Ceramic kilns are similar to ovens, but with intricate heating cycles. They process materials and products by heat treating, often above 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. Kilns dry a wide range of products in both domestic and industrial settings.

Kilns commonly fire domestic pottery in art studios, but they are important to the industrial sector as well. They produce bricks, accelerate decomposition for recycling, calcine minerals, process wood or fire ceramics. Factories use ceramic kilns, specifically, to mass produce pottery, stoneware, tiles and glassware.

There are a few basic kiln power sources:

1. Electric ceramic kilns are often small.

2. A gas kiln is another option, usually for the industrial sector.

3. Propane kilns are sometimes a good alternative ceramic kiln, depending on fuel prices and where you want to put it.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy a ceramic kiln for industrial use

Domestic and commercial pottery kilns may not be large enough or perform at high enough levels for the industrial sector. For factory production, you will want to find ceramic kiln manufacturers that have a wide range of large, industrial ceramic kilns or furnaces.

I recommend: Cress Manufacturing Company, Inc. carries kilns for almost any type of use, including a large selection of high volume, fine control industrial kilns. Paragon is just one of many other places to look, but they offer help with setup as well as ongoing support.

Shop for kilns suitable for an art studio at quality pottery kiln manufacturers

Generally speaking, art studios, classrooms and commercial shops do not require large kilns. Also, the most convenient energy source for these types of applications is electricity, since they do not require the additional setup process involved with gas or propane kilns. You should have no problem finding a ceramic kiln manufacturer that supplies appropriately sized electric kilns.

I recommend: Either before selecting a kiln, or after you've found something you like, check out ceramic kiln reviews to see what others think of a product's performance. L&L Kilns carries several electric models specifically designed for studios and classrooms. Whether you are a novice, teacher or professional potter, Skutt is another good place to look. They even have instructional videos.

Find low prices for used ceramic kilns

If you're on a budget, consider buying a used ceramic kiln. Ceramic kiln sources carry many varieties and sizes of used kilns, but you may have to spend more time searching for the right match than if you were buying new.

I recommend: All Fired Up lists used kilns and provides other services, like help finding a kiln technician. Robert Compton Pottery is another place to look for a kiln, as well as pottery supplies. Don't hesitate to use product search engines as well.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For flatware, consider using a continuous or roller hearth kiln. These types of kilns move the products through the kiln, where temperatures are coolest at either end of the kiln and hottest in the middle.