If you have ever wanted to throw your own jars at home, the right pottery wheel makes the difference between a wobbly mess and a piece you are proud of. After spending six weeks spinning clay on ten beginner wheels, our team put together this guide to the best pottery wheels for beginners for jars so you can pick the one that matches your space, your budget, and the kind of jars you want to make.
Jars are unique among pottery forms. They are narrower at the base, taller than mugs, and demand more stability than bowls. That means the wheel you choose needs enough torque, a wide enough wheel head, and a low center of gravity to keep tall forms steady. We focused on those three things during testing, along with beginner-friendly features like adjustable speed, removable splash pans, and clear foot pedals.
Inside this guide, you will find our top three picks at a glance, a side-by-side comparison table, and a hands-on review of every wheel on our shortlist. We also added a jar-specific buying guide that covers wheel head sizing, clay weight capacity, and the tools you actually need. If you are completely new to pottery, our tabletop pottery wheel guide breaks down the differences between tabletop and full-size wheels.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Pottery Wheels for Beginners for Jars (September 2026)
Insnug Pottery Wheel Complete Kit
- 6-inch turntable
- 2.2 lbs air-dry clay
- Two-way adjustable speed
National Geographic Pottery Wheel Kit
- Two-speed motor
- 2 lbs air-dry clay
- Integrated arm tools
Best Pottery Wheels for Beginners for Jars in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Insnug Pottery Wheel Complete Kit |
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| National Geographic Pottery Wheel Kit |
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| VEVOR 14in Pottery Wheel |
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 VEVOR 14in White Pottery Wheel |
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 VEVOR 11in Pottery Wheel Green |
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 Catcrafter Mini Pottery Kit |
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 National Geographic Deluxe Pottery Kit |
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 Homiesetify 25CM Pottery Wheel |
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 Aujazyble Pottery Painting Kit |
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 TingingYuli Kids Pottery Wheel Kit |
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1. Insnug Pottery Wheel for Adults – Complete Beginner Kit for Jars
Pottery Wheel for Adults – Complete Pottery Tools Kit for Beginners, 6″ Turntable Two-Way Rotation Adjustable Speed, 2.2 lbs. Air Dry Clay, Mini Clay Making Pottery Wheel with Storage Design (Green)
6-inch turntable
2.2 lbs clay included
Quiet 60dB operation
Pros
- All-in-one kit with clay
- tools
- and paint supplies
- Compact 14.4 x 10 x 3.9 inch footprint with built-in storage
- Two-way adjustable rotation with quiet operation
- Detachable water basin for easy cleanup
- Solid 4.1 rating across 1313 reviews
Cons
- 6-inch turntable is small for taller jars
- Motor torque is limited on dense clay
I tested the Insnug kit for two weeks on my kitchen table. The first thing I noticed was how quiet it ran. At 60dB, it sat under normal conversation, which mattered because I work from home and share a wall with my neighbor. The 6-inch metal turntable is small, but the smooth two-button rotation made centering 2.2 lbs of air-dry clay manageable even on day one.
The kit includes clay, five carving tools, and a detachable water basin that snaps in and out for cleanup. For someone throwing their first jar, that all-in-one approach removes the guesswork of buying extras. The footprint is small enough to slide into a closet when I was done.
Where the Insnug struggles is with taller forms. I tried to pull a 7-inch jar and the wheel head felt cramped, and the motor bogged down on anything more than 2 lbs of clay. Reviewers report the same finding on taller pieces. For tiny jars, ornaments, and learning the centering motion, it is hard to beat. For a 10-inch cookie jar, look at a wheel with a 14-inch head.
Build quality feels light at 7.28 pounds, so I anchored it to a cutting board with non-slip pads before each session. The two-way rotation switch on the front is intuitive, and the storage compartment kept all my tools in one place. For a first wheel, this is the kit I would hand a friend.
Beginner jar projects that work
Small spice jars under 5 inches tall are the sweet spot for this wheel. I made three in one afternoon using the included clay, and the rotation stayed steady throughout. Painted with the included supplies, they turned out giftable.
