What Is The Most Popular Skutt Kiln?

Skutt is a leading manufacturer of ceramic kilns in the United States. The company was founded in 1953 by father and son Ralph and Neil Skutt in Olympia, Washington under the name “Skutt & Sons.” They created the industry’s first multi-sided hobby kiln, which allowed ceramicists better access to their work https://skutt.com/about-us/about-skutt/.

Today, Skutt offers a range of electric and gas kilns for hobbyists, artists, and commercial studios. Their kilns are known for precise digital controls, durable construction, and excellent heat distribution. Skutt kilns allow ceramicists to achieve consistent and reliable firing results.

Top Selling Skutt Kilns

Based on reviews and popularity, the top selling Skutt kiln models are:

Skutt KM-818

The Skutt KM-818 is one of Skutt’s flagship kilns. It has an interior capacity of 8.7 cubic feet, can reach cone 10 temperatures, and features microprocessor touchpad controls. The KM-818 is designed for studios, schools, and serious hobbyists.

Skutt KM-1027

With 10.3 cubic feet of space, the Skutt KM-1027 is a larger version of the popular KM series. It shares the same powerful features and durability of the smaller models.

Skutt 1227

The Skutt 1227 is one of Skutt’s entry level models but still offers great performance. It has a 12.3 cubic foot capacity and can reach cone 6 temperatures. The 1227 is a good choice for high school art programs and home studios on a budget.

Skutt Kiln 818

The Skutt Kiln 818 is one of Skutt’s most popular models for hobbyists and small studios. It offers 2.3 cubic feet of firing space with inside dimensions of 22.5″ wide x 17″ high and 17″ deep (Skutt Kiln Dimensions). The 818 operates on 240V power and uses 6660 Watts (KM-818 Specs).

This kiln can reach cone 10 temperatures up to 2350°F. It is built with 3 bricks thick high alumina fiber insulation for efficient firings. The 818 has an easy-to-use Bartlett Genesis touch screen control with current sensing technology for consistent results (KM-818 Details).

Key features of the Skutt 818 include (Skutt KM-818):

• 2.3 cubic feet capacity
• Reaches cone 10 temperatures (2350°F)
• 240V power
• Bartlett Genesis touch screen control
• 3 bricks thick insulation
• Sectional split design for easy repairs

Skutt Kiln 1027

The Skutt Kiln 1027 is one of Skutt’s most popular mid-sized electric kilns (Skutt, 2022). This kiln has a 10 cubic foot firing chamber and can handle loads up to 100 lbs, making it a great option for small studios and home hobbyists.

Some key specs of the Skutt 1027 (Skutt Kiln Comparison Chart, 2022):

• Firing chamber size: 20″ W x 27″ H
• Maximum temperature: Cone 10 (2350°F)
• Kiln furniture kit included
• Single layer brick lining
• Manual controls with infinite switches
• 120 volts, can use standard outlet

The Skutt 1027 is an easy to use plug-and-play kiln that provides enough power for most small scale ceramic firing needs. Its medium size chamber can hold a good amount of ware while still being energy efficient. The infinite switches allow precise customization of firing cycles (Skutt, 2022).

Skutt Kiln 1227

The Skutt 1227 is one of Skutt’s top selling front-loading ceramic kilns. According to Skutt, it’s their most popular model for professional potters and studios (Source). This model has a 27 cubic foot capacity and can fire up to cone 10 with temperatures reaching 2350°F. It features proprietary Sitrol technology for precision temperature control.

Some key specifications of the Skutt 1227 include:

• 27 cubic foot capacity
• Maximum temperature of 2350°F (cone 10)
• 240 volt
• Single phase
• 8 kW power
• 2″ thick ceramic fiber insulation
• Digital controller with 6 custom programs
• Reversible 1.5″ thick cordierite shelf

This spacious kiln accommodates large loads with room for lots of pots, allowing professional artists to maximize productivity. The digital controller makes firing easy with programmable ramp/hold cycles. Overall, the 1227 provides the ideal balance of size, power, and features for pro ceramic artists.

Skutt User Reviews

Skutt kilns are popular among ceramic artists and hobbyists, with the top models receiving mostly positive reviews. Skutt kilns like the 818, 1027, and 1227 are appreciated for their durability, ease of use, and ability to maintain even temperatures.

The Skutt 818 often earns praise for being a reliable starter wheel that can handle small loads well. Users mention it heats up quickly and cools down evenly. Some say it could benefit from more insulation. Overall, most reviewers say it provides very good value.

