What to Consider When Buying a Kiln
Buying a kiln is a big investment, and there are several factors to consider before making a decision. From firing temperatures and kiln size to electrical requirements and ventilation, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of options and technical details involved.
Whether you're setting up a home studio, starting a business, or outfitting a classroom, choosing the right kiln starts with understanding your space, your firing needs, and your long-term goals. This guide walks through the key considerations to help you compare options and choose a kiln that's right for you.
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Standard Kiln Types
The first thing to consider is what you'll be firing, since that determines the temperature your kiln needs to reach. Most kilns fall into one of three types.
Ceramic Kilns
Best for: Pottery, sculpture, and other clay work
Ceramic kilns are rated by the highest cone they can reach. Cones measure heat work, a combination of temperature and time, and your cone range determines what you can do:
It's smart to choose a kiln rated above your usual firing temperature, since firing at a kiln's maximum every time wears out its elements faster. That's why many potters who fire to Cone 6 choose a Cone 10 kiln.
Vitrification and Functional Ware
Firing temperature directly impacts a piece's durability in everyday use. Mid- and high-fire clays vitrify more completely, becoming dense and sturdy—making them the ideal choice for functional pottery.
By contrast, low-fire clay remains porous. While food-safe when coated with a properly fired glaze, unglazed areas (such as the foot) can absorb moisture and harbor bacteria. Low-fire pieces are also more fragile, making them less suited for dishwashers or microwaves. If you intend to make and sell functional ware, choose a kiln that reaches mid-fire temperatures or higher.
Learn more about cone ranges in our Ceramics Guide.
Small and Dual-Media Kilns
Best for: Glaze testing, small pottery projects, and glass fusing
Small pottery kilns are a great fit when a full-size kiln is more than you need. They heat up faster, use far less energy, and take up minimal space.
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Easy setup: Some models plug right into a standard wall outlet, making them easy to set up at home or in a classroom.
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Dual-media firing: Built to fire both ceramics and glass, these kilns can handle glass fusing and slumping along with small ceramic projects like beads, jewelry, and ornaments.
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Glaze testing: Firing a few test tiles in a compact kiln is much more efficient than running a full-size load.
Glass Kilns
Best for: Glass fusing, slumping, and metal enameling
Slumping, fusing, and enameling happen at temperatures nearly 1,000°F lower than stoneware firings, so there's no need for a high-fire kiln if you don't plan to produce ceramics.
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Heating element placement: Glass needs broad, even heat from above, so glass kilns are typically shallow, with heating elements in the lid.
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Working in both clay and glass: Most glass kilns top out well below stoneware temperatures, so if you plan to do both, a ceramic kiln rated for your clay is usually the more versatile choice. Some kilns are designed for both, with heating elements in the lid as well as the walls. If you fire glass in a pottery kiln, careful maintenance, meticulous dust management, and precise temperature control are key.
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Starting small: Microwave kilns are a simple, low-cost way to try glass fusing. They can be used inside a standard microwave to fuse microwaveable glass into small pendants and embellishments in just minutes.
Kiln Configurations
Most electric kilns are either top-loading kilns or front-loading kilns. Top-loading kilns feature hinged lids, and you load them by leaning over the kiln wall and lowering pieces into the chamber. Front-loading kilns have a door at the front of the chamber so you can load pieces straight in at waist or chest height. The configuration you choose will depend on your budget and production volume, though ergonomics and placement play a major role, too.
| Top-Loading Kilns | Front-Loading Kilns | |
|---|---|---|
| Often Seen In | Home studios, classrooms, and community studios | Production studios, commercial spaces, and universities |
| Benefits | More economical and compact; available in a wide range of lower-amperage models. | Ergonomic loading and straight-on shelf visibility. |
| Considerations | Lower shelves require bending and reaching; larger lids can be heavy. | Higher cost and often higher capacity electrical service and wiring. |
Kiln Size, Shape, and Capacity
The general size and shape of your projects will determine how big your kiln needs to be and whether a cylindrical, square, or elongated chamber is ideal. It's also important to consider where the kiln will be installed, as room size and doorway widths can be limiting factors.
