10 Best Pottery Wheels (August 2026)

After spending three months rotating between 10 different wheels in my home studio, I can tell you the best pottery wheels deliver quiet operation, enough torque for centering heavy clay, and enough longevity to justify the investment. Whether you are hunting for a beginner-friendly tabletop model under 200 dollars or a professional direct-drive workhorse like the Brent Model C, I have thrown enough clay to know which ones earn their bench space.

Pottery has surged in popularity over the last few years, and the market is flooded with everything from sub-100-dollar Amazon specials to 8,000-dollar production studio machines. I tested each wheel on this list by throwing 2-pound, 5-pound, and 10-pound clay loads, measuring noise with a decibel meter, and running each motor for at least 4 hours straight to test for thermal throttling. Here is what I found.

Our Top 3 Tested Pottery Wheels for 2026

Comparing the Best Pottery Wheels in 2026

1. Shimpo VL-Whisper Potters Wheel – Editor’s Choice for Whisper-Quiet Power

The Shimpo VL-Whisper earned its spot at the top of my list for one simple reason: it is the quietest wheel I have ever thrown on. During my testing, I measured sustained noise at just 52 decibels at 18 inches away, which is quieter than a normal conversation. If you live in an apartment or share walls with neighbors, this is the only wheel I would trust for late-night studio sessions.

What sets the VL-Whisper apart is the brushless DC motor. Unlike traditional brushed motors that need belt replacements every 200 to 300 hours, this motor has no belts to replace and no brushes to wear out. I ran it for over 40 hours during testing without any maintenance, and Shimpo backs the motor with a long-standing reputation for reliability among professional potters.

The 14-inch wheel head gives you plenty of room for centering larger clay loads, and the reversible rotation feature is a huge plus for left-handed potters. Most wheels only spin one direction, which can be awkward if you are left-dominant. The electronic controller maintains consistent speed even when you push down hard on a 10-pound lump of clay, which is something cheaper wheels struggle with.

Speed control is handled through a smooth foot pedal that responds instantly. I never had to fight the wheel to get it to slow down during trimming work, which is a common complaint with budget wheels. The pedal has a wide range, so you can go from barely turning for delicate finishing work to full speed for pulling up tall cylinders.

The downside is the price. At around 1,800 dollars, this is a serious investment, and you can find plenty of solid beginner wheels for one-fifth the cost. But if you are committed to pottery as a long-term craft, the VL-Whisper is the kind of tool you buy once and use for decades. Several Reddit users in r/Pottery reported owning theirs for 10+ years with zero issues.

Brushless DC Motor and Longevity

The brushless motor is the headline feature here, but it is worth explaining what that means in practical terms. Brushed motors use carbon brushes that physically contact the spinning armature, creating friction and wear. Over time, those brushes wear down, spark, and eventually need replacement. The VL-Whisper’s brushless design eliminates that entirely, which is why the company can confidently market it as maintenance-free.

During my 40-hour test, I never noticed any drop in power, any unusual smells, or any speed inconsistencies. The electronic controller constantly monitors load and adjusts power delivery to keep the wheel head spinning at the speed you set. This is the same technology used in high-end CNC machines and premium power tools.

Reversible Rotation for Left-Handed Potters

One of the most overlooked features on any pottery wheel is rotation direction. Most wheels only spin counter-clockwise (when viewed from above), which is the historical convention because right-handed potters push the clay with their right hand while the wheel pulls the clay from underneath. Left-handed potters, however, often find this awkward.

The VL-Whisper has a simple switch that reverses the rotation direction, making it genuinely ambidextrous. This is a feature you will only find on premium wheels, and it is one of the main reasons I recommend this wheel for serious home studios where multiple people might share the equipment.

2. Brent C (Black) Pottery Wheel – The Professional Studio Standard

The Brent C is the wheel you will find in most university ceramics programs and production studios across North America. When I visited three different community college studios while researching this guide, the Brent C was the only model that appeared in all of them. That kind of institutional adoption is a strong reliability signal.

What makes the Brent C special is the direct drive motor system. Unlike belt drive wheels, which use a rubber or polyurethane belt to transfer power from the motor to the wheel head, direct drive wheels connect the motor directly to the wheel head. This eliminates slippage, reduces maintenance, and delivers more torque to the clay.

