Stephens PotteryFor All Your Pottery Requirements

can anyone suggest a good but cost effective kiln to buy for a pottery newbie?

i am considering investing in a small electric kiln i can use at home. It seems too pricey to take firing classes for several hundred dollars a pop at the pottery place near me, so I’d rather just buy a small kiln to use at home.

You mention cost effective, so here are some factors you want to look at:
– electric kilns are usually less expensive, unless you want a kiln for Raku.
– firing low-fire will save you money in electricity and keeping your other kiln costs down (save on your elements).
– kilns with 3″ rather than two and a half inch kiln brick for insulation will save you money on firings.
– kilns with easy to change elements, so that you can do this yourself if you are handy. L & L has channels for their elements that make changing easy.
– check for sales, like this one below (link #1), sometimes, even with shipping, you can get better deals online. You will have to carry the kiln inside, unpack and hook up. Again you need to be strong and handy.
– smaller kilns are cheaper, but be careful not to go too small, like test kilns, that you will grow out of and need to fire too often — that’s expensive.
– look for bundled deals on kiln shelves and furniture or buy used.

Things to consider when buying any kiln:
– consider your space. Do you have a separate room and adequate venting for a kiln? Electric kilns need to be at least 12 inches from any flammable materials. The floor will need to be protected if it is not concrete.
– know your electricity. Most residences are single phase and have 120V and 240V, while commercial buildings can have 3 phase and 208V. Check with your electrician and buy the correct model to match your electricity.
– Decide what temperature you will fire to for glazes. Low-fire (cone 06) will be cheaper than mid-range high fire (cone 6) or high fire (cone 10)
– kiln size should depend on the size of the ware you make and how much you make. Fill up the kiln for each firing — leaving it half empty is not cost effective. Firing about once a month or every other month is a good goal.
– computerized kilns make it easier to fire than a manual kiln. You can fire faster to save money, there are many options for firing schedules and you don’t have to turn up the kiln every couple hours.
– consider choosing one with a back up system for safety — like a timer — in case the computer malfunctions.
– look into venting systems for your own safety from toxic fumes.

As far as brands, I recommend ConeArt, Skutt and L & L (more expensive). Bailey is also good, they are like the ConeArt kilns. They are all very good companies.

Check out links # 3 and #4 for discussions on choosing a kiln. Link #5 talks about buying a used kiln. This can be tricky unless you know something about electricity. Often used kilns will need to be refurbished. Sometimes elements, pyrometers or switches will need to be replaced or the kiln brick will need to be repaired. I believe if you can swing it, it is much better to buy a new kiln with a warranty. It is also easier, but more expensive, to have one installed by a professional that will make sure everything is in order.

Also check out my downloads page for more info on loading and firing a kiln: http://www.clarelewispottery.com/clarelewispottery.com/Downloads.html

Good luck.

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