We offer a huge range of kilns and accessories from various manufacturers. The kilns are divided into sections. These are:
13amp PLUG & FIRE
Kilns that are often aimed at the hobby market and supplied as an attractive package. These kilns are top-loading and include controller, furniture and are fitted with a 13amp plug for connection into any suitable 13amp socket. Click
here for this section.
TOP-LOADING
Round (Chieftain, Narbertherm) and oval top-loading (Chieftain Oval) electric kilns that require connection to a suitable isolator such as a cooker type switch. Click
here for Chieftain Round,
here for Nabertherm and
here for Chieftain Oval.
FRONT-LOADING
Electric conventional door opening. Click
here for Champion Kilns.
GLASS
Kilns specifically constructed for glass slumping etc. No details available at the moment.
GAS
Brick lined gas kilns for natural or bottle gas. No details available at the moment.
BUYING A KILN
Buying a kiln will be the most expensive and important purchase any potter, hobby or professional will undertake. Budget will often be the deciding factor in any purchase, but care must be taken when buying a kiln to ensure the correct model is chosen for your situation.
Firstly consider the power supply. In the UK we now work on a single-phase supply of 230volts. This supply can fluctuate by 6% below or 10% above that figure. Therefore it is not unusual to end up with a voltage of 216volts or as high as 253volts. All kilns, irrespective of make, are “voltage critical” that is if they are designed for 230volts and in reality if less volts end up at the kiln, the equipment will not perform to its optimum. How will that manifest itself? Easy! The kiln will struggle to get to stoneware temperatures. The symptoms appear the same or very similar to the way a kiln performs when the elements have worn to a point where they need changing. Most kiln companies will also offer elements wound for a lower voltage to compensate for the problem, but it is not an answer to install low voltage elements from the start. Simply if 220volt elements have 240volts running through them on a regular basis they will fail more quickly than normal and additional problems can be experienced.
Look at the kilowatt rating of the kiln. This is like measuring the size of engine on a car. If you find three different makes of kiln with the same cubic capacity* and the kilowatt rating varies, beware. For example we have kilns of 2.6 cubic feet firing chamber. Kiln 1 is rated at 5.5kW, kiln 2 at 5kW and kiln 3 at 5.5kW. Simply kiln 2 is bound to go more slowly than kilns 1 and 3.
*The build has to be the same. i.e. the thickness of the walls should be the same.
Consider the elements used in the kiln. Some kilns have the same element throughout the kiln. This is almost certain to produce a temperature variation within the kiln. This variation is emphasised if the kiln is operated by a controller. Other kilns will use varying strength elements to aid in maintaining as even a temperature as possible. The build quality should also be carefully considered. Kilns vary in price for a reason and often the quality of materials used, thickness of metal cladding etc will vary. The quality of the materials used and the quality of the manufacturing will determine how long your equipment will last.
Also give some thought to what you want to fire. All kilns will be designed to fire a weight per cubic foot of firing chamber. That weight must include the props and shelves. Therefore if you want to fire all platters and to stoneware temperatures, it is possible most kilns will struggle. It is probable the specification can be amended, but it is always easier to discuss this before you purchase rather than afterwards. Any amendments to the specification, such as changing the rating of the elements will always have to be a cost born by the customer' s unless this is specified before purchase.
It is also prudent to check out the cost of spares before you commit yourself. The cost of re-elementing a round top-loader will always be cheaper than changing the elements in the same cubic capacity front-loader, but the cost of spare elements varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Lastly, talk to others with a similar model or make to the one you are considering. Check to see if they fire in a similar way to you and to a similar temperature. Their experience may be the factor that finally helps you to the correct decision.
WHY DIFFERENT TYPES OF KILN?
Why should you choose a top-loading kiln or a front loading? An argument can be made for all types of kiln. A top-loader is lighter and except for the bigger models easier to transport. Therefore delivery costs are much less and if it is sold second-hand it is much easier to dispose of. Purely from the method of construction the front-loading type of kiln should last longer, but it is much heavier and will be costly to move after the initial delivery.
When it comes to packing a kiln the argument can vary either way. Flat plates should be easier to pack into a top-loader. Generally a front-loader should be easier with tall pieces. A top-loader can be a problem if you have back troubles. A top-loader costs less to re-element than a front-loader does. A front-loader will normally have a greater kilowatt rating than a top-loader, cubic foot for cubic foot. Generally top-loaders are on castors (standard) allowing easier localised movement. Maintenance is often easier on a front-loader.
SAFETY DEVICES
Heat fuses are no longer made and in the main have been replaced by resettable Heat Trips. It must be understood that this is not a complete backup device. Fuses or trips will only guard against an overfire if a controller fails to cut-off. Some front-loading kilns (Falcon Range) are being offered with “sentinel contactors” as standard. If an electrical component fails in the on position, preventing the power supply being broken, this is the only device that is available to save the kiln. The controller in a set-up with this contactor would add 20°C approx. to the cut-off temperature. If the cut-off temperature is surpassed but the power supply has not be severed when the additional temperature has been achieved the sentinel contactor will break saving the equipment.
SITING
Kilns should be sited in well ventilated environments with at least 12inches (30cms) of air circulation. All kilns, but top-loading kilns especially, should be placed on a fire retardant surface. If the kiln is sited in a studio and fired when the workshop is in use serious consideration should be given to mechanical venting. In education establishments kilns should be sited in designated areas preventing unauthorised access. Also mechanical venting of kiln areas in this type of situation is probably obligatory.
DELIVERY METHODS & INFORMATION
We would like to make all customers aware of what is included in the service when delivery prices are quoted for kilns and equipment.
PALLET DELIVERY
The service can be applied to the delivery of top-loading kilns and wheels or any piece of equipment with external dimensions no greater than a metre square. The equipment is strapped to a pallet and delivered by means of a lorry with a tail lift. These vehicles normally have a pallet truck that can be used to manoeuvre the pallet on flat ground, but it must be appreciated that the price given is to deliver to site and off-load. It is the customer’s responsibility to remove the kiln or equipment from the pallet and move into position. Nabertherm Kilns are delivered by DHL pallet delivery service. The drivers will only off-load to the nearest convenient point..
NORTHERN KILNS SPECIAL DELIVERY
This service is unique to Northern Kilns and is only provided for this manufacturer’s kilns (Chietain & Champion Ranges. They deliver and off-load into situ negotiating no more than one step. They will install the kiln to a suitable isolator (switch) if it is situated within 2 metres of the kiln. They will also instruct on use of the controllers supplied with their kilns (at time of delivery). A completed kiln delivery questionnaire is required before delivery prices can be confirmed.
NOTE
The fitting of reliable safety devices to prevent overfires and potential fire hazards is becoming more of an issue when kilns are supplied into educational establishments. It must be noted that a number of manufacuterers do not fit these types of devices as standard.
