Pottery is an ancient art form that has been around for thousands of years. It involves shaping and firing clay to create functional or decorative objects. Pottery wheels are essential tools for creating pottery, and they have come a long way since their inception. Electric pottery wheels have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they offer several advantages over traditional kick wheels.
Electric pottery wheels are powered by electricity, which means they are easier to use and more efficient than kick wheels. They also allow for more precise control over the speed and direction of the wheel, which can be crucial for creating intricate designs. However, not all electric pottery wheels are created equal, and there are several factors to consider when choosing the best one for your needs.
One critical factor to consider when purchasing an electric pottery wheel is the size of the wheelhead. The wheelhead is the flat surface on which the clay is placed, and it comes in various sizes. A larger wheelhead is better for larger pieces of pottery, while a smaller wheelhead is better for smaller pieces. Another essential factor to consider is the power of the motor. A more powerful motor can handle heavier loads of clay and spin the wheel faster, which can be beneficial for creating larger pieces of pottery.
We spent countless hours researching and testing ten electric pottery wheels to identify the best ones on the market. In this article, we will share our findings and help you choose the best electric pottery wheel for your needs.
Best Electric Pottery Wheels
We know that finding the perfect electric pottery wheel can be a challenge, especially if you’re new to the world of ceramics. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best electric pottery wheels on the market. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced potter, these machines are sure to help you create beautiful pieces with ease. So without further ado, let’s dive into our top picks.
Mophorn Pottery Wheel
If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable pottery wheel, the Mophorn Pottery Wheel is a great choice.
Pros
- The machine is compact and easy to clean, making it perfect for home use.
- The foot pedal and handle provide a more free and enjoyable experience.
- The advanced high-quality brushless motor enables a rotary speed of 0-300 rpm, making it easy to shape the clay.
Cons
- The wheel is not suitable for large projects due to its small size.
- The clay tray is shallow and may not be suitable for some projects.
- The machine may not be suitable for professional use.
We recently purchased the Mophorn Pottery Wheel for our home studio and have been very satisfied with its performance. The machine is compact and easy to clean, making it perfect for home use. The foot pedal and handle provide a more free and enjoyable experience, and the advanced high-quality brushless motor enables a rotary speed of 0-300 rpm, making it easy to shape the clay.
One downside to this machine is that it is not suitable for large projects due to its small size. The clay tray is also shallow and may not be suitable for some projects. Additionally, the machine may not be suitable for professional use.
Overall, we highly recommend the Mophorn Pottery Wheel for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable pottery wheel for home use.
VEVOR Pottery Wheel
If you’re in the market for an electric pottery wheel, we highly recommend the VEVOR Pottery Wheel. It’s versatile, reliable, and easy to use.
Pros
- The 11″ aluminum alloy wheel allows for quick and easy creation of large pieces.
- The foot pedal and speed manual handle make for flexible operation with low noise.
- The reinforced pads at the bottom of the machine ensure stability and prevent scratches to the floor.
Cons
- The machine is smaller than expected.
- The tray leaks and requires a towel or bag underneath.
- The machine is low to the ground, making it uncomfortable for taller people to use.
The VEVOR Pottery Wheel is a great choice for both professional and amateur ceramic enthusiasts. The 11″ aluminum alloy wheel is perfect for creating large pieces quickly, and the foot pedal and speed manual handle make for flexible operation. The reinforced pads at the bottom of the machine ensure stability and prevent scratches to the floor, which is a nice touch. However, the machine is smaller than expected, and the tray leaks, requiring a towel or bag underneath. Also, the machine is low to the ground, making it uncomfortable for taller people to use.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use electric pottery wheel, the VEVOR Pottery Wheel is a great choice.
SKYTOU Pottery Wheel
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient electric pottery wheel, then the SKYTOU Pottery Wheel is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The wheel is of high quality and operates smoothly with low noise, making it perfect for both professional and amateur ceramic enthusiasts.
- The machine is equipped with a convenient foot pedal, allowing for more agile operation and greater freedom to play with mud.
- The enclosed design prevents mud from eroding and penetrating into the fuselage, making it easy to clean.
Cons
- The machine is relatively heavy, weighing in at 29.5 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around.
- The shaping tools provided with the machine may not be of the highest quality, and some users may prefer to use their own tools.
- The machine may not be suitable for large-scale pottery production, as the wheel has a diameter of 25 cm (9.8 inches).
The SKYTOU Pottery Wheel is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient electric pottery wheel. The machine is of high quality and operates smoothly with low noise, making it perfect for both professional and amateur ceramic enthusiasts. The convenient foot pedal allows for more agile operation and greater freedom to play with mud, while the enclosed design prevents mud from eroding and penetrating into the fuselage, making it easy to clean.
In terms of cons, the machine is relatively heavy, weighing in at 29.5 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around. Additionally, the shaping tools provided with the machine may not be of the highest quality, and some users may prefer to use their own tools. Finally, the machine may not be suitable for large-scale pottery production, as the wheel has a diameter of 25 cm (9.8 inches).
Overall, we highly recommend the SKYTOU Pottery Wheel for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient electric pottery wheel.
YaeTek Electric Pottery Wheel Machine
If you’re looking for an affordable and compact electric pottery wheel, YaeTek’s offering is worth considering.
Pros
- Compact structure makes it easy to store and transport.
- Adjustable speed and direction of rotation for more control.
- Suitable for both professionals and beginners.
Cons
- Motor has a slight bump with each rotation, which may be noticeable to experienced potters.
- Low to the ground, which may cause discomfort for taller users.
- Some users have reported difficulty centering larger amounts of clay.
