Buying a Pottery Kiln | Facts Features and What to Consider

Hobbyists looking for Electric Kilns to fire up Earthenware Pottery or Slip Cast Ceramics will find the market flooded with options. But not all of these Kilns can be good for the job.

When buying a Kiln, there are things you need to look for. Electric Kilns tend to be more popular than Gas-fired options because they produce different brighter colors with Oxidation firing. While some colors, like copper red, turn out better when fired in a Gas (reduction) Kiln, many Potters opt for an Electric option.

Carefully researching before purchasing your first or next Electric Kiln can help you choose the right one, whether you produce a few pottery pieces a month or are looking to establish a pottery business. This guide looks at popular electric kilns suitable for your home studio and features six electric kilns that offer exceptional power and efficiency.

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• Skutt Kilnmaster – KM-1227-3
• Skutt Kilnmaster – KM-818
• Amaco Excel 22” Deep Single Phase Kiln – EX-329SF
• Amaco Excel Kiln with EZ-Lift – EX270SF
• Skutt Kilnmaster – KM-614-3
• Skutt FireBox 8×6 Kiln

But before we discuss these Kilns, we need to cover the features a good Electric Pottery Kiln has. 

What Do You Need in a Good Pottery Kiln?

A good pottery Kiln will ideally offer even heating, be easy and safe to use, and last for many years to come.

Supports Higher Temperatures

Stoneware and porcelain typically need higher temperatures. Bisque and Glaze firing typically want to reach temperatures ranging from around 1789°F (976 C) Cone 07 to 2345 F (1285) Cone 10.  

Porcelain, Stoneware, and Porcelain glazes work best in even higher temperatures. You want your kiln to reach temperatures of 2345 F or 1285 C (Cone 10). The reason being even if you fire lower, a Cone 10 Kiln will fire more efficiently and last longer. Also, if you ever want to or need to fire to Cone 10 you have the ability to do so. Again, you can always Lower the Temperature of a Higher Temperature Kiln but you can never Fire Higher with a Low-Temperature Kiln. 

Heating Elements and Bricks Designed for Even-heating

A good Electric Kiln for pottery should ideally have 3-inch fire bricks for Insulation. They are more energy efficient, which is always a plus when it comes to your power bill.

Advanced users exploring Soak Temperatures and Hold Cycles may want to look for models with bricks wrapped in fiber. 

One of the limitations of Electric Kilns is that they use radiant heat from heating elements for firing up your Pottery ware. Because there is no circulation to distribute the heat evenly around the piece, the section facing the heating element gets more heat than the section on the shady side. Heavier pieces of Pottery tend to be heated unevenly as a result. That’s why a 2-minute hold is recommended to ensure the whole kiln reaches the desired temperature.

Well-designed Thermocouple

The Thermocouple is technically the probe that senses the temperature in the Kiln and sends info to and from the controller for an accurate temperature reading. An expensive kiln may have type S platinum thermocouples that can last a decade or more even at Cone 10 firings. These are made of platinum and rhodium. 

Most Electric Kilns, however, come with type K thermocouples. These are inexpensive and made of chromel and alumel. How long type K Thermocouples last depends on your firing schedule and the firing temperatures. 

A Type that Fits Your Project 

If you intend to fire up little ceramic animals as a hobby at home, a 27-inch Electric Kiln is a waste of space and money. At the same time, firing up thick porcelain pieces evenly on a Cone 8 Electric Kiln to perfection may be difficult. You should buy a Kiln that fits your needs. If you only make a few pieces in a week, how long do you want to wait until you have enough greenware to fill your Kiln?  

Ergonomic Design

The ergonomic design means a Kiln that you don’t have to bend over too much to use safely. Top-loading models aren’t good for everyone. If you have a height disadvantage in the face of deep full-volume kilns, go for a front-loading model. They are pricier, but you’re paying for the lack of a backache from bending over too much. 

Many models come with a one-handed lid design. Such handles can be helpful if you intend to use your Kiln a lot.

Intend to move your Kiln around a lot? Look for models with wheeled stands. Most Kilns come with a stand without wheels. Wheel stands are great space savers. You can wheel your kiln out for use and back against the wall when you are done.

Reasonable Price 

Electric Kilns can go for $1000 to $15,000, depending on a variety of things. Usually, higher wattage, greater capacity, and better quality of the heating elements mean a higher price. 

Front-loading designs are typically more expensive. Top loaders are more popular. Paragon and Skutt are two popular brands to come out of the US with excellent industrial-standard kilns at surprising prices. 

Paragon is recommended for you if you have a big budget. Skutt models are more competitively priced. Skutt is known for its thermocouples, and the brand’s industrial-standard models are highly affordable for what they are. 

