When is the Right Time to Buy a Kiln?

As a potter, the idea of owning your own kiln is both exciting and daunting. I bought my first kiln just a few months into my pottery journey. While this might not be the right choice for everyone, I had my reasons. I was hooked on clay from the start and knew I wanted to pursue it long-term. Plus, I had a balcony with a 30Amp connection, so it was a relatively easy decision for me. (I'll discuss the things to consider before buying a kiln in detail in another email. For now, let's focus on understanding when the right time is to buy your first kiln.)

 

Buying a kiln is a significant investment, not just financially but also in terms of the commitment it requires. So, when is the right time to buy a kiln? Here are some key considerations to help you make this decision.

 

Beginner: If you're new to pottery, it's important to spend some time experimenting with clay to decide if you want to pursue it long-term, even as a hobby. Learn the fundamental techniques and processes involved in making and firing pottery before investing in a kiln. Initially, you can create your pieces at home and then fire them at a local pottery studio when you have enough ready. Here's a place you can find studios offering firing services- kilnshare. Another alternative is to do a simple google search.

 

Intermediate to Advanced: Once you have a grasp of the basics and a good understanding of the firing process, you may be ready to invest in your own kiln. Having a kiln at this stage allows you to control and adjust firing schedules and experiment with different techniques. If you are consistently creating pieces and need to fire them frequently, owning a kiln will definitely streamline your workflow and expand your creative possibilities.

 

Frequency of Firing: If you are regularly producing a significant amount of pottery, it might be time to buy a kiln. Depending on external firing services can cause delays and disrupt your production schedule. With your kiln, you can fire your work as soon as it's ready, maintaining a steady production pace and meeting deadlines more efficiently.

 

Volume of Work: Assess the volume of pottery you create weekly or monthly. If you're filling multiple kiln loads regularly, owning a kiln will help you manage this volume more effectively. This not only saves time but also reduces the cost associated with frequent external firings.

 

Owning a kiln requires adequate space that meets safety and ventilation requirements. Though most modern electric kilns are safe for use at a home studio, you have to have a separate space for the kiln, including room for safe storage, operation and proper ventilation.

 

Kilns are a significant financial investment. Make sure you have the budget for the purchase, installation, and necessary accessories, as well as ongoing operating costs. It's also wise to watch for sales or discounts from kiln manufacturers or pottery supply stores, which can make the purchase more affordable.

 

If you're transitioning from a hobbyist to a professional potter, having your own kiln allows you to control your production schedule, maintain consistent quality, and meet customer demands. Having your own kiln takes your practice to the next level, as you have more control and the freedom to experiment without relying on another studio and their schedule for firing.

 

Before buying a kiln, make sure you have access to support for installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. In my case, my kiln supplier was also my electrician. He helped me understand the electrical requirements and installed the kiln. He also handles maintenance and troubleshooting, such as changing the elements or fixing any issues. Kilns need regular upkeep, so having reliable support is crucial.

 

In the end, deciding when to buy a kiln is a personal decision that depends on your skill level, production needs, space availability, etc.

 

Owning a kiln can be a game-changer, offering greater control, flexibility, and efficiency in your work. Whether you're a seasoned potter ready to take your work to the next level or an aspiring professional looking to establish your studio, the right time to buy a kiln is when it aligns with your needs and goals. Happy firing!

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