You want to go your own (clay) way. Got to draw your own (firing) plan. Need to stand on your own (ceramic) feet. So one day you’ll know: you’re going to buy your own ceramic kiln!

This year I invested in a new ceramic kiln, supplied by my ceramics supplier Keramikos. It was not my first kiln and yet it is always quite a task to sort everything out properly. Fortunately, I had help in my research.

And I’am happy to share that. In the upcoming blogs I am going to list my tips. Starting with the orientation phase. Because a solid investment starts with solid preliminary work…

An investment in your ceramics future

Good preparation is half the battle. This applies to most things in life, including the purchase of a ceramic kiln. It is the most important investment for every ceramist. Because without an kiln, clay cannot be converted into ceramics and that is the goal of every ceramist.

But why does a ceramist want his own kiln? Can’t you have your work fired in the kiln of your ceramics school, a kiln in a shared studio space or from a potter friend? These are of course great ways to make the clay you have formed into ceramics. After all, who cares who switches the “on” button.

That is true, but if you have the opportunity to fire your own ceramics, I would certainly do that. Why? Because it is educational, but also fun and exciting. Opening the kiln after your first firing is unforgettable. In fact, my heart rate still spikes when the heat hits me from the newly opened kiln.

Why fire ceramics yourself?

What are the advantages of firing ceramics yourself? After all, that is the real reason why you are looking for a kiln. Of course I don’t know your reasons, but I can list my considerations:

I want to fire myself because I:

• Want to fire the work I make in my own studio also in the same place (dry work is vulnerable during transport)
• Need to decide for myself how much and how often I fire
• Determine, experiment and improve the firing schedule myself
• Don’t want to jeopardize the work of others if something goes wrong (the work explodes)
• Must control the entire ceramics process (as much as possible)

In short, I think firing is an important part of the entire ceramics process. Especially with the glaze firing, I think it is important to be able to determine, adjust and improve the firing schedule myself. The glaze result is partly dependent on the firing. I want to do that myself. Why would anyone else have all that fun 🙂

What is your dream ceramic kiln?

So if you also have enough reasons to invest in your own kiln, it is time to make a wish list. What is the ideal kiln for the ceramics you want to make?

I have always been fascinated by the firing process. Even before I had a wheel, I already had a (small) kiln. Limited by knowledge, space and budget, I immediately bought a kiln to be able to fire my own work. What I didn’t realize 30 years ago was how long such a kiln (can) last.

So my most important advice: first think about what your ideal ceramic kiln looks like.

Not only what you need now but also in 10 or 20 years. Even before you start thinking about all the practical matters (which will be discussed) dream about your ceramics and the kiln that goes with it!

Buying a ceramic kiln: first look

And then you go to a reliable ceramics supplier, such as Keramikos in Haarlem to see which kiln will make your dreams come true…

(and then it’s time to start discussing wishes and practical matters, but that’s for the next blog)

About Post Author

Daniel Bende

Designs and creates under the trade name DFB-ceramics hand-thrown stoneware figurative ceramics.

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