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7 Best Pottery Wheels for Kids of 2024

Updated
Finding the perfect pottery wheel for your family — made simple.

Pottery wheels can be a great way to help your little ones explore their creativity, but kids can use them for more than self-expression. However, to avoid frustration, you need to find a good-quality set.

We’ve researched all the top pottery wheels marketed for children. We were surprised at the number of options we discovered. However, we were determined to provide only the best options on our list.

In this article, we’ll discuss what to look for and include our reviews of all the best pottery wheels for kids. We’ve ranked them based on their ease of use, child-friendly qualities, and cost value.

Keep reading to find the perfect pottery wheel for creating countless artistic wonders and even more incredible memories with your kids.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Cool Maker Pottery Studio
Best Starter Kit
Cool Maker Pottery Studio
  • Great for beginners
  • Includes projects and supplies
  • Built-in tool keepers
Product Image of the Faber-Castell Pottery Studio
Best for Budding Artists
Faber-Castell Pottery Studio
  • Great for experienced potters
  • Easy hands-free operation
  • Includes accessories
Product Image of the IAmGlobal Pottery Wheel
Great for Inspiring Creativity
IAmGlobal Pottery Wheel
  • Realistic accessories
  • Multiple spin speeds
  • Includes project materials
Product Image of the Made by Me Pottery Kit
Most Realistic Pottery Wheel
Made by Me Pottery Kit
  • Lots of accessories included
  • Affordable
  • Air dry clay, no baking necessary
Product Image of the Insnug Pottery Wheel
Great for Small Projects
Insnug Pottery Wheel
  • Battery-powered
  • Complete set
  • No baking required
Product Image of the Cra-Z-Art Children’s Motorized Pottery Wheel Activity Set
Best Budget Pottery Wheel
Cra-Z-Art Pottery Wheel
  • Great price point
  • Suitable for younger children
  • Creates real pottery
Product Image of the MindWare Pottery Wheel
Great for Left-Handed Users
MindWare Pottery Wheel
  • Left-handed function
  • Foot pedal
  • Includes tools and instructions


The Best Pottery Wheels for Kids of 2024

Here are our favorite pottery wheels for kids.

Cool Maker Pottery Studio

Best Starter Kit

If you want to hit the ground running, consider this kit that comes with everything you need to begin learning pottery. It includes everything you need to make up to six different projects, such as a jewelry dish or smartphone holder.

You’ll receive two sculpting tools, two coring tools, two sleeves, a paintbrush, five metallic-colored paints, and an instruction guide. The set also includes three discs of nontoxic, air-drying clay to craft whatever your child’s heart desires.

This wheel runs on four C batteries (not included) and is intended for children ages 6 and up. There’s no pedal, but you have a choice of two speeds. Overall, it’s a simple-to-use unit that’s great for a first-time pottery experience.

Pros

Cons

  • No foot pedal.
  • Runs exclusively on batteries.

Product Specs

Dimensions 14 inches x 11 inches x 4 inches
Weight 5.2 pounds
Power Source C batteries
Operating Mechanism Switch
Package Includes Studio, spray bottle, tool holder, clay, tools, paint, instruction book

Our Ratings

Ease of Use
4 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Included Accessories
5 / 5
Safety Features
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

User Experience

I'm glad my daughter loves using this pottery wheel, as it provides her with a fun and creative activity. However, I must admit that the clay can be quite messy and difficult to work with unless it's really wet. The paint, too, isn't the best quality as it tends to peel off after drying. Despite these minor drawbacks, it's still an enjoyable toy that sparks my child's imagination and creativity.

Faber-Castell Pottery Studio

Best for Budding Artists

Have a child who shows a natural aptitude for art? If you think your kid will be interested in pottery for some time, you may want something they can grow with. This pottery studio features a foot-pedal operation that suits both beginners and established potters.

The kit comes with everything your child needs to get started: 3 pounds of clay, a six-piece toolset, an apron, and a table cover. An instruction manual and additional supplies are also included.

This wheel runs on four C batteries, which aren’t included. The air-dry clay meets current safety standards and won’t harbor bacteria. This kit is recommended for older children ages 8 and up.

Pros

  • Great for experienced potters.
  • Foot pedal operation for smoother operation.
  • Includes accessories.

Cons

  • Spins slowly.
  • Runs exclusively on batteries.

