How Much Is The Average Kiln?

A kiln is a thermally insulated chamber that produces temperatures sufficient to complete the following processes:

According to https://www.soulceramics.com/pages/oven-vs-kiln-vs-forge-vs-furnace, kilns have been used for centuries, predominantly to harden or dry materials like clay and lumber.

The main purposes of a kiln are firing/sintering ceramics, drying lumber, inducing chemical reactions, and many other industrial processes where high temperatures are needed.

Kilns allow control over heating conditions like temperature, heating rate, cooling rate, and atmosphere to achieve optimal results for the process.

Table of Contents

Types of Kilns

There are several main types of kilns used for firing ceramics, glass, and other materials. The three most common are:

Electric kilns – These kilns use electricity to generate heat through heating elements. Electric kilns allow for precise temperature control and are widely used by hobbyists and artists. They can be less expensive to operate than gas kilns since they only require an electrical hookup.

Gas kilns – Gas kilns use natural gas or propane as the fuel source. The gas is burned to create the heat needed for firing. Gas kilns heat up quickly and allow for adjustable temperature control. They may also reach higher maximum temperatures compared to electric kilns.

Wood-fired kilns – Also known as wood kilns, these kilns use wood as the fuel for firing ceramics. Wood-firing results in unique natural effects on the clay surface from ash and flame. However, temperature control is less precise. Firing a wood kiln takes longer and involves continual stoking of the fire.

Size and Shape

The size and shape of a kiln significantly impacts the overall cost. Larger kilns that can fire more pieces at once tend to be more expensive. According to https://kilnfrog.com, popular ceramic studio kilns range from 10 cubic feet to 30 cubic feet, with prices from $2,000 to $15,000 or more.

The shape of the kiln chamber also affects cost. Round and oval kilns are usually more affordable than rectangular or square kilns of a similar size. This is because the rounded shape provides even heat distribution using less energy. Rectangular kilns often have hotspots and require adjustments to achieve uniform heating, adding to costs according to https://www.soulceramics.com.

In summary, larger kilns with more cubic feet of firing space allow for higher production but have higher upfront costs. The shape of the chamber also impacts efficiency and long-term operating expenses.

Popular Brands

Some well-known brands that manufacture and sell kilns include Skutt (https://cayman.desertcart.com/search/kiln), Olympic (https://saintkitts.desertcart.com/search/kiln), Paragon, L&L Kiln, and Evenheat. These brands offer a range of kiln types, sizes, and prices.

Skutt kilns range from small hobby kilns starting around $799 to larger production kilns over $5,000. Olympic offers front-loading and top-loading kilns from $1,399 to $2,799. Paragon kilns start around $1,000 and go up to $7,000+ for large production kilns.

L&L Kiln has prices from $899 for a small digital kiln up to industrial kilns over $10,000. Evenheat kilns start around $1,200 and range up to more than $3,000 for their largest options.

So popular kiln brands offer products anywhere from just under $1,000 into the thousands of dollars depending on size, features, and capabilities.

Key Features

Some of the key features that can increase the cost of a kiln include the type of insulation, the controller, and any special capabilities. Kilns with better insulation, like 2-3 inches of ceramic fiber, retain heat more efficiently which requires less energy to fire. More advanced digital controllers provide features like wifi connectivity, multiple programs, and touchscreens which add to the price. Special capabilities like ventilation systems, lid lifts, and rollers can cost several hundred to thousands more than basic models.

According to Kiln Frog (https://kilnfrog.com/blogs/frogblog/how-much-are-kilns), upgrading to the best insulation can add $1500+ and a high-end controller may cost $800-$1200 extra. These features allow for more precise firing, easier operation, and energy savings over time, so they are worth the investment for serious ceramic artists and professionals.

Wood kilns require special construction to allow heat and air flow. This additional masonry and brickwork increases costs significantly, with prices starting around $10,000 (https://www.soulceramics.com/pages/cost-of-firing-ceramic-kiln). Metal kilns are generally inexpensive compared to other types, with small hobby models available under $1000. However, industrial-scale metal kilns with thick steel casing and advanced controllers can cost $15,000+.

Buying New vs Used

When purchasing a kiln, one of the first decisions is whether to buy new or used. There are pros and cons to both options that are worth considering.

New kilns offer the latest features and technology. They have not experienced any wear and tear, so they should run smoothly and last a long time with proper care and maintenance. Many new kilns come with warranties from the manufacturer covering parts and labor for 1-2 years. You can often customize options like size, power, type of heating elements, and more. Buying new gives peace of mind knowing the full history of the kiln. However, new kilns have a higher upfront cost. Prices start around $1,000 for a small hobby kiln and go up exponentially for larger production models.

