You can go to a ceramic kiln supplier to order a kiln. But more importantly: you can also get your information and service there.

Of course you can find and buy everything online. But my advise to you: visit in person and get to know your supplier first hand before you order anything.

Recently Keramikos delivered my new kiln. They have a beautiful showroom, with new and familiar models of ceramic kilns. I always have a look around when I collect my raw materials. Especially now they have just moved to an even more spacious location at Conradweg 19 in Haarlem 🙂

In this blog my follow-up tips in case you are are looking for the right ceramic kiln for you. And where better to start than at your ceramic kiln supplier.

Choosing a ceramic kiln

Purchasing a ceramic kiln is an important investment for every ceramist. In my previous blog we talked about:

• Why do you need your own kiln?
• What is the ideal kiln for me?
• Treat it as a long-term investment

But before we look at where we can order a kiln, let’s first determine what kind of kiln.

Aa ceramic kiln can be a hole in the ground, a modern microwave kiln or an industrial tunnel kiln (and everything in between). So the first thing you need to know is:

Which ceramics in which ceramic kiln

• What kind of ceramics do I want to make?
• With what kind of finish/glazes?
• What size ceramics do I want to make?
• How much work do I want to fire in one go?
• How often do I want to fire?

Whether you want to make earthenware pottery at 1080 ^oC/1976 ^oF, stoneware at 1280 ^oC/2336 ^oF or porcelain at 1320 ^oC/2408 ^oF (or all of them) determines what top temperature the kiln must be able to reach.

In addition, what kind of ceramics also determines the type of kiln. After all, a raku kiln has different specifications than an anagama kiln. Within city ​​limits, the choice will usually fall on an electric kiln.

Size of work and how much of it should fit in the kiln are questions that determine how big the kiln (on the inside) should be. And not only useful capacity is important, also the shape; should the kiln be square, round or rectangular? If you always throw large plates or high (narrow) sculptures, these shape determines which kiln is most suitable.

Finally, kiln size will determine whether or not you have to fire often. With a large kiln you will have to make much more work to use the kiln capacity fully than with a small one.

The advantage is that you do not have to load and unload your kiln every week. But a disadvantage can be that you only use your kiln once a year and do not develop a routine in making and glazing your work. By the time you fire your pots, you’ll have forgotten how you made and finished them.

The service of the ceramic kiln supplier

Once you have a rough idea of what kind of kiln suits your work, it’s time to start to look for a supplier. And not just any supplier, but one that, just like your kiln, suits your needs. You can then contact a good supplier with all your practical and technical questions, such as:

• Outside dimensions?
• Useful capacity?
• What kind of connections does the kiln have?
• The power supply of the kiln (which amperage)?
• Maximum firing temperature?
• Type of pyrometer?
• Type of controller?

In short, all the specifications of the kiln and what that means for use and lifespan. Because specifications are good to look for on their website or ask for.

Ceramic kiln supplier, friend for life

But more importantly: what do all those specifications mean in practice. And whether or not that matches with your needs. So a good supplier can help you make an informed choice.

And don’t forget a kiln is an investment for a long period of time. Sooner or later, your kiln will need maintenance or replacement parts.

Long-term service provisions are essential. So always check whether your supplier not only sells kilns, but also has a repair service (on location).

To be continued: tying up loose ends

Before we actually order a kiln, we have to look at space, placement, connections and control of the kiln. In short, tying up the loose ends, which we must not forget.

In the next blog I will specifically go into the nitty gritty of an electric kiln. So to be continued…

About Post Author

Daniel Bende

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

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