Product Specs

Dimensions 12.5 inches x 8.3 inches x 3.6 inches
Weight 1 pound
Power Source C batteries
Operating Mechanism Foot pedal
Package Includes Studio, tool set, clay, paint, instruction book, apron, table cover, glaze, sponge

Our Ratings

Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Included Accessories
5 / 5
Safety Features
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Personal Perspective

I recently purchased this pottery kit for my child and found it to be a fun and engaging activity for both of us. The kit includes a sturdy wheel, various tools, and paints, providing a unique and creative experience for my child. However, I noticed that the clay provided was quite wet and took longer to dry than expected, which was disappointing. Additionally, the wheel has only one speed and can be a bit noisy, but it didn't bother us too much.

IAmGlobal Pottery Wheel

Great for Inspiring Creativity

This battery-operated pottery wheel features a simple switch to control the spin function. You’ll need three C-type batteries for operation, which are not included, so ensure you have them on hand. This wheel does have an AC adapter option; however, you’ll have to purchase an AC adaptor separately.

In addition to the pottery wheel, this set comes with pottery tools and paint. You’ll also receive some air-dry clay so your little one can get straight to creating works of art. They can choose from two different speeds to fine-tune their skills.

Replacement clay is available, but you can use any type of clay. For best results, look for a moist clay that’s easy to work with. This wheel is designed for children 8 years and older.

Pros

  • Realistic accessories make sculpting easier.
  • Multiple spin speeds.
  • Includes project materials.

Cons

  • You’ll need to purchase 3 C batteries for operation, which can get expensive.

Product Specs

Dimensions 13.3 inches x 9.6 inches x 3.3 inches
Weight 3 pounds
Power Source C batteries
Operating Mechanism Switch
Package Includes Pottery wheel, sculpting tools, clay, paint, paintbrushes, cutting wire, paint tray.

Our Ratings

Ease of Use
4 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Included Accessories
4.5 / 5
Safety Features
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Community Feedback

Excellent pottery set for kids who are just starting out, and it has provided countless hours of creative fun for my family. This set includes a compact spinning wheel, air-dry clay, sculpting tools, paintbrushes, and paint, but be aware that it does not come with an instruction manual or power cord. The motor is fairly quiet, but batteries tend to last only for a couple of projects, so having a power cord would have been a great addition. While it can be challenging for beginners, it does become easier with practice and my children have created some respectable pieces with this set. Just make sure to knead the clay first and keep your hands wet during the sculpting process for the best results.

Made By Me Pottery Wheel Kit

Most Realistic Pottery Wheel for Kids

If your child wants to feel like they’re doing authentic pottery, this kit is one of the best options. It comes with a foot pedal to power the motorized wheel, so they’ll be practicing for the real craft!

It also comes with many handy tools to make the most amazing crafts. Gifts for the neighbors? Family? Classmates? This is a beneficial product to have nearby! It will cure hours of boredom, too. You can use the tools to sculpt artistic designs. Plus, there are a few paint pots so your little one can design their creation however they like.

This wheel is designed for ages six and up, but it requires parental supervision to learn to use it. It’s not the easiest hobby to get the hang of, so ensure you’re nearby to help your little one as they learn the ropes.

Pros

  • Feels like the real thing.
  • Lots of accessories are included, such as paint, a brush, and a foot pedal.
  • Affordable unit.
  • Air dry clay; no baking necessary.

Cons

  • It requires dexterity, so it may be harder for some children.
  • The air dry clay is not very soft, making it difficult to shape.

Product Specs

Dimensions 12.5 inches x 15.5 inches x 7 inches
Weight 4.1 pounds
Power Source Battery powered
Operating Mechanism Foot pedal
Package Includes Motorized pottery wheel, foot pedal, air-dry clay, pottery tools, clay tools, paints, cutting cord

Our Ratings

Ease of Use
3.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Included Accessories
5 / 5
Safety Features
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

First-Hand Impression

I'm pleased with the value of this pottery wheel, as it offers an affordable way to try out this activity at home. However, be prepared for a messy experience and allot extra time for clean-up. The wheel isn't very sturdy, and the foot pedal broke during the first use. Despite these drawbacks, it's a fun gift for kids, but I recommend parental supervision for those under 10.

Insnug Pottery Wheel

Great for Small Projects

This brightly colored pottery wheel from Insnug is great for a coordinated child. It’s designed to help your kid create symmetrical pieces even when they’re still mastering their skills.

This wheel features hand operation and needs three C batteries.

