The precise time and location of the birth of the pottery wheel is not really certain. There have been debates about this topic in the art world for quite some time. Some recorded dates suggest the potter's wheel was developed as early as 6000 B.C. and others say it was created as late as the 24th century B.C. The location it first derived is also debated; some ideas are Mesopotamia, Egypt and China.

The earliest versions of the pottery wheel had to be turned slowly by hand while the potter coiled the pot into a carefully crafted shape. Since then, pottery making has become much easier. Throughout time, technology aided in the inventions of several types of pottery wheels that have allowed artists to create wondrous works of art.

Today, there are three basic types of pottery wheels used including the kick pottery wheel, the treadle wheel and the electric wheel. The kick wheel is one of the simplest and oldest versions used to make hand thrown pottery. The potter basically uses his or her foot to power the wheel head by kicking the flywheel with a particular rhythm. It takes a bit of physical energy and some practice to master this type of pottery wheel.

The treadle wheel was designed and developed more recently. This type of pottery wheel is also powered by the foot, but a rocking motion is done by the left foot and the flywheel is very lightweight. This makes it easier and more comfortable to operate than the kick wheel design. There are numerous versions of modern electric pottery wheels. They can vary in size, weight, power capabilities, control, motor speeds and price. Although motorized pottery wheels are the easiest to work with, some potters still prefer the human powered ones as they believe mastering the working of the wheel is part of their pottery craft.