Kiln size picker: what size kiln do I need?
Specs and sources awaiting check
Work it out for your workshop
Worked example
For 40 mugs a month, about 10 cm across and 12 cm tall, fired 2 times a month with 2 cm between pieces:
- 20 pieces a firing.
- They take up about 40 litres of chamber space, before kiln furniture.
- On a 40 cm shelf, 9 fit side by side, so 3 shelves of 14 cm each.
- Compare that with the internal size and chamber litres on each maker's spec page.
Source: Office for Product Safety and Standards, awaiting check
Kilns are sold by chamber size, usually in litres. This picker turns what you make into the space you need, so you can compare kilns on the figure their makers publish.
How it works
It divides the pieces you make a month by how often you'll fire, to get pieces per firing. Each piece takes up its width plus your chosen gap on the shelf, and its height plus the gap in depth. If you enter a shelf width, it counts how many pieces fit on each shelf and how many shelves you need.
The result is the space your pieces fill. Shelves, props and the gap to the elements take more, so choose a kiln with a comfortably bigger chamber and enough internal height for your tallest piece.
FAQs
Should I buy a bigger kiln to be safe?
A bigger kiln costs more to fire when it's half empty, and may need a bigger supply. Size it for what you make, with some room to grow, and check it with the plug checker.
Read the guide: What size kiln do I need?
More tools
- Will this kiln run off a 13A plug?Type your kiln's power and see whether it's within a normal plug's rating or needs its own circuit, with who to ask next. No wiring advice, ever.
- Kiln firing cost calculatorWhat a bisque or glaze firing costs in electricity, per firing, per piece and per month, from your kiln's power, your firing schedule and your own tariff.
Sources
- OPSS: product safety for consumers (follow the maker's instructions) (Office for Product Safety and Standards), awaiting check