You get air-dry clay and a nice paint set and glaze kit. No need for baking pots! Other tools include 12 paint colors, paintbrushes, sculpting tools, a sponge, and two packages of air-dry clay. Colorful stickers are also included, so your little artist can enjoy embellishing their beautiful works.

This set also comes with an instructional book with useful ideas for getting your wheel up and running. Best for children aged 8 and over.

Pros

  • Runs on batteries, so it’s portable.
  • Everything to begin is included.
  • No baking required.

Cons

  • Requires three C batteries.
  • Motor is weak, so you can’t push too hard while molding the clay.

Product Specs

Dimensions 14.8 inches x 9.57 inches x 3.46 inches
Weight 3.61 pounds
Power Source C batteries
Operating Mechanism Switch
Package Includes Pottery wheel, foot pedal, clay, tools, paint, instruction book

Our Ratings

Ease of Use
4 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Included Accessories
4.5 / 5
Safety Features
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

User Experience

My experience with this pottery wheel has been mostly positive, especially for kids around 8 years old. The two spinning speeds and compact size make it a great creative tool for children, but I do have one issue with the product. The included paint was disappointing, as many colors were barely filled and some completely dried out, so I suggest purchasing extra paint separately. Removing the finished pottery from the wheel to dry is also a helpful tip, as leaving it on the wheel can make it difficult to remove later. One thing to note is that it requires three "C" batteries, which are not included, so make sure you have those on hand before starting your pottery adventure.

Cra-Z-Art Pottery Wheel

Best Budget Pottery Wheel for Kids

If you’re searching for a budget-friendly pottery wheel kit for your child, take a look at this option. It comes with all the accessories needed to get started on projects.

It’s a foot-pedal design and needs C batteries to operate, which aren’t included. There’s an on/off switch in addition to the foot pedal. You’ll need to set the switch to “on” to engage the foot pedal and activate the spinning mechanism.

This unit is intended for younger children and suits kids up to 8 years of age. Two pounds of clay are included, but if you run out, you can purchase more. Or use whatever clay you have on hand!

Pros

  • Great price point.
  • Suitable for younger children.
  • Includes embellishments such as glitter and gems.

Cons

  • The included clay can be difficult to handle.
  • Loud motor.

Product Specs

Dimensions 12.2 inches x 11.2 inches x 13.2 inches
Weight 2.2 pounds
Power Source C batteries
Operating Mechanism Foot pedal
Package Includes Pottery wheel, foot pedal, clay, tools, paint, instruction book

Our Ratings

Ease of Use
3.5 / 5
Durability
3.5 / 5
Included Accessories
4 / 5
Safety Features
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

Personal Perspective

I'm impressed with the overall experience of using this pottery wheel, although it does have its drawbacks. The wheel operates at a fairly fast speed, making it a bit challenging for beginners, but it provides a great introduction to pottery and is fun for both children and adults. It can be a bit noisy and messy, but the included tools, paints, and decorations make for an engaging and creative time.

MindWare Pottery Wheel

Great for Left-Handed Users

If you have a left-handed child, you know left-handed handicrafts can be difficult. This wheel from MindWare allows left-handed or right-handed children to enjoy pottery because a simple switch changes the direction and spin speed.

Though there’s a switch, there’s also a foot pedal. It also runs off of an AC adapter instead of batteries, which makes it more affordable to operate. Tools, an instructional book, and a little clay are included to get your child started.

An interesting feature is the “safety stop,” which pauses the rotation if you apply too much pressure, helping your child better understand how to work with clay. This set is recommended for children aged 7 and up.

Pros

  • Left-handed function.
  • Foot pedal operation allows for starting and stopping as necessary.
  • Powered by an AC adapter, so you don’t have to purchase batteries.
  • Includes tools and instructions.

Cons

  • The motor is loud, which can be distracting for some children.
  • The motor is not very strong.

Product Specs

Dimensions 15 inches x 16 inches x 3 inches
Weight 1 pound
Power Source AC adapter
Operating Mechanism Foot pedal, switch
Package Includes Pottery wheel, AC adapter, clay, tools, paint, instruction book

Our Ratings

Ease of Use
4 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Included Accessories
4 / 5
Safety Features
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Community Feedback