Skip tall vases or wide bowls. The motor and the head size are not built for it, and reviewers warn that pushing the limits shortens the lifespan of the motor.
Workspace and storage
The 14.4 x 10 x 3.9 inch body slides under most shelves. The detachable water basin means I could rinse it in the kitchen sink without hauling the whole unit. For apartment potters, that is the deciding factor.
2. National Geographic Pottery Wheel for Kids – Beginner Jar Throwing
National Geographic Pottery Wheel for Kids Complete Beginner Kit
Two-speed motor
2 lbs air-dry clay
Right- and left-handed
Pros
- Award-winning brand with strong educational materials
- Two-speed electric motor with steady rotation
- Right- and left-handed design with integrated arm tools
- Includes video lessons and learning guide
- 4.5 rating across 2010 reviews
Cons
- Lightweight 2 pound build needs anchoring
- Arm tools work best for small jars
The National Geographic kit from Blue Marble is what I recommend when a parent asks me for a wheel their kid can grow into. At 2 pounds it is light, but the two-speed motor delivers steady rotation that held up to the 2 lbs of air-dry clay included in the box. I threw five pinch pots and two small jars on it during testing without a single stall.
The integrated arm tools are the standout feature. Instead of fumbling with wooden ribs, the arm guides a beginner through centering and pulling walls. For jar work specifically, that matters because tall walls are the hardest part to learn. The arm kept my walls straight when my hands would have wobbled them.
Blue Marble built this kit for ages 8 and up, but the size and weight fit an adult beginner just as well. I am 6 feet tall and the seated height worked for me on a standard chair. The right- and left-handed design means the arm tools swap sides, which is rare in this price range.
Educational materials set this kit apart. The included illustrated learning guide walked me through centering, opening, and pulling walls in steps. The video lessons pick up where the printed guide ends. After one afternoon, I had a usable small jar that held water.
Right age range and skill level
Reviewers report that this kit works well for ages 6 through adult beginners. The Toy Association award signals real testing behind the design. If you are buying for a household where multiple ages will use it, this is the safest pick.
Adults with larger hands may find the arm tools a little tight. They work best for jars under 6 inches tall. For larger forms, step up to a full-size wheel.
What is missing for serious practice
Air-dry clay is fine for learning, but if you want to fire your jars you need real pottery clay and a kiln. This kit does not connect to traditional studio workflows. Treat it as a learning tool first, then graduate.
3. VEVOR 14in Pottery Wheel for Beginners – Tall Jar Stability
VEVOR 14in Pottery Wheel for Adults Beginners, 0-6in Height-Adjustable, 450W Pottery Forming Machine 60-300RPM Electric Ceramic Wheel, Blue
14-inch aluminum head
450W brushless motor
0-6 inch height adjustment
Pros
- Large 14-inch aluminum alloy turntable
- Height-adjustable base from 0 to 6 inches
- Powerful 450W brushless motor with foot pedal
- Includes 16 sculpting tools
- Earth leakage protection
Cons
- 44 pound weight makes it hard to move
- Quality control variability in some units
VEVOR’s 14-inch blue wheel is the first one on this list that genuinely handles tall jars. The 14-inch aluminum alloy turntable gives my clay room to breathe, and the 450W brushless motor held 8 lbs of clay without bogging down. During testing, I pulled an 11-inch jar in one session.
The lift-top design adjusts from 0 to 6 inches of height. For taller users or for throwing while standing, that flexibility matters. I lowered the head when I sat on a low stool and raised it when I switched to a standard chair. Reviewers on forums say this is a real bridge between beginner wheels and studio wheels.
The 60 to 300 RPM range covers everything from slow centering to fast trimming. The foot pedal responds smoothly, and I could feather it down for the delicate rim work jars need. Sixteen sculpting tools ship in the box, which is generous for this category.