Used or secondhand kilns provide an affordable alternative, often costing half the price or less than a new comparable model. If the previous owner took good care of the kiln, it could still have years of use left. Specs like size and power input may be harder to customize with a used kiln. Carefully inspect a used kiln for cracks or damage that could impact performance. Ask the seller about maintenance and reconditioning done on the kiln elements, bricks, and wiring. Get details on firing history and past repairs. While warranties are usually not an option, used kilns can be a great find for budget-conscious buyers comfortable doing repairs and maintenance themselves. source

Ultimately, the choice between buying new or used depends on budget, availability of kilns in your area, and your mechanical skills and willingness to repair any issues. Both routes have advantages and drawbacks to weigh.

Additional Accessories

When buying a kiln, there are often additional accessories and tools you may need to purchase separately. Here are some common add-ons not always included with the base kiln price:

Shelves – Kiln shelves are necessary to stack ware inside the kiln. They are made from high temperature materials like cordierite or kiln-fired clay.
Posts or stilts – Support posts hold shelves at varying heights inside the kiln. Stilts hold up individual pottery pieces.
Kiln furniture – This includes products like saggars and kiln posts used to prop up or protect ware during firing.
Kiln wash – A coating brushed onto shelves to prevent ware from sticking during firing. It needs reapplication after so many firings.
Shelves – Kiln shelves are necessary to stack ware inside the kiln. They are made from high temperature materials like cordierite or kiln-fired clay.
Vent system – Some kilns require additional venting. Downdraft vents pull air down to improve heat circulation.
Shelves – Kiln shelves are necessary to stack ware inside the kiln. They are made from high temperature materials like cordierite or kiln-fired clay.
Kiln furniture kit – A prepackaged kit with assorted posts, stilts, and saggars.
Firing plate – A flat plate made of refractory to fire certain items.
Peephole plugs – Ceramic plugs seal off peepholes not being used during firing.

Be sure to factor in these additional accessories when budgeting for a new kiln. They can add a few hundred dollars or more to the total cost.

Operating Costs

The ongoing costs of operating a kiln mainly come from electricity usage for electric kilns, or fuel costs for gas and wood-fired kilns. Calculating electricity costs for an electric kiln involves determining the kiln’s power draw in kilowatts (kW), the duration of the firing cycle, and your local electricity rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Using a 1000W, 110V kiln as an example, if the firing cycle is 8 hours and electricity costs $0.12/kWh, the cost would be:

1000W / 1000 = 1 kW

1 kW x 8 hours = 8 kWh

8 kWh x $0.12/kWh = $0.96

So for this kiln, a single 8-hour firing cycle would cost $0.96 in electricity (Calculating the Cost of Firing an Electric Kiln). Costs scale linearly with the kiln’s power draw and duration of firing. Industrial electric kilns used in production can cost hundreds of dollars to fire due to their high energy use.

For gas and wood-fired kilns, fuel costs depend on the type and amount used. Propane kilns use therms, while wood kilns vary based on amount and type of wood. Fuel for a single firing may range from $10-50 on average.

Average Prices

The average price of a pottery kiln depends on several factors, including the size, heating elements, and features. Here are some typical price ranges:

Small Kilns

Small hobby kilns range from about $200-$800. These tabletop kilns often have a capacity of 1-2 cubic feet and only reach temperatures around cone 6. They are best for small studios, hobbyists, and beginners.

Medium Kilns

Mid-sized front or top loading kilns cost $800-$2,500. With a capacity of 2-6 cubic feet and temperatures reaching cone 10, these are suitable for intermediate potters or small production studios.

Large Kilns

For professional studios and production potters, large front or top loading kilns run from $2,500-$8,000+. These kilns have a capacity over 6 cubic feet and can fire to cone 10 temperatures consistently. Additional features like automation may increase costs.

Keep in mind that prices can vary based on brand, quality, heating elements, warranty and specific features. Be sure to consider your space, capacity needs and firing requirements when budgeting for a new or used kiln.

Conclusion

When considering the average cost of a kiln, it’s important to weigh several key factors. The size, shape, brand, and features of the kiln all impact pricing. New kilns tend to cost more than used ones. Operating costs like electricity and maintenance add to long-term expenses. While prices vary, entry-level kilns often start around $500, whereas large production kilns can cost over $10,000. Additional accessories and customization increase costs as well. Do your research to find the right balance of size, power, and features for your budget and needs. Consider energy efficiency ratings too. In the end, invest in the best quality kiln you can afford to suit your purposes.