Kilns Overview
Electric and fuel-fired kilns heat clay to temperatures ranging from just over 1000°F to more than 2600°F. Electric kilns — heated by wire coils — are the most common and are typically installed indoors. Fuel-fired kilns use propane, natural gas, wood, oil, or similar fuels and may be located indoors or outdoors depending on ventilation and studio design. Firing can produce a variety of fumes and gases:
- Bisque firings may release carbon monoxide as organic materials burn out of the clay.
- Glaze firings can release metallic oxide fumes.
- Overglaze firings (gold, silver, mother-of-pearl) may produce strong solvent odors.
While a single firing rarely reaches dangerous concentrations, long-term exposure can have cumulative effects. For that reason, proper ventilation is a critical part of kiln safety.
Kiln Ventilation & Fume Safety
We strongly recommend using a kiln ventilation system with all indoor kilns. Reputable manufacturers offer several options, and the right choice depends on your kiln type and size. Gas kilns require different systems than electric kilns.
For electric kilns, our preferred option is the Skutt EnviroVent, a downdraft ventilation system that pulls air in from the top and exhausts it from the bottom. Beyond managing fumes, this airflow also improves heat distribution for more even firings.
Safe Kiln Placement & Heat Clearance
Kilns generate significant radiant heat. Even with proper insulation, they can raise the surrounding room temperature to 100°F or more. Whenever possible, operate your kiln in a separate, well-ventilated room to keep your primary studio workspace cooler and safer.
Electric Kiln Wiring & Electrical Safety
High firing temperatures require reliable electrical infrastructure. As one of Skutt’s leading distributors, we’ve seen the very real dangers of improper kiln wiring. We strongly advise hiring a licensed electrician for any kiln installation. Faulty wiring is a major risk for studio fires — this is not a place to take shortcuts.
Electric Kiln Safety Tips
- Maintain Clearance: Keep kilns at least 18″ from walls or any flammable surface. Consult local fire codes for additional requirements.
- Use Fireproof Flooring: Place the kiln on unpainted concrete or a fireproof slab extending at least 18″ around the kiln.
- Protect Children: Never leave children unattended near a hot kiln.
- Annual Wiring Check: Have your kiln’s wiring inspected once a year.
- Dedicated Circuit: Install a dedicated outlet for the kiln. Avoid unplugging or swapping it between circuits.
- Protect Your Eyes: Hot kilns emit infrared radiation that can damage eyesight. Use safety glasses, IR-rated goggles, or a handheld welding shield.
- No Combustibles: Keep wood, cloth, paper, solvents, and other flammable materials away from the kiln area.
Pottery Wheel Safety Tips
Whether hand-powered or electric, potter’s wheels are designed to handle clay, water, and studio wear — but they still require safe habits and regular care. Wheel Safety Tips:
- Unplug Before Cleaning: Always disconnect electric wheels before wiping down or performing maintenance.
- Avoid Hose Rinsing: Spraying a wheel directly makes it difficult to control where the water goes — especially around electrical components.
- Keep Electronics Dry: Keep water away from the motor housing, control box, foot pedal, and switches.
- Protect Power Cords: Keep cords out of water, clay slip, and glazes.
- Kickwheel Awareness: Moving kickwheel parts can cause scrapes or cuts. Do not allow young children to use or play on them.
- Protect Your Skin: Wet clay can cause dryness or irritation. Use a moisturizer or wear latex/nitrile gloves if needed.
- Avoid Wrist Strain: Long throwing sessions can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. Keep wrists neutral and take frequent breaks.
- Support Your Back: Leaning over the wheel can cause back strain. Adjustable seats or wheels with telescoping legs can help maintain better posture.
Common Questions About Kilns
Kilns, Firing, & Equipment FAQ
What firing temperatures work best for your products?
We manufacture low fire, midrange and high fire products so it’s dependent on what you purchased. Please check the packaging on your product or if you have further questions please call 503-283-1353 for help.
Do you offer equipment warranties?
Most companies offer equipment warranties upon purchase. Georgie’s specifically does not.
Do you offer financing on kilns or wheels?
We do not offer financing on any equipment.
Do you price match equipment?
Sometimes we are able to price match, please contact us to see if we are able to.
Can I special-order equipment?
You can special order any equipment we don’t have in stock from a brand we carry.
Do you offer firing services in-store?
We offer firing services to the public. You can drop off anytime we are open Monday – Friday 9am-5pm. It is a 7-10 business day turnaround (holiday times can have longer turnaround times). We price out based on how much space your piece takes up in the kiln. Learn more on our custom firing page.
How do I know which kiln shelves and posts I need?
You’ll want to make sure the kiln shelves fit the size of your kiln (measure your kiln’s interior diameter and subtract 1-2 inches for necessary air circulation and clearance). You can also look at how many sides your kiln has (8 sided, 10 sided, 12 sided, etc).
Do you carry replacement parts?
We don’t carry every part in stock for Skutt kilns, but we can special order any part they make. We make regular pickups from Skutt each week so as soon as products are ready from Skutt, we can pick up usually within 1 business day.
Can you help with kiln troubleshooting?
Yes! Please reach out to Karen@georgies.com for kiln troubleshooting.
What kiln brands do you carry?
We carry Skutt Kilns!
How do I choose the right kiln?
Please fill out a kiln request inquiry on our kiln page or call 503.283.1353 and ask for Karen so she can help you choose the right kiln
Do you offer kiln repair?
We do not offer kiln repair at Georgie’s. We recommend John Alland in the Portland metro area for repair 503-867-7932