First, you need to find out if the chamber of the kiln will be large enough to fire the pieces you produce. The chart below lists the chamber sizes for each model.

The 3 things to consider when choosing the necessary chamber size are:

What are the dimensions of the largest piece you will want to fire?
What is the maximum volume of material that you will need to produce in a specific time frame?
How do feel your needs will grow in the next 5 years?

Use the following image as a reference for dimensions:

Kiln Chamber Dimension

The next step is to find a kiln that will operate on the electrical service of your building. Ordering a kiln that does not match your electrical service can be very frustrating and expensive to correct.

Most people will need to have an electrician install the wire from the circuit breaker panel to the wall receptacle as well as the receptacle. It is also wise to have the electrician verify voltage, amperage and phase when he visits on-site to estimate the job.

Learn More About Voltage. Click Here

Learn More About Amperage. Click Here

Learn More About Phase. Click Here

Refer to the Refined List to make sure the parameters you are selecting in the current step are possible

Now we need to find a kiln that will fire to a temperature that meets, and preferably exceeds, the temperature requirements of the materials you will be working with.

Kilns are designed to fire to a variety of temperature ranges. Materials such as porcelain and stoneware require the kiln to reach temperatures up to Cone 10 (2350 F) and materials such as glass only require the kiln to reach less then 1600 F. Whenever possible you should choose a kiln that exceeds your firing temperature needs. The use of 3" brick, the voltage and the phase of a kiln model can sometimes affect its maximum rating. If you are firing regularly to Cone 6 (2250 F) or above, we highly suggest you buy a kiln that is rated to Cone 10 (2350 F). Production Kilns, referred to as "PK" kilns, are specifically designed for the high fire production studio.

"KM" represents KilnMaster Automatic ControllerKilnMaster Controllers were introduced in 1993 and have become the overwhelming choice of most ceramic artists. Click here for more information.

KilnMaster Controller
The KilnMaster Controller was introduced in 1993. There are two types of Kilnmaster controllers, the standard 24 key KilnMaster controller and the 3 button KilnMaster LT. Both controllers offer the user the ability to either design their own programs or simply enter the preheat time, cone value, desired speed and hold time and have the controller write the program for them. With the KilnMaster LT the information to enter is accessed by using up and down arrows and then selecting the desired value with an ENTER key. The larger KilnMaster controller uses a 24 key interface that is faster to program and offers more features. The KilnMaster LT (KMLT) is only available on the Firebox 8x6 and FireBox 8x4 Models.