A Programmable Controller

Manual Controller:

Kilns can come with different types of controllers. Manual controllers are rare. These controllers need you to start your kiln at the lowest settings and change the temperature manually throughout the firing process. Note that manual controllers are not for beginners. 

The Set-Pro Control:

The Set-Pro Control is a standard 3-button controller that you’ll find on many Electric Ceramic Kilns. Some people find that it doesn’t give them the flexibility of 12-button or touchpad controllers. But the Set Pro is good for beginners or those on a low budget. 

The KMT Controller:

The KilnMaster by Skutt has a touchscreen controller similar to a smartphone with built-in WiFi that allows you to upgrade your firmware whenever Skutt comes out with a new feature, which gives you a new controller for the life of the kiln. I like the free App you can download and access directly to your phone. The App allows you to monitor the temperature of your Kiln and how long it’s been firing from anywhere you are. This touch screen was designed with beginners in mind. It will guild you through the process until you learn more about the firing process.

Select Fire Controller:

The Select Fire controller allows you greater control over your Firings. It’s two controllers in one. You can fire your own firing profile with multiple holds and ramps or by cone numbers. This is an easy controller to use.

You can order the Skutt KilnMaster Touchscreen Controller separately by clicking HERE

Well-Ventilated Unit and Switch-Housing

You don’t want fumes and moisture to build up inside the Kiln during firing. This can rust the insides of the unit and affect the glaze. 

A good Electric Kiln will have Vents to work as an exhaust. During the firing process, you’ll want to remove the top peeper to let the fumes out. You may also prop the top up with a piece of fire brick that Skutt supplies with the kiln.

A switch housing with a solid metal top will not have good ventilation to prevent overheating. Ideally, the switch housing should have a metal grate or vents to allow airflow for cooling. Without airflow, the switches can overheat and fail. 

Efficient and Suitable Kiln Furniture 

A good Kiln manufacturer will offer good quality furniture that will heat quickly, lose as little heat as possible, and hold heat at the temperature that you want. 

One of the reasons that Electric Kilns can be inefficient is poorly designed Kiln furniture. Furniture includes bricks, shelves, bread racks (for wearable ceramics), Kiln posts, and stilts. Some materials are better than others. It’s best to order the furniture with your Kiln unless you want to pay for extra shipping charges later. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing Furniture Materials: 

• Kiln shelves are typically made of Cordierite, containing alumina and silica. They support firing up to Cone 10. But they tend to get warped beyond Cone 8.
  If you plan a lot of high fire projects, look for high-alumina kiln shelves. But if you can afford them, silicon carbide shelves are the lightest and least likely to warp. You need to take into account ware weight, temperature rating, and size of shelves for efficient and effective firing. 
• Support kiln shelves with Kiln posts. Using posts will maximize the space inside for the firing process. 
• The bricks in your Kiln can either be soft or hard. Soft bricks store heat better. But they can’t withstand high temperatures that hard bricks can. 

What Are the Installation Safety Measures?

Install your Kiln as per the manufacturer’s instructions and your local fire and electrical safety codes. That is the area you never want to get cheap.

Using a qualified technician keeps your insurance coverage valid,  just in case something goes awry. When it comes to electricity, you do NOT want to take any chances.

I strongly suggest getting a Licensed Electrician to check and make sure you can safely operate the kiln you are thinking of purchasing. I have found that Home Advisor (affiliate link) is an excellent choice for hiring an Electrician to ensure the safe and correct installation of any wiring, breaker boxes, or outlets.

After signing up for Home Advisor (no charge) up you will be connected with multiple contractors in your local geographic area.
You will then be able to ask your contractors questions to see if your Kiln is compatible with your electrical system before even setting up an appointment.

I had my Garage wired for my Skutt 818 Kiln and it took less than one hour. Be Safe and get a Licensed electrician.

Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, let’s move on to the most popular Electric Kilns in the market for Ceramic Pottery at Home or Small Studio:  

Skutt Kiln Master KM-1227-3 

This Skutt is a popular high-fire Kiln for higher production volumes in your Home Shop or Small Professional Studio. The brand offers a huge range of lowfire to high fire production Kilns. I have chosen the best-selling Skutt KM 1227 PK for a variety of reasons. 

This unit is a little on the larger size, at 28.13 inches by 27 inches. It’s suitable for larger projects that need volumes of up to 9.9 cubic feet. 

This Kiln fires all the way to Cone 10. The precision Thermocouples increase the temperature accuracy and a host of other advanced features. Intermediate or seasoned users will appreciate the many high-level features of the model. 

The unit comes with a multi-featured touchscreen that makes programming visual and intuitive. You can monitor the temperature and firing time status through your smartphone.

The Hinged Controller allows you to move it upward, so you won’t need to get down on your hands and knees to program the unit. 

