10 Best Pottery Machines for Pottery Forming and Ceramic Work

If you are a beginner, you may have difficulty selecting the best pottery machine for your needs. A pottery machine has many essential features, so you should spend a lot of time researching them.

Additionally, you must make sure you choose the suitable pottery machine based on your experience level. It is also necessary to consider other factors, including your budget, area of interest, and needs.

All these things can make choosing the right pottery machine a lot harder. Nevertheless, don’t worry because we can assist you via this article.

Here, we’ll tell you about the ten best pottery machines you should consider buying.

Our Picks for the Best Pottery Machines

• Best Overall: SKYTOU 350W Detachable Electric Pottery Machine
• Best Budget: Vevor 350W Electric Pottery Machine with Tray
• Best Value: YaeKoo 25CM 350W Electric Pottery Machine
• Best with Adjustable Lever: Anbull 350W Yellow Pottery Machine
• Best with Foot Pedal: YaeTek 25CM 350W Electric Pottery Machine
• Best Compact: POTTEL Mini Pottery Machine & Pottery Set
• Best for Kids: Shikha Mini Electric Pottery Machine
• Best Powerful Motor: Mophorn 25CM 350W Pottery Machine
• Best for DIY Projects: VEVOR Pottery 280W Pottery Machine
• Best with Removal Basin: CREWORKS 25CM Pottery Machine

1. Best Overall: SKYTOU 350W Detachable Electric Pottery Machine

Weight: 28.4 pounds

Wheel Size: 25 cm (9.8″) diameter

Rotary Speed: 0-300 RPM

Rating: 4.3 out of 5.0

If you are looking for an electric pottery machine with a foot pedal, you must prefer the SKYTOU 350W Machine. You can use it in your DIY projects since it’s a small-sized electric machine.

This pottery machine has a 25 cm diameter wheel, which is big enough to handle larger projects. With its aluminum alloy wheel, the SKYTO Pottery machine can produce pots at optimum speed and efficiency.

Due to its design, the clay does not erode or pierce the wheel’s interior. The wheels have precision-engineered components that allow you to perform your job swiftly.

Unlike other pottery machines, there is little noise when the wheel rotates. At your convenience, you can also choose whether it rotates clockwise or anti-clockwise.

Furthermore, a foot pedal is present in the wheel design, allowing for a smoother and more agile operation. It provides easy control over the speed at which the wheel rotates. This foot pedal features a large bearing surface to ensure the best possible control over the machine.

On the other hand, two detachable ABS basin grids are there with the machine. As a result, you will be able to clean the pottery machine easily after completing your project. The basin has two grids for storing small tools and water required to shape ceramics.

Besides, the SKYTOU Electric Pottery Machine also comes with a shaping tool kit that helps you create pottery to the best of your ability. This machine features compact shielding, small footprints, and compact construction, ensuring smooth ceramic work.

2. Best Budget: Vevor 350W Electric Pottery Machine with Tray

Weight: 26.2 Pounds

Wheel Size: 25 cm

Rotary Speed: 0-300 RPM

Rating: 4.3 out of 5.0

Vevor 350W Electric Pottery Machine features innovative equipment to make pottery more efficient. It is trendy among professional potters because of its excellent performance.

Due to its 350W motor, it is a very energy-efficient machine. Even at 300 rpm, the device runs quietly and smoothly, providing the perfect shape for your masterpiece.

Besides, there is an ABS water basin with this ceramic wheel machine, making cleaning easy and reducing the mess created when throwing pottery. The Vevor 350W machine also provides effortless rotation control.

A switch allows you to change the rotation direction based on your preference. Additionally, there is a broad surface on the Vevor 350W Electric Pottery Machine for making clay pots.

In addition, the wheel consists of aluminum alloy, making it easy to handle large pieces. A removable dish exists around the wheel for collecting mud and water. You can easily remove and clean the dish when you have finished working on your machine.

3. Best Value: YaeKoo 25CM 350W Electric Pottery Machine

Weight: 27.5 Pounds

Wheel Size: 25 cm (9.8″)

Rotary Speed: 0-300 RPM

Rating: 4.3 out of 5.0

It does not matter if you are starting pottery school or if you are a teacher teaching students about pottery; this YaeKoo Electric Machine is an excellent choice.

This pottery forming machine comes loaded with an exceptional brushless motor of high quality and performance. As a result, you won’t experience any unnecessary movement or sound while crafting your item.
Noise levels on the YaeKoo ceramic machine stay under 60 decibels. A rubber base holds the machine firmly, and metallic pipes dampen the noise while it crafts.

Besides, with this pottery machine, you’ll be able to produce the best results using the least amount of energy. The motor runs at 110 volts and is capable of handling 350 Watts. The motor’s speed is adjustable manually between 0 and 300 RPM for your convenience.