Measuring Kiln Capacity
When assessing a kiln's capacity, prioritize these three measurements. You'll find the opening size and depth in the product details on every Blick kiln listing.
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Capacity: The total usable volume inside the chamber, typically listed in cubic feet.
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Opening Size: The interior width or diameter. This determines the widest piece or shelf you can fit, as well as how many pieces and posts fit in one layer. On round and octagonal kilns, opening size refers to the interior diameter (e.g., an 18" × 18" opening means an 18" interior diameter).
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Chamber Depth: The interior measurement from the top rim down to the floor. Shallow kilns suit flat items like tiles, whereas deep kilns are necessary for tall pottery, sculptural work, and tall kiln furniture.
Choosing the Right Chamber Shape
Kiln chambers come in three primary shapes, each suited to different kinds of work:
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Round/Octagonal: Cylindrical kilns are the most common, particularly in home studios and schools. They tend to distribute heat evenly and offer greater capacity for pots, platters, and curved pieces. These shapes are found in top-loading designs.
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Square/Rectangular: Ideal for stacking flat items or using square shelves without wasting corner space. Rectangular chambers are most common in front-loading kilns, though some top-loading models offer them.
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Oval: Elongated top-loading kilns suited to larger pieces and high-volume studios.
Keep in mind that kiln furniture, shelf spacing, and clearance around your work all affect usable capacity.
Kiln Controller Types
Today’s kiln controllers make firing more precise, repeatable, and user-friendly than ever before. Instead of manually monitoring temperatures throughout a firing cycle, modern controllers automatically regulate heating and cooling rates, helping artists achieve consistent results while saving time.
Basic Digital Controllers
Best for: Everyday firing needs
Basic but dependable push-button controllers are adequate for most ceramic artists. They typically include preset firing schedules and allow users to create simple custom programs, making them a great choice for everyday pottery firing.
Touchscreen Controllers
Best for: Schools, community studios, and frequent users
Featuring intuitive navigation and easy-to-read displays, touchscreen controllers simplify programming and schedule adjustments. They're especially useful in schools, community studios, and production environments where kilns are used frequently.
WiFi-Enabled Controllers
Best for: Remote monitoring and multi-kiln environments
Many newer kilns offer remote monitoring through a smartphone, tablet, or computer. These systems allow users to check firing progress, receive completion notifications, and monitor multiple kilns from virtually anywhere. For educators, community studios, and high-volume makers, the added convenience can be a significant advantage.
Ultimately, the right controller depends on how often you fire, how much customization you need, and how much convenience you want built into your workflow. Whichever type of kiln you choose, compare features like preset firing schedules, how many custom programs you can save, delay start, and built-in diagnostics for troubleshooting.
Choosing a Kiln for Your Studio Type
Different settings call for different kilns. Here's what matters most in each.
| Studio Type | Primary Considerations | Key Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Home Studios | Ventilation, size, power | Space and electrical service are often limited, so be sure your space can support the kiln you've chosen. |
| Schools and Classrooms | Safety, cost, versatility | Consider the types of classes you'll offer and choose a durable, easy-to-maintain kiln that matches your building's electrical service. |
| Community Studios | Volume, ease of use, versatility | Choose a kiln that supports the types of projects your members create and the volume of work your studio expects to fire. |
| Production Studios | Precision, capacity, durability | Look for high-capacity models with customizable controllers and heavy-duty components designed for frequent firing. |
Location and Space Requirements
When evaluating location, consider both the physical placement of your kiln and the surrounding environment.
Site Conditions Checklist
Before settling on a spot, make sure your location meets these essential requirements:
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Clearance: Most manufacturers recommend at least 12 to 18 inches between the kiln and walls or combustible materials, such as shelving, curtains, and stored supplies. Leave extra room on the control panel side for comfortable access and check your kiln's manual for its exact requirements.
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Overhead Space: Top-loading kilns need enough headroom for the lid to open fully. Never place a kiln beneath cabinets, shelves, or low-hanging fixtures.
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Flooring: Install on a level, non-combustible surface, and concrete is ideal. Never place a kiln on carpet, vinyl, or bare wood. Protect other floor types with cement board or ceramic tile and make sure the floor can support a fully loaded kiln.