The kiln is designed with parts that fit one another and can be removed for moving or replacing faulty sections. The extra investment you’re making for this design pays off in the long run for heavy use cases.

The elements are designed for even heating across various zones, with twice the number of grooves as most kilns of the same volume. There will be fewer cold spots when you use several shelves. The Skutt offers greater flexibility of use with its element placement and design. Elements will last longer, too, when there is less burden on each one. 

Thermocouples are exposed to greater accuracy. You have the option to upgrade to Type S to buff up your Skutt. Plus, the warranty on the model covers labor as well as parts.  

The 240 Volts requires an electrician to install a special plug for home use, so before buying, make sure you are equipped for it. 

Pros

• The current sensor allows precision control and reading
• Sectional design for easy dismantling and repairs 
• Balanced elements for more even heating and longer element life
• Exposed thermocouple for greater accuracy
• Industrial-grade wiring delivers 14,300 watts, ideal for a small production studio
• Plenty of upgrade options 

Cons

• It does not come with a Touchscreen Controller with built-in WiFi.
• May be too big for Home hobbyists or Small studios

To find out where to get your Skutt KMT 1227-3 Kiln and the current price, Click Here.

Skutt KM-818-3

I have chosen this best-selling smaller Skutt KM-818-3 for several reasons. If you’re looking for a Skutt Kiln more on the compact side, the Skutt KM- 818 -3 is a perfect choice. It is a popular high-fire Kiln for your small Home Studio or Shop. This Kiln fires all the way to Cone 10. 

The unit is a little smaller in size because of the 3-inch bricks for better insulation. It weighs only 145 pounds. The inside measures 16 ½ by 17 ½ inches, and the volume is 2.3 cubic feet. 

The Skutt KM- 818 -3 offers a 3-inch Brick insolation, which makes it more energy efficient but cuts your width from 17 ½ inches across to 16 ½ inches and 2.3 cubic feet.

This unit also comes with a multi-featured touchscreen with a Hinged Controller that makes programming visual and intuitive. You can monitor the temperature and firing time status through your smartphone.

This compact Kiln is designed with parts that fit one another and can be removed for moving or replacing faulty sections. The 240 Volts requires an electrician to install a special plug for home use, so before buying, make sure you are equipped for it. 

The elements are designed for even heating. This Compact Skutt offers greater flexibility of use with its element placement and design. Elements will last longer, too, when there is less burden on each one. 

The KM-818-3 is a good price. You get everything in this smaller version that you do with the larger models, along with the advanced features. Beginners or seasoned users will appreciate the features of the model. 

Pros

• Fires up to Cone 10 at 240 Volts.
• The current sensor allows precision control and reading
• Sectional design for easy dismantling and repairs 
• Balanced elements for more even heating and longer element life
• Exposed thermocouple for greater accuracy
• Industrial-grade wiring delivers 6400 watts, great for a small production studio
• Plenty of upgrade options 
• Doesn’t take up much room
• 3-inch bricks offer better insulation

Cons 

• It does not come with a Touchscreen controller with built-in WiFi
• The thermocouple is not in an ideal spot for arranging your shelves
• Because of its smaller capacity, loading may be tricky at times, like a jigsaw puzzle.  

To find out where to get your Skutt KM- 818 -3 Kiln and the current price, Click Here.

Amaco Excel 22” EX-329SF

The Amaco Excel 22” EX-329SF is a reliable ceramic Kiln for a Small Studio or your Home Studio. This Kiln was designed to make loading easy for Potters who are unable to reach the bottom of the Kiln.   

The Kiln weighs 155 lbs. and the exterior stands at 36 inches high and 29-inch width. The interior dimensions are 22 inches Deep and 17½ inches across, with a firing area that measures 3.2 cubic feet. The compact size makes it easy to make space for pieces to move around.

You get a 2 ½ -inch brick construction for good temperature distribution, sturdy handle brackets, and load-bearing hinge for strength, durable stands for heavy-duty use, ergonomic extra-wide handle for use with gloved hands. 

The kiln can reach temperatures of 2381°F (1305 C), which is great for artists working with high-fire Stoneware as well as Earthenware. If you can take advantage of its high power, you have a sturdy and reliable kiln that can deliver a good performance.

Note that the 232SF needs a voltage of 240. We recommend having an electrician make sure you have the equipment to accommodate higher-voltage appliances safely. 

Pros

• Compact size with advanced features
• High power, ideal for stoneware and porcelain firing up to cone 10 – 2381°F (1305 C)
• It comes with the Select Fire Controller for easy operation
• Sectional design for easy dismantling and repairs
• Peepholes to help control the airflow in and out of the Kiln  
• Despite the top-loading design, the 22” Kilns are made for individuals with a shorter reach.  

