When pottery kilns are made well, they heat up evenly and maintain a consistent temperature. This is important for ensuring that your pots come out of the kiln correctly- with the desired shape and color. But there’s a lot more to think about when it comes to buying pottery kilns. What size do you need? What style is best for you? How much does it cost?
In this post, we’ll help you figure out what you need to look for in a good pottery kiln and how to find the perfect kiln for sale for your needs. Happy crafting!
Things You Need To Check In a Pottery Kiln
Although different, all kilns should have some necessary features to make them good. Following are some short-listed attributes:
Size
The size of the kiln is important because it will determine how much you can fit inside, keeping in mind the size of your projects. A smaller kiln will suffice if you’re a beginner and are only firing small pieces. But you’ll need a larger model if you plan on firing large pieces or multiple items at once. Furthermore, you must also keep in mind how much space you have in your home or wherever you want to place the kiln.
Electricity and Voltage Necessities
Mostly smaller pottery kilns need to be plugged into a simple outlet because they consume the usual 120V, but larger kilns require 240V, for which you may require a 60-amp breaker. So, make sure you have the correct voltage for your model. Some larger models may require more than one outlet.
Temperature and Cone
The temperature and cone are important for knowing how hot your kiln will get and how long it will take to heat up. It will also tell you which kiln is perfect for your project type. Different materials require different temperatures, so be sure to check your materials before firing. If you want to make porcelainware, then you need a high-firing kiln. For glass and earthenware, you can buy a low-fire kiln. Finally, a mid-fire is suitable for stoneware.
Top-Loading vs. Front-Loading
This is a matter of preference, but front-loading kilns are typically easier to load and unload. Top-loading kilns may be cheaper but more difficult to access because they can often put stress on your back. Height can also be a problem while working with top-loading kilns, but you can always use a stool to adjust the height.
Controller Type
Controller types in kilns come in different styles. Some models come with digital controllers like TAP control and genesis control, making setting the temperature and timer easy. Others have manual controls that require you to set the temperature yourself. The ones left come with electronic control like Rampmaster control and Set-pro control. Choose whichever type is best for you.
Conclusion
Pottery kilns come in all shapes and sizes. You need to find the right one for your needs. Each type of kiln has its benefits and drawbacks. When choosing a pottery kiln, you need to consider how often you will use it, what type of ceramics you will make, and your budget. Good luck!
