Find Your Perfect Center: Top 5 Rated (and Customer-Loved) Pottery Wheels

In the world of pottery, the right wheel can make all the difference. That's why we've compiled a list of our top 5 customer-favorite pottery wheels, known for their reliability and performance. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a budding enthusiast, there's a perfect wheel out there waiting to help you turn your vision into reality.

5 Top-Rated (and Customer-Loved) Pottery Wheels

1. Bailey Pro-XL


The Pro-XL joins Bailey Pottery's brand of impressive line of pottery equipment, including kilns. The Bailey Pro-XL is a feature-rich pottery wheel designed to meet the demands of both novice and experienced potters. It comes equipped with a spacious counter pan with a built-in drainage system for easy cleanup. A unique addition to the wheel is the "Ergo Counter", an ergonomic counter design that provides a much needed place for tools that otherwise could get lost around a wheel head. The Pro XL Wheel features legroom and reduces potter fatigue during long throwing sessions. It also boasts a powerful ½ horsepower motor that can center up to 100 pounds.

Highlights:

• Large splash pan with built-in drainage system for easy cleanup
• Ergonomic counter design for tools and sponges
• Powerful ½ horsepower motor
• Includes a free Ergo Counter, a 12-inch Masonite Bat, a 14-inch Masonite Bat, and a Pottery Tool Kit
• Wheel Head Extension Sold seperately to elevate the wheelhead for large scale bats

Customer Review: "I have used and owned both Brent and Shimpo wheels but thankfully when we set up a studio classroom we went with Bailey PRO XL wheels and since a half dozen students have also purchased them for themselves and I also purchased another one for my home studio. In addition to Bailey's sales and support excellence, these wheels are both quiet and powerful but then when you add the ease of cleanup usually without ever getting up combined with the ware shelf, and sturdiness of the plastic molded body bolted to the steel frame - you can use the wheel to brace your body. No splash pan to remove and clean, a huge area for your tools and room for both a water and waste bucket and then just wipe it down in a few minutes. Personal - check, 50 students ??? Check - no large wash bucket, no line at a cleaning station, everyone just wipes their wheel down with a clean sponge, simple rinse and in a few minutes they are good to go and we rarely ever need to come back behind them and clean. We put our trust in Bailey for our kilns, wheels, slab roller and pug mill and it was one of the best decisions we made starting out." - Stellar, Bailey customer

2. Shimpo VL-Whisper

The Shimpo VL-Whisper is renowned for its exceptionally quiet operation, making it ideal for studio environments where noise reduction is a priority. This professional-grade wheel is equipped with a motor powerful enough to center up to 100 pounds of clay, making it suitable for throwing large forms. The sturdy tripod base and built-in table provide a stable platform for throwing. The two piece removable splash plan allows you to do clean up at the sink. 

Highlights:

• Exceptionally quiet operation
• Powerful motor for centering up to 100 pounds of clay
• Sturdy tripod base and built-in table
• 2 piece splash pan for portable clean-up

3. Brent CXC

The Brent CXC is a workhorse of a pottery wheel favored by potters for its reliability and durability. Brent is one of the leading manufacturers of pottery equipment, and the CXC is a testament to their commitment to quality. This wheel is equipped with Brent's most powerful motor, making it capable of handling even the most challenging clay bodies. The CXC is available in two classic colors: black and yellow.

Highlights:

• Brent's most powerful motor
• Available in black and classic yellow
• Reliable and durable construction
• 2 piece splash pan for portable clean-up

4. Shimpo VL-Lite

The Shimpo VL-Lite is an ideal choice for potters who are just starting their throwing journey or who are looking for an affordable and user-friendly wheel. This lightweight wheel, weighing in at only 50 pounds, is easy to move around your studio or store when not in use. Despite its budget-friendly price tag, the VL-Lite packs a punch with a motor powerful enough to center up to 25 pounds of clay, making it suitable for creating a variety of projects.

Highlights:

• Affordable
• Lightweight (only 50 lbs) and easy to move
• Powerful enough to center up to 25 pounds of clay
• User-friendly design for beginners

5. Speedball Artista

The Speedball Artista is a popular tabletop pottery wheel that is well-suited for small studios or home use. This compact wheel is easy to store and transport, making it a great option for potters with limited space. The Artista features a variable speed control foot pedal for precise control over wheel speed. It can also accommodate bats up to 14 inches in diameter, allowing you to create a variety of pottery pieces.

Highlights:

• Compact and portable
• Variable speed control foot pedal
• Accommodates bats up to 14 inches in diameter

Customer Review: "As a potter who's thrown on various wheels in art school, my own studio, and production settings, I can confidently recommend the Speedball Artista. While it might not be ideal for throwing massive pieces, it excels at creating average-sized pottery with a remarkably small footprint.  The portability is a huge plus for me – I can easily move it around and store it under my worktable when not in use."-Lyla, Potter 

Conclusion

When choosing a pottery wheel, it's important to consider your individual needs and preferences. With so many great options on the market, there's sure to be a perfect wheel out there for you. We hope this guide has been helpful. If you have any questions about choosing the right pottery wheel for your needs, please don't hesitate to contact our experienced staff at Bailey Pottery. We're always happy to help!

Additional tips for choosing a pottery wheel:

• Consider your budget. Pottery wheels range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
• Think about the size and weight of the wheel. You’ll need to make sure you have enough space for the wheel and that you can comfortably move it around.
• Decide what features are important to you. Some features to consider include variable speed control, a foot pedal, and wheel head size.
• Read reviews before you buy. This can help you learn more about the performance and durability of different pottery wheels.

Ready to get throwing? Browse our complete selection of Pottery Wheels and other Studio Equipment!