Buying a pottery wheel: how to choose?

Every pottery enthusiast eventually faces this choice: should I buy a pottery wheel? And if so, how do I choose one? Those who are just starting out typically use shared tools in spaces like workshops and schools. However, as you gain experience and practice, purchasing your own tool becomes a necessary step.

It’s an important decision that we recommend you take time over: not only because of the financial investment it often represents, but also because, being a very durable machine, the wheel will stay with you for a long time. Therefore, it is essential that it has the specific features and qualities you need.

How much does a pottery wheel cost?

Or rather, the right question is: how much should I spend on a pottery wheel? The answer depends on you and what you need. Are you just starting out? Are you learning and dreaming of setting up a home studio? Or is pottery your life path, both artistically and professionally? Depending on your level, it may make sense to invest in more basic tools or in professional equipment.

A tabletop wheel, small and electrically powered, can be ideal if you are a beginner or learning. It will help you get the hang of working with clay and is perfect for creating small-sized objects. Prices for this type of wheel range from €400 to €900.

In recent years, on various marketplaces, it is also possible to find wheels priced under €200. We decided to purchase a couple for testing, and the result is that we feel we cannot recommend buying them: they are often not certified (CE) and being built very economically, they can present problems and risks, such as a short circuit caused by the water needed for working. Not to mention that in the event of damage caused by these machines, there is no warranty or insurance coverage. For this reason, Hobbyland has chosen to only offer branded wheels with warranty and certified quality, even at the basic level. Keep in mind that a branded wheel is also easier to resell if you decide to upgrade to a higher-level tool.

As the quality and performance of the wheel increase, so does the price, which often reaches and exceeds €1000. A professional wheel in this category is certainly more suitable for those with more experience: among the advantages, it offers a wider work surface and thus the ability to use larger amounts of clay and create bigger objects, as well as greater stability and durability for those working at intensive rates. Buying a pottery wheel at this level is definitely a commitment. However, using a payment plan (like HeyLight or Scalapay), it is possible to spread the cost over time and thus manage a purchase that is certainly more expensive but also much safer.

A wheel is for life... or almost!

Purchasing a pottery wheel also requires consideration of your future prospects as a potter. If you are just starting out, it will be natural to lean towards a simple and more economical tool. But also think about your journey and your goals. As you become more skilled and develop your style and working methods, your needs will also increase: a faster wheel, or one with more adjustment options; or one with greater capacity to create larger works, and so on. Thinking about the future now will save you from having to change wheels later!

Your workspace

Wheel models can vary greatly in terms of size and features. Some consist solely of a base and a rotating plate, with a power source that can be motorised or pedal-operated. Others, however, are larger and have a more complex configuration, with features such as seating, work surfaces, splash guards, or other accessories.

The type of your workspace will help you choose which tool best fits your space and needs. If you already have a work table, for example, your ideal wheel is one with a simpler structure. If you want to protect the surrounding area, we recommend buying a wheel equipped with protective barriers, preferably removable: in some cases, the guards can interfere with your mobility around the plate and thus affect your working style.

Portable wheel: advantages and disadvantages

This aspect is also very important in guiding your choice. Are you a teacher using the wheel for demonstrations and lessons outside your workshop? Do you need to take it with you to fairs and other events? Or do you plan to change or modify your workshop in the near future? All these could be excellent reasons to buy a portable wheel.

Such a wheel has a very simple structure and, unlike studio wheels, is smaller, lighter, and more manageable. The model in the photo features 2 interchangeable plates and a removable plastic splash guard. Its motor is quiet and has two rotation directions with adjustable speed. On the downside, consider that on a smaller wheel you will be able to work with a smaller amount of clay, and that the speed and sensitivity of the plate's rotation will not be at the same level as a studio wheel. But as a travel companion, it is an absolutely versatile and reliable tool!

Powering the pottery wheel: pedal or electric?

Even though we mention it last, the power mode is one of the most important features to consider if you are thinking about buying a pottery wheel. The traditional wheel, as you know, works with the push applied by the foot on a pedal that drives the plate.

The pedal wheel thus requires more physical effort, and this is a factor to keep in mind. On the other hand, most current models are combined with an electric motor that allows for easier control of the movement.

An electric-powered wheel, in addition to not requiring any physical effort, offers a higher and more consistent rotation speed, although learning to manage the plate's movement without abrupt accelerations can be difficult, especially for beginners. In terms of operation, electric wheels are distinguished by the type of drive of the plate: belt drive and direct drive.

Belt drive is the most commonly used system. A wheel with this drive can have various shapes and sizes, from a compact tabletop wheel to the more complex structure of a BTH Sirius or a Shimpo RK-55, but the operation is the same: a belt connects two pulleys, one on the motor and one on the plate, allowing the former to set the latter in motion. This drive is generally reliable: the only issues that may occur are slipping or breaking of the belt. In the first case, you need to adjust the tension between the pulleys, while in the second, it will need to be replaced. However, these are quick solutions that allow the wheel to return to perfect working order in no time.

Direct drive, on the other hand, involves a direct current motor connected directly to the plate of the wheel. The speed can be adjusted electronically, via a pedal. A direct drive wheel, like these models BTH Andromeda, Whisper, or RK-3E from Shimpo, is certainly the most modern and reliable on the market, and guarantees not only continuous power but also almost no noise, as the motor is truly silent.

Whichever drive you prefer, other elements to consider when choosing are the ability to adjust not only the speed but also the direction of rotation of the plate (very useful not only for customising your work but also for assisting left-handed people!) and the power of the motor. A good wheel, in fact, must maintain a constant speed, and as a general rule, we recommend buying a wheel with a power of at least 350 W.

As with all significant choices, the decision to purchase a pottery wheel depends on multiple factors. But the most important of all, in the end, is you: your level, your needs, your artistic project.

With this guide, we hope to have provided you with indications and advice that will help you refine your needs and make the best choice for your future as a potter!