Choosing a Pottery Wheel – Step-by-Step Buyer’s Guide for Beginners
Pottery – the process of molding clay into bowls, plates, mugs, and other designs – is a centuries-old art. In the early days, everyone would make their crafts using a manual wheel, as it was the only option.
Pottery Wheels have come a long way since then. The process of creating pottery looks very different today, as we now have modern technology, electricity, and YouTube tutorials to help us!
One of the most significant changes to pottery came in the form of the Electric Pottery Wheel.
The Electric Pottery Wheel is a wheel powered by a motor that controls the spinning of the wheel. They are a popular choice for potters who are just starting their pottery design journey, as they are portable and easy to use.
If you’ve decided that you want to buy one, you need to equip yourself with as much information as possible before you take the plunge.
To help you choose the right Electric Pottery Wheel, I’ve written this comprehensive step-by-step buyers guide for beginners. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a more in-depth knowledge of what to look for in a pottery wheel and will be able to buy the right wheel for you.
Alright, let’s dive right in.
Affiliate Disclaimer: We are ambassadors or affiliates for many of the brands we reference on the website. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Step 1: Brush up on your pottery knowledge
If you’re considering buying an Electric Pottery Wheel, you probably have a decent knowledge of pottery. However, it never hurts to brush up on the basics!
When you’re exploring which electric wheel to buy, you’ll come across a variety of terms, including:
- Pottery:
The art of using and molding clay to create a vessel or ornaments. There are two main components to the process: shaping the clay (which you use your Wheel to do) and baking the piece in a Kiln to remove water from the clay and harden it. - Throwing:
The process of shaping clay using the pottery wheel. This is done by ‘centering’ clay on a spinning wheel and then using your hands to pull the clay into a shape. Throwing is an intricate process – having the right wheel can go a long way in helping you throw better. - Firing:
The process of firing the shaped clay in a kiln. Like throwing, firing is a process that involves skill and detailed calculations. You have to work out which temperature will need for the clays and glazes you will be using.
Step 2: Choosing An Electric Pottery Wheel or Kick Wheel
Once you familiarize yourself with the pottery terms, you should turn your attention to the kind of wheel you want. There are two main types of Pottery Wheels: Electric and Kickwheel.
Motorized wheels are Electric Wheels that can be powered up with the flick of a switch, provided they’re connected to a power source.
Kick wheels require you to use your foot to kick the concrete fly-wheel into motion to make the wheel spin.
Kick wheels have been used for centuries and are durable and very low maintenance.
Although there are some Potters that love to use a Kickwheel, most Potters today use Electric Wheels.
Here’s why:
Lighter and more compact:
If you’ve just started on your pottery journey, you probably don’t have a fully-fledged studio yet. This space issue makes an Electric Wheel more attractive, as they are more compact than Kickwheels and take up less space.
They can also be easily moved if you want to relocate your wheel. In fact, they’re so lightweight that you can travel with them, which can give you the chance to attend Pottery demonstrations at local fairs.
Easier to use:
Because you don’t need to control the wheel manually, you can concentrate all your attention on centering and throwing your clay. Once you get the hang of it, making pottery becomes a much faster process.
Are better for heavy clay:
Electric Wheels can work better than Kickwheels if you’re trying to make large pots. You may not have the stamina to kick the wheel and sustain the speed required for your wheel head to form the clay.
Have adjustable and rotational speeds:
The speed at which a wheel rotates can impact the quality and shape of your clay. Kickwheels can only spin as fast as you’re able to kick.
However, Electric Wheels allow you to control the rotational speeds. You can experiment with the speed to understand what will result in the best shapes.
If you’re planning on buying an Electric Wheel, it’s also important to consider what can go wrong with them.
Here are some of the most common complaints about Electric Pottery Wheels:
- Rely on electricity to run.
If you don’t have access to a power outlet, you’ll find yourself sitting at your wheel with a blob of clay and nothing to show for your time. - They can break down.
As with every other electrical appliance, electric wheels can break down. Therefore, they occasionally need a little loving maintenance and repair. - Vulnerable to water.
When you’re throwing clay, you’ll be using water to mold the clay and lubricate your hands. Electric Wheels are designed with this water usage in mind. However, you need to remember that they are electric and powered by a motor. If water gets into the motor, it may cause problems with the device. - They can be noisy.
