Is It Expensive To Own A Kiln?

A kiln is a heating chamber used for hardening, drying, or burning various materials such as clay, bricks, and limestone (Kiln Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster). Kilns use a controlled application of heat to transform materials and serve an essential role across many industries, from pottery and ceramics to construction and manufacturing.

There are several main types of kilns used today, including electric, gas, wood-fired, and raku kilns. While designs and heating methods vary, all kilns allow clay or ceramic objects to be fired at high temperatures between 1,000-2,400°F to permanently harden them (Meaning of kiln in English – Cambridge Dictionary). This firing process is a critical step in pottery and ceramic production.

Kilns are also used in the production of bricks, tiles, and lime, which all require intense heat to transform and cure the materials (KILN Definition & Usage Examples – Dictionary.com). The unique characteristics of a kiln make it an indispensable tool across many industries and crafts.

Upfront Costs

The main upfront cost when getting started with pottery is purchasing or building the kiln itself. Kiln prices can range quite a bit depending on the size, power, and features.

Small tabletop electric kilns designed for hobbyists start around $700, while large gas-fired kilns used by professional studios can cost $15,000 or more. A medium-sized electric kiln good for beginners falls in the $1,500-$3,000 range.

You’ll also need various accessories like kiln shelves, posts, and a kiln sitter. These extras can add another $500-$1,000 to the starting costs. Buying used equipment is one way to save on upfront expenses.

Building your own kiln is also an option to reduce costs, but requires more hands-on work and expertise. Overall, expect to spend at minimum around $1,000-$2,000 upfront when first purchasing and outfitting a kiln.

Operating Costs

The biggest ongoing cost for operating a kiln is electricity. Kilns are energy intensive appliances that require a lot of power to reach and maintain high temperatures for firing. According to How Much Do Kilns Cost? The True Costs of Owning a Kiln, electricity can account for over 90% of the operating costs of an electric kiln.

The amount of electricity a kiln uses depends on factors like the kiln’s power rating, the temperature and length of firing cycles, and your local electricity rates. Small hobby kilns may use 5-10 kWh for a single firing, while large production kilns can use hundreds of kWh. With average electricity prices around $0.12-0.15 per kWh, firing costs can range from under a dollar to over $100 per firing.

Kilns fired by natural gas or propane also incur fuel costs for each firing. According to How to Calculate The Cost of Firing A Kiln, gas kilns use around 2-4 Therms per firing, costing $2-$4 in fuel at average prices. However, gas kilns may have lower upfront and operating costs compared to electric in some cases.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping a kiln in good working order. Kilns operate at extremely high temperatures, so parts like elements, bricks and controls can wear out over time. Checking and replacing worn parts before they fail can help avoid costly repairs down the road.

The elements, which heat up the kiln, typically need replacing every 1-2 years with regular use. This costs around $150-300 for most kilns, depending on the number and type of elements (according to https://www.kilncontrol.com/blog/kiln-costs/). The firebricks lining the interior also degrade and may need replacing every 5 years or so, which can cost $200-500.

Kiln repairs like replacing a blown relay or damaged thermocouple can run $250-500, based on posts in the Ceramic Arts Daily forums (see https://community.ceramicartsdaily.org/topic/22634-is-kiln-repair-worth-cost/). Major repairs like fixing kiln casing damage or replacing the kiln sitter/controller unit can cost $500-1000+. Preventative maintenance helps minimize costly breakdowns.

Overall, budgeting $200-300 annually for maintenance and minor repairs is recommended. With preventative care, a well-built kiln can last decades, making the maintenance costs worthwhile for most ceramic artists.

Studio Space

When setting up a pottery studio at home, one of the most important considerations is having adequate space for the kiln. Kilns get extremely hot and require proper ventilation and clearance from walls and other combustible materials. According to Homestead Pottery, a small electric kiln generally needs about 18 inches of clearance on all sides for adequate ventilation.[1] Skutt recommends allowing 18 inches of space around kilns from any walls, other kilns, or combustible items.[2] Having enough space to allow air to circulate around the kiln is critical for safe operation.

In addition to clearance around the kiln itself, the overall studio space needs good ventilation to remove fumes and excess heat when firing. Opening windows or installing vents are some ways to ensure proper ventilation. Locating the kiln near an exterior wall or garage door can also help facilitate ventilation.

Beyond ventilation, make sure there is adequate space in the studio layout to store clay, tools, and unfinished work. Allow room to maneuver around tables and equipment comfortably. While a full professional studio requires significant space, a compact home studio can be set up in a spare room, basement, or garage with careful planning.