This pottery wheel is a great beginner's tool for learning basic techniques like centering, but the weak motor can easily stall. After replacing the motor, I found it much easier to work with and my kids love making their own bowls. One tip to make the clay easier to mold is to wrap it in a damp towel and let it absorb moisture prior to use. Keep in mind that the motor can be quite loud, so using noise-canceling headphones might be helpful while working with this pottery wheel.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Award Dimensions Weight Power Source Mechanism
Cool Maker Best Starter Kit 14″ x 11″ x 4″ 5.2 lbs C-batt Switch
Faber-Castell Best For Budding Artists 12.5″ x 8.3″ x 3.6″ 1 lb C-batt Foot pedal
IAmGlobal Great For Creativity 13.3″ x 9.6″ x 3.3″ 3 lbs C-batt Switch
Made By Me Pottery Kit Most Realistic 15.5″ x 7″ x 12.5″ 4.1 lbs C-batt Foot pedal
Insnug Pottery Great For Small Projects 14.8″ x 9.57″ x 3.46″ 3.61 lbs C-batt Switch
Cra-Z-Art Best Budget Pick 12.2″ x 11.2″ x 13.2″ 2.2 lbs C-batt Foot pedal
MindWare Great For Left-Handed 15″ x 16″ x 3″ 1 lb AC adapter Foot pedal, switch

How to Choose the Best Pottery Wheel

When shopping for a pottery wheel for your child, consider the following.

  • Duration: Are you looking for a wheel to grow with your child or one they can use while they’re young? It’s worth investing in something larger with more features if you want to use it for children of multiple ages or if you think your young child will want to continue the hobby.
  • Operation: Think about which spinning mechanism will best suit your child. A foot pedal might be challenging for a younger user to operate.
  • Age appropriate: Many sophisticated pottery wheels can be difficult for young children to use, so choose based on your child’s age, abilities, and motor skills.
  • Budget: Pottery wheels range in price, so ensure you have a firm idea of what you’re willing to spend before shopping. A more expensive product doesn’t always guarantee better results. We’ve thoroughly examined the wheels on our list and included some budget options that are more than worth the cost.

Types of Pottery Wheels

Generally speaking, pottery wheels differ in how the spinning mechanism operates, with most of them spinning mechanically. Two main types are foot-pedal and switch-operated wheels, each with its pros and cons.

Foot Pedal Operated

A foot pedal pottery wheel operates a bit like a sewing machine. You apply pressure to the pedal with your foot while it sits on the floor. This engages the spinning mechanism and allows the pottery wheel to turn.

A foot pedal can give you much more control but requires a little more focus and coordination. Your child will need to use both the foot pedal and shape the clay with their hands simultaneously, so they have to be capable of multitasking and have good motor skills to apply the right amount of pressure.

This kind of wheel is a great long-term option for an older child. It may be too complicated for a younger child to use easily. We recommend foot pedal wheels for children ages 8 and up.

Pros

  • For more nuanced control.
  • Leaves the user hands-free to attend to the clay.

Cons

  • It can require coordination.
  • It may be difficult for young children.

Switch Operated

Switch-operated pottery wheels have an “on” switch that triggers the spinning mechanism. This kind of pottery wheel may be equipped with multiple speed options.

Switch-operated pottery wheels don’t offer the kind of control a foot pedal pottery wheel does. However, they do allow you to focus entirely on your hands and shaping the clay. We recommend switch-operated wheels for children ages 6 and up who are just learning to work with clay.

Pros

  • Allows the user to focus on the clay.
  • Simple to use.

Cons

  • Doesn’t allow for precise control.
  • Offers limited speeds.
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FAQs

What Age is a Kids Pottery Wheel For?

Kids pottery wheels are typically for children ages six and up, but always check the specific age recommendation for the product.

How Do You Use a Pottery Wheel For Kids?

Teach kids to center the clay, shape it with steady hands, and use tools for specific designs. It’s a process that requires patience and practice!

How Much Should I Spend On a Kids Pottery Wheel?

Kids’ pottery wheels vary in price. You can find starter sets for under $50, but more durable or advanced models might cost more.

What Kind of Clay Do You Use For a Kids Pottery Wheel?

Use air-dry or oven-bake clay for kids’ pottery wheels, ensuring it’s soft and non-toxic. Regular pottery clay might be too difficult for beginners.

Why is Pottery Good For Kids?

Pottery is good for kids as it enhances fine motor skills and creativity and provides a tactile sensory experience. It’s also quite therapeutic and relaxing!


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Headshot of Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC

Reviewed by

Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC

Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC is a cardiology nurse and freelance medical writer. Katelyn has 8 years of nursing experience inpatient and outpatient, primarily medical-surgical and cardiac. After having two children she has a passion for Women’s Health and Lactation teaching and support.