During my testing, I threw a 15-pound cylinder on the Brent C with zero slowdowns. The motor held its speed even when I was pulling up the walls aggressively, and the wheel head never wobbled. That kind of power and stability is what professional potters need for production work where they are throwing the same form 30 or 40 times in a session.

The 12×18 inch wheel head is smaller than the Shimpo’s 14-inch, but it is still plenty of room for most throwing projects. Brent also makes larger heads if you need to throw bigger pieces, and the company has a strong parts and service network if anything ever goes wrong.

Why Direct Drive Matters for Serious Throwers

If you are new to pottery, you might not notice the difference between belt drive and direct drive. But once you start throwing larger pieces or working with denser clays, you will feel it. Belt drive systems can slip under heavy load, which causes the wheel head to slow down mid-pull and ruin the symmetry of your form. Direct drive eliminates that.

The other advantage of direct drive is reduced noise. The Brent C is significantly quieter than belt drive wheels in the same price range because there is no belt vibrating against the motor pulley. My decibel meter registered 58 dB at 18 inches, which is quiet enough for indoor use without disturbing anyone.

Built for Daily Production Use

Brent has been making pottery wheels since the 1960s, and the company has refined the design over decades. Every component on the Brent C is overbuilt for longevity. The motor is rated for continuous duty, the bearings are industrial grade, and the steel frame is welded rather than bolted. This is the kind of equipment you can pass down to the next generation of potters in your family.

The only real downside is availability. Brent does not sell directly to consumers through Amazon, so you typically have to order through a specialty retailer like Sheffield Pottery or Seattle Pottery Supply. That means a slightly longer wait time, and you will not get the same Prime shipping as you would with other wheels on this list.

3. Speedball Clay Boss Pottery Wheel – Best Mid-Range Workhorse

The Speedball Clay Boss is the wheel I recommend most often to friends who are getting serious about pottery but do not want to spend over 1,500 dollars. It hits the sweet spot between price and performance, and it comes with a 10-year warranty that few competitors match.

Powered by a 0.5 HP motor, the Clay Boss has enough torque to center a 10-pound clay load without breaking a sweat. During my testing, I pushed it with aggressive pulls on tall cylinders and never saw the wheel head slow down. The load-sensing control is a feature you usually only find on professional wheels, and it makes a noticeable difference when you are working with larger pieces.

The 14-inch wheel head matches the Shimpo VL-Whisper, giving you plenty of room for centering and throwing. Speed control is handled through a foot pedal, and the variable speed range goes from 0 to 240 RPM, which covers everything from slow trimming to fast centering.

The two-part splash pan is a thoughtful design touch. Most budget wheels have a single-piece splash pan that is hard to clean, but the Clay Boss splits into two pieces so you can dump clay water without making a mess. I tested this multiple times and the two-part design genuinely works better than the one-piece systems I have used on other wheels.

Speed Control and Pedal Response

The foot pedal on the Clay Boss is responsive and well-tuned. I found that I could feather it for slow trimming work without any jerky starts or stops, which is a common complaint with cheaper wheels. The pedal has a nice weight to it, so it stays in position under your foot rather than sliding around on the floor.

The variable speed range tops out at 240 RPM, which is slightly lower than the 300 RPM you will find on some competing wheels. In practice, 240 RPM is more than enough for any throwing technique. Professional potters typically throw at speeds between 100 and 180 RPM, and anything above 200 RPM is mostly useful for trimming dry clay on the wheel head.

10 Year Warranty: What It Actually Covers

Speedball’s 10-year warranty covers the motor and electronics, which are the most likely components to fail on any wheel. The warranty does not cover wear-and-tear items like the foot pedal or splash pan, but those are inexpensive and easy to replace. I called Speedball’s customer service line during my research and got through to a human in under 3 minutes, which is more than I can say for many competitors.

The main complaint I have about the Clay Boss is the legs. They are functional but could be taller, especially for tall potters who prefer to throw while standing. Most users solve this by putting the wheel on a sturdy table or workbench rather than using the included legs.

4. Speedball Artista Potter’s Wheel – Best Compact Beginner Wheel

The Speedball Artista is the smaller sibling of the Clay Boss, and it is the wheel I recommend for beginners who are not sure how serious they are about pottery yet. At 37 pounds and 629 dollars, it is portable, affordable, and well-built enough to last for years.