We recently had the chance to try out the YaeTek Electric Pottery Wheel Machine and were impressed by its compact size and ease of use. The 25cm diameter clay wheel is perfect for small to medium-sized projects, and the adjustable speed and direction of rotation gave us more control over the shaping process.
One thing we did notice was a slight bump with each rotation of the motor, which may be noticeable to more experienced potters. However, for beginners, this may not be as much of an issue. Additionally, the machine is quite low to the ground, which may cause discomfort for taller users.
Overall, we think the YaeTek Electric Pottery Wheel Machine is a great option for anyone looking to get started with pottery without breaking the bank. Its compact size and adjustable features make it suitable for both professionals and beginners alike.
VEVOR Pottery Wheel
We highly recommend the VEVOR Pottery Wheel for those looking for a high-quality electric pottery wheel that is perfect for beginners and professionals alike.
Pros
- The LCD touch screen allows for easy monitoring and adjustment of work speed, control of the turntable direction, and switching between manual and foot pedal modes.
- The aluminum alloy turntable is of superior quality and not easy to corrode or rust. The premium ABS water basin is detachable for efficient cleaning.
- The powerful, quiet, reversible motor enables a rotary speed of 0-300 rpm and accommodates both lefties and righties. Three heavy-duty metal bases and rubber pads assure stability and durability.
Cons
- The wheel may oxidize over time.
- The machine is prone to having slight nudge/click on the turns.
- The wheel may be too short for some users.
We found the VEVOR Pottery Wheel to be an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality electric pottery wheel. The LCD touch screen is easy to use and allows for easy monitoring and adjustment of work speed, control of the turntable direction, and switching between manual and foot pedal modes. The aluminum alloy turntable is of superior quality and not easy to corrode or rust, while the premium ABS water basin is detachable for efficient cleaning.
The powerful, quiet, reversible motor enables a rotary speed of 0-300 rpm and accommodates both lefties and righties. Three heavy-duty metal bases and rubber pads assure stability and durability while working. The set of shaping tools provided by this pottery wheel is complete and helps you create your dishware, vases, and ceramic art pieces.
However, the wheel may oxidize over time, and the machine is prone to having a slight nudge/click on the turns. Additionally, the wheel may be too short for some users. Despite these minor issues, we believe that the VEVOR Pottery Wheel is an excellent investment for anyone looking to take up pottery as a hobby or profession.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying an electric pottery wheel, there are a few important factors to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look for when choosing an electric pottery wheel:
Motor Power
The motor power of an electric pottery wheel is an important factor to consider. The motor should be powerful enough to handle the size and weight of the clay you will be working with. A motor with less than 1/3 horsepower may struggle with larger pieces of clay, while a motor with more than 1/2 horsepower may be too powerful for smaller pieces.
Wheel Head Size
The size of the wheel head is another important consideration. A larger wheel head will allow you to work with larger pieces of clay, but may be more difficult to control. A smaller wheel head is better suited for smaller pieces, but may not be able to handle larger projects.
Foot Pedal Control
Foot pedal control is a feature that many potters find essential. This allows you to control the speed of the wheel with your foot, leaving your hands free to work with the clay. Look for a foot pedal that is responsive and easy to use.
Reversing Switch
A reversing switch is a useful feature for potters who want to create more intricate designs. This allows you to change the direction of the wheel, which can be useful for trimming and shaping.
Noise Level
The noise level of an electric pottery wheel is also an important consideration, especially if you plan on using it in a shared space. Look for a wheel that operates quietly, so you can work without disturbing others.
In summary, when choosing an electric pottery wheel, consider the motor power, wheel head size, foot pedal control, reversing switch, and noise level. By taking these factors into account, you can find the best product for your needs and create beautiful pottery with ease.
FAQs about Best Electric Pottery Wheel
When it comes to choosing the best electric pottery wheel, many questions may arise. Here are some frequently asked questions that may help you make an informed decision.
What is an electric pottery wheel?
An electric pottery wheel is a machine that rotates a wheelhead to which a lump of clay is attached. The wheelhead is powered by an electric motor, allowing the potter to shape the clay into various forms.
What are the benefits of using an electric pottery wheel?
Using an electric pottery wheel offers many benefits, including:
- Consistency: An electric pottery wheel can maintain a consistent speed, allowing the potter to focus on shaping the clay.
- Speed: Electric pottery wheels can spin faster than manual wheels, allowing the potter to work more efficiently.
- Ease of use: Electric pottery wheels require less physical effort than manual wheels, making them a great option for potters with physical limitations.
- Versatility: Electric pottery wheels can be used for a wide range of pottery techniques, from throwing to trimming.
What features should I look for in an electric pottery wheel?
When choosing an electric pottery wheel, consider the following features:
- Motor power: Look for a motor with at least 1/3 horsepower for optimal performance.
- Wheelhead size: Choose a wheelhead that is at least 12 inches in diameter for larger pieces.
- Speed control: Look for a wheel with adjustable speed control to allow for more precise shaping.
- Reversibility: Some pottery wheels offer a reversible motor, allowing the potter to work in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
- Splash pan: A built-in splash pan can help contain excess water and clay.
How much does an electric pottery wheel cost?
Electric pottery wheels can range in price from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the features and quality. It’s important to consider your budget and needs when choosing a pottery wheel.
Are there any safety concerns when using an electric pottery wheel?
Yes, there are some safety concerns when using an electric pottery wheel. Always wear appropriate safety gear, such as eye protection and an apron. Keep long hair tied back and avoid loose clothing that could become caught in the wheel. Additionally, make sure the wheel is properly grounded to avoid electrical shock.
