How to Shop for a Pottery Kiln

Pottery is a creative process that grows as you do. You probably started doing pottery at a community center or pottery school, and you may have found that you wanted the convenience and freedom of working on your pieces at home. One essential piece of equipment is the kiln, but shopping for one can be a confusing and frustrating process. You are likely to be disappointed if you buy a kiln just because of the price or on a whim. By researching brands and asking yourself key questions, you can avoid making a costly mistake.

Instructions

1. Given that kilns can cost as little as $300 or upward of more than $15,000 for a professional model, you may be tempted to buy the least expensive. However, don’t let cost wholly guide your decision. You’ll need to consider a number of factors as well as price. Also, determine what additional items you will need. At the very least, you’ll need shelves, cleaning materials and an assortment of cones. Most kilns don’t come with these items.

2. Determine the types of projects you want to do. If you only want to fire small objects or one or two pieces at a time, you won’t need a large kiln. Firing works best when the kiln is full, and you’ll waste considerable electricity and time. Also, if you would like to do more than pottery with your kiln (silver clay, glass, etc.), search for a kiln that will do double or triple duty. For example, if you would like to create beads, you may want a window or bead door. Be sure to check the temperature requirements as well.

3. Consider the available space. A large kiln can weigh hundreds of pounds, and they all need room for air circulation. Large models also come with the option for front loading. Although this increases the price, they are easier to fill. If you are short on space and don’t want to fire large or many pieces, you may want to consider a table-top model. These smaller kilns can be easily moved and stored and still have many of the options of the larger models.

4. There are other costs to consider as well. The cost of running a large kiln can be high. In addition to the cost of electricity, you need to consider maintenance. All kilns need the heating coils replaced from time to time, but some models are easier to change than others. These generally cost a little more, but if you aren’t going to be firing very often, you may want to consider a less expensive model.

5. Many people like the convenience of an automatic kiln. Just set the time and temperature and come back when it’s finished; however, others like the personal control of a manual. The automatic are more expensive but may be worth it if you don’t want to check on the progress of your firing.

Tips & Warnings

• You may want to consider buying a used kiln, but check the reputation of the seller and ask about a guarantee.

• Don't rush into a purchase. Think about your needs.

• Consider future projects and adjust your shopping accordingly.