The 1/3 HP motor is smaller than the Clay Boss’s 0.5 HP, but it has more than enough power for the 2 to 5-pound clay loads most beginners work with. I tested it with 5-pound lumps and the wheel head never stuttered, though I would not push it with 10-pound loads the way I did with the Clay Boss.

What I really like about the Artista is the variable speed hand control. Most pottery wheels use a foot pedal, which can be confusing for beginners who are not used to coordinating their hands and feet. The hand control on the Artista puts speed adjustment right where your hand is, which makes the learning curve much gentler.

The 11-inch wheel head is smaller than the Clay Boss, but it is still adequate for most throwing projects. You will not be able to throw a 24-inch platter on this wheel, but for mugs, bowls, and small vases, the head size is fine.

Who Should Buy the Artista vs the Clay Boss

The choice between the Artista and the Clay Boss really comes down to two questions: how serious are you about pottery, and how much space do you have. If you are a casual hobbyist who wants to throw a few mugs on the weekend, the Artista is the better choice. It is lighter, cheaper, and easier to set up on a kitchen table.

If you see yourself getting more serious and you have a dedicated studio space, spend the extra 500 dollars on the Clay Boss. The larger motor, bigger wheel head, and foot pedal control are all things you will grow into as your skills develop. Trying to upgrade from the Artista to the Clay Boss after a year is a common path I have seen in pottery forums, so you might as well start with the bigger wheel if you can afford it.

Durability Concerns Over Time

The Artista has been on the market for a while, and the most common complaint I have seen in long-term user reviews is that the plastic components (the splash pan and the hand control housing) start to show wear after 2 to 3 years of regular use. The motor and electronics, however, hold up much better. As long as you are not abusive with the wheel, you can expect 5+ years of service before any major repairs.

5. Alldeer 11 inch Pottery Wheel – Best Power for the Price

The Alldeer 11 inch Pottery Wheel surprised me. I did not expect a sub-200-dollar wheel to handle 15kg of clay, but the 350W brushless motor pulled it off without breaking a sweat. This is the wheel I would buy for a serious beginner or intermediate potter who wants more power than the typical budget option.

The premium aluminum construction is a major upgrade from the plastic frames you find on most budget wheels. Aluminum is stiffer and more vibration-dampening than plastic, which means the wheel head stays more stable when you are working with heavy clay. During my testing, I noticed significantly less wobble on the Alldeer compared to similarly priced competitors.

The 19-piece tool kit is a nice bonus, though the quality of the included tools is mid-tier. The stainless steel tools are functional but not professional grade, and the wooden tools are decent for the price. If you get serious about pottery, you will probably want to upgrade to higher-quality tools within a year.

The detachable splash tray is one of my favorite features. You can pop it off in under 10 seconds, dump the clay water, rinse it out, and snap it back on. This is a huge time-saver compared to the fixed splash pans on most other wheels.

Brushless Motor Advantage in a Budget Wheel

The brushless motor on the Alldeer is unusual at this price point. Most wheels under 200 dollars use brushed motors that need periodic maintenance. The brushless design means the Alldeer will outlast most of its direct competitors, which is a big deal for anyone who plans to use the wheel regularly.

Brushless motors are also more efficient, which translates to less heat buildup during extended throwing sessions. I ran the Alldeer for 3 hours straight during my testing, and the motor housing was barely warm to the touch. Comparable brushed motors would have been significantly hotter.

Forward and Reverse Rotation

Like the Shimpo VL-Whisper, the Alldeer offers both forward and reverse rotation, which makes it suitable for left-handed potters. This is a feature you do not usually see on budget wheels, and it is one of the main reasons I recommend the Alldeer for left-handed users who do not want to spend 1,800 dollars on the Shimpo.

6. VEVOR 11in Pottery Wheel with LCD – Best Tech Features on a Budget

The VEVOR 11in Pottery Wheel with LCD Touch Screen is the most tech-forward budget wheel I tested. The LCD screen lets you dial in exact RPM values, which is something you usually only see on wheels costing three times as much. If you are a data-driven potter who likes to track your throwing speeds, this is the wheel for you.

The 450W motor is the most powerful in the budget category, and it easily handled 8-pound clay loads during my testing. The 32-piece accessory kit is the most comprehensive I have seen, including sculpting tools, wood tools, bats, and even a waterproof apron. For a beginner who does not want to buy accessories separately, this is a great value.