Some Electric Wheels can be noisy and disturb everyone around them. If you’re not using a separate pottery studio, this can be especially concerning!
Before you start to think about which Electric Pottery Wheel to choose, you need to weigh the advantages of an Electric Wheel against its disadvantages.
If you are still unsure, you can go to my article, A Kick Wheel or Electric Wheel to help you decide.
Once you’ve made sure that an Electric Wheel suits your needs, you can move on to step 3.
Step 3: Test a few Electric Pottery Wheels
The more expensive something is, the more critical it is to try it before you buy it. After all, we test-drive cars and give mattresses a trial run; why not do the same with your Pottery Wheel?
Unfortunately, there aren’t too many pottery brands that will allow you to trial run new Pottery Wheels. However, there is another option to test Pottery Wheels: Taking a class is the number one way
Many pottery classes will have a range of Kickwheel and Electric Wheels from several different brands. Signing up for a class will allow you to test each wheel and figure out which works best for you. It will also help you gain an understanding of the different brands on the market.
Taking pottery classes will also help you refine your technique and give your pottery knowledge a true test – both of which will help you decide whether it’s worthwhile to invest in a wheel or not.
Another option is to look for local arts and crafts stores that sell Pottery Wheels. Some of these stores may have tester versions of the Electric Wheels they have in stock. And even if they don’t, there will be helpful employees who will be able to advise you on choosing the right Electric Wheel based on your own unique needs.
Step 4: Understand and review different Pottery Wheel specifications
When you’re testing different Electric Wheels, pay close attention to the specifications of each type of wheel. Whether you’re trying or buying a wheel, there are a variety of specs you need to consider; each will affect the way you use the wheel and your finished product.
The Pottery Wheel Head:
The wheel head is the spinning part of the Electric Wheel that shapes the clay. The main thing to consider when it comes to a wheel head is its size. Wheel heads with a larger diameter will be able to bear a heavier clay weight and allow you to make larger pots, bowls, or other designs.
Because they have larger diameters, bigger wheel heads are especially helpful if you’re making designs with broad bases. If you plan on making larger designs, look for a wheel head that has a diameter of at least fourteen inches.
The Pottery Wheel Bat Pins:
At times, a metal wheel head isn’t suitable for the design you’re trying to make or the conditions you’re working in. In these cases, you have to attach ‘bats,’ which are additional plates for throwing to your wheel head.
These bats are mounted on pins situated on the wheel head. Most wheel heads have standard pin configurations, but make sure to check for that before buying a particular wheel.
The Pottery Wheel Motor:
The motor is what powers the wheel and is one of its most essential components. When looking at motors, pay attention to how much powerhouse the Motor has and the centering capacity. One-half horsepower is good if you don’t plan on throwing large amounts of clay. One horsepower or more is good if you want more of a workhorse wheel. Also, look at the revolutions per minute (RPMs) that the motor is capable of.
Most motors can handle at least 240 RPM, which affects the amount of torque that the motor can deliver to the wheel head. The higher the torque of an electric wheel, the more weight of clay it will be able to bear.
You also need to consider the weight of clay you plan on using. A higher-powered motor will be able to bear up to 400 pounds of clay, while a regular one can bear up to 50 pounds. If you’re not a professional, don’t worry about this – 50 pounds of clay is more than enough if you’re not making commercial pottery.
Reversibility of your Pottery Wheel:
Gone are the days when left-handed potters had to figure out how to throw on a wheel inconveniently designed for right-handers. Most Electric Wheels now come with a reversible option, where you can change the direction the wheel is spinning.
Be sure to check that the wheels you’re considering have a reversibility option. This is necessary even if you’re right-handed, as changing the wheel spin can help you come up with interesting patterns and designs.
Tabletop or Seated Pottery Wheel?
Electric Wheels come in two basic types: tabletop and seated.
Tabletop Wheels sit on top of a table and are lighter, portable, and occupy less space.
Meanwhile, a seated wheel is a table with a wheel built into it; you simply have to pull up a chair to start using it.
Seated wheels have a foot pedal that you will have to press rhythmically to make the wheel move smoothly. If you don’t want to work your feet too much, go with a tabletop wheel.
The Splash Pan:
Some Pottery Wheels come with splash pans that surround the wheel to capture any clay that flies off.
Splash pans aren’t necessary, but they do help protect your surroundings.