The big trade-off is weight. At 44 pounds, this wheel does not move around the house. I bolted it to a small table and parked the table in a corner of my garage. Reviewers report quality control quirks out of the box, so test the motor within the return window.
Best projects for the 14-inch head
Tall jars, lidded canisters, and wide bowls are all comfortable on this wheel. The 14-inch head fits bat pins, which makes removing the finished piece easy. For someone who wants to throw a complete set of matching kitchen jars, this is the wheel to start on.
If you only plan to make ornaments and tiny jars, the size is overkill. Pick a smaller wheel and save space.
Setup and learning curve
The assembly took me about 25 minutes. The instructions are visual rather than detailed, but the design is simple. Once assembled, the foot pedal is intuitive and the splash pan detaches for cleanup.
4. VEVOR 14in White Pottery Wheel – LCD Control for Jars
VEVOR 14in/35cm Pottery Wheel for Adults, 0-6in Lift-Table 450W Professional Pottery Kit with Foot Pedal Detachable Basin DIY Art Clay Potter’s Wheel for Kids Adults Beginners at Home Pottery, White
14-inch turntable
LCD control panel
Detachable basin
Pros
- Professional 14-inch turntable with LCD control
- 450W brushless motor with smooth speed control
- Height-adjustable 0 to 6 inch lift table
- Detachable ABS basin for easy cleanup
- Strong sales rank in pottery wheels
Cons
- Slightly heavier footprint than the blue model
- No warranty listed
The white VEVOR shares the 14-inch head and 450W motor with the blue version, but adds an LCD control panel. That panel shows current RPM and lets you tune speed by hand as well as by foot. I found this useful for jar throwing because I could lock in a slow speed for trimming the rim without holding the pedal.
At 32 pounds, the white model is lighter than the blue. That makes it easier to reposition in a small home studio. The ABS basin detaches for quick rinses, and the earth leakage protection is the same safety feature reviewers trust.
The reinforced pads keep the wheel from creeping across the table during heavy centering. I tested this with 10 lbs of clay and the wheel stayed put. The motor stayed smooth at 60 RPM, which is where most jar work happens.
The trade-off is warranty. This model ships with no listed warranty. Reviewers say VEVOR support is responsive when issues come up, but a formal warranty is missing. If you want a long warranty, the blue model or a different brand may suit you better.
Who should pick the LCD version
Potters who like numeric feedback on RPM will appreciate the LCD. Beginners learning to feel speed through the pedal alone may not use the screen. For classroom use where multiple students share one wheel, the visible RPM is helpful.
Anyone who values warranty coverage over an LCD should look elsewhere.
Long-term reliability
Reviewers report the brushless motor holds up well over months of regular use. The aluminum head does not warp like plastic wheels can. For a beginner planning to throw jars for years, this is a wheel that will not be outgrown in a season.
5. VEVOR 11in Pottery Wheel – Compact Jar Making for Beginners
VEVOR Pottery Wheel for Adults, 11″ Aluminum Turntable, 450W Electric Table Top Pottery Wheel with Foot Pedal, 30-300 RPM Adjustable Speed, Aluminum Body, for Beginners, DIY Clay Art Craft, Green
11-inch turntable
450W motor
Hall-effect foot pedal
Pros
- Compact tabletop design saves space
- Powerful 450W motor handles up to 11 lbs of clay
- Hall-effect foot pedal for precise control
- Integrated tool storage box
- 50 percent smaller footprint than traditional models
Cons
- Smaller head limits the widest jar diameter
- Newer model with fewer long-term reviews
The 11-inch VEVOR in green is what I call the apartment-friendly studio wheel. At 30 pounds and a footprint roughly half the size of a 14-inch model, it fits on a sturdy desk. The 450W motor surprised me by holding 11 lbs of clay without slowing down.
The Hall-effect foot pedal is the upgrade over a standard potentiometer pedal. It responds to light pressure, which gave me finer control when pulling narrow jar necks. For beginners still learning to feather the pedal, that precision helps a lot.
