Electric kilns for ceramics

Electric kilns are perfect for firing earthenware, stoneware, and some are even suitable for porcelain. With us, you benefit from excellent European-made quality at an unbeatable price.

Table of Contents

1. Why should you only buy electric kilns and not gas kilns for ceramics?
2. Which is better: Front-loading or top-loading ceramic kiln?
3. Quality is important!
4. What size/power should kilns be for amateur ceramists and ceramic painting studios?
5. How best to compare the value for money of different ceramic kilns and different suppliers?
6. High-quality kilns at affordable prices

 

Why should you only buy electric kilns and not gas kilns for ceramics?

Unlike traditional kilns, electric kilns offer many advantages:

• No oxygen consumption in the room due to combustion, no exhaust gases from gas combustion, therefore much healthier for people working in the room.
• Operates on electricity only; no gas cartridge or gas connection is required.
• No risk of explosion.
  

That is why we exclusively recommend electric kilns for painting on ceramics.

Which is better: Front-loading or top-loading ceramic kiln?

• Top-loading kilns offer the advantage of good visibility into the firing chamber, which facilitates control of the distribution of ceramics inside and the spaces between them.
• They are cheaper, lighter and easier to carry, making them ideal for both beginners and professionals.
• Since it is possible to build multiple tiers with kiln shelves and kiln posts from above, there is great flexibility for stacking small or large objects (with (with front-loading ovens, loading the upper levels becomes increasingly difficult).
• On the other hand, it is often argued that front-loading ovens are easier to load for your back. In reality, however, you still have to bend down to use them.
• But front-loading kilns offer a significantly larger volume, allowing more ceramic pieces to be fired at the same time.

Quality is important!

• The kilns reach temperatures exceeding 1000°C. It is essential to ensure their absolute reliability to prevent any fires under all circumstances. Reliable control also guarantees beautiful results for your painted ceramics and prevents the formation of bubbles, pinholes, and other problems.
• High energy efficiency is important to be able to fire ceramics (stoneware and earthenware) and porcelain at a lower cost.
• A stable construction ensures a long lifespan. Good kilns are equipped with a hydraulic support (similar to that of a car hood) that holds the lid open and prevents accidental closure, thus avoiding accidents. It is also recommended to choose kilns with a locking system, which is often lacking on cheaper models but offers added safety, especially in ceramic workshops with multiple employees.
• Heating elements usually need replacing after a few years of heavy use. With good ovens, this can easily be done yourself.
• A good control system is important because it allows you to easily adjust different firing curves. This allows you to easily perform bisque and glaze firings separately or together.
• Manufacturers often forgo casters for cost reasons. Given that ovens are already quite heavy, especially ceramic kilns, and are often not used daily, you should definitely insist on casters.
• Good quality ovens come with a 3-year warranty and spare parts can be purchased separately.

What size/power should kilns be for amateur ceramists and ceramic cafes?

• The most important issue is the availability of electrical connections. Many buildings only have standard (230V) outlets and not a high-voltage (400V, three-phase) connection. While it is possible to install one later, it is expensive and labor-intensive.
  
• With 230 V, the maximum possible size (volume in litres) of the kilns and therefore the quantity of ceramic that can be fired simultaneously is limited.
• However, two or more small kilns offer the advantage of being able to be loaded and used separately. While one kiln is heating, the other can already be cooling. If one kiln breaks down, the others remain functional. If there is only a small amount of ceramic to fire, only one small kiln needs to be heated.
• Another advantage of smaller kilns is that they generally cool down a bit faster and are therefore available again more quickly than larger kilns. This is particularly important in ceramic painting studios, where large quantities of ceramics need to be fired daily, as the cooling time before the kiln can be reopened is usually much longer than the firing process itself.
  
• Larger, high-current kilns have the advantage of being able to fire very large ceramic pieces (for example, large sculptures) that would not fit in a small kiln.
• In terms of price, two small ovens are often barely more expensive than one large oven.
• Individuals who practice ceramic painting as a hobby can be satisfied with a small kiln (40-60 liters) operating on a normal electrical outlet.
  Ceramic cafes should opt for a large kiln operating on a high-voltage outlet or at least two kilns of approximately 60 liters operating on a normal electrical outlet.

How best to compare the value for money of different ceramic kilns and different suppliers?

• Does the supplier provide you with complete information about the contents of the delivery, dimensions, ordering, quality, and service? If not, move on: this means the supplier is not knowledgeable and is profiting from the sale without offering competent support.
  
• What is the internal volume or internal dimensions of the kiln's combustion chamber (this determines how much ceramic/porcelain you can fire at one time)?
  
• Are an excellent control system and braked casters included in the price? Are delivery costs included in the price?
  
• Is the lid equipped with a hydraulic support (similar to that of a car hood)? Does the oven have a locking system?
• Is the control system comprehensive and accurate? Is it also easy to use? Can it simply be attached to the oven or does it need to be mounted separately on the wall?
  
• Is this a European manufacturer offering a good warranty and spare parts supply?
• Also consider the maximum possible temperature. Virtually all kilns are suitable for the most commonly used ceramic (earthenware). Stoneware and porcelain require slightly higher temperatures. Almost all the ceramic bisque and glazes offered by Ceramique Peinture are earthenware (stoneware is specifically marked).

 

High-quality ovens at affordable prices