When looking for their first pottery wheel online, many people stumble across the Vevor wheels that can be found on Amazon. These Chinese wheels offer high power pottery wheels for an incredibly low price. Is it too good to be true – or are they actually better than people think?
At first glance: The Wheelhead is slightly small on this model, but I know there are larger models available. The power is incredible high for a wheel for this price. If this translates to torque, then the wheel should be incredibly capable. One thing that stands out is that the weight is very light. This makes it portable, but can sometimes a light weight on a pottery wheel can lead to a lack of stability and wobbly-ness.
What are Vevor pottery wheels actually like?
What do real users say?
When you look into Vevor pottery wheels, opinions are not as one-sided as you might expect. There are genuine positive experiences, especially at the very low end of the price spectrum. However, when you read more widely and over a longer time frame, a pattern starts to appear.
Review 1: A pottery teacher’s first impression (surprisingly positive)
In one widely shared review from a pottery teacher, expectations were initially very low.
The reviewer describes seeing the wheel brought into a studio by a student.
“A student brought their wheel into the pottery this week. She paid £70 for it new. These wheels are currently all over the internet (they have gone up in price a bit, £100–£130). They are usually branded under the name Vevor. I had quite low expectations of it, however I was proved wrong.”
This is an important point. Even experienced potters sometimes expect these wheels to be almost unusable, and in this case, that assumption did not hold up.
The reviewer continues by noting that the student had been using the wheel successfully:
“My student actually managed to practise and learn the basics of throwing bowls and cylinders on hers.”
At face value, that is exactly what many beginners are looking for: a low-cost way to get started and learn fundamentals.
Source:
https://www.benthampottery.com/vevor-pottery-wheel-review/
The same review, updated: where doubts start to creep in
What makes this review particularly useful is that it was later updated after more people contacted the author.
The tone changes noticeably:
“Since writing this review I have had quite a lot of negative and positive responses to this wheel.”
The reviewer then lists a wide spread of outcomes:
“Some people have had the wheel for over 12 months and all is still well.”
But also:
“Some people found the wheel only lasted a few weeks before breaking.”
And more concerning:
“One lady said the wheel stopped working after one day (she was reimbursed her money).”
There is also a clear limit on performance:
“One person said the wheel worked fine until they tried to centre a 5lb ball of clay on it, this apparently finished it off.”
The reviewer’s overall conclusion is cautious rather than harsh:
“It does seem that you are taking a bit of a risk buying this wheel. Maybe you will be lucky?”
Source:
https://www.benthampottery.com/vevor-pottery-wheel-review/
Review 2: Reddit users on real-world use (mixed but honest)
Reddit discussions tend to be less polished, but they are useful because people speak freely.
In one thread asking whether Vevor wheels are usable, the answers vary significantly.
One user acknowledges the limitations, but still sees some value:
“It’s not ideal, pretty much every wheel on Amazon is shitty. However you are able to center on it just fine.”
However, the same user points out a serious practical issue:
“Trimming is where the big problem will be as nothing will sit flat on the wheel and all the bottoms will be wonky.”
Another user takes a more defensive stance:
“I’ve been doing pottery on the wheel for 1.5 years and I have a Vevor too. Can’t really say I understand the people that are so against it. It served me pretty well as a beginner. Especially if you’re not in a place to spend a lot on a wheel.”
But that is immediately countered by stronger criticism:
“Vevor wheels are notoriously terrible. You can’t get a good wheel for under $1k, unfortunately.”
And advice that hints at the underlying issue:
“You probably COULD use it, but it will definitely make it harder to center/pull and your pots will likely be uneven.”
Sources:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Pottery/comments/14jmcee/anyone_have_experience_with_vevor_wheels/
https://www.reddit.com/r/Ceramics/comments/1h6hrhw/is_my_budget_vevor_pottery_wheel_usable_despite/
Below: Bed risers can be used to raise the height.
Customer service experiences (less about pottery, more about risk)
Hardware issues matter more when support is hard to reach. Several users report problems contacting Vevor when things go wrong.
One Reddit user writes:
“Vevor customer service is a joke. No number, can’t seem to get the live chat to work. The number listed for CA is non working. Can’t seem to reach anyone.”
This does not affect everyone, but it becomes relevant if your wheel fails early.
Source:
Reddit user comment (see screenshot)
Based on a wide range of reviews and user experiences, it does appear that Vevor pottery wheels can work well for brand-new potters who want a very low-cost way to get started. Many people do successfully learn the basics of throwing on them.
That said, the strongest and most consistent takeaway from our research is that outcomes vary significantly. Experiences range from “surprisingly good” to “failed almost immediately”, which suggests that buying one is something of a gamble.
