Finding the right Kiln: Tips & Experiences
As a ceramicist, I constantly face big decisions in my business—one of the biggest being the purchase of a new kiln. For me, this is not just a significant financial investment but, more importantly, a decision about the heart of my studio. The kiln is, in a way, my most essential work partner, and I need to be able to rely on it 100% every single day.
For the past two years, I have been researching and searching intensively for a new kiln. Since I often receive questions from my community about this topic, I want to take you along on my research journey in this blog post. Together, we’ll explore the key aspects of choosing the right kiln—from technical considerations to practical tips.
1. The Key Requirements for My New Kiln
To make the right decision, I created a detailed list of all the requirements my new kiln must meet. I took the following factors into account:
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Size & Capacity: How many ceramic pieces need to fit per firing? What kiln size is suitable for my studio?
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Temperature Range: What temperatures does the kiln need to handle?
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Energy Efficiency: What is the power consumption, and are there energy-saving models available?
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Ease of Maintenance & Durability: How simple is it to maintain the kiln?
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Design: Front-loader or top-loader—which model best suits my workflow?
2. Learning from Other Ceramicists' Experiences
Talking to other ceramicists was incredibly valuable. Their firsthand experiences gave me crucial insights that helped me with my decision.
Which models have proven themselves in daily use? Often, it’s only through conversations that you learn which kilns are particularly reliable and consistently deliver good results over time. Equally important: What should you watch out for? Many details that are not immediately apparent in technical datasheets—such as ease of use, insulation quality, or control handling—become much clearer through shared experiences.
These discussions also helped me avoid common mistakes. I was repeatedly advised to pay close attention to kiln size, as models that are too small or too large can quickly lead to inefficient work processes. A personal conversation or a visit to a fellow ceramicist’s workshop often provides more clarity than any product description.
3. Seeking Expert Advice: Why Visiting a Specialized Dealer is Worth It
In addition to exchanging experiences with other ceramic artists, consultations with professional kiln dealers were especially valuable. They not only answered my technical questions but also gave helpful advice on optimal use and maintenance.
A professional consultation ensures that the kiln truly fits my studio. Factors like electrical requirements, installation conditions, ventilation, weight, and door size are crucial—and specialized dealers provide expert guidance on these aspects. Many dealers also offer training sessions, helping users get the most out of their kiln right from the start.
Another major advantage is after-sales service. If a repair is needed or heating elements need to be replaced, having a knowledgeable contact person nearby is invaluable. This ultimately saves time, money, and nerves in the long run.
4. My Decision: Front-Loader or Top-Loader?
After seven years of successfully working with a top-loading kiln and smoothly integrating it into my workflow, I quickly realized that my new kiln should also be a top-loader.
One key advantage of a top-loader is the ability to see from above whether glazed pieces have enough space between them. If ceramics are placed too closely together, the glaze can fuse them, ruining the entire piece. With a clear overhead view, I can check this immediately and make adjustments if needed.
A top-loader also offers other benefits: It is space-saving, retains heat more efficiently, and ensures more even temperature distribution. Additionally, top-loaders are often more affordable than front-loaders and have fewer mechanical wear parts, making maintenance easier. When handling large or heavy pieces, loading from above is particularly practical since there’s no door in the way. Even partial firings benefit from better heat retention.
5. My Choice: The TOP 190 from Nabertherm
After careful consideration, I decided on the TOP 190 model from Nabertherm. This kiln has a 190-liter capacity. One of its standout features is that it comes with transport wheels, allowing me to move it around my studio when needed.
To ensure optimal temperature distribution, I chose the version with a bottom heater. This feature creates an especially balanced temperature environment and gives me even greater control over my firings. At Nabertherm, the bottom heater can be controlled as a second heating zone, allowing for particularly precise temperature regulation.
Another highlight of the TOP 190 is its removable touchscreen controller, which can be connected to the Nabertherm app on a smartphone. This lets me check the current firing status anytime and see whether the kiln is still running or has already finished firing.
6. My Journey to the perfect Kiln – A Conclusion
Finding the perfect kiln is an exciting yet challenging journey. It’s worth taking the time to compare different models and carefully define your own requirements.
For me, it was clear that my new kiln had to seamlessly support my existing workflow. The exchange with my community, colleagues, and experts played a crucial role in making an informed decision.
Now, all that’s left is to wait for my kiln to arrive! Of course, I’ll take you along when it gets delivered and share my first experiences with you. Stay tuned! 😊
Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful day!
Your Anna Maria
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