Whether you are a beginner or a professional, if you want to make beautiful pottery, you will have to get your hands on a quality pottery wheel. Pottery wheels can be electric or manual. The electric ones allow you to make a more uniform piece that is even and symmetrical quickly and easily. Manual pottery wheels are great for making unique and fun shapes. Either way, you want your pottery wheel to do its job well. Here, we've rounded up the best of the best. Eapmic Pottery Wheel Small and EfficientThis sturdy and affordable pottery wheel is great when you are on a tight budget.Best OverallFind on Amazon The Eapmic Pottery Wheel is a compact and affordable pottery wheel that is great for beginners or children. The low price makes it an easy buy. Meanwhile, you are not losing any functionality. The 9.8″ wheel turns at a steady pace in either direction. It even makes a great on-the-go machine for professionals who like to make products right on-site at craft shows and fairs because it is so easy to travel with. While you make cups, mugs, and bowls with this machine, you can carry on a conversation with your students, customers, or friends. It is a convenient and quiet choice. Let’s check out the pros and cons. Pros: It is easy to operate The speed control is built right onto the machine Travelling is easy You can set the wheel to spin in either direction It operates quietly enough to use anywhere Cons: The wheel head isn’t very large There is no foot pedal National Artcraft Sculpting Wheel Strong and DurableIf you prefer to control your clay manually, then this is the wheel for you.Best Manual WheelFind on Amazon The National Artcraft Sculpting Wheel gives you full control over your project. The cast iron metal construction combined with the heavy-duty ball bearings create a smooth and seamless turning action. Meanwhile, the weighted rim helps the wheel to continue spinning. Concentric circles help you center your work as you go, so you don’t have to worry about a lopsided project. Although a manual wheel will not allow you the efficiency of an electric wheel, it does have the added bonus of giving you more control. You can change the shapes as you wish, and make a unique product that can’t be made with an electric wheel. It is even great for decorating a finished pot. Now, here are some pros and cons. Pros: The heavy base won’t move around and slip Concentric circles are great for centering your work, or keeping any lines even The ball bearings work smoothly This entire wheel is very durable It is compact enough to put away between uses Cons: It only spins manually so you have to continue doing it yourself This wheel is only 7″ wide so you are limited on how large you can make a project Mophorn Pottery Wheel Simple and CompactA pottery wheel that is both easy to use and easy to travel with.Best Beginner's WheelFind on Amazon If you are on the lookout for a smaller and more compact electrical pottery wheel then the Mophorn Pottery Wheel is the best choice for you. This pottery wheel is smaller than some of the others at 9.8″. It may sound small, but that makes it perfect for a beginner. You can easily pack it up and take it to classes. You could even take it with you to a friend’s house so you and your friends can learn together. The foot pedal on this wheel does a great job of helping you control the speed of this wheel. Also, you can set the wheel to spin clockwise or counterclockwise based on your preferences. Let’s check out some more pros and cons. Pros: The compact size makes it ideal for travel It has a clean and simple look You can choose in which direction you want the wheel to spin An easy to use foot pedal is included The speed is variable and easily adjusted Cons: The smaller wheel head limits your project size options It does not maintain speed if you use too much weight HomeRight Turn Table Basic and AffordableA basic manual wheel for when you want quality without a high price.Best Budget Manual WheelFind on Amazon The HomeRight Turn Table is perfect for anyone on a budget who wants the freedom and simplicity of a manual pottery wheel. This wheel has a generous 11″ diameter that gives you the ability to make a project at just about any size. It can easily hold up to 15lbs while still turning smoothly and easily. Also, the concentric circles will help you keep the project even. This wheel is made of plastic and it is easy to keep clean. Not only is it great for working with clay, but you can also use it for decorating cakes, painting, and more. It is extremely versatile. Here are some pros and cons. Pros: It can hold 15 pounds, which is more than many other wheels The spinning action is smooth You can easily clean it This wheel is very affordable It’s versatile Cons: Plastic is not very durable There is no coating or rubber to prevent slipping Frequently Asked Questions Why do I need a pottery wheel? A pottery wheel will allow you to spin the clay as you work. That creates a more even profile all the way around when compared to just working the clay on your tabletop. What is the difference between a manual and an electric pottery wheel? A manual wheel needs to be turned with your hands. It does not maintain speed and it isn’t as good at getting symmetrical shapes done. However, it is great for creating unique pieces and for decorating dried pieces. The electric wheel spins on its own and lets you focus on shaping your project, but it is not suited for oddly shaped pieces. Which size should I get? If you only plan to make smaller cups and vases, or you travel a lot, you are suited best for a smaller wheel. If you are a professional who sells your pottery, then the larger wheels are best. Related posts: The Best Hamster Wheels The Best Frisbees The Best Dog Toy Baskets in 2024