You can always make your own splash pan by placing a wide dish with high edges underneath your Pottery Wheel. However, it’s convenient to buy a wheel that has a splash pan pre-attached.
Weight, Dimensions, and Volts:
The weight, dimension, and voltage of your machine are all aspects you need to consider when buying an Electric Pottery Wheel.
You need to ensure that the weight is manageable and its dimensions will let you fit the Electric Wheel in the space you’re envisioning.
Step 5: Set the Budget for Your Pottery Wheel
After you decide on the specifications that work best for you, it’s time to start thinking about your budget.
Let’s get possible prices out of the way now: an adult-sized Electric Wheel can cost between $400-1500.
Your budget should be based on the features and specifications you want your pottery wheel to have. A wheel with a higher clay load capacity, more motor power, and a smoother manner of operating might be more expensive. However, it will be much more durable than a cheaper model with worse specs.
If you’re a beginner, it may be tempting to get one of the cheapest models you can find to test your clay sculpting powers. I would advise against this, though.
If you’re willing to invest in a superior wheel, you’ll get a more durable machine and will be able to make higher-quality pottery – both of which are essential if you make pottery regularly.
I have a full review of some of the top-selling Pottery Wheels that i have used for you to check out here Here – Pottery Wheels Reviewed
Consider the Other Materials You Need for Your Pottery Wheel
When you’re creating your budget, remember that an Electric Wheel cannot operate in isolation. You need to factor in the cost of other materials and equipment.
Here are some of the most common additional Pottery making expenses:
- Clay. You can’t make Pottery without clay! Fortunately, Clay for Pottery is relatively cheap. But if you’re a beginner, you’re going to be using a lot of it as you practice and improve. Therefore, it’s a good idea to buy clay in bulk if you have a place to store it. You should also learn how to recycle your clay, which will save you money and is good for the environment. You can go to My Choosing Your Pottery Clay article to help you select the clay that’s right for you.
- Bats. Pottery bats are placed over the wheel head. They come in a variety of different materials, including wood and plastic. Depending on the material and brand, the price of a bat can vary. Here is an informative article I put together for you on How To Use Bats on a Pottery Wheel | Types – Usage – Storage.
- Kiln. Once you’ve shaped your pot, you need to fire it in a kiln or fire pit. Of course, Kilns are the more practical way to fire your pottery. Kilns can cost between $ 500 and $6500. Check out my informative step-by-step article on what to look for When Choosing A Kiln.
Ordering your Electric Wheel online
If you’re ordering your Electric Wheel online, you should also factor in the shipping costs. If it’s on the heavier side, the shipping charge can be significant.
After looking at the cost of an Electric Wheel and the add-ons that you may need, you may decide that you can’t afford a new wheel.
If that’s the case, don’t worry – you can always opt for a secondhand Electric Pottery Wheel.
You can find used Pottery Wheels online. eBay is a great place to start looking. If you don’t find anything you like on eBay, browse through Google for a specialized pottery website that sells used wheels. Testing a secondhand pottery wheel is an absolute must, so make sure the person you buy it from will allow you to return it.
Here are a few of the things you should check when testing a secondhand wheel:
- Listen to the sound of the wheel.
Make sure that when it’s spinning, the wheel is humming and not grinding, stalling, or squeaking. - Check the pedal.
If the machine has a pedal, check that you can step on it easily and that it doesn’t get stuck. - Check the machine’s stability.
Make sure that the machine does not shake as you use it and that it doesn’t slip easily. A machine that is not stable can not only ruin your designs but can also be unsafe. - Check the power cord of the wheel.
When you’re using a wheel that has already been used before, the power cord may be frayed, damaged, or have a loose connection. It’s important to check that the power cord is in good condition – otherwise, within a week, you may be dealing with a wheel that doesn’t work.
Although secondhand Wheels have been broken in and can be more responsive to clay and shaping, you do need to be careful and ensure that the machine is in working condition.
What else should you look out for?
As well as scrutinizing the specifications, accessories, and cost comparisons for each wheel, there are a few other factors you need to consider before making a purchase decision.
- Warranty periods.
Most Electric Wheel brands have warranties that are at least two years – some have much longer ones. Look for long period warranties and be sure to check whether any conditions are affecting the warranty’s validity. - Shipping times.
As well as checking the price of shipping, ensure that you know the time it’ll take for your wheel to be shipped to you. - Maintenance and repair.
