What Is a Pottery Wheel Called? A Beginner’s Guide to the Names, Types and Parts

A pottery wheel is most commonly called a potter’s wheel or simply a pottery wheel. In most studios, people shorten it even further and just call it the wheel. While the name is straightforward, the tool itself comes in several forms, from traditional kick wheels to modern electric models. If you are new to ceramics, understanding the correct terms makes it much easier to choose the right equipment, follow tutorials, and build confidence at the wheel.

Quick Answer: What Is a Pottery Wheel Called?

A pottery wheel is usually called a potter’s wheel. You may also hear it called a pottery wheel, kick wheel, or electric wheel, depending on the type. In everyday studio use, many potters simply refer to it as the wheel.

The Most Common Name: Potter’s Wheel

The standard name for this tool is the potter’s wheel. It is the rotating device used to shape clay into forms such as bowls, mugs, plates and vases. In online searches and product listings, you will often see pottery wheel used more often, but both terms mean the same thing.

If you walk into a pottery studio, you are likely to hear all three of these terms:

• Potter’s wheel – the traditional and formal name
• Pottery wheel – the most common modern term
• The wheel – casual studio shorthand

For beginners, it helps to know that these names usually refer to the same core tool unless someone is describing a specific type of wheel.

Basic Pottery Wheel Terms Beginners Should Know

Learning a few key pottery terms will make classes, tutorials and product descriptions much easier to follow.

• Throwing – shaping clay on the wheel
• Wheelhead – the spinning top surface where the clay sits
• Bat – a removable disc attached to the wheelhead to lift work more easily
• Centering – balancing the clay in the middle of the wheel before shaping
• Trimming – refining the form once the clay has partially dried

These are some of the most useful terms to know when getting started with wheel throwing.

Are There Other Names for a Pottery Wheel?

Yes, but most are based on the type of wheel rather than a completely different name for the tool itself.

Potter’s Wheel

This is the traditional and widely accepted name for the tool.

Pottery Wheel

This is the most common retail and beginner-friendly term. It is widely used in product titles, guides and classes.

The Wheel

In a working studio, potters often say “the wheel” because the context is already clear.

Kick Wheel

This refers to a traditional foot-powered wheel with a heavy flywheel that the potter keeps moving by kicking.

Electric Wheel

This refers to a motor-driven pottery wheel, usually controlled with a foot pedal or speed dial.

In other words, the general tool is a potter’s wheel, while names such as kick wheel and electric wheel describe specific versions.

Types of Pottery Wheels

Not all pottery wheels work in the same way. The main difference is how the wheel is powered.

Kick Wheels

Kick wheels are traditional pottery wheels powered by the potter. They use a heavy flywheel underneath, which is kept in motion by foot.

How a Kick Wheel Works

The potter kicks the lower flywheel to create and maintain momentum while shaping the clay with both hands on the wheelhead above.

Why Some Potters Still Choose Kick Wheels

• No electricity required
• Quiet operation
• Strong sense of rhythm and control
• Durable, long-lasting design

Things to Consider

• Requires more physical effort
• Takes practice to maintain speed consistently
• Less convenient for some beginners

Electric Pottery Wheels

Electric pottery wheels are the most common choice for modern home studios, classrooms and professional workshops.

How an Electric Wheel Works

An electric motor turns the wheelhead, while a foot pedal or control dial adjusts the speed.

Why Electric Wheels Are Popular

• Easy speed control
• Less physical effort
• Ideal for beginners
• Suitable for consistent production work

Things to Consider

• Needs a power supply
• Usually costs more than basic manual options
• Motor strength and torque vary by model

Tabletop vs Floor Pottery Wheels

Electric pottery wheels are often split into two common formats:

Tabletop Wheels

Compact and lighter in weight, tabletop wheels suit hobbyists, smaller studios and people with limited space.

Floor Wheels

Floor-standing wheels are generally more powerful and more stable, making them a popular choice for regular studio use.

Kick Wheel vs Electric Wheel

Both types can produce excellent work. The best option depends on your working style, space and budget.

Feature	Kick Wheel	Electric Wheel
Power source	Foot-powered	Electric motor
Speed control	Manual	Foot pedal or dial
Physical effort	Higher	Lower
Noise level	Very quiet	Low motor hum
Best for	Traditional throwing and experienced users	Beginners, schools and studio production

Key Parts of a Pottery Wheel

If you are shopping for a pottery wheel or learning how to use one, it helps to know the main parts.

Wheelhead

The flat circular top that spins. This is where the clay is placed.

Bat

A removable disc fixed to the wheelhead so finished pieces can be lifted without distortion.

Foot Pedal

On electric wheels, this controls the speed of the wheel.

Motor

The motor powers the wheel on electric models and affects torque, smoothness and performance.

Flywheel

On kick wheels, the flywheel stores momentum and keeps the wheel turning.

Frame

The supporting structure of the wheel. A strong frame helps keep the wheel stable while throwing.

A Brief History of the Potter’s Wheel

The potter’s wheel has a long history and is one of the most important developments in ceramics.

Ancient Origins

Early versions of the pottery wheel appeared around 3500 BCE in Mesopotamia. These first forms were simple rotating platforms that helped potters shape vessels more evenly.

Development Over Time

Over the centuries, pottery wheels evolved into faster and more efficient designs, including heavy flywheel kick wheels that allowed better momentum and control.

Modern Pottery Wheels

Today’s wheels often include variable speed control, improved torque, compact construction and easier cleaning, making wheel throwing more accessible to a wider range of potters.

How to Choose the Right Pottery Wheel

If you are deciding which type of pottery wheel to buy, focus on how and where you plan to use it.

Choose Based on Skill Level

Beginners usually find electric wheels easier because they offer more consistent speed and require less physical effort.

Think About Space

If you have limited room, a tabletop pottery wheel may be the better fit. Larger studio spaces can often accommodate a floor model more comfortably.

Match the Wheel to Your Work

If you want to make larger forms or throw regularly, a more powerful wheel with good torque is usually the better choice.

Set a Realistic Budget

Entry-level wheels can be a good starting point, but durability, smooth speed control and overall build quality matter if you plan to use your wheel often.

Pottery Wheel Care and Maintenance

Keeping your pottery wheel clean and well maintained will help it last longer and perform better.

Basic Cleaning Tips

• Wipe down the wheelhead after each session
• Clean splash pans regularly
• Keep clay dust away from pedals, controls and moving parts
• Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidance for your model

Common Issues to Watch For

• Clay wobbling: usually a centering issue rather than a wheel fault
• Uneven speed: may relate to pedal response or motor performance
• General stiffness or noise: may indicate a cleaning or servicing need

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a pottery wheel the same as a potter’s wheel?

Yes. These terms are generally used interchangeably.

What do potters call a pottery wheel in a studio?

Many potters simply call it the wheel.

What is the difference between a kick wheel and a pottery wheel?

A kick wheel is a type of pottery wheel. It is powered manually rather than by electricity.

What is the best pottery wheel for beginners?

For most beginners, an electric pottery wheel is the easiest place to start because it offers steady speed and simple control.

Can you make pottery without a wheel?

Yes. Hand-building methods such as coiling, pinching and slab building do not require a wheel at all.

Final Thoughts

So, what is a pottery wheel called? In most cases, it is called a potter’s wheel or pottery wheel. The exact wording matters less than understanding the type of wheel, how it works, and which model best suits your needs.

Whether you are looking at a traditional kick wheel or a modern electric wheel, learning the right terms is a useful first step in your pottery journey. If you are ready to get started, exploring the right pottery wheel for your space, budget and skill level will make the process far more enjoyable.