Andrew Shirres has been throwing pots for a mere 14 months. He recently bought a top-loading IKON 61X. He answers a few questions about his experience.
Why did you choose APS?
I already knew of APS prior to ordering the kiln. It seemed like they were a solid company so when, after researching lots of kilns and liking the look of the Ikon range, it was a no brainer to go through their key Australian distributor, APS. The videos I saw online helped too. The down-to-earth commentary, plus seeing the kiln itself also made the decision easier.
How would you describe the service?
APS’s service has been excellent from the beginning. Spending a lot of money on an unfamiliar piece of equipment you hope will last for years is nerve-wracking. I had a million questions and Prue patiently handled them all with grace, even those questions I know now to not have been necessary or poorly timed. Some of the key questions about wiring, exhausts, sizes etc felt complicated to me, but Prue answered them all without any fuss. There were some issues with delivery that were out of APS’s control and that was handled well too.
What would you recommend about APS to other potters?
My experience has primarily been related to buying the kiln. For that alone I would recommend APS. I now know a little more about the other services and products they offer and the service there has been in the same vein.
APS are reliable, personable, efficient and helpful.
What have you loved most about your new kiln?
The new kiln hasn’t missed a beat since it arrived. Once I understood how to reprogram the controller to the correct temperatures it’s worked perfectly. Any firing problems I’ve had have nothing to do with the kiln and have just been part of my learning curve.
While it is still the only kiln I have used, I’ve been impressed with how well insulated it is (the recessed lid just makes sense), it is light and easy to move when not being fired, too.