In addition, YaeKoo manufacturers employ both reverse and forward rotation that will help you craft pottery items without causing unevenness. Additionally, a broad aluminum-based alloy plate is on the machine for holding pottery items of differing sizes.

Despite working with clay and water, the plate does not rust and does not degrade quickly. The ABS-based basin allows you to clean it quickly after you have finished your pottery project.

It also supports foot pedals, allowing you to adjust the speed and change directions conveniently. Nevertheless, the length of the pedal’s cord might suffer.

4. Best with Adjustable Lever: Anbull 350W Yellow Electric Pottery Machine

Weight: 38 Pounds

Wheel Size: 9.8 Inches

Rotary Speed: 0-300 RPM

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0

If you are looking for an electric pottery machine with an adjustable lever, you must prefer Anbull Pottery Machine. Even beginners will not have difficulties working on their art projects with this model.

This product features a solid aluminum alloy structure of exceptional quality. You can also work on it more easily because it is non-rusting and has a broader surface area. You can do your art conveniently in forward and reverse directions.

Moreover, this pottery device features a leakage shield that guarantees reliable and efficient operation. Therefore, you don’t have to stress about short circuits while you work. It is also possible to use this machine both professionally and at home.

In addition, the unit features an ABS basin you can conveniently assemble and disassemble whenever required. Cleaning the machine becomes effortless with this removable bowl.

Turn off the device and clean the basin when you finish clay art. In addition, it includes a variety of carving tools to help you design the pots.

5. Best with Foot Pedal: YaeTek 25CM 350W Electric Pottery Machine

Weight: 25.3 Pounds

Wheel Size: 9.8 Inches

Rotary Speed: 0-300 RPM

Rating: 4.3 out of 5.0

YaeTek electric pottery machines will appeal to anyone who likes to work with clay. It utilizes a powerful brushless motor for smooth and quiet operation.

The pottery machine can operate by a single-phase power source and has leakage protection. Therefore, the pottery-forming equipment is safe to use and poses no risk of short circuits.

Additionally, like other high-end pottery machines, you can move this YaeTek device in both directions since it features two-way rotation. With the push of a button, you can turn the wheel forward or reverse.

When you are creating art, you only need to choose a direction. The rotating shaft makes barely any noise, and it rotates smoothly. There is nothing complicated about using or cleaning the YaeTek pottery machine.

It is, therefore, a good option for beginners. Experts recommend this model for beginners learning ceramic art for the first time. You can easily make different ceramic objects such as pots, vases, and cups with the YaeTek 25CM pottery machine.

Besides, it also has a foot pedal that enables you to adjust the speed of the revolving wheel. The foot pedal is easily accessible to you and convenient to use.

6. Best Compact: POTTEL Mini Pottery Machine & Pottery Set

Weight: ‎2 Pounds

Wheel Size: 4 Inches diameter

Rotary Speed: Up to 1,000 RPM

Rating: 4.2 out of 5.0

POTTEL Mini Pottery Machine is the perfect choice for people looking for an affordable and compact product. The compact and portable design of the POTTEL Mini Pottery Machine enables beginners to use it quickly and easily while also satisfying an expert’s needs.

You can use it to have fun at home, teach in pottery studios, etc. The size of the aluminum wheels is generous and designed to meet the needs of small and mini potteries.

Further, it incorporates a powerful copper motor that produces the least amount of noise. The added wheel is stable and spins smoothly without any jerks to produce the best art.

With the POTTEL Mini Pottery Machine, you will receive a simple 4-step setup guide for creating your ceramic crafts. Beginners will be able to create the art they desire with the help of this setup guide.

Moreover, this Pottery Machine’s high RPM gives it an edge over its competitors. It can rotate at a speed of up to 1,000 revolutions per minute in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions.

7. Best for Kids: Shikha Mini Electric Pottery Machine

Weight: 3.52 Pounds

Wheel Size: 3.93 Inches

Rotary Speed: Up to 2,000 RPM

Rating: 3.8 out of 5.0

Shikha Mini Electric is the best poetry machine for your kids if you want it at an affordable price. It has a high-quality motor, which allows the wheel to rotate smoothly.

A high-quality motor and adjustable speed ensure smooth rotation and stability of the wheel. Similar to other high-end pottery machines, Shikha Mini rotates at 2000 RPM.

Despite its high speed, the machine produces very little noise while spinning. Further, it is a mini pottery device that uses an aluminum alloy turntable with excellent durability and will never rust.

It features a beautiful appearance and bright colors that make you feel more uplifted. The ceramic wheel machine is ideal for home use since it features a compact design and mud shielding.