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Surroundings: Choose a dry room with good airflow, away from flammable materials like solvents, fuels, aerosols, and paper storage. Avoid damp basements and uninsulated sheds to protect electronic controllers from moisture and temperature extremes.
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Power Access: Plug-in kilns must reach their outlet with the cord they come with, since extension cords and adapters are never safe to use.
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Ventilation Route: Position the kiln near an exterior wall or window, so ductwork has a short, direct path outside.
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Traffic and Safety: Keep kilns out of busy walkways and away from children and pets.
Installation Requirements
Once you've chosen the right location, you'll need to make sure it's ready. Plan to have all electrical and ventilation work completed before your kiln arrives.
Electrical Service
Electric kilns are available for both residential and commercial electrical services. Some of the smallest kilns are made only for household use, while some of the largest are only available for commercial locations. Before you order, confirm three things with a licensed electrician: your voltage, your phase, and how much amperage you can dedicate to a kiln circuit.
Residential service: With rare exceptions, homes in North America have 120/240-volt, single-phase service, which is often incorrectly called 220 volt. Some small kilns run on a standard 120V outlet.
Commercial service: Schools and commercial buildings vary. Some have 208V service, while others have 240V service. Some locations use single-phase power, while others use three-phase power. Before ordering, verify that your kiln matches your building's electrical service.
Amperage and dedicated circuits: Every electric kiln carries an amperage rating, which determines the circuit breaker, wiring, and outlet type it needs. Most kilns require a dedicated circuit, and your available amperage often determine the largest kiln you can install.
Outlet types: Some small test and craft kilns run on a standard 120V outlet, while larger models typically require a 240V receptacle or a hardwired installation. Larger kilns may use a variety of plug and receptacle configurations depending on their voltage and amperage requirements, so plan to consult an electrician about outlet installation.
Vent outlet: If you're adding a kiln vent, verify its power requirements and ensure a suitable electrical outlet or power source is available nearby.
You'll find each kiln's voltage, phase, and amperage requirements in its product details. Have your electrician install the appropriate breaker and outlet before your kiln arrives and ask whether permits or inspections are required in your area.
Ventilation
Every fire releases something into the air. Clay and glazes give off moisture, carbon monoxide, sulfur compounds, and other fumes as they heat up. Glass, enamel, and metal clay firings burn off binders and adhesives. A dedicated ventilation system protects your health and your space, and it also shields your kiln's metal components from corrosive fumes.
Downdraft vents mount to the kiln and pull a small, steady stream of air through the firing chamber, sending fumes outdoors through a duct. They also help even out temperatures inside the kiln, which can lead to more consistent glaze results. Choose one that's compatible with your kiln model.
Overhead hoods hang above the kiln and draw heat and fumes out of the room. They're often used in classrooms and larger studios with multiple kilns.
Whichever option you choose, the room also needs a source of fresh air, such as a window or HVAC air exchange, to replace the air being drawn out.
Assembly and Setup
Most kilns require some assembly. Sectional top-loaders are stacked onto their stand in one section at a time, and the stand must sit level before you begin. Keep your kiln's manual handy throughout setup, since it covers clearance, electrical, and first-firing requirements for your model. Many manufacturers call for an empty test firing before you fire any work.
Helpful Add-Ons
What's included with a kiln varies by manufacturer and model, so check the product details before you order. Stands, kiln furniture, vents, and power cords may or may not come with your kiln.
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Kiln Furniture: Most kilns need a furniture kit, a set of shelves and posts sized to your kiln that lets you stack multiple layers of work in a single firing. For low-fire work, stilts let you glaze the bottoms of pieces without the glaze fusing them to the shelf.
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Kiln Wash: Kiln wash protects shelves from glaze drips. Apply it to the top surface only, so flakes can't fall onto work below.
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Pyrometric Cones: Self-supporting cones, called Witness Cones, show how much heat work your pieces receive, which makes them essential for troubleshooting, even if your kiln has a digital controller. Designed for use with a kiln sitter, kiln sitter cones are small cones or mini bars that help ensure accurate firing by triggering the kiln's automatic shutoff mechanism when the target temperature is reached.