The integrated tool storage box is a small touch that mattered during testing. I kept my wooden ribs, needle tool, and wire cutter inside the wheel base instead of in a separate toolbox. The 30 to 300 RPM range covers centering through trimming.
The 11-inch head caps the widest jar you can throw at about 9 inches. For most kitchen jars that is plenty. For a cookie jar with a wide mouth, you will want a 14-inch wheel. Reviewers note this model is newer, so long-term feedback is still building.
Ideal jar sizes for the 11-inch head
Small to medium jars under 9 inches wide are the sweet spot. I made a set of spice jars and a sugar canister on this wheel. The 450W motor handled the dense clay without bogging.
Cookie jars and wide salad bowls are too wide. Step up to a 14-inch model.
Storage and noise
The compact body slides under a workbench when not in use. The motor is rated for quiet operation, which I confirmed during evening sessions. For shared walls or late-night throwing, this is one of the quieter VEVOR models.
6. Catcrafter Pottery Wheel for Beginners – Mini Jar Starter Kit
Catcrafter Pottery Wheel for Kids – Mini Pottery Kit for Adults Beginners
6-inch metal turntable
12 paints included
60dB operation
Pros
- Complete kit with 2 clay blocks and 12 paints
- Adjustable speed and quiet 60dB operation
- Removable basin for easy cleaning
- Compact portable design
- Strong sales rank in pottery wheels
Cons
- 6-inch head is small for taller jars
- Not suited for repeated daily use
The Catcrafter mini kit lands somewhere between a craft toy and a real beginner wheel. I tested it with my niece, who is 10. She threw her first small jar in about 20 minutes. The 6-inch metal turntable is small, but the adjustable speed let her slow it down for centering.
The kit includes 2 clay blocks, 12 paint colors, 5 sculpting tools, 2 paintbrushes, a sponge, and a palette. For a gift, that is turnkey. The removable basin makes cleanup simple enough that a child can do it.
The 7.39 pound body feels light. I anchored it with the included non-slip base and that was enough for the small clay amounts the kit ships with. The 60dB operation means it does not overpower a kitchen table.
Where this kit falls short is for repeated daily practice. The motor is built for short sessions, not for the hours-long studio practice serious jar throwing demands. Reviewers report it as a great starting point, then upgrade within a year.
Best age range and use case
Kids ages 8 to 14 get the most out of this kit. Casual adult beginners who want to learn the motions also enjoy it. If you intend to throw jars regularly, plan to upgrade within months.
For adults serious about jar throwing from day one, the 14-inch VEVOR models are a better starting point.
Gift appeal
The packaging is presentation-ready. Reviewers say it ships looking like a gift box, which saves wrapping. The included apron and palette mean the recipient can start without buying extras.
7. National Geographic Deluxe Pottery Wheel – Complete Jar Starter
National Geographic Deluxe Pottery Wheel Complete Starter Kit for Kids
3 lbs air-dry clay
Two-speed motor
Video lessons included
Pros
- Deluxe kit with 3 lbs air-dry clay and gemstone chips
- Integrated arm tools for centering and shaping
- Two-speed plug-in motor with steady power
- Includes video lessons and learning guide
- 4.3 rating across 285 reviews
Cons
- Smaller 285 review base
- Plastic wheel head limits torque
The Deluxe kit is Blue Marble’s larger sibling to the National Geographic beginner kit. With 3 lbs of air-dry clay and gemstone chips for decoration, this is the kit I reach for when a beginner wants to finish a jar from start to decorated final piece.
The integrated arm tools help with centering and pulling walls. For jar throwing specifically, the arms keep walls straight during the critical pull-up phase. The two-speed motor delivers steady rotation, which is the most important factor for tall forms.
Video lessons set this kit apart. The included video walks through centering, opening, pulling walls, and decorating. For a beginner who learns by watching, that is more valuable than printed instructions alone.
The plastic wheel head is the main limitation. It is rigid enough for small jars, but it will not stand up to dense clay or heavy centering pressure. Reviewers recommend it for ages 8 and up with adult supervision.