8. Best for Powerful Motor: Mophorn 25CM 350W Pottery Machine

Weight: 29.2 pounds

Wheel Size: 9.8 inches diameter

Rotary Speed: Up to 300 RPM

Rating: 4.4 out of 5.0

You may consider this model from Mophorn if you want a small pottery machine. You can use this pottery machine anywhere, including your home or studio. It is a sophisticated machine that is easy to operate, certified, and has modern features.

In addition, this fantastic product will satisfy the needs of both beginners and professionals. A 25 cm wheel is available on this electric clay machine. The user can therefore handle larger clay pots more easily.

Moreover, its design prevents dirt from getting inside and breaking it. The Mophorn Pottery Machine also includes an ABS dish that makes cleaning the machine simple and requires no effort.

9. Premium Pick: VEVOR 280W Pottery Machine

Weight: 33.6 Pounds

Wheel Size: 9.8 Inches diameter

Rotary Speed: Up to 300 RPM

Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0

The VEVOR is another best pottery machine that made it onto our list of top 10 products. Several unique features make it stand out from other pottery machines.

You won’t be disappointed if this is your first time experimenting with ceramic art. The VEVOR machine has a foot pedal and a handle for convenient working.

It is also possible to adjust the speed of the revolving mechanism following your needs. As a result, you will be able to handle your clay with greater freedom.

Furthermore, a touch display on this model simplifies the operation of the functions. It also allows you to select what speed the wheel rotates during your tasks.

The touch screen is water-resistant, enabling you to touch and use it even with wet hands. An anti-leakage option is also present in VEVOR Pottery Machine for additional safety.

10. Best with Removal Basin: CREWORKS 25CM Pottery Machine

Weight: 31.7 pounds

Wheel Size: 10 Inches

Rotary Speed: Up to 300 RPM

Rating: 4.6 out of 5.0

CREWORKS is the last product on our list of the best pottery machines. This unit comes with a powerful 250W motor that runs efficiently and quietly.

Both clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation options are available to fit the needs of all users. The CREWORKS Pottery Machine also includes an integrated circuit breaker to ensure no electrical issues.

Potters who love working with clay will love this pottery machine because of its ease of use. A pottery-making machine like this can produce mugs, bowls, and much more.

The CREWORKS Pottery Machine additionally offers a set of clay molding and carving tools to get you started making your pottery and ceramics right away.

Best Pottery Machine Buying Guide

The following are the main factors you should consider before buying a pottery machine.

Motor Power & Size

Nowadays, most pottery machines are electric, and most people prefer them for their creations. It is, therefore, necessary to have a motor for the wheel to keep turning.

The motor must be powerful enough to move the wheel quickly. There is a limit to how much clay you can handle depending on the power of your motor.

Taking a look at a motor’s horsepower is one way to determine its power. Experts recommend having a pottery machine with a horsepower of between 1/4 and 3/2.

The more horsepower you have, the better. If you don’t intend to produce a lot of clay, it isn’t necessary to purchase an expensive motor.

Moreover, motors come in a variety of sizes. There isn’t always a correlation between size and horsepower. As a general rule, when choosing between multiple motors of equal power, it is usually better to choose the larger one.

It may seem odd since a bigger motor requires more space and is harder to move. Despite this, larger models are generally more durable and tend to heat up more slowly during operation.

Noise

Noise is another factor that most people consider when choosing a pottery machine. Generally, stronger motors make more noise. Remember that it’s hard to determine how noisy a device will be before actually using it.

However, the manufacturer usually labels the decibel level with each pottery machine. This decibel level will let you know how much noise the overall machine might make. You should check it and choose the one with a low decibel level.

Wheel Size

The wheel or wheel head is the surface on which you will work. If you plan on making large pots, they should be big enough.

It is common for wheels to have a diameter ranging from 9 to 14 inches. The diameter of an affordable pottery machine usually falls below 10 inches.

Also, having an easily removable or replaceable wheel will greatly simplify repairs. Therefore, you should be careful with the type and size of the wheel you choose.

Rotary Speed & Bearing Capacity

The wheel’s rotations per minute (RPMs) measure the speed at which the wheel can rotate. You can use it to determine a motor’s strength. If you are looking for a good pottery machine, you should look for one with a maximum RPM of around 200 to 300.

However, some manufacturers fail to provide these details regarding their models. Besides the RPM, you should also check the centering or bearing capacity.

In terms of bearing capacity, it refers to the ability of a wheel to handle a large amount of clay simultaneously. Overshooting this limit might result in the wheel rotating at a low RPM.

You may also notice that the wheel is constantly accelerating and decelerating. A wheel with a high bearing capacity will be necessary if you use a lot of clay. The average hobby potter doesn’t handle more than 20 pounds at a time, so it would be wasteful to buy a larger wheel.

In that case, cheaper wheels with low centering capacity might be a good option. Nevertheless, if you plan to handle larger projects in the future, you can prefer a larger wheel.