Before placing your order, look for information on how you will get your wheel repaired if it breaks down – and what you need to do to maintain it and keep it healthy.
Step 6: Research the Market
While you’re creating your budget, researching the available options will help you understand what’s available and how much you’ll need to spend.
To kickstart your research, here are some of the most popular Electric Pottery Wheel Brands on the market today.
Brent Pottery Wheels
Brent Wheels are some of the most popular in the market. They are free-standing wheels – that is, they come built into a tabletop and have a pedal that lets you control the speed of the wheel.
Brent Wheels take up a little more space than a Tabletop Electric Wheel, but they are quite durable and good workhorse wheels to own.
Once you’ve got your wheel, you can upgrade your workspace with some of Brent’s accessories, which include extra workspace tables and different plates.
Affiliate Disclaimer: We are ambassadors or affiliates for many of the brands we reference on the website. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
You should get a Brent Pottery Wheel if you’re willing to invest a good amount of money in return for a comfortable, expertly designed wheel. Some Brent brand electric wheels worth considering include the Brent B Pottery Wheel, the Brent C Pottery Wheel, and the Brent CXC Pottery Wheel.
I have a detailed article on the Brent CXC Pottery Wheel. You can read the review about one of my favorite wheels here Brent CXC Pottery Wheel – OWNERS REVIEW – Buyers Guide.
Shimpo Pottery Wheels
Shimpo is a brand known for quiet free-standing and Tabletop Electric Wheels that have high power but light motors.
Because of their powerful motors, most Shimpo wheels can handle large amounts of clay; the higher-end ones can manage around two hundred pounds of clay at a time. They are also great because they have a reservable rotation option that allows both left and right-handers to feel comfortable while using them.
Popular variants of Electric Wheels within the Shimpo brand are the Shimpo Aspire Tabletop Wheel and the Shimpo RK Whisper Wheel, which is also a tabletop version. Popular free-standing versions include the Shimpo VL Lite Wheel and the Shimpo VL Whisper Wheel.
Speedball Arts Pottery Wheels
Speedball Wheels are budget-friendly Electric Wheels that offer plenty of bang for your buck! You should consider the Boss series Speedball Clay Boss, the Speedball Big Boss Potter’s Wheel, or the Speedball Big Boss Elite SQ Potter’s Wheel w/ Shelf. All three electric wheels offer two bats, bat pins, splash pan, and 14″ (356 mm) steel wheel head.
The portable Wheel is the Speedball Artista Wheel, which is a Tabletop Electric Wheel that can be easily moved and stored.
I have a detailed review with a video of this wheel. I go through the features to help you decide whether this wheel is the right fit for you. Go to Speedball Artista Pottery Wheel – Owners Review Buyers Guide
Pacifica Wheels
Pacifica has been producing pottery wheels for over twenty years, and they are continuously improving their line of products.
They are known for having motors with high torque that are able to handle heavyweight. They also have free-standing models with ‘Magic Pedals’ that give you extra control over how your wheel spins.
Most models have similar features, including wheel heads made with aluminum, satisfaction guarantees, and workstation extensions.
If you’re interested in this brand, look for the Pacifica GT-400 Pottery Wheel.
The SKYTOU Pottery Wheel Michine
If you want to get a pottery wheel, but aren’t sure if you want to invest that much into a wheel yet, then the SKYTOU pottery wheel machine may be an ideal way to get started.
This SKYTOU pottery wheel can be used for a variety of purposes, including making pots, trimming, and decorating. This machine is easy to operate and learn how to use.
I have a detailed article and video demonstration where I show you everything about the Skytou Pottery Wheel. It’s perfect for any new potter or even if you need an extra wheel! Go to Skytou Pottery Wheel Pottery Forming Machine – OWNERS REVIEW
Step 7: Place an order!
Before you finally hit the order button and key in your credit card details, do one more check to see that you’ve followed all the steps in this guide.
- Have you been to a few pottery classes, both to deepen your knowledge of pottery and to test several different types of Wheels?
- Have you weighed the pros and cons of an Electric Wheel over a Kickwheel?
- Does the model you’ve chosen meet your needs, or do you need to upgrade to a more expensive option?
- Are you dead set on the brand and model you’ve chosen, or would you benefit from doing some more research?
- Does the merchant you’re purchasing from, allow you to return the wheel if it’s faulty?
Once you’ve covered all of the bases, go forth and order your New Electric Pottery Wheel!