Why choosing a wheel feels confusing
Choosing a pottery wheel often feels more complicated than it should. Part of that is the sheer range of options available with not that many obvious differences between them.
The main categories of wheels:
-£150–£300 lightweight wheels, often sold on Amazon and aimed at beginners. In our experience, these are often of flimsy build and struggle with small loads.
-Mid-range wheels designed for home studios and regular use.
-Tabletop wheels designed for people with limited space or who prefer throwing at a table.
-£1,400–£2,500+ professional wheels built for daily production or heavy use.
For most potters, the best wheel is the one that fits their space, suits the work they make, and looks good in their studio.
Define your needs first before looking at brands
Before getting lost in specifications and model names, it helps to step back and think about your own situation.
Ask yourself:
1. What is the largest piece you have thrown in the last six months, roughly in kilograms?
2. How much floor space do you realistically have available?
3. Will the wheel live permanently in one place, or will it need to be moved occasionally?
4. Do you prefer a foot pedal, or a hand lever?
5. Do you need the wheel to be reversible?
6. Do you usually throw on batts, or directly on the wheelhead?
7. Are you throwing quietly at home, or in a dedicated studio space?
Answering these honestly often narrows the options far more effectively than comparing spec sheets.
If you are unsure, we have a short quiz that will ask you some of these questions and recommend you a wheel based on your answers. (TAKE QUIZ)
Clay capacity: what the numbers actually mean
Clay capacity is one of the most talked-about specifications, but it is important to link it back to the actual wet clay weights of the pieces your throw.
It's important to get a wheel that can is a few kg above the heaviest pieces you throw. You don't want to be pushing it to its limit every time.
In real terms, most functional pottery uses less clay than people expect:
-Mugs are usually around 0.5–1 kg
-Bowls are typically 1–2 kg
-Plates are usually 1–2 kg
-Even medium-sized vases are often under 5 kg
Throwing more than 5kg of clay is relatively rare.
A wheel rated for 10kg probably covers the vast majority of home pottery. Many home wheels struggle not because the clay weight is too high, but because the motor, torque, or stability is not well balanced. At the same time, many professional wheels are simply overkill for home use.
Direct-Drive vs Belt-Driven
Most electric pottery wheels fall into these two categories.
Direct drive motors are generally superior, as the wheel is spun directly by the motor. This often results in higher torque (strength under load). However, direct drive wheels tend to be significantly more expensive.
Belt driven wheels spin the wheel via a belt that connects the motor to the wheelhead. The majority of mid range (and some upper range) wheels have belt-driven motors.
Wheelhead size: a small detail that makes a big difference
Wheelhead size is easy to overlook, but it has a noticeable impact on how a wheel feels to use.
Smaller wheelheads:
-Can feel cramped, especially when throwing plates
-Often encourage batts by necessity rather than choice
Larger wheelheads:
-Give you more space to work
-Make throwing directly on the wheel easier
-Tend to feel calmer and less toy-like
You do not need a large wheelhead to make good pots. That said, many potters find that once they have used a larger wheelhead, it feels more comfortable and forgiving for everyday work. Most studio-style wheels have a 30-32cm wheelhead.
Control style: Foot Pedal vs Hand Lever
Control style comes down largely to personal preference.
Foot pedals:
-Are the most common option for home and studio use
-Feel intuitive for most people
-Allow fine speed control while throwing
Hand levers:
-Are preferred by some traditional throwers
-Are less common on modern home wheels
-Can be very precise once you are used to them
Neither option is objectively better. What matters more is consistency. A control system you are comfortable with will always feel better than one that is technically superior but unfamiliar.
Space, weight, and moveability
The weight of a wheel plays a big role in how it behaves day to day.
Very light wheels:
-Are easy to move
-Often lack stability, especially when centering
Very heavy wheels:
-Are extremely stable
-Can be difficult to reposition in a home space
A balanced home wheel:
-Stays planted while throwing
-Can still be moved when needed
For many home studios, balance matters more than maximum weight or maximum power.
Our recommendations by use case
Rather than suggesting one wheel for everyone, it is more useful to think in categories.
Best wheel for most home studios
The Pottery People Home Studio Wheel
£899
(Learn More)
-Stable and quiet
-Full-sized wheelhead without dominating your space.
-Capable of everyday functional work without requiring a huge budget
Best wheel for very small spaces
£750/£950
-Ultra-compact
-Available with foot pedal or hand lever
-Low price compared to larger Shimpo wheels
Best wheel for professionals
£1865
-Direct Drive
-High torque
-Heavy frame
-Designed for daily production and long sessions
Best wheel for teaching or group use
£1400
-Consistent and reliable
-Lower priced than the RK-3E
-Has a high centring capacity
Brands and buying advice
Most reputable brands make good wheels. Differences often come down to support rather than raw performance.
When buying, it is worth prioritising:
-Warranty and aftercare
-UK-based support
-Proper safety testing
-A clear and fair returns policy
Being able to try a wheel at home removes much of the risk. Some companies, (including us for our Home Studio Wheel!), allow you to use a wheel at home and return it even if it has been used.
Closing thoughts
It is easy to overthink pottery wheels.
Do not panic about specifications, simply choose a wheel that:
Choose a wheel that:
-Fits your space
-Fits the work you actually make
-You like the look of!!! - If you are excited to use the wheel it will make you so much more likely to practice.
You can't go too wrong, as long as you are buying from a decent company (which most of the main UK brands are!) you'll get a good quality wheel that you will fall in love with!
If you need any help from us at all, feel free to give us a quick email on info@thepotterypeople.co.uk or a call on 020 3576 3147!
The Pottery People