How Much Does Pottery Kiln Cost?

For potters and ceramic artists, having access to a reliable kiln is essential for firing clay work. But kilns represent a major investment, especially for home studios and small operations. Costs vary widely based on the kiln’s size, energy source, durability, and features.

Kiln prices vary widely based on size, durability, features, energy source, and other factors. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the expenses involved in purchasing and operating the various types of pottery kilns to help you make an informed, cost-effective decision.

How Much Does Pottery Kiln Cost?

Pottery Kilns have costs starting at $500 (≈4.2 days of your career at $15/hour) and ranging up to $10,000+ (≈3.8 months working without a break on a $15/hour salary) for industrial kilns, but this equipment investment requires careful budgeting and research.

A pottery kiln allows firing of clay objects at extremely high temperatures to harden and finish the pieces. There are three main kiln types:

Electric kilns use heating elements powered by electricity to generate heat. They are the most common choice for home and studio potters given their affordability and simplicity.

Gas kilns burn propane or natural gas to produce heat. They allow very high temperatures but have added complexity and operating costs.

Wood-fired kilns use combustion of wood to achieve desired temperatures. While artisanal, they require significant skill and labor.

According to Kiln Control, prices for kilns can range from about $700 (≈1.2 weeks of salary time at $15/hour) for compact kilns to over $20,000 (≈7.6 months of employment at a $15/hour wage) for large, industrial-grade kilns. For artists and hobbyists, the initial purchase is often the most significant expense in kiln ownership.

The article provides a detailed breakdown of kiln costs based on size. Compact kilns (under 15 inches) typically range from $924 to $3,318 (≈1.3 months trading your time for $15/hour), with an average price of around $1,594 (≈2.7 weeks of employment at a $15/hour wage). Medium kilns (13 to 18 inches) cost between $916 and $4,623 (≈1.8 months of salary time at $15/hour), averaging about $2,028 (≈3.4 weeks of salary time at $15/hour).

Large kilns (17 to 24 inches) are priced from $1,558 to $6,889 (≈2.6 months trading your time for $15/hour), with an average of $3,240 (≈1.2 months trading your time for $15/hour). X-large kilns (over 24 inches) can cost anywhere from $2,416 to $25,328 (≈9.6 months of non-stop employment at $15/hour), averaging around $6,669 (≈2.5 months working without a break on a $15/hour salary).

Another source, Ceramic Arts Network, mentions that entry-level electric kilns suitable for home use typically start at around $1,000 (≈1.7 weeks working every single day at $15/hour), while more advanced models can reach upwards of $3,000 (≈1.1 months of non-stop employment at $15/hour). They emphasize that additional costs may arise from installation and necessary electrical upgrades.

On Reddit, users discuss their experiences with kiln installation costs. One user reported spending about $600 (≈1 week of salary time at $15/hour) for electrical installation due to the need for a dedicated 220V line. Others mentioned quotes ranging from $400 (≈3.3 days of your career at $15/hour) to over $1,200 (≈2 weeks dedicated to affording this at $15/hour), depending on the complexity of the installation and distance from the electrical panel.

Electric Kiln Costs

Electric pottery kilns provide the most accessible and cost-effective option for home potters and small studios:

Small Electric Kilns

Size range – Typically 6 to 10 cubic feet interior capacity

Cost range – $500 to $2,000 (≈3.3 weeks trading your time for $15/hour)

Best suited for hobbyists, beginners, and small home studios due to limited firing capacity.

Mid-size Electric Kilns

Size range – Around 10 to 20 cubic feet capacity

Cost range – $2,000 to $5,000 (≈1.9 months of your working life at $15/hour)

Accommodate the needs of intermediate potters and small commercial studios. Provide expanded firing space.

You might also like our articles about the cost to replace a furnace ignitor, a wood pellet stove, or a chimney cap.

Large Electric Kilns

Size range – 20+ cubic feet capacity

Cost range – $5,000 to $15,000 (≈5.7 months dedicated to affording this at $15/hour)

Cater to professional pottery studios needing large volume firing capabilities. Require upgraded electrical supply.

Average electric kiln cost overall – $2,500 to $5,000 (≈1.9 months of your working life at $15/hour)

Gas Kiln Pricing

Gas-fired pottery kilns allow very high temperatures for stoneware and porcelain, but carry higher upfront investment costs:

Small gas kilns

• Up to 10 cubic feet internal capacity
• Cost range of $3,500 to $7,500 (≈2.8 months trading your time for $15/hour)

Large gas kilns

• Up to 40+ cubic feet capacity
• $7,500 to $20,000 (≈7.6 months of employment at a $15/hour wage)

Average gas kiln cost – $10,000 to $15,000 (≈5.7 months dedicated to affording this at $15/hour)

Ongoing fuel costs, ventilation requirements, and maintenance also add operational expenses. Best suited for industrial studios.

