A kiln is an insulated chamber that heats pottery to high temperatures to turn clay into ceramic and melt glazes. Studio kilns are usually electric or gas fired and reach about 1100 to 1300 °C.
What Is Kiln?
Kilns are built from insulating firebrick or ceramic fibre to hold heat, with elements or burners to supply it. A controller or the potter manages the rate of heating, the top temperature and the cooling. Pieces sit on kiln shelves supported by posts, an arrangement called kiln furniture.
The two main firings are the bisque, which hardens the clay, and the glaze firing, which melts the glaze. Kilns are also used for decal and lustre firings at low temperatures, and special kilns are built for raku, wood, salt and soda firing.
Choosing a kiln involves its size, its maximum temperature, the power or gas supply it needs, and ventilation. Many potters start by using a community studio’s kilns or a firing service, which avoids the cost of buying and installing one, and shows which firing range suits their work before they commit. Whatever the kiln, never open it while it is hot, and keep the area around it clear of anything that can burn.
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.