View Larger Image This image shows a cross section of ware stacked for a firing. Before buying a kiln, try stacking up a month’s worth of work as if it were loaded in a kiln to get an idea of how much space you are likely to need.

April 15, 2007

Advice on Buying a Kiln

by Link Henderson, Ceramic Arts Daily | Read Comments (5)

So, you’ve got the fever. Not the kind that puts you in the doctor’s office, but the kind that keeps your mind on clay all the time. Ogling clay tools and gadgets online? Clay magazines and books toppling over by your favorite chair? I call it ceramics fever. If the fever leads you to purchasing a kiln, don’t let it turn into frenzy or you might wind up with something that isn’t right for you.

When customers inquire about kilns, the first question is always “How much does it cost?” Kilns can cost $500 or $5000, and it’s important to make sure you are buying exactly what you want. So consider these questions before taking the plunge!

How tall are you?

If you’re 5 feet tall, it will be hard to load a 27-inch-deep kiln on a 6-inch stand. Kiln shelves are heavy, and bending over to carefully place them in the kiln can be difficult. You should be able to comfortably bend at the waist—not the middle of your back—when loading your kiln. Most kiln companies offer top-loading kilns in various shapes and sizes as well as front-loading kilns.

How big is the work you plan to produce?

If you buy a kiln that’s 18 inches wide, you’re limited to firing pieces no wider than 16½ inches, so forget about the 20-inch-wide serving bowl. Conversely, if you make miniature tea sets, it could take you a very long time to fill a large kiln. Be realistic when considering your work, skill level and production schedule.

How often do you intend to fire the kiln?

If you are an accomplished student starting a home studio, invest in a production-quality kiln. If you’re planning to use it heavily at stoneware temperatures, upgrade to heavy-duty elements and thicker brick for more insulation. If firing to cone 6 or higher frequently, invest in a kiln that is rated for cone 10, not just cone 8. A large kiln (7 cubic feet or more) rated for up to cone 8 may struggle to reach cone 6 efficiently after only a year of heavy use. It is very frustrating to produce more work than your new kiln can handle. In production, you need to also consider the amount of time in a complete loading, firing and cooling cycle. A 7-cubic-foot kiln can take 8–12 hours to fire and twice that to cool. So, if you’re planning a future of heavy production, consider buying 4- and 7-cubic-foot kilns, instead of one 10- or 12-cubic-foot oval kiln.

Who will perform repairs on your kiln?

The layout of a kiln’s internal wiring separates good kilns from great kilns. A well-thought-out wiring panel on a kiln is a truly beautiful thing. It tells me that a kiln manufacturer is concerned with the overall usability of their kiln products. As an experienced kiln repair person, I can navigate through messy wiring, but I know my customers likely cannot. And unless you are lucky enough to live in the same town as a skilled kiln repair person (not necessarily an electrician), you’ll likely be responsible for your own repairs, even if the parts are provided to you under a warranty. Visit your local ceramic supplier and ask to see some kiln guts.

A word about warranties

Don’t assume all warranties are the same. A longer warranty isn’t necessarily better if it doesn’t cover the full cost of defective parts. Read the warranties of brands you’re considering—most are available online. Determine the extent that a manufacturer will pay for an authorized kiln repair person’s labor to perform warranty work. If you purchase your kiln online, find out who’ll perform these services for you, if anyone. Many local ceramic suppliers offer support services when you purchase a kiln from them, as well as short tutorials on loading, unloading and caring for your kiln.

Advice

Don’t be afraid to ask for advice. If there are any potters or community clay programs in your area, check out their equipment. Ask your own pottery instructor, if you have one, about her or his kiln preferences or experiences. It’s also crucial to get first-hand advice from a local ceramic supplier; even if “local” is 100 miles away. A conscientious dealer should be honest with you about the pros and cons of each kiln company they represent. Remember that when buying a kiln, you’re also investing in the kiln company, their warranty, and your local dealer. If you do choose to purchase a kiln on the internet, make sure you call the supplier first. Are they pleasant and helpful on the phone? Do they use kilns or just sell them? Get answers before you throw down your credit card!

Owning and operating your own kiln is a lot of fun because you’ll be able to experiment with your ceramic work in ways you never imagined. Buying a new kiln can also be fun especially if you are an informed consumer. So get on out there and shop with confidence!

Link Henderson is owner and founder of Kentucky Mudworks, a teaching studio, production pottery and ceramic supplier located in Lexington, Kentucky. For questions or comments, you can contact her at Mudworks@insightbb.com or on her website at www.kentuckymudworks.com.