Cons 

• The standard stand doesn’t have wheels. An Amaco wheel stand is not available.  
• Only 2 ½ inch brick, but can also get 3-inch brick EX-329SF. Keep in mind you lose the cubic area.

To find out where to get your Amaco Excel 22” EX-329SF Kiln and the current price, Click Here.

Amaco Excel Kiln with EZ-Lift – EX270SF

Another offering from Amaco is this big brother of the compact high fire Electric Kilns – The Excel Kiln with EZ-Lift – EX270SF. As it’s designed for heavy-duty use, the EX series is ideal for use in artist studios.

The interior dimensions are 27 inches Deep and 23 3/8 inches across, with a firing area that measures 7.0 cubic feet firing chamber.

The standard model comes with a controller that is convenient and accurate. The bottom and lid can be turned over to extend the life of your Kiln.

The kiln can achieve maximum temperatures of 2345 F (1285 C) or Cone 10. It is well suited for advanced or intermediate artists working with ceramics. High fire pottery up to Cone 10 requires artistry, and EX-353SF is known to be good for delivering bisque and glaze firing to satisfaction.

This model runs on 240 volts. That may be more powerful than many home studios are equipped for. You will need an electrician to make sure you have enough amps and install the proper plug.   

To find out where to get your Excel Kiln with EZ-Lift – EX270S Kiln and the current price, Click Here.

Skutt KM -614-3

This is a good small-sized Kiln for a Home Studio. It’s perfect if you always low-fire, and you can even mid-fire to cone 6.

You can fire pieces like bowls, plates, and pots in your Studio. This 6-sided Kiln comes with 3” thick sidewalls, bottom, and lid, making it 20% thicker than the standard 2 ½” thick bricks.

You can easily set the Skutt KM -614-3 up in your Home Studio. The 115 volts, 20 amps, and a 30 breaker may require an electrician to install a special plug for home use. Make sure you are equipped for it before buying.

This Kiln is on the lighter side, weighing 88 pounds. The external kiln height is 29 inches with the stand. The inside of this Kiln measures 11 inches wide by 13.5 inches high.

Pros

• It puts out 115 Volts and only 20 AMPS
• The current sensor allows precision control and reading
• Balanced elements for more even heating and longer element life
• Exposed thermocouple for greater accuracy
• Industrial-grade wiring delivers 2300 watts, which is great for a small production studio
• It doesn’t take up much room
• 3-inch bricks offer better insulation

Cons 

• It only fires to cone 6 – 2232℉ (1222℃)
• Because of its smaller capacity, loading may be tricky at times.  

 To find out where to get your Skutt KM -614-3 Kiln and the current price, Click Here.

Skutt FireBox 8×6 Kiln

This Skutt FireBox is a Perfect Starter Kiln. It plugs into a standard household outlet. It uses 15 AMPS, 1800 watts, and a 20 Breaker. It will use about the same amount of electricity as a big microwave. It also has a UL safety listing.

You can easily set the Skutt FireBox 8×6 Kiln in your Home Studio. You will need a well-vented area in your home away from any living area.

This little KIln reaches Cone 6 – 2232℉ (1222℃), which is enough for low and mid firing. The 8 x 8 inches across and 6 inches high is an ideal kiln for beginners who don’t make a lot of pottery yet or if you only want to make small things.

Pros

• You can just plug it into the wall. no special wiring is needed
• It can be used for low as well as mid-fire Ceramics. 
• It is also a great test kiln

Cons 

• It is a small Kiln that will only fit a few mugs
• It only fires to cone 6 – 2232℉ (1222℃)

To find out where to get your Skutt FireBox 8×6 Kiln and the current price, Click Here.

As your skills grow and you make more pottery and or larger pots can get an upgrade to a larger kiln and use this one as a test kiln for firing Test Tiles.

If you’d like to know how to make test tiles, I have a video for you here Making Pottery Glaze Test Tiles – Wheel Thrown and Handbuilt.

Summary

Here are the key takeaways from this article:

• When buying an electric kiln for Low to High-firing Ceramic projects, look for robust Kilns with even heat distribution, easy access switch box, well-ventilated units, ergonomic design, and safety features. The most popular kilns for Home Studios and small production Studios offer these features. 
• Choose a model with future-proofing in mind. The Skutt and Amaco Excel Kilns are great for Bisque and Glaze firing.
• I recommend the Skutt KilnMaster KM-1227PK for its industrial-quality parts that are easy to repair and replace. The Skutt is worth it will depend on usage. It is an excellent high firing unit for your Studios.
• The Excel 22” Deep Kiln and Skutt KM 818-3 are great compact kilns, with the same high firing as the larger units. Easy to use and wonderful for the smaller scale or Hobby Potter.
• If you prefer smaller starter Kilns then the Skutt KM -614-3 or the Skutt FireBox 8×6 Kiln would be a great choice that will last you many years of use.