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One of the questions we get asked most often at potter&dabble is whether it’s better to rent a pottery wheel first, or jump straight into buying one.

Honestly? There’s no right or wrong answer.

For some people, pottery quickly becomes part of everyday life and investing in their own wheel makes complete sense. For others, renting a pottery wheel first can be a lovely way to explore pottery at home before committing to a permanent setup.

One of our recent renters said this in her google review:  "As a new novice potter I wanted to be sure it wasn’t a phase before I jumped in and bought a wheel. Louise is great, patient, with super advice and so enthusiastic about the craft. Hiring a wheel from P&D is the way to go. I have now bought the same wheel I hired as it was so good"

Over the years, we’ve seen many different pottery journeys. Some renters fall completely in love with wheel throwing and go on to purchase their own wheel. Others simply enjoy having a pottery wheel at home for a season of creativity alongside classes, work and family life, before renting again once they manage to carve out a bit more time the following season.

Some people rent for a quiet week while the family are away and they finally have the house to themselves. Others rent because the kids are at home and keen to learn too, while they spend their evenings throwing alongside them.

Why people often rent first

One of the lovely things about renting a pottery wheel is that you get to experience how pottery fits into everyday life at home.

A lot of people already attend pottery classes and simply want more time on the wheel between sessions. Others are curious about pottery at home, but aren’t quite ready to commit to purchasing a wheel just yet.

Renting gives you the opportunity to explore things like:

• how much space you realistically need
• where the wheel might live in your home
• how often you actually throw
• whether you enjoy working at home
• what style of wheel feels right for you
• how pottery fits around family, work and everyday life
• how cleanup and clay will fit into your home environment

These are all difficult things to know until you actually spend time with a wheel at home.

Pottery wheels are a big purchase

A quality pottery wheel is a significant investment, and most people want to feel confident before purchasing one.

Beyond the wheel itself, there are often other things to think about too:

• tools
• clay storage
• cleanup
• transport
• noise
• flooring
• where pieces will dry

Renting first allows you to slowly work through these practical details without the pressure of immediately owning everything.

Different wheels suit different people

Another thing many people discover is that pottery wheels all feel slightly different.

Some people prefer a quieter wheel. Others value portability and lighter weight. Some renters love having adjustable height settings, while others simply want a comfortable wheel that feels good to throw on for long sessions at home.

Spending time with a wheel at home can help you better understand what matters most to you before making a long-term decision.

When buying your own wheel makes sense

If pottery becomes a regular part of your life, owning your own wheel can absolutely make sense too.

Having your own permanent setup means your wheel is always there whenever inspiration strikes. You can slowly build your own home studio, work at your own pace, and create a setup that feels completely yours.

Many of our renters eventually purchase their own wheels once they’ve had time to explore pottery at home and understand what works best for them.

And honestly, we love seeing that happen.

Final thoughts

Pottery takes time.

For some people, renting a pottery wheel is the perfect long-term solution. For others, it becomes the first step towards building their own home pottery setup.

Either way, there’s something really special about being able to spend more time with clay at home, on your own timeline.

If you’re curious about exploring pottery at home, we’d love to help you get started.