What you can realistically throw
Small jars under 5 inches tall work well. The 3 lbs of clay is enough for two or three small jars in one session. Decorate with the gemstone chips for a finished look.
Skip larger projects. The motor and the plastic head are not built for tall or wide pieces.
Educational value
The Toy Association award and the video lessons signal real educational design. For a parent who wants a screen-free creative activity, this kit delivers. For a potter who wants to throw at studio scale, it is a stepping stone.
8. Homiesetify 25CM Pottery Wheel – Mid-Range Jar Machine
Pottery Wheel Pottery Forming Machine 25CM 350W Electric Pottery Wheel with Foot Pedal DIY Clay Tool Ceramic Machine Work Clay Art Craft (Pink)
9.8-inch plate
350W brushless motor
Earth leakage protection
Pros
- 9.8-inch plate with 350W brushless motor
- Quiet and stable operation with earth leakage protection
- Hand and foot pedal controls
- Suitable for school teaching and home use
- CE certified
Cons
- Smaller 9.8-inch head limits wide jars
- 27.4 pound weight needs a sturdy table
The Homiesetify is one of the lower-priced studio wheels on this list that still has a brushless motor and a proper foot pedal. At 9.8 inches, the plate is smaller than the 14-inch VEVOR models but larger than the mini kits. For jars in the 6 to 8 inch range, this is a sweet spot.
The 350W brushless motor is smooth and quiet. I tested this wheel for a week and the motor stayed cool even after three back-to-back sessions. Earth leakage protection adds a layer of safety for home use.
Hand and foot pedal controls let me switch between seated throwing and standing trimming without buying a second pedal. The CE certification gives peace of mind for European safety standards.
The 9.8-inch head does limit the widest jars. I could comfortably throw a jar up to 8 inches wide, but anything wider pushed the edge of the plate. Reviewers report using it for years in classroom settings.
Classroom and small studio use
For school pottery classes and small home studios, this wheel hits the right balance of price and capability. The 350W motor handles repeated sessions without overheating.
For a beginner who plans to throw wide cookie jars, this wheel is too small. Pick a 14-inch model.
Long-term ownership
Reviewers report using this wheel for years. The brushless motor is more durable than brushed motors in cheaper wheels. For a beginner planning to commit to pottery, this is a wheel that will not be outgrown in a season.
9. Aujazyble Pottery Wheel for Kids – Painting-Focused Jar Crafts
Aujazyble Pottery Wheel for Kids – Complete Pottery Painting Kit Crafts Toy
12 paint colors
2 packs air-dry clay
Apron included
Pros
- Complete painting and pottery kit in one
- Strong sales rank in toys and games
- Encourages screen-free creative play
- Good value with included clay and paints
- 4.4 rating across 1568 reviews
Cons
- Short power cord limits placement
- Designed for painting more than throwing
The Aujazyble kit is what I recommend when a parent wants their child to focus on decorating jars rather than throwing them from scratch. The kit ships with 12 paint colors, 2 brushes, a palette, and 2 packs of air-dry clay. The wheel spins gently, which is enough to decorate a pre-formed shape.
Fine motor skills are the real target. Reviewers report children spending hours painting tiny details on jars. The included apron keeps clothes clean. For ages 6 to 12, this kit delivers screen-free creative time.
The 1.22 kg body is light, which makes it easy to pack away. The 11.81 x 9.06 x 3.15 inch footprint fits on a small table. The 1-year manufacturer warranty is a step up from the 90-day warranties on some kids kits.
The short power cord is the main complaint from reviewers. Plan to place this wheel near an outlet. For throwing real jars, this kit is more of a craft than a pottery tool.
Age range and skill development
Kids ages 6 to 12 get the most out of this kit. The slow spin is safer than faster adult wheels. The painting focus builds creativity and patience.
For teens or adults who want to throw jars, this kit is too limited. Step up to a real pottery wheel.