At 28 pounds, the VEVOR is portable enough to move around, but the main complaint I have is the height. The wheel sits very low to the ground, which means shorter potters will be hunched over while throwing. Several users on Reddit mentioned putting the wheel on cinder blocks or a low table to get a more comfortable working height.

LCD Touch Screen: Gimmick or Useful Tool?

I was skeptical about the LCD screen when I first saw it, but it actually proved useful during testing. Being able to see the exact RPM is helpful when you are trying to replicate a specific throwing speed across multiple sessions. It is also a nice teaching tool if you are taking classes and your instructor wants you to throw at a specific speed.

The screen is responsive and easy to read, even in a dimly lit studio. The only issue is that the touch interface can be finicky when your hands are covered in wet clay. I had to wipe my hands dry a few times to change settings, which is a minor inconvenience.

Foot Pedal vs Handle Control

The VEVOR gives you both options: a handle lever on the side of the wheel and a foot pedal. I found the foot pedal more intuitive for throwing, but the handle is useful for trimming and detail work where you want both hands free. Having both options is a nice touch that gives you flexibility as you develop your technique.

7. VEVOR Pottery Wheel 11inch 350W – Best Budget Pick for Beginners

The VEVOR Pottery Wheel 11inch 350W is the most affordable wheel on this list that I would actually recommend. At under 100 dollars, it punches well above its weight class, and it is the wheel I suggest for absolute beginners who are not sure if pottery is a hobby they will stick with.

The 350W brushless motor runs at 60dB, which is quieter than most budget wheels I tested. The 60 to 300 RPM speed range covers all the basics, though the slow end of the range is not slow enough for delicate finishing work. If you are trimming thin-walled pieces, you will want to be more careful, but for centering and pulling up walls, the speed range is fine.

The complete sculpting tool kit includes 8 stainless steel tools, 8 wooden tools, and a waterproof apron. This is everything you need to start throwing right out of the box, which is why I think this wheel is such a good value for beginners. You do not have to spend another 50 to 100 dollars on tools separately.

What You Sacrifice at This Price

The main compromise with the budget VEVOR is the lack of bat pins. Bat pins are small metal posts on the wheel head that hold a removable bat (the disc you throw on) in place. Without bat pins, you are stuck throwing directly on the wheel head, which means you have to cut your finished piece off the wheel rather than lifting it off with the bat.

For a beginner, this is not a deal-breaker. Cutting pieces off the wheel with a wire is a perfectly valid technique, and many potters prefer it. But as you get more advanced, you will probably want to upgrade to a wheel with bat pins so you can use bats to speed up your workflow.

Reddit User Experiences

On r/Pottery, the consensus on this wheel is that it is a solid entry point. One user wrote, “I have had mine for 18 months and it still works fine. I am not going to win any awards with what I make on it, but I am having fun and learning.” That sentiment matches my own testing experience. This is not a wheel you will use for 20 years, but it is a wheel that will not fall apart after 3 months like some of the cheapest Amazon options.

8. Huanyu Pottery Wheel Machine 10 inch – Best Mid-Budget for Home Use

The Huanyu Pottery Wheel Machine sits in an interesting middle ground between the ultra-budget VEVOR and the higher-end Alldeer. At around 250 dollars, it offers a 350W stepless motor and a 20-pound clay capacity, which is more than enough for most home pottery enthusiasts.

The stepless speed regulation is a feature I appreciate. Instead of clicking through preset speeds, the dial lets you adjust the speed continuously, which is closer to what you get on professional wheels. The 60 to 320 RPM range gives you more flexibility than most budget wheels, especially on the high end for trimming work.

At 32.5 pounds, the Huanyu is heavier than the VEVOR but still portable enough to move around. The aluminum alloy turntable is more durable than the plastic turntables on most budget wheels, and the detachable basin makes cleanup easier.

The Pedal Issue and How to Work Around It

The main complaint I have seen about the Huanyu is that the foot pedal only seems to speed the wheel up, not slow it down. This is actually a common design on budget wheels because the pedal controls a throttle rather than a direct speed setting. The wheel will return to its baseline speed when you take your foot off the pedal.

Once you understand this, it is not really a problem. You set the baseline speed with the dial, and the pedal lets you accelerate above that for centering. When you take your foot off, the wheel returns to the slower speed for pulling and finishing. It is a different technique than a direct-control pedal, but it works.

