10 Best Pottery Wheels For Beginners 2026 in the United States

The Brent B Wheel is a solid choice for beginner potters looking for a durable and reliable pottery wheel. It features a strong motor capable of handling up to 150 pounds continuously, offering enough power and torque to work with a variety of clay sizes without struggling. The electronic speed control is reversible and smooth, allowing easy adjustment of wheel speed clockwise or counterclockwise, which is great for learning and shaping pots from all angles.

Its all-steel construction and solid table contribute to excellent build quality, ensuring the wheel feels sturdy and stable during use. The automatic belt tensioning system keeps the drive running efficiently, so you won’t have to worry about manual adjustments or belt slipping. The wheel weighs 108 pounds and measures quite large, so it isn’t very portable or easy to move around frequently, making it best suited for a dedicated workspace rather than a small or shared area.

The $100 rebate from the manufacturer adds value to the purchase. If you want a beginner-friendly pottery wheel that balances power, smooth control, and durability, and you have space for it, the Brent B Wheel is a reliable option.

The Shimpo VL-Whisper is a solid choice for beginners looking for a dependable pottery wheel. It features a brushless DC motor, which means it runs smoothly and quietly without needing regular maintenance—an advantage for those new to pottery who want less hassle. The electronic controller helps keep the wheel spinning at a steady speed, even when shaping different clay thicknesses, giving you better control during your work. It also offers a wide speed range to match your needs as you improve your skills.

The wheel's reversibility allows both left- and right-handed users to work comfortably, which is a thoughtful touch. The wheel is quite sturdy and well-built, but its weight of 105 pounds means it isn’t very portable if you plan to move it around frequently. This wheel is geared towards those who want a quiet, reliable machine with good speed control and flexibility in hand use, but if you need something lightweight for easy transport, this might not be the best fit.

The Brent EX Pottery Wheel is a solid choice for beginners who are starting their pottery journey. One of its key advantages is its robust 10-year warranty, which offers peace of mind for long-term use. Additionally, the included splash pan is a practical feature that helps keep the workspace cleaner, which is especially beneficial for new users who might be less experienced with controlling messes.

The classic controller is user-friendly, making it easier for beginners to get accustomed to using the wheel. The reversing switch is another handy feature, providing flexibility for both left-handed and right-handed users or when different spinning directions are needed for specific techniques. The inclusion of $70 worth of free glaze is a nice bonus, offering beginners some extra materials to practice with without spending additional money right away.

On the downside, the wheel head size and motor power specifications are not detailed, which are critical factors for assessing whether this wheel can handle larger projects or heavier clay. Portability could also be an issue as it appears to be designed for more stationary use, which might not be ideal for users who need to move or store the wheel frequently. The build quality seems reliable, but being listed at #3,481 in Ceramic & Pottery Tools suggests it isn't among the top-tier choices in the market. However, with a 4.1 out of 5-star rating from users, it's clear that many find it satisfactory. This pottery wheel is best suited for big kids, youths, and adults who are new to pottery and looking for a dependable starter wheel.