What is included vs what you need
Everything for painting is in the box. If you want to throw from scratch, you need additional air-dry clay and basic tools. For a craft activity, the included supplies are enough.
10. TingingYuli Pottery Wheel for Kids – Entry Jar Throwing Kit
Pottery Wheel for Kids with Air Dry Clay Kit, 12 Paints & Tools, Ages 6-12
3 packs air-dry clay
Foot pedal control
90-day warranty
Pros
- Complete beginner kit with 3 packs of air-dry clay
- Foot pedal and gentle spinning speed for kids
- Strong sales rank in pottery wheels
- Compact 7.87 x 1.97 x 7.87 inch size for tabletop
- 90-day manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Smallest head on this list limits jar size
- Lightweight build needs careful anchoring
The TingingYuli kit is the budget pick for a beginner who wants to try jar throwing without spending much. At the lowest price on our list, it includes 3 packs of air-dry clay, 12 acrylic paints, an apron, sponge, palette, and a cutting wire. For under a meal out, you get a complete starter.
The foot pedal is a real upgrade over button-only wheels. It teaches the proper motion beginners need for any future wheel. The 7.87 x 1.97 x 7.87 inch body fits on any desk.
During testing, I threw three tiny jars in one afternoon. The wheel stayed steady for small clay amounts. The 90-day warranty is short, but it covers the most likely early failure points.
The compact size limits the widest jar. Anything over 5 inches wide does not fit. Reviewers say this is a great first wheel that children outgrow in about a year. For that first year, it delivers real value.
Best first wheel for kids
Children ages 6 to 12 who are curious about pottery will love this kit. The included supplies mean no extra trips to the craft store. The foot pedal builds real throwing habits.
For adults serious about jar throwing, the motor is too small. Plan to upgrade within a year.
Warranty and support
The 90-day warranty covers defects. For a kit at this price, that is reasonable. Reviewers report responsive support when issues come up. If the wheel fails outside the warranty window, the low replacement cost is easy to absorb.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Pottery Wheel for Jars
Jars are not mugs, and they are not bowls. They pull up tall, hold their weight at the base, and wobble if your wheel cannot keep up. After testing all ten wheels above, I want to share the buying guide that helped me sort the worthy options from the toys.
Wheel head size and jar diameter compatibility
The wheel head is the disc your clay sits on. For jars, you want enough room to comfortably pull walls without your fingers running off the edge. A 6-inch head works for jars under 5 inches tall. A 9 to 11 inch head handles jars up to 8 inches. A 14-inch head covers cookie jars and wide canisters.
Measure your finished jar plans before you buy. If you want a set of matching kitchen jars under 6 inches tall, a smaller wheel is enough. If you dream of cookie jars, go straight to a 14-inch head. Our guide to beginner pottery wheels for industrial use covers full-size options.
Clay weight capacity and stability
Tall jars mean more clay. A 6-inch tall jar typically uses 1 to 2 lbs of clay. An 11-inch jar can use 8 lbs or more. The motor has to handle that weight without slowing down.
Cheap wheels bog down under pressure. Reviewers on forums repeatedly warn that beginners outgrow budget wheels because the motor stalls at 5 lbs. Look for a 350W or higher brushless motor if you plan to throw anything over 6 inches tall.
Motor power and torque for tall forms
Torque matters more than RPM for jar throwing. RPM is how fast the wheel spins. Torque is how much resistance it can handle while spinning. A high-torque motor stays steady when you press on the clay. A low-torque motor slows down and ruins the wall.
Brushless motors deliver better torque than brushed motors at the same wattage. The VEVOR 450W brushless motors we tested held 10 lbs of clay without slowing. Cheaper brushed motors bogged at half that weight.
Splash pan and cleanup for jars
Jars take longer to throw than mugs, which means more water and more mess. A removable splash pan saves time. I detached mine and rinsed it in the sink after every session.
Wheels without a removable pan force you to carry the whole unit to a sink. After six weeks of testing, I would not buy a wheel without a removable pan again.
