A gas kiln heats pottery by burning natural gas or LPG with burners, venting the gases through a flue or chimney. Potters can control the flame and air to fire in reduction, which gives effects electric kilns can’t easily match.
What Is Gas Kiln?
Gas kilns have been a mainstay of stoneware studios for generations, because they can reach high temperatures and allow the potter to change the kiln atmosphere. By cutting back the air, the flames become hungry for oxygen and pull it from the clay and glazes, which changes iron and copper colours.
Reduction firing gives the toasty flashing, speckled stoneware, celadon greens and copper reds associated with traditional high-fire pottery. Gas kilns can also fire in oxidation, and some potters fire them to mid-fire temperatures for particular glazes.
They need more space, ventilation, a flue and a gas supply, and must be installed to local gas regulations, so they are more common in established studios than at home. Firings take more attention than electric ones, because the potter watches temperatures, cones and atmosphere throughout. Wood, oil and soda kilns are related fuel-burning kilns with their own surface effects. Many potters first try reduction firing through a workshop or shared kiln before deciding whether to invest in one.
This pottery glossary entry from Le Studio Art Space is general educational content. Always follow the clay, glaze and kiln makers’ data for your own materials and equipment.