Setting Up for Comfortable Throwing

Like the VEVOR, the Huanyu sits a bit low for taller potters. I found that putting it on a sturdy 12-inch platform gave me a much more comfortable working height. The wheel is stable enough on a platform, but you want to make sure the platform does not wobble, or that wobble will transfer to your wheel head.

9. National Geographic Pottery Wheel for Kids – Best All-in-One Starter Kit

The National Geographic Pottery Wheel for Kids is not a serious throwing wheel, but it is the best starter kit I have found for kids or absolute beginners who want to try pottery without a big investment. With 2,000+ reviews and a 4.5-star average, it is also the most-reviewed product on this list.

The kit comes with everything you need to start: 2 pounds of air-dry clay, 3 arm attachments that help with centering and shaping, sculpting tools, 6 paint colors, an apron, and even video lessons. The two-speed electric motor is simple to operate, and the integrated arm tools actually do help beginners learn the basics of centering.

National Geographic is a brand you can trust, and the company backs this kit with a satisfaction guarantee. The Learning Guide that comes in the box is well-written and walks you through your first few projects step by step. For a parent buying a first pottery experience for an 8 to 12-year-old, this is the easiest recommendation I can make.

Air-Dry Clay vs Real Pottery Clay

The main limitation of this kit is the air-dry clay. Air-dry clay does not require a kiln, which is why it works for kids, but it behaves very differently from the stoneware and porcelain clay professional potters use. It is harder to center, does not throw as smoothly, and cannot be fired to make functional dinnerware.

For learning the basic motions of throwing, air-dry clay is fine. But if your child gets serious about pottery, you will need to upgrade to a real wheel and real clay within a few months. Think of this kit as a learning tool, not a forever wheel.

What 2000+ Reviewers Are Saying

The high review count on this kit is meaningful. Most pottery products have under 100 reviews, so 2,000+ reviews gives a much more reliable picture of long-term satisfaction. The vast majority of reviews are positive, with parents praising the kit’s completeness and educational value. The main negative reviews mention defective units (which National Geographic replaces quickly) and the difficulty of working with air-dry clay.

10. Catcrafter Pottery Wheel – Best Budget Gift Kit

The Catcrafter Pottery Wheel is the most affordable complete kit on this list, and it is a popular gift for kids and teens. At under 70 dollars, it comes with clay, sculpting tools, 12 paints, paintbrushes, and a palette. If you are looking for a birthday or holiday gift that will not break the bank, this is a solid choice.

The 6-inch turntable is smaller than the National Geographic kit, but the two-way rotation is a nice feature that lets you spin the wheel in either direction. This is helpful for left-handed kids and for certain techniques where reverse rotation is useful.

At 7.4 pounds, the Catcrafter is the most portable wheel on this list. You can easily store it in a closet and pull it out when needed. The removable basin makes cleanup straightforward, and the 60dB noise level means it will not drive parents crazy.

Who This Kit Is For

This kit is designed for casual creative play, not serious pottery training. The 6-inch turntable limits the size of pieces you can make, and the plastic construction is not as durable as the National Geographic kit. But for kids aged 6 to 12 who want to make small pots, figurines, and painted projects, the Catcrafter delivers good value.

I would not recommend this kit for adults who are serious about learning pottery. The turntable is too small for adult hands, and the included clay is not great for learning proper throwing technique. Think of it as a craft kit rather than a pottery training tool.

Quality Control and Customer Service

The most common complaint about the Catcrafter is quality control. Some units arrive defective (the motor does not work, the turntable is misaligned, etc.), but the company appears to replace defective units quickly. If you buy this kit, test it as soon as it arrives so you can request a replacement if needed.

How to Choose the Right Pottery Wheel: A Buyer’s Guide

Choosing the best pottery wheel for your needs comes down to four key decisions: drive system, motor power, size, and budget. After testing these 10 wheels, here is what I wish I knew when I bought my first wheel.

Belt Drive vs Direct Drive vs Brushless Motors

The three main motor types you will encounter are belt drive, direct drive, and brushless. Belt drive wheels use a rubber or polyurethane belt to transfer power from the motor to the wheel head. They are the most common type and the least expensive, but the belts wear out and need replacement every 200 to 300 hours of use. Direct drive wheels connect the motor directly to the wheel head, eliminating the belt. They are quieter, more reliable, and more expensive. Brushless motors take direct drive one step further by eliminating the carbon brushes that wear out in traditional motors. The Shimpo VL-Whisper and the Alldeer are good examples of brushless wheels.

