Children's Pottery Wheel Reviews?

Well... they're a lot less expensive than $700 for a real pottery wheel... but my understanding is that they don't have enough power to actually "center" clay (typically at least 1/2 - 1 horsepower engine is what's used on student and professional models)... and the general word is that kids get very excited about them, and then hate them, because they don't work to throw... just to spin. ((One needs the centrifugal force to actually center and then pull the clay upwards)). Neither from Kohls actually has a "splash pan" that is set up to work, either. So there will be a LOT of mess. And it's not something you want to do in the bath (clay clogs drains), so it would need to be an outside activity if you were using actual clay. Pottery is super messy even with a splash pan. Without one... oy. Mud from head to toe and splatters several feet in every direction. Even with a weak motor. Think "splatter paint"

Pottery is a difficult thing. Centering is hard work (I center the clay on the wheel for any kid's classes I've taught), and that's even with enough horsepower to spin it fast and hard enough to lean into it. Put your hands together like you're about to dive into a pool. Then push on a wall (palms on the wall) as hard as you can with *all* your weight behind you. That's the force it takes to center even a FIST sized piece of clay. (Ironically, because of physics, it doesn't take much more force to center 10 or 20 lbs of clay... it's just a size issue... using your long bone of your forearm or a tool instead of one's hands because hands aren't big enough). But yah. A LOT of force that needs a strong enough spin.

For this kind of toy, they look great for PAINTING a preexisting piece... but I wouldn't want to attempt to actually MAKE a piece on one of them.

I'd suggest, instead of the toy, to do a kids pottery class through a local community center. About the same price, far better value.

I think you and your daughter will be disappointed with the pottery wheels you can buy for kids. Someone mentioned signing up for a pottery class with your daughter. I think that is a great idea!

You know, ibought my son (8) the one at walmart, and it is really ok, he made a cute bowl. For the price and just to try it and see if she likes it, I would give it a try. It is battery operated, if u press hard it will stop, but we are just talking About a spinning platform here, why pay 700$!

My daughter saw one last year and wanted it. I read the reviews for several brands on Amazon and decided not to buy. Seems the inexpensive ones just don't work well.

Any 'kids' pottery wheel... will not be substantial. It is only a 'toy' version... not a real pottery wheel.
So if you understand that... then you will get only minimal use out of it... nor professional use.

I have done pottery, since I was a child. I grew up with pottery wheels and a kiln at my home. My Mom and Dad, and us kids... did pottery. We did high-fire pottery... not air-dry clay pottery. High fire and sometimes low-fire pottery. Professional level pottery.

To really do 'pottery'... for kids... it is best to take a class. And a class in 'hand-building' first.... then, wheel throwing. You gotta understand clay first.... and how to handle it... before you start throwing bowls etc. on a wheel. THEN you will know, if your girl likes doing pottery.... a lot.

Just being into 'art' does not mean, you will know how to do pottery or throwing... on a pottery wheel.

If she wants a pottery wheel. I really cannot recommend those 'kid' versions. Only a real potter's wheel... will be sufficient.

If your child is REALLY into pottery... then you can join an art guild for potters, or a studio. Then that way, you get ALL the equipment/glazes... assistance... for just a monthly fee etc.

all the best,
Susan

We took pottery classes. Only one other family showed up because of the expense. Afterwards I talked quietly to the owner and explained I could not get a group of kids to come with us because the expense. She admitted she had overpriced the class(3 1.5 hours cost the same as a month of piano lessons, a month of 2 gymnsastic classes). She shows us the techniques when we show up and we only have to pay the cost of pottery and supplies.
Or you can arrange a class for $3 per child plus pottery. It was so fun we went daily for two weeks.