Positives
1. Very low price compared to most pottery wheels
2. Many reports of the wheel working as advertised, at least initially
3. Quiet motor noted by multiple reviewers
4. Beginners are able to learn basic centring and throwing techniques
Negatives
1. Inconsistent quality, with large variation between individual units
2. Limited customer support if something goes wrong, with reports of difficulty obtaining help or refunds
3. Questionable long-term durability, although this may be partly offset by the low price
4. Short working height, which many users find uncomfortable and often modify
Overall takeaway
Vevor wheels are not universally bad, and for some beginners they do exactly what is needed. The main concern is not whether they can work, but whether they will continue to work reliably, and what happens if they do not.
For buyers who value certainty, longevity, and support, these are important factors to weigh carefully before purchasing.
The old adage: Buy cheap, buy twice likely applies here. You might get on well with a Vevor wheel, but a good quality wheel from a brand that knows pottery will last you a lot longer.
4
Alternatives
If you’re thinking about a Vevor wheel but want something that feels more consistent, better built, and more reliable over time, here are two solid alternatives at different price points.
The Pottery People Home Studio Wheel
This is a full-size, purpose-built pottery wheel designed for home studios. It sits in a different quality class compared with ultra-budget import wheels.
Yes, we may be a little biased... But we really believe in this wheel and are proud of what we have created. It fills that gap between cheap non-brand wheels and expensive professional studio wheels. We are a small company so we stay in touch with all of our customers to make sure they are happy with their wheel.
What sets it apart:
· Built specifically for throwing, with higher-quality components
· Full working height that’s comfortable for most adults
· Responsive foot pedal and more consistent speed control
· Designed to handle regular use over months and years
This wheel is ideal for someone who wants a true beginner-intermediate wheel that you don’t immediately outgrow, rather than something that feels “just workable”. Its larger size and ergonomic design make sessions more comfortable and less prone to fatigue.
Product link:
https://thepotterypeople.co.uk/products/the-pottery-people-wheel
Shimpo RK-5T (Tabletop Wheel)
The Shimpo RK-5T is a smaller, tabletop-style wheel, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in build quality and longevity.
Key points:
· Smaller footprint - tabletop design is compact and great for limited space
· Built with excellent durability and quality craftsmanship
· Foot pedal and wheel control are smooth and intuitive
· Known in pottery communities for lasting many years without major issues
Because it’s smaller, it’s not the best choice if you plan to throw large pieces — but its build quality and reliability are significantly better than most low-cost wheels. Many potters use it for decades, especially for bowls, mugs, and everyday studio work.
Putting it simply: the RK-5T isn’t as big as a full-size studio wheel, but it’s built to last a long time and feels solid under load — far more so than budget options.
What to Consider Before Buying a Vevor Wheel
If you are still considering a Vevor pottery wheel, it is worth going in with clear expectations. Most of the negative experiences shared by users stem not from the wheel being unusable, but from a mismatch between what the buyer expected and what the wheel realistically delivers.
Based on reviews and user reports, these are the key things to think about before purchasing.
1. Treat It as a Short-Term Tool, Not a Long-Term Investment
Many positive reviews come from early use. Fewer come from people who have used the wheel heavily over multiple years.
Several reviewers explicitly frame the wheel as something that:
· works “for now”
· is fine “until you upgrade”
· helped them decide whether pottery was for them
If you are expecting to buy once and use the same wheel for many years, this is where expectations often break down.
2. Be Realistic About Clay Weight
One of the most consistent limitations mentioned across blogs and Reddit is performance under load.
Users commonly report:
· noticeable slowing when centering heavier clay
· acceptable performance with small amounts (around 0.5–1 lb)
· problems appearing once they push beyond that range
If your goal is mugs, small bowls, and practice pieces, this may be fine. If you want to explore larger forms, you are likely to hit the wheel’s limits quite quickly.
3. Ergonomics Matter More Than You Think
A repeated complaint is the short height of many Vevor wheels. This is easy to overlook when buying online, but it affects comfort immediately.
Many users mention:
· hunching over while throwing
· needing to raise the wheel on blocks or platforms
· modifying their setup to avoid back and shoulder strain
For short sessions this might be manageable. For longer throwing sessions, it can become tiring surprisingly fast.
4. Expect Variation Between Units
One of the biggest risks is inconsistency. Several users report that:
· one unit worked well
· a replacement or second purchase did not
· performance varied even between identical models
This makes buying feel unpredictable. Some people get a perfectly usable wheel. Others experience early faults or uneven performance.
This is not guaranteed to happen, but it happens often enough to be worth factoring in.
5. Think About What Happens If It Breaks
Finally, consider what your plan is if something goes wrong.
User reports suggest:
· limited customer support
· difficulty contacting the company
· uncertainty around refunds or replacements
At very low prices, some buyers simply accept this risk. Others find it frustrating when the wheel fails early.
Why This Matters
None of these points automatically rule out a Vevor wheel. They do, however, explain why experiences are so mixed.
When buyers go in expecting a temporary, low-cost learning tool, they are often satisfied. When buyers expect consistency, longevity, and support, disappointment is more common.
Understanding that distinction upfront makes the decision much clearer.
I hope that this was helpful. As always, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to let us know!