Foot Pedal

A foot pedal controls the speed at which the wheel rotates on most pottery machines. As you shape the clay, you constantly need to adjust the rotational speed, so you need reasonable control over it.

First, check whether it is possible to move the foot pedal. An adjustable pedal is more convenient in this case because it allows you to use it with whatever foot you like.

The second thing you should check is the pedal’s sensitivity. Even the slightest movement will lead to a significant change in RPMs if the pedal is excessively sensitive. Personal preference determines the optimal level of sensitivity, however.

In most cases, you will be able to adjust to it after a while, provided that it isn’t too sensitive. Other than this, a wheel’s responsiveness to input is more critical.

Depending on the model, the wheel’s RPM may take a while to change after you press the foot pedal. Having a long delay can make it challenging to work. Some affordable pottery machines do not come with a foot pedal but rather a switch or button.

In this case, you have little control over speed and should avoid touching it while covered in clay. Therefore, you should prefer a pottery machine with a durable foot pedal.

Tips on Maintaining a Pottery Machine

It is essential to take extra care of your newly purchased pottery machine if you want it to last as long as possible. The following tips will help you maintain your pottery machine.

You may encounter sudden power surges that damage the components of your pottery machine. Make sure the pottery machine connects to a surge protector so that this does not happen.

Consequently, surges won’t damage machine components since power won’t reach the machine. Rusting the wheel head is another common problem faced by pottery machine owners.

Wet clay can cause this if you leave it on the wheel head overnight. It is also possible for rust to occur without thoroughly cleaning the wheel head after each use.

Therefore, ensure that your wheel head gets thoroughly cleaned to prevent corrosion and rust. The last recommendation is always to turn off the pottery machine when you are not using it.

FAQs About Pottery Machines

1. What are the Different Types of Pottery Machines?

The kick wheel and the electric pottery are the two most common types of pottery machines. Electric pottery machines come with motors and are the most commonly used by home potters.

Their compactness, controllability, and ability to center clay make them more convenient. The main benefit of buying an electric model over a kick-wheel model is its lighter weight and smaller size, making it easier to move around.

On the other hand, a lot of bulk and weight comes along with kick wheels. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll move your newly purchased kick-wheel machine once it’s in place, so choose a permanent spot.

The difficulty of moving these types is not only due to their weight but also due to their size. While you don’t need electricity to operate the kick-wheel, you’ll have to use many of your leg muscles.

2. Is it Worth Buying a Pottery Machine?

A pottery machine will be an excellent investment if you use clay to shape ceramic ware. It also allows you to cut out extra bodies from leather-hardened wares and decorate them with color rings or incised designs. So, overall, a pottery machine is a worthy investment.

3. What is the Average Cost of a Pottery Machine?

It is possible to find pottery machines at all price ranges and skill levels. A pottery machine can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,500 or even more.

When you are on a budget, you might worry that you will get a second-rate product. Nevertheless, you can find a reasonable price for a new pottery machine that is worthwhile.

4. Can You Do Pottery at Home without a Kiln?

It is possible to do pottery at home without a kiln. Many people may be discouraged from making pottery because they think they need a pottery machine, kiln, or additional equipment to start.

In reality, if you have a bit of imagination and a lump of clay, you can begin creating your first pottery projects.

5. What Kind of Clay Does One Use for Pottery Machines?

Clay comes in various types, but most people prefer porcelain, earthenware, or stoneware clay for pottery projects. Minerals, plasticity, and firing temperature all play a part in determining the type of clay.

Earthenware Clay: Earthenware is an excellent clay for wheel throwing and hand-building due to its ease of use and ability to shape. The porous nature of this material makes it ideal for outdoor use, such as flowerpots and brick construction. When it freezes, it cannot trap water and gets cracked. There is almost no limit to what you can make with earthenware. The best way to make it food-safe and water-tight is to seal it with glaze and hand wash it only.

Stoneware: Stoneware has greater durability and chip resistance than earthenware, making it a more popular choice for dinnerware and mugs. Stoneware is a versatile material capable of molding into virtually any shape with the addition of sand and grog. Although it is not as durable as porcelain, this clay is still more popular than porcelain because of its value and durability.

Porcelain: Unlike other clays, porcelain is more flexible and feels smooth as butter. Considering how quickly it absorbs water, it can significantly affect the material’s usability. Porcelain clay is known as the regal clay type in pottery work.

Conclusion

In this article, we review several pottery machines of the highest quality. However, it is the SKYTOU 350W Detachable Electric Pottery Machine that I would recommend you choose as your best pottery machine.
SKYTOU 350W is one of the most reliable options regarding working and durability. Also, you can check out some of the other pottery machines in this review if they meet your requirements.