Are you a Home Potter considering getting your own Kiln? Read on for some of the key benefits of owning your own Kiln, and why we stock and recommend the Kilncare Range over any others!
Please note we currently have stock of the IKON 61 (pictured) | IKON 80 | ARTIZAN 139 with a free furniture set if ordered by 10th December!
Some of the benefits of owning your own Kiln!
1. Cost Saving
If you're currently paying someone else to fire up your work, chances are you're paying around $12 per kg. Owning your own Kiln reduces this cost to around $4-6 per firing (that's for a 60L Kiln full / for example approximately 30 cups / roughly 15kg worth of items).
2. Time Savings
No more lugging & wrapping your goods to someone else, you can plug in and fire up your Kiln as and when you're ready! You could turn your work around in days rather than weeks!
3. Set your own Rules!
Most firing services need to specify what type of clay and glazes you can use in their Kilns. By owning your own you can set your own temperatures and specifications, and let your imagination run wild! Testing clays and glazes is so much easier, and there's no risk of anyone else damaging your work!
1. Cost Saving:
While the initial expense may be higher than some cheaper brands on the market, the average firing cost of a Kilncare Kiln is significantly lower than others. One Australian competitor boasts their average cost at $16.34 per firing for a 68L Kiln. The Kilncare equivalent is around just $6 per firing!
3. Quality of bricks:
Kilns are built to withstand extreme temperatures, including the bricks which are designed to crack in order to release pressure. Kilncare use American 1315c rated Bricks which are superior to the 1260c bricks used by many other companies.
3. Quality of Body:
The frames of Kilncare Kilns are steel, and fully powder coated both inside and out which helps prevent corrosion. Additionally, all vulnerable areas such as door front and door vent area, roof top plate, upper chamber opening, roof vent and even the element connection zones are full stainless steel. Most other Kilns on the market are only stainless steel on the door architrave).
4. Thicker Bricks / High insulation
The Kilncare Kilns use thicker bricks than most, with walls varying in width from 150mm up to 165mm. A thicker brick equates to significantly better temperature control, and extends the life of your Kiln significantly.
5. Superior Seal
The Kilncare Top Loading Kilns have a unique machined lid, which provides a far superior seal to most. This means better quality firings, more economical use, and a longer life for your Kiln!
6. Superior Heating Elements
Kilncare Kilns use Kanthal A1 Elements, which are widely regarded as the BEST elements available, ensuring unbeatable reliability and durability.
7. Superior Thermocouple (temperature probe)
Most competitors are using a Type K Thermocouple, which is made from chromel or alumel. Kilncare use a Stainless Steel Thermocouple, which provides a more accurate temperature reading, and far superior longevity.
8. Programable Controller
Kilncare kilns come with programable Stafford controllers (with the option of Wifi). These are known as the top controller in the industry, for reliability, consistency and ease of use. You can monitor this from an app on your phone or computer, and record all data, knowing exactly when it is cool and reaching temperature.
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Which Type of Kiln is right for me?
There are a few important things to consider when determining which Kiln is right. Read on for a simple breakdown, or click this link for further information!
1. Size / Capacity
The capacity of your ideal Kiln depends on a few different factors including; the size of items you plan to make (eg cups / vases / platters), and the quantities you wish to fire each session (a full kiln is much more economical to fire than a half full one).
2. Front Loading Vs Top Loading
Top loading kilns are better suited to smaller work places, and the most common option for the home potter and small studios. You need to bend over to fill them, and fill one shelf before stacking another on top. Front loading kilns are of a higher capacity and not as easy to move around. They're more common for schools, larger studios, and professional potters.
3. Gas vs Electric
All the Kilncare Kilns we stock are electric, as they're much easier to operate, install and control temperature.
3. Electricity Supply
Most Australian homes have single phase 10AMP electricity, though most can accomodate 15-20 AMP Kilns. As a result, most Kilns will require either an upgraded power point, or to be wired directly to your household power, which needs to be completed by a qualified Electrician. Please keep this in mind when considering your budget!
