Purchasing a New Kiln:

While used kilns are a great way to save money initially, many new kilns have added safety and convenience features built in. They usually have thicker walls, so that they hold heat better and take less energy. Some have digital controls that take the guess work out of firing and help the kiln to heat evenly. Newer kilns usually have more accessories available (I have difficulty finding accessories/replacement parts for my 20+ year old kiln - if you have the same trouble, check out Euclid Kilns). Most of the companies that sell new kilns will ship your kiln professionally to ensure that your kiln arrives safely, while buying a used kiln means your selection is local and you have to move the kiln yourself (trust me, that's not an easy task!).

So, with all of the benefits of buying a new kiln, why did I buy mine from ebay (see buying a used kiln)? Any artist starting out knows why - initial cost. It was less than $300 including the drive to another state to pick it up. I knew next to nothing about kilns when I bought it, and basically I lucked out - the seller was honest and had taken very good care of this kiln. There was a definite learning curve when it came to firing - I had never fired a kiln before in my life. My first few firings were riddled with broken artworks (I was firing my work too fast), which resulted in a burned out element (I didn't remove the clay from the element after a sculpture exploded, which caused a hot spot on the bottom element and burned it out). I emailed a local ceramic supply business and asked them for information, and they supplied me with everything I needed to know about firing (they are also the people from which I received my firing chart information). Anyone who lives in the Springfield/Branson area of Missouri should check out L & R Specialties Nixa, MO, they are outstanding! They are also a great (price-wise & quality-wise) local source for clay (clay bought online doesn't cost much, but the shipping can get you!).

For anyone who does not want such an extreme entrance into the world of kilns, a newer kiln is the way to go.

New Kilns (products from Blick Art Materials):

Skutt KM Series Kilnmaster Automatic Kilns

Skutt's KM Series kilns offer electronically controlled, digital firing with traditional Skutt features and quality. Skutt's automatic kilns integrate the finest in quality features with the new KilnMaster electronic controllers. Automatic kilns provide firing accuracy, convenience, and repeatable results. There are no more junior cones to buy, store, or set. You can easily fire between cones too, by entering an exact temperature into the program. For advanced artists and production studios, it means more precise control and less time spent monitoring firings. For the hobbyist, it means more enjoyment of the creative work and fewer worries about switch settings. Skutt KM Series kilns are the very best when teamed with the Skutt EnviroVent Kiln Ventilation System. Program the kiln and proper ventilation is assured. Control features include a power switch, a smooth touch pad, a digital readout showing prompts, messages, and temperature,an alarm setting, delay firing option, and more. KM Series Kilns offer slow, medium, or fast firing speeds. Use cone fire mode to let you enter desired cone number. Limited 2-year warranty, UL and CSA listed.

Visit Blick Art Materials for more kilns and accessories!

--Orton Cone Charts & Instructions for Firing--

--Before Buying a Kiln--
--Buying a New Kiln--
--Buying / Repairing a Used Kiln--


--Reference Materials--

--Clay Medium--
--Clay Finishes--
--Clay Timeline--

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Building an Art Website

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Clay Panther Sculpture Demonstration

Clay Horse Sculpture Demonstration

Clay Lidded Box Tutorial

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