Buying a used kiln is easier than you think!

                                                                

If you have been wanting to get into porcelain, but the price of a new kiln has been holding you back....a used kiln might be just what the doctor ordered! The good news is many of the older electric kilns used by ceramic artists are quite capable of firing to cone 6 porcelain. I prefer the old fashioned kilns with knobs and kilnsitters (note some of the new kilns can be special ordered with manual controls) rather than the computerized digital models. I feel very confident that I can make any necessary repairs on a basic kiln. The digital models I would be lost beyond simply changing out the elements.

  The easiest way to find local used kilns is to go to craigslist.com on the internet and type in kiln in the for sale section. Do not try to limit the catergory as many sellers will not be sure which catergory a kiln belongs, so look everywhere. As you read the ads, determine if the kiln runs on electricity or gas. If they have included the manufacturer and the model number, type it into a search engine and add pdf (example: Aim model 64KT pdf). The pdf on the model will tell you all about the electrical requirements, what temperature the kiln will reach, and usually a parts diagram. The largest city near me is Spokane, Wa and I can usually find smaller kilns in my area for between $150 and $300. The kilns to avoid are the ones that are simply way too large for your needs, kilns that operate on gas, or kilns specifically designed for glass fusing. A glass kiln will not normally reach 2232 degrees Fahrenheit necessary for cone 6 porcelain. A dead give away is a kiln that only has an element in the lid. Kilns designed for firing clay usually have the elements lining the sides of the kiln. You can also visit local ceramic or pottery shops and read their bulletin boards. Be sure to let the clerks know you are in the market for a used kiln. Also post a wanted note-card with your contact information.

                                                   

Place copies of your note-card in hobby stores and your local grocery if they have bulletin boards. Just let everyone you meet know you are looking. Even in the computer age, good old fashioned word of mouth can work wonders!