Glass Kilns - Warm Glass UK
One of our most frequently asked questions is "What type of kiln should I buy?" A kiln is a big investment for most people, so we have outlined a few of the considerations to make when choosing a kiln. We are happy to advise you on kiln purchase, just give us a call. For our recommended kiln schedules download the following pdf:
We keep two types of kilns in stock; we use both these kilns on a regular basis and highly recommend them. Further information can be obtained from the following links:-
If the kilns we stock do not meet your needs, we can order a number of other Kilns for you. The primary considerations when choosing a kiln are:
Size of the Kiln:
Will it fit? Before buying a kiln, ensure that it will fit through the door of the room where it will be used! Look at the usable space of the kiln ? round kilns usually offer the best space for the money in the budget kiln market.
Power requirements:
The larger the kiln, the greater the amount of power required to operate the kiln. Kilns up to 3 KW and 13 Amps will usually run on a domestic plug outlet.
Type of controller:
Infinite switches: These are controllers with dials which control how long the elements are on or off. Kilns with infinite switches are cheaper than ones with programmers but usually need the settings adjusted throughout each firing.
Digital Programmers: These controllers can be programmed to control the kiln firing automatically and/or have preset programmes. They make firing projects very easy, but the ease of programming varies according to make.
Top or side elements:
Top elements: The main benefit of this style is that (with appropriate design), the kiln will heat very evenly across the chamber, even in fast firings.
Side elements: In the budget kiln market, square kilns with elements on two or three sides often suffer from uneven heat distribution and cold spots, especially front loaders.
Front load or top load:
Top loading kilns are excellent if combined with top elements.
Front loading kilns are usually better than top loaders for use as bead annealing kilns.
Price and budget:
Any kiln below £500 is unlikely to have a digital controller so it will need babysitting. £500 to £900 should buy you a decent beginner's kiln with a simple controller which will plug into a domestic supply, the thing to look for here is quality. From £900 upwards, you should expect at least 50cm x 50cm chamber size with a good quality digital controller.
To see our range of kilns, visit the Glass Kilns section of our website.
t. 01934 86 33 44
