The Best Mini Potters Wheel

TikTok has done it again—it’s got me hooked on mini pottery wheels. There’s just something so captivating about these tiny tools that makes them perfect for home use. Watching miniature pottery come to life has quickly become a favorite pastime, and I can’t get enough of those Instagram posts featuring rows of mini vases ready for the kiln. So, I decided to find out which mini pottery wheels are worth the hype. Here are my top picks—if you have a favorite, feel free to share it in the comments!

How We Review

In our quest to uncover the best mini pottery wheels, we’re not just spinning our wheels – we’re diving deep into the world of these adorable crafting tools. Here’s how we’re assessing each mini wheel to ensure we bring you recommendations that are both budget-friendly and high in quality:

Performance and Reliability: First and foremost, we’re testing how well these mini wheels perform. Can they handle a good spin without wobbling? Do they maintain a consistent speed? A great mini wheel should offer a smooth, stable experience, allowing for precise and enjoyable pottery making.

Build Quality and Durability: We’re examining the materials and construction of each wheel. It’s not just about being cute; these mini wheels need to stand the test of time. We’re looking for sturdy designs that can withstand regular use without falling apart.

Extra Features: Does the wheel come with any additional perks or accessories? We’re looking at any added features that enhance the pottery experience, such as variable speed controls, additional tools, or bonus materials.

The Best Mini Potters Wheel Winner 

As of October 2024, we have a new champion in the world of mini pottery wheels: the Small Ceramics Mini Pottery Wheel. So, what makes this one the standout? Glad you asked.

First off, the mini bat system is a game-changer—you can easily pop it on and off, letting you keep that creative momentum rolling without missing a beat. Plus, the torque on this model is unmatched, giving you more control compared to others we’ve tried. And let’s talk about cleanup—it’s so simple, you’ll actually want to use it every day.

Keep reading to see why we can’t get enough of this mini powerhouse.

The Small Ceramics Wheel

The Small Ceramics Wheel is made by potters who truly understand what we need in a mini wheel. Most mini wheels fall short when it comes to torque, efficient splash pans, or flexibility (like having just one wheel direction). But this little powerhouse solves all those issues.

Let’s dive into what makes this one special. First, the bat system is a game-changer. This is the only mini wheel on the market (that we know of) that comes with a bat system. If you’re unfamiliar, a bat system is a set of removable discs that attach to the wheel head. The best part? You don’t need to wire off your work and risk damaging it—just pop the bat off, attach a new one, and keep throwing. And with extra bats available, you can keep as many on hand as you need.

Another standout feature is the magnetic splash pan. We’ll be honest—while we like the Vevor mini wheel, its splash pan is a bit of a nightmare. Unsnap it, and water goes everywhere. The Small Ceramics splash pan is not only deeper, but it’s also magnetic, making it a breeze to remove and clean. It’s a joy compared to other models we’ve tested.

When it comes to throwing, this wheel’s torque is impressive. You can apply plenty of pressure without it slowing down or stopping—it’s got some serious power. Plus, the ability to change the wheel direction makes it more accessible for everyone.

We also love the extras from the team, like the mini ribs, and they’re even working on a turntable grip for trimming.

Now, for the cons. Honestly, it’s hard to find much wrong with this gem. It’s on the pricier side, so it’s a bit of a financial commitment. And while we love the bat system, we did find a few of the bats a little tricky to snap on securely. But beyond that? It’s pretty much pottery perfection.

The Pros

• Innovative bat system 
• Excellent speed control
• Deep, magnetic splash pan is super easy to remove and clean
• Reversible wheel direction (perfect for left-handed users)
• Handles high pressure without slowing down

The Cons

• On the pricier side 
• Bat system can be a bit tricky to snap on securely

VEVOR Mini Pottery Wheel Adjustable

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the VEVOR Mini Pottery Wheel is a compact powerhouse that delivers. The standout feature here? The price. At just $40, it’s hard to beat. This wheel gets the job done—we appreciate the concentric rings on the wheel head for centering, the speed control knob, and a splash pan that helps with cleanup. Plus, it comes with a beginner’s pottery toolkit, sculpting tools, and even an apron, adding great value to your pottery adventure.

However, there are some downsides. The throwing experience isn’t perfect—the torque is lacking, and applying pressure to the wheel head will slow it down, which can be frustrating. And while the removable splash tray is a nice concept, it’s not very user-friendly. Snapping it off can lead to a mess, and it’s not deep enough to be truly effective. But if you’re looking for a wheel to experiment with small pottery at home, this is a solid budget option.

The Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Knob control for precise speed adjustments
• Comes with a toolkit, sculpting tools, and an apron

The Cons

• The torque is lacking
• The splash pan (while a great idea) is not super effective 

The MZOKUU 6” Mini Pottery Wheel

This 6-inch pottery wheel is an absolute charmer! First off, who can resist the allure of color options? You get to choose between a delightful pink or a vibrant green wheel, adding a splash of fun to your pottery space. The size of this wheel is a big plus – at 6 inches, it’s notably larger than some other mini wheels we’ve seen, giving you the freedom to craft pieces that aren’t just decorative but potentially functional too, like quaint cups and bowls.

The bundle of goodies it comes with is also a big win. You’re all set to start creating right out of the box with a beginner’s kit, sculpting tools, and even a batch of air dry clay. Though, a little heads up – the air dry clay included might need a bit of extra water and kneading. For those with access to a kiln, we’d suggest opting for traditional ceramic clay to elevate your creations further. Plus, the adjustable speed control via the knob on the plug is a handy feature, allowing for precision crafting.

Now, while there’s a lot to love about this wheel, it does come at a higher price point compared to other options. If you’re considering moving into more functional pottery pieces, you might want to think about investing a bit more (just an extra $100 or so) in a regular-sized beginner’s wheel that you can find on Amazon.

The Pros

• Bigger wheel size
• Includes a splash tray
• Comes with everything you need

The Cons

• Air dry clay 
• High price point 

VEVOR 30W Ceramic Wheel

Here’s another shoutout to VEVOR in our mini pottery wheel roundup – and this one’s a TikTok sensation! This wheel is all about crafting the tiniest of pottery pieces, with the largest turntable size being just under 4 inches. What’s super cool about this model is its versatility in turntable sizes. You have the option to switch between 1.9”, 2.5”, or 3.9” turntables, giving you the flexibility to match the wheel size to your project and mood. This feature, along with the included beginner tool set, sculpting tools, and the knob for speed control, really makes it feel like you’re working with a full-sized wheel. Plus, the price point is a big win, coming in at less than half the cost of the MZOKUU 6” Mini Pottery Wheel!

Now, let’s talk cons. This little gem doesn’t come with its own clay. However, that’s hardly a deal-breaker since, for wheel throwing, ceramic clay is generally the preferred choice over air dry clay. The major downside? It lacks a splash tray. So, prepare for a bit of a mess – it’s part of the fun, right? We suggest setting up shop in a space where splatters and spills are no big deal, like a garage or a dedicated arts and crafts room.

The Pros

• Multiple turn table size options
• Budget friendly 

The Cons

• No splash tray (will be messy!)

Conclusion

After diving into the world of mini pottery wheels, one thing is clear: The Small Ceramics Wheel is the one that truly stands out. Its innovative features, impressive performance, and thoughtful design make it the right choice for anyone looking to elevate their pottery experience.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced potter, the Small Ceramics Wheel strikes the perfect balance of quality and functionality—making it a compact powerhouse that’s hard to resist.