Top Home Pottery Wheel Options for Beginners and Pros (2025)

Whether you just took your first beginner’s class or could throw with your eyes closed, all potters have one ultimate goal: to own a wheel. Owning a home pottery wheel allows you to create freely and uninhibited by any constraints—the freedom of throwing whenever you want, the lack of eyeballs on you while you work…What more could an artist want? 

While the pros column is overflowing, it’s still a tough decision. You’ll need to save up, commit to a rigorous cleaning schedule, and take care of it to ensure it stays up to snuff for years to come. Not to sound like a scolding mother warning you of the responsibilities of owning a pet for the first time, but owning a pottery wheel isn’t too far off. It’s not a decision to take lightly, but lucky for you, we’ve broken down the best wheels for beginners and pros alike. So, without further ago, let’s find the best home pottery wheel for you! 

Home Pottery Wheel For Beginners 

If you consider yourself more of a beginner than a pro, you may be wondering about the right time to pull the trigger on a wheel. While there’s no right answer, my pottery point of view is that you should have more than a few classes under your belt. And, of course, a complete obsession. If you find yourself counting down the hours until your next studio sesh, a home wheel could be a great idea. 

But as a beginner, there’s a lot to consider. Do you have the space for a wheel? Do you have the means to invest in clay / glazes / shelves? How will you fire your pieces? How will you reclaim clay? Do you know how to properly clean your studio? 

Once you’ve got a game plan of how to set up your studio, you’re ready to start investigating wheels. 

Top Pick: Nidec Shimpo VL-Lite

If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly wheel that can grow with you, the Shimpo VL-Lite is hard to beat. It’s a compact, belt-driven pottery wheel with thoughtful features that make it ideal for home studio setups—whether you’re a total newbie or a hobbyist ready to level up.

There’s a lot to like here—this wheel has great torque, with an ability to center up to 25 lbs of clay, which is more than enough for the average beginner. The removable splash pan makes clean up easy, and the built-in work surface is an added bonus to keep tools and buckets within reach. 

TLDR: This whole is perfect for beginners who want a lightweight, reliable wheel with pro-level performance—and who don’t want to outgrow their gear in a year.

Space-Conscious Pick: The Speedball Artista

If an $1,800+ price tag is a jump scare, look to the Speedball Artista as a cheaper, and more space-friendly pick. While it’s not as pricey as the Shimpo, you’re not skimping on quality here. Artista is a respected name in the pottery world, and its 25 lb throwing capacity is right up there with other beginner wheels. 

What makes the Speedball stand out from other picks is the tabletop design. Without legs and an attached table, you’re able to easily stow this wheel away when not in use. If you’re an apartment dweller with little to no space, this model gives you the best of both worlds. Plus, you can purchase a foot pedal attachment to mimic the traditional wheel feel. It’s an excellent pick for those just getting started!  

Budget Pick: The Small Ceramics Wheel

A full-size wheel for under $250? Yeah, that’s too good to be true. But a tiny wheel for home-use? Totally feasible. We’ve raved time and time again about The Small Ceramics Wheel. If you’re down for throwing tiny, this wheel is a petite powerhouse. Equipped with a magnetic removable splash pan, 4 mini bats, and superior torque, throwing small has never been so fun. 

Wondering what you can throw with a wheel this small? Check out our 6 Mini Pottery Ideas for Your Next Throwing Session.

Home Pottery Wheel For Pros

Top Pick: Nidec Shimpo VL

We’ve tried other models. If you want the best of the best, the Nidec Shimpo VL is hands-down the best. It’s known for being the quietest pottery wheel, but it’s got so much more going for it—it’s sturdy, easy to use, and prioritizes comfort. The wheel head is reversible, the legs can accommodate 5 different heights, AND the built-in work table make it a dream to throw with. If your pottery passion isn’t a passing fad, this wheel is the one for you. 

Wrapping Up: Top Home Pottery Wheel Options for Beginners and Pros 

Whether you’re just getting your hands muddy or you’re a seasoned thrower upgrading your setup, the right wheel makes all the difference. From full-sized studio staples to compact tabletop options, the models in this guide strike a balance between quality, performance, and price. Find your perfect match—and let the throwing begin.