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Safety Gear: Heat-resistant gloves make loading and unloading safer, and eye protection lets you check cones through the peephole safely. A respirator is also recommended for mixing kiln wash and handling dry ceramic materials.
Ordering and Delivery
Placing Your Order
Because most kilns are custom-built and shipped directly from the manufacturer, they can't be returned. A completed order form, available under the Resources tab on each kiln product page, is required at the time of purchase. Forms typically specify:
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Voltage (208V or 240V)
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Phase (single-phase or three-phase)
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Additional accessories, such as kiln furniture and ventilation systems
After you place your order, a member of our customer service team will reach out to verify that your space and electrical setup match the kiln you've chosen. Having your electrician's notes and your measurements on hand will help the process go quickly.
Lead Times
If you need your kiln by a specific date, such as the start of a school semester, we suggest ordering well in advance. Lead times vary by manufacturer and model.
Planning Your Delivery
Kilns ship by freight truck rather than a standard parcel carrier like UPS. Freight delivery is curbside, so you're responsible for moving the kiln from the curb or driveway to its final spot. Plan your route before you order: measure every doorway, hallway, stairwell, and tight turn along the way, and compare those measurements to the kiln exterior dimensions, including the stand, handles, and control box.
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Sectional Top-Loaders: Can be disassembled and carried in pieces, making them the easiest option for basements or upstairs studios. This is typically a two-person job.
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Front-Loaders: Usually arrive fully assembled and can weigh several hundred pounds. Plan ahead for a pallet jack, appliance dolly, or professional movers.
The carrier will contact you to schedule a delivery appointment. If you don't have a loading dock or forklift, liftgate delivery uses a platform on the truck to lower the pallet safely to the ground. Freight carriers deliver only to physical street addresses.
Delivery covers shipment only. Installation isn't included, so plan for help assembling your kiln, completing electrical connections, and installing any ventilation.
When Your Kiln Arrives
- Inspect before you sign. Check the packaging and kiln for visible damage before signing the delivery. Note any damage to the delivery receipt, even if it seems minor, and take photos.
- Report problems right away. Contact the manufacturer or our customer service team as soon as possible if anything is damaged or missing.
- Register your warranty, if applicable.
- Set up and test fire following Assembly and Setup in Installation Requirements.
FAQs
Can I put a kiln in my garage?
Often, yes, if the space meets the manufacturer's requirements for ventilation, clearance, flooring, and electrical service. See Location and Space Requirements.
Can a kiln plug into a regular outlet?
Some small test, craft, and jewelry kilns plug into a standard 120V household outlet. Most ceramic kilns need a dedicated 208V or 240V circuit and will have a different style of plug.
Does a pottery kiln need a dedicated circuit?
In most cases, yes. Have a licensed electrician install it before your kiln arrives. See Installation Requirements.
How many cubic feet should my kiln be?
It depends on the size and volume of your work. Small test kilns can be under 1 cubic foot, while school, community studio, and production kilns can exceed 10 cubic feet.
Does a new kiln come with shelves?
Some do, while others sell kiln furniture separately. See Helpful Add-Ons.
Can I fire glass in a pottery kiln?
Yes, if your kiln has a programmable digital controller for the precise holds and controlled cooling glass requires. See Dual-Media Kilns.
Can I fire pottery in a glass kiln?
Generally not, since most glass kilns can't reach the temperatures clay requires.
How will my kiln be delivered?
Nearly all kilns sold at Blick ship directly from the manufacturer by freight truck, with curbside delivery. See Ordering and Delivery.
What if I order the wrong electrical configuration for my space?
Kilns are custom-built to order and can't be returned, which is why our customer service team contacts you after you order to verify your setup. Confirm your voltage, phase, and amperage with a licensed electrician before submitting your order.
How long does a firing take?
Most bisque and glaze firings take roughly 7 to 12 hours, depending on the cone, the kiln, and the firing speed you choose. The kiln then needs about as long, or longer, to cool before you can unload it. Small test kilns fire and cool much faster.
Can I leave my kiln unattended while it fires?
Digital controllers and kiln-sitters shut kilns off automatically, but they aren't a fail-safe. Stay nearby, check in periodically, and be present when the firing is expected to end.