Sax Arts & Crafts - Ceramic Kilns Buying Guide

Buying Guide - Ceramic Kilns

Purchasing a kiln is an important decision. There are many kiln models available. Kilns may be ordered with a wide variety of options and features. Having a general understanding of these options may help you to choose a kiln tailor-made to your unique requirements. Keep in mind the following basic, essential elements: Electrical Power Supply, Firing Capacity, Ventilation, Requirements, Accessories. We hope the following guide will help you with your kiln purchase. Please see the "Kiln Specifications" form at the beginning of the Kiln listings in the annual Sax Arts & Crafts Full-Line Catalog.

Download our Kiln Ordering Specifications worksheet (PDF)

Electrical Power Supply:
The electrical power supply at your facility will determine the voltage and phase requirements of the kiln. You should be able to find this information by contacting your building custodian or the local electric company. Most kilns are available in 208 or 240 volts. Kilns are available with single or three-phase electricity. For example, if your building is powered by 208 volts and single-phase electricity your kiln should have the same power specifications. Your kiln must be either direct-wired or plugged into a compatibly wired circuit. The circuit must NEVER be used by other appliances while the kiln is firing. Attempting to fire a 240-volt kiln in a building with 208 voltage will underpower your kiln. High temperature range specifications for some glazes may not be reached or may require more energy output. The lowest voltage required to operate a 240-volt kiln is 228 volts.

Kiln Location:
A minimum clearance of 18 inches on all sides of the kiln is required. Allow for easy access. Be aware of the width of doorways, stairwells, corridors, etc. Check with your local authorities regarding any laws or regulations regarding requirements for protective walls and flooring, or if a kiln ventilation system is necessary.

Kiln Size & Firing Range:
If you find that you're firing at an overall average rate of once a week, choose a kiln with a similar capacity that fits within your space and electrical limitations. If you're firing more often, or you feel limited by the capacity of your current kiln, choose the largest kiln your space, electrical and budget limitations will permit. Preview various clays and glazes to determine the firing range you desire. Most kilns fire to a cone 10. This is adequate for a wide range of firing capabilities and ceramics techniques.

Pyrometers, Kilns Sitters & Timers:
A Pyrometer will accurately give you the temperature of the interior air in the kiln (much the way the exterior dial on a household oven regulates the temperature of the air inside the oven). A Kiln Sitter using a pyrometric cone measures the absorbed temperature of the ceramic pieces being fired (similar to the way a meat thermometer measures the actual interior temperature of a roast in the oven). At the desired temperature the cone will bend and the kiln will shut off. A Timer shuts down the kiln at a specific preset time, helping to prevent costly overfiring or melt-downs. It is crucial to remember that the Sitter, Timer and Pyrometer are only back-up systems.

NOTICE: Automatic controllers allow you to be away from the kiln during firing, however we recommend that you monitor the firing periodically and that you ALWAYS BE PRESENT NEAR THE END OF THE FIRING THROUGH SHUTDOWN.

Kiln Furniture:
In order to use your kiln you MUST order some kiln furniture (shelves and posts used within the kiln). Also required are peep-hole plugs, kiln wash, heat-resistant gloves, pyrometric cones and-of course-clays and glazes. As a rule, a tight and consistent load of ceramics in the kiln will produce better results and save energy. Check the inner dimensions of your kiln before ordering it. It is more economical to purchase your kiln furniture along with your kiln.

Elements:
Elements are the most commonly ordered replacement parts for kilns. Expended coils will cause uneven temperature within your kiln. You may need a replacement in the midst of a tight firing schedule. It is wise to purchase extra elements at the time of your kiln purchase or prior to their actual need.

Ventilation Systems:
This safety system draws toxic fumes and offensive odors from your kiln and vents them to the outside of your building. Your studio or classroom will stay cooler and healthier. Some of the down-drafting models actually improve the temperature uniformity within the kiln. We strongly recommend the use of a kiln ventilation system.

Kiln Accessories:
Order a variety of pyrometric cones for the interior of the kiln and for your kiln sitter. For accurate firing, purchase large cones just under the desired temperature, right at the correct temperature and just over the desired temperature. Cones will bend when matured. Heat-resistant gloves are essential to prevent burns while handling a hot kiln and its contents. Kiln wash is brushed onto kiln walls and shelves to keep glaze drippings from sticking and damaging your kiln and the shelves. Kiln cement is used to repair minor damage to your firebrick.

Make sure to read each page of your owner's manual in detail before you install or operate the kiln. Warranties do not cover damage caused by failure to follow instructions. We suggest you read the manual twice. The first time read it straight through before you plug in your kiln. The second time use it as a guide as you set the kiln up and for the initial firing.

Each of the kiln manufacturers we represent offers more kilns than we can show in our catalog. You may order ANY kiln model or replacement part from the Sax Arts & Crafts order department. After your purchase, our customer service department would be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns regarding your new kiln. We want your ceramics experience to be creative and enjoyable!

Sax Ordering and Customer Service may be contacted Toll Free at 1-800-558-6696.

Download our Kiln Ordering Specifications worksheet (PDF)

Sax offers several helpful resources to educate and assist you in the ceramics studio. Check the Visual Resource Index at the back of our Sax Main catalog for current books on clay and ceramics.