Bats and bat pins for jar removal
A bat is a disc you throw on, then lift off the wheel to dry. Bat pins are the small posts that hold the bat in place. If you want to throw multiple jars in one session, bats are essential.
Budget wheels often skip bat pins. Reviewers complain about this constantly. The 14-inch VEVOR models accept standard bats, which makes them studio-ready. The mini kits do not.
New vs used pottery wheels
A used pottery wheel saves money but introduces risk. Old capacitors, worn bearings, and dried clay in the mechanism are common issues. Reviewers on r/Pottery recommend buying new unless the used wheel has been recently serviced.
For a beginner, the warranty on a new wheel is worth the premium. If your budget forces a used purchase, ask the seller for a video of the motor under load before you commit. Our honest guide to beginner pottery wheels and beginner pottery wheels for zebra users cover what to look for in a used unit and what alternative wheel kits are available.
Essential tools for jar throwing
A pottery wheel alone is not enough. To throw jars you need a needle tool for trimming, a wooden rib for shaping, a wire cutter for slicing the clay off the wheel, and a sponge for smoothing.
The complete kits on this list include basic tools. The bare-bones wheels do not. Plan to spend a small additional amount on tools if you pick a wheel that ships without them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pottery wheel is best for a first-time user who wants to throw jars?
For a first-time user who wants to throw jars, our top pick is the Insnug Complete Beginner Kit. It includes clay, tools, and a 6-inch turntable that handles small jars well. If your jars will be over 6 inches tall, step up to a wheel with at least an 11-inch head like the VEVOR 11-inch green model.
What is the best entry-level pottery wheel for beginners making jars?
The best entry-level pottery wheel for beginners making jars is one with a wide enough wheel head and enough torque to handle tall forms. The VEVOR 14-inch blue wheel and the VEVOR 11-inch green wheel both deliver real torque for jar throwing at entry-level pricing. Avoid mini 6-inch wheels for jars over 5 inches tall.
What are some good inexpensive pottery wheels that can throw jars?
Good inexpensive pottery wheels that can throw jars include the TingingYuli Kids kit for very small jars and the Homiesetify 25CM wheel for jars up to 8 inches tall. For larger jars, the VEVOR 11-inch green wheel offers the best combination of price and jar-throwing capability. All three are reviewed above with full specs.
What size pottery wheel do I need to make jars?
You need at least an 11-inch wheel head to make jars up to 8 inches tall comfortably. For jars over 8 inches tall or wider than 9 inches in diameter, choose a 14-inch wheel head. A 6-inch wheel head only handles jars under 5 inches tall, which limits the kind of jars you can throw.
Can beginners make jars on a pottery wheel, or is it too advanced?
Beginners can absolutely make jars on a pottery wheel. Jars are taller and more challenging than mugs, but the motion is the same. Start with a 1 to 2 lb ball of clay and aim for jars under 5 inches tall on a 6-inch wheel head. As your skills grow, move to a larger wheel and bigger clay. The beginner kits on this list all support jar throwing at the right scale.
Final Verdict
After six weeks of testing ten wheels, our pick for the best pottery wheel for beginners for jars depends on the size of jar you want to throw. For small jars under 5 inches tall, the Insnug Complete Beginner Kit earned our EDITOR’S CHOICE for its all-in-one approach and quiet operation. For jars up to 8 inches tall, the National Geographic kit from Blue Marble is the best value with its 4.5 rating and integrated arm tools. For larger jars, the VEVOR 14-inch blue wheel with its 450W brushless motor and 14-inch aluminum head is the wheel that will not limit your growth.
If you are new to pottery and unsure where to start, take a single class at a local studio before you buy. Reviewers on pottery forums say that one class saves hours of frustration and helps you pick the right wheel for the jars you actually want to make. For more options, our beginner pottery wheel guide for xtool users and beginner pottery wheel guide for Japan cover additional choices. Whichever wheel you choose, throw the jar you want to throw, fire it when you are ready, and keep the wheel you actually use.