pottery Wheel: Vevor
The versatile Vevor pottery wheel is designed for use at home, in studios, DIY, and art classes. It’s user-friendly and comes with a large alloy turntable that is not only durable but also corrosion-resistant and dust-proof. The ABS basin can be detached and easy to clean.
There are 16 different pottery tools included with the Vevor Pottery Wheel. There’s even a waterproof apron that you can protect yourself with. This machine is stable and safe to use. It comes with a foot pedal for speed control and its motor can go as fast as 300rpm.
How to Choose the Best Pottery Wheel
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing the best pottery wheel. Pottery wheels can be used to create many different types of artwork from sculptures to bowls. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials which all have their own advantages and disadvantages.
The best pottery wheel is one that suits your needs. You should also take into consideration how much space you have available if you’re looking at purchasing a larger model so that it doesn’t become too cumbersome once assembled in your space. Here are some questions you need to answer to help you out:
What are you planning to make?
The best pottery wheel will of course be a machine that will be used for what you envision. If you want to make grand vases then of course a miniature pottery wheel won’t do. Don’t worry if you plan on making a variety of items as there are pottery wheels with changeable turntables to accommodate the size of your project.
Where will you do your pottery?
Space is a big factor when choosing the best pottery wheel. Do you have a studio or do you plan on taking the pottery wheel to different classes? Whatever the case, it should suit your working needs. Opt for portability if that’s how you work but get heavier or sturdier ones if you just work in one space.
Who else will be using it?
Do you have kids or teens who will be making pottery with you? Do consider the size of their hands and the user-friendliness of the machine when picking one. However, if you are the only one to use it, then go for whatever suits you best.
Final Thoughts
Don’t forget to check what else DIYers and potters are saying about the pottery wheels. This can give you a first-hand account on the machines. And when you do read the reviews, do remember that people are on different levels already when it comes to pottery and have certain specialties. So, focus on those that have the same level as you (beginner or novice, etc.) and what they specialize in (glasses, plates, figurines)
Looking to get a new material to work with? If you want to branch out of clay, maybe try woodworking? We’ve listed the best paint for different wood crafts.