Safety Equipment

Operating a kiln safely requires investing in proper safety equipment like fire extinguishers and protective gear. Fire extinguishers are an absolute must-have for any kiln area, as they can quickly put out a fire if one were to start near the kiln. The recommended type of fire extinguisher for kiln rooms is a ABC dry chemical extinguisher, which can extinguish common combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical fires.

It’s also crucial to have protective gear like kiln gloves and a face shield or welding goggles to wear when loading and unloading kilns. The extreme heat inside a firing kiln can easily burn exposed skin or eyes if proper precautions aren’t taken. Kiln gloves provide hand protection up to 1500°F. A full face shield protects the entire face, while welding goggles just shield the eyes but are less bulky. This protective gear typically costs $25-$100 for gloves and $25-$150 for shields/goggles. Having the right safety equipment is essential for protecting yourself when working around a hot kiln.

Sources:
https://www.baileypottery.com/kilns/store-firing-accessories-safety/store-firing-accessories-safety-all-kiln-safety.html
https://www.sheffield-pottery.com/Ceramic-Studio-Safety-Equipment-s/26.htm

Clay and Materials

Clay and other materials represent an ongoing expense for potters. The cost of clay can add up quickly, with 25 lbs of clay ranging from $15-$50 depending on the type and quality. Some commonly used clays like porcelain or stoneware can cost $25-$40 for 25 lbs (wheelandclay.com/blog/costs-to-start-pottery. Glazes are another recurring cost, with a pint of glaze ranging from $15-$25. Tools will also need replacing over time as they wear out. Basic tools like ribs, trimming tools, and cutting wires may need replacing yearly at a cost of $50-100.

Setting up an initial supply of clay, glazes, tools, and materials may cost $300-$500. But potters should budget around $100/month for replenishing clay and glaze stock as pieces are produced. Having a range of clay bodies and glazes helps potters expand their skills and produce unique finished pieces.

Firing Costs

One of the biggest ongoing costs of owning a kiln is the cost of electricity or fuel needed to fire it. Firing a kiln can use a significant amount of energy, especially for larger electric kilns. According to Soul Ceramics, firing an electric kiln for 8 hours to reach cone 6 temperatures can cost $12-24 depending on your electricity rate, which they estimate at around $0.15 per kWh for most areas of the US.

The cost per firing will also depend on the size of the kiln and how full it is during firing. Larger kilns with more pieces being fired will use more electricity. As an example, Big Ceramic Store estimates a 10 cubic foot electric kiln firing 40 lbs of ware to cone 06 will cost around $4.50 per firing at $0.15/kWh. They recommend calculating your rate based on your electricity bill.

For a potter doing multiple firings per week, these costs can add up quickly. According to one Reddit user who owns a medium sized kiln, they estimate spending around $40-60 per month on electricity for firing.

Alternatives

There are some ways to reduce the costs of owning a kiln through exploring alternatives. One option is to fire clay without a kiln using alternative firing methods like pit firing, raku firing, or saggar firing (source). These methods allow firing clay at lower temperatures using natural materials like sawdust, leaves, and sticks to fuel the fire. Another affordable option is finding a local ceramic studio or makerspace that provides kiln access for monthly membership fees, which can range from $50-$150 per month (source). Sharing kiln space and firing costs with other potters can also help distribute expenses. While buying or building your own kiln has significant upfront expenses, exploring firing alternatives can allow creating ceramic work on a budget.

Conclusion

Owning and operating a kiln is a significant investment, but can be a rewarding part of an artistic practice if done thoughtfully. The major costs include the upfront purchase price and installation, electricity and fuel for firing, studio space and ventilation, safety equipment, and materials like clay and glazes. With proper planning, maintenance, and usage, a kiln can last for decades and allow for immense creativity through ceramic arts.

For hobbyists or those just starting out, consider whether a shared studio membership or access to communal kilns through an arts center may be more affordable. As skills grow, investing in a small to mid-sized electric kiln that meets your needs may become worthwhile if you plan to fire frequently. Seek used kilns and budget diligently for all associated ongoing costs too.

While owning a personal kiln requires commitment, the ability to freely experiment and fire your own work on your schedule can be invaluable for ceramic artists. Weigh the costs carefully, but don’t let expense alone deter you from pursuing your passion if ceramics is integral to your artistic vision. With reasonable expectations and prudent financial planning, firing your own kiln can be an amazing opportunity.