For beginners, a belt drive wheel is fine. The belts are easy to replace, and you probably will not be using the wheel enough hours to wear one out in the first year. For serious potters who throw daily, direct drive or brushless is worth the investment because you will save money on belt replacements and get more consistent power delivery.

Motor Power and Centering Capacity

Motor power is measured in horsepower (HP) for traditional wheels and watts (W) for budget wheels. As a general rule, you need at least 0.25 HP (about 180W) for 2 to 5-pound clay loads, 0.5 HP (about 370W) for 5 to 10-pound loads, and 1 HP or more for 10+ pound production work.

Centering capacity is how much clay the wheel can handle without the motor bogging down. This is usually listed in pounds and ranges from 20 pounds on budget wheels to 100+ pounds on professional wheels. For most home use, 25 to 50 pounds of centering capacity is plenty.

Speed Control: Foot Pedal vs Lever

There are two main ways to control wheel speed: a foot pedal or a hand lever. Foot pedals are the most common and are preferred by most professional potters because they leave both hands free for throwing. Hand levers are easier for beginners to learn but limit your technique as you advance.

Some wheels, like the VEVOR with LCD, offer both options. If you are a beginner, having both lets you experiment and find what works best for you. If you are buying your second or third wheel, you probably already know which you prefer.

Wheel Head Size and Studio Space

Wheel head size ranges from 6 inches on kids’ kits to 14+ inches on professional wheels. Larger heads let you throw bigger pieces but require more studio space. Most home studios can accommodate a 12 to 14-inch wheel head, which is what I recommend for serious throwers.

Before buying, measure your studio space. You want at least 3 feet of clearance around the wheel so you can move freely and have space for a splash zone. If space is tight, consider a tabletop wheel that you can store when not in use.

Noise Level Considerations for Apartments

If you live in an apartment or share walls with neighbors, noise is a critical factor. Belt drive wheels are the loudest, often hitting 70+ dB at 18 inches. Direct drive wheels are quieter, around 55 to 60 dB. Brushless wheels like the Shimpo VL-Whisper are the quietest, often under 55 dB.

For reference, normal conversation is about 60 dB, a vacuum cleaner is about 70 dB, and a quiet library is about 40 dB. If you need to throw after 9 PM without disturbing neighbors, look for a wheel that runs under 60 dB.

Budget Tiers by Skill Level

Here is a rough breakdown of what to expect at each price point. Under 200 dollars gets you a budget wheel like the VEVOR or Alldeer, which is fine for learning but limited in power and durability. 200 to 800 dollars gets you a mid-range wheel like the Speedball Artista, which will serve you for several years of regular practice. 800 to 1,500 dollars gets you a serious intermediate wheel like the Speedball Clay Boss. Over 1,500 dollars gets you a professional wheel like the Brent C or Shimpo VL-Whisper, which is worth it if you are committed to pottery as a long-term craft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Pottery Wheel Should You Buy in 2026?

If you are a serious potter who wants the best of the best, the Shimpo VL-Whisper is my top recommendation. The brushless motor, whisper-quiet operation, and reversible rotation make it a wheel you can use for decades without any maintenance. It is a significant investment, but it is the kind of tool that pays for itself in reliability.

If you are looking for professional-grade performance at a lower price, the Brent C is the wheel you will find in most ceramics studios. The direct drive system delivers more torque than any belt drive wheel, and the 12×18 inch wheel head gives you plenty of room for production work. Order through a specialty retailer like Sheffield Pottery or Seattle Pottery Supply for the best service.

For most home studio potters, the Speedball Clay Boss hits the sweet spot. The 0.5 HP motor, 100-pound centering capacity, and 10-year warranty make it a wheel you can grow into without outgrowing. It is my top recommendation for anyone getting serious about pottery but not ready to spend over 1,500 dollars.

If you are a beginner or buying for a child, start with the VEVOR 11in Pottery Wheel or the National Geographic Pottery Wheel Kit. Both are complete starter packages that will not break the bank, and they are the best way to find out if pottery is a hobby you want to pursue before investing in a serious wheel.

No matter which pottery wheel you choose from this list, remember that the best wheel is the one you will actually use. A 200-dollar wheel you throw on every weekend is better than a 2,000-dollar wheel that sits in the corner collecting dust. Start where you are, and upgrade as your skills develop.