The larger Skutt 1027 receives excellent reviews for versatility, allowing firing of ceramics from earthenware to stoneware temperatures. Users mention it has plenty of space and heats evenly. Some note it may consume more electricity compared to other kilns.

Reviews for the 1227 highlight its ability to fire larger loads while maintaining tight temperature control. Users mention it can handle continual use without issues. Potential drawbacks mentioned are a slower cool down time compared to smaller models.

In summary, Skutt kiln reviews indicate customers find them to be high-quality, durable options that perform well for hobby and studio use. The top sellers earn strong marks for temperature control, reliability, and usability.

Key Features

Skutt kilns are known for their innovative features and reliable performance. Some of the key pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

• Excellent thermal shock resistance – Skutt kilns use a special insulation that makes them highly resistant to thermal shock, meaning they won’t crack if cooled too quickly. This allows for faster firing cycles. (Skutt Kiln Reviews)
• Precise digital controls – Skutt kilns come with digital controllers that allow you to precisely program firing profiles down to the degree. This allows for excellent repeatability. (Skutt Kiln Reviews)
• Durable construction – The kilns are built with high grade refractory brick and fiber blanket insulation for durability and long lifespan. (Skutt Kiln Reviews)
• Energy efficiency – They are designed for good heat retention and insulation. Skutt claims 20-30% energy savings over older kiln models. (Skutt Kiln Reviews)

Cons:

• Higher initial cost – Skutt kilns tend to cost more upfront than some competitor brands. However, buyers report the long-term durability offsets the higher initial investment. (Skutt vs L&L Kilns)
• Electronics may eventually need replacing – The digital controllers and electronics will likely need replacing after 5-10 years of heavy use. But Skutt offers reasonably priced replacement parts. (Skutt vs L&L Kilns)

Prices

Skutt kilns range in price from a few hundred dollars for small hobby kilns to several thousand for larger production models. Here are some typical price ranges for Skutt’s most popular models:

• The Skutt KM-818, one of Skutt’s best selling hobby kilns, retails for $915 – $1,150 depending on features.

• The medium-sized Skutt KM-1027 sells for around $1,700 – $2,300.

• Larger production kilns like the Skutt KM-1227 have prices starting at around $2,500 and going up to $3,500 or more.

Prices can vary depending on the seller, features, and specifications. Additional options like furniture kits, vent systems, and controllers can add a few hundred dollars to the total cost. In general, Skutt kilns are considered competitively priced for their respective sizes and capabilities.

Alternatives

While Skutt kilns are among the most popular on the market, there are several other top brands that offer high-quality kilns worth considering as alternatives. Some other top options include:

Jen-Ken Kilns – Jen-Ken is known for making durable, long-lasting kilns at reasonable prices. Their top products include the Jen-Ken AF3121 and the Jen-Ken Fuego.

Evenheat Kilns – Evenheat offers a range of compact, energy-efficient kilns. Top models are the Evenheat KM-3127 and Evenheat KT-2427.

Olympic Kilns – Respected for innovation and quality, Olympic’s bestsellers include the DX2700 and the DX1828.

Paragon Kilns – Paragon is a leading brand offering high-tech digital kilns. Top products are the Paragon SC-2 and Caldera kiln.

L&L Kilns – Known for excellent customer service, L&L offers the robust e23T kiln and the budget-friendly Doll/Test kiln.

So while Skutt remains a top choice, these alternatives provide comparable performance and reliability. It’s worth researching each brand’s features and specifications to determine the best fit.

Conclusion

When it comes to the most popular Skutt kilns, the 818, 1027, and 1227 stand out as top choices based on sales data and user reviews. The 818 is an excellent starter kiln that is affordable yet high quality. For intermediate to advanced ceramic artists, the larger 1027 and 1227 kilns provide more space for larger projects while maintaining Skutt’s reputation for even heating and reliability.

Key factors to consider are the internal dimensions, maximum temperature, and any special features that suit your specific firing needs. While Skutt kilns command premium pricing, customers find them a worthwhile investment due to their durability, consistent results, and excellent customer service. If these kilns are outside your budget, good alternatives exist from reputable brands like Evenheat and L&L Kiln.

Ultimately, Skutt offers some of the best electric kilns on the market today. With proper maintenance and care, a Skutt kiln should provide many years of beautiful firings for ceramic artists and hobbyists alike. Focus on choosing the model with the right capacity, temperature range, and features to suit your projects and budget.