Pottery Kilns and Kiln Accessories
Kilns are the most expensive and the most important piece of equipment of your pottery studio. Find out more about buying them here.
Kiln shelves are important, and expensive, pieces of pottery equipment. They need to be the correct type for your firing needs. They also need to handled, stored, and used in ways that will extend their working life. Kiln shelf failure during a firing can be catastrophic for all ware in the kiln, and can damage the kiln itself, as well.
Kilns are basically containers for heat. In the most primitive forms, this could be nothing more than a trench or pit dug into the earth. Today, there are many different types of kilns. Here is an introduction to some of the most common types used for pottery and the ceramic arts.
Kilns can be heated by a number of different heating sources. Kilns used for pottery are heated, or brought to temperature, using six main heating sources.
There are some very important aspects to electric kilns that need to be recognized before these kilns can be safely installed and used. You must match the kiln to your electrical system in regards to voltage, phase, and amperage.
How much does it cost you to fire your kiln? This is a pertinent question just to keep track of your pottery expenses, but also in the event that you are asked to rent out space in your kiln.
Some kilns are especially designed or used for a specific type of firing. The types of specialized kilns include salt kilns (soda kilns), raku kilns, and test kilns.