Wood-Fired Kiln Cost Considerations

Traditional wood-fired kilns appeal to some artists for the artisanal, wood-fired results. But they require greater investment:

• Materials and masonry construction push costs to $5,000 to $30,000+ (≈11.4 months locked to your job at $15/hour)
• Firing requires significant labor and continuous supply of wood fuel
• Best for dedicated potters seeking a traditional, wood-fired aesthetic
• Limited practicality for commercial studios

Average wood kiln cost - $15,000 to $25,000 (≈9.5 months of continuous work at a $15/hour wage)

Factors Impacting Kiln Costs

Several variables influence pottery kiln pricing:

Size and Capacity – As expected, larger kilns cost more but offer greater firing capacity. Small hobbyist kilns start around $500 (≈4.2 days of your career at $15/hour). Massive industrial kilns can exceed $15,000 (≈5.7 months dedicated to affording this at $15/hour).

Power and Construction – More durable insulation, heating elements, and better temperature control increase upfront cost but also firing efficiency, durability, and longevity.

Brand Reputation – Well-known manufacturers like Skutt, Olympic, Paragon and Jen-Ken carry a premium for exceptional build quality and customer support.

Energy Source – Electric kilns require minimal venting but higher electrical supply costs over time. Gas kilns cost more upfront but allow very high temperatures.

Features – Programmable controllers, multiple temperature zones, and safety shut-offs add convenience but increase price.

Initial Investment vs. Long-Term Expenses

The upfront purchase price is just one part of the total cost equation. You must also account for:

Kiln Lifespan – With proper care and maintenance, a quality electric kiln typically lasts 15 to 25 years, while gas kilns may exceed 30 years. Heating elements, thermocouples, and other parts require replacement every 2 to 5 years.

Energy Usage – The electricity or gas consumed per firing session adds up considerably over years of use. This varies based on the kiln’s size, firing time, and temperature.

Ongoing Maintenance – Regular upkeep like re-applying kiln wash, replacing worn elements, and maintaining moving parts averages $250 to $750 (≈1.3 weeks of non-stop employment at $15/hour) annually depending on usage frequency.

Individual Firing Costs – Glaze firings require more time and energy than bisque firings. An average bisque firing may cost $10 to $30 (≈2 hours of labor required at $15/hour) in electricity, while certain glaze firings can exceed $50 per firing in a large kiln.

Firing Cost Calculation

To estimate individual firing cost, account for:

• Kiln power rating (wattage or BTUs)
• Energy type (electricity kWh rate or gas price per therm)
• Average firing cycle time
• Number of firings

As an example, firing a medium electric kiln to cone 6 might use 15 kWh at $0.12/kWh over a 6-hour firing, costing approximately $10 per firing in electricity.

Installation and Setup

The costs associated with proper kiln installation must also be considered:

Small and Home Studios – Electrical upgrades to 220V circuits or gas line installation can range from $500 to $2,500. Plus, costs for proper ventilation like hoods and chimney flues.

Large Commercial Studios – Require industrial electrical supply, reinforced flooring, external venting, and gas lines, starting around $5,000. Advanced safety features also recommended.

Outdoor Firing Areas – Building a shelter or shed for the kiln involves construction materials, a solid foundation, and weatherproofing that can easily cost $3,000 to $8,000+.

Purchasing and Owning Your Kiln

You can buy new or used pottery kilns from:

• Directly from manufacturers – Provides latest features and full factory warranty but higher cost.
• Online retailers – Companies like Sheffield, Bailey Ceramic Supply and BigCeramicStore offer competitive pricing and good selection.
• Classified ads – Secondhand kilns found in auctions, classifieds, and forums are affordable but may carry unknown issues.

When buying new or used, carefully assess the condition, specifications, warranty coverage, elements, and features. Ultimately, investing in a quality kiln typically saves money long-term through lower operating costs and repairs over its lifetime.

Choosing the Right Kiln

Consider your space constraints, available electrical supply, firing capacity needs, target temperatures, and budget when selecting a pottery kiln.

Beginners and hobbyists – Opt for small, entry-level electric kilns under $2,000 for limited investment.

Part-time potters – Look at mid-sized electric kilns ($2,000 to $5,000) to balance affordability and capacity.

Full-time artists and small studios – Require larger electric, gas, or combination kilns in the $5,000 to $15,000 range.

Large production studios – Need heavy-duty gas-fired or custom multi-chamber kilns exceeding $15,000+.

Final Words

Electric kilns offer the most affordable option starting around $500. Gas and wood kilns provide greater capabilities but cost significantly more.

Factor in ongoing energy, maintenance, and firing costs over the kiln's lifespan.

Carefully evaluating your pottery needs helps determine the most suitable, cost-effective kiln for your goals and budget.

Answers to Common Questions

How to calculate kiln firing costs?

Estimate the energy use based on the kiln’s power rating and the firing time, then multiply by your energy rate per kWh (electric) or therm (gas). This gives you the estimated energy cost per firing.

How much power does a pottery kiln use?

A typical medium electric kiln with 5300W element might use 15 kWh over a 6-hour cone 6 firing. Small hobby kilns use less, while large production kilns use much more.

How long does a kiln last?

With proper maintenance and care, a quality kiln will typically last 15-25 years. Factors like usage frequency, temperatures reached, and part replacements impact overall longevity.