Choosing the proper kiln can be simplified by a little planning ahead.  If you work with glass, for production or as a hobby, the proper kiln size is important.  We recommend that you choose the shelf size first and the kiln second.  Select a shelf that will provide the needed surface area for you largest projects.  The available shelves are:

Once a shelf size has been selected, that will suit your glass projects,  then select a kiln by its depth.  Kiln depth range form 4.5” on the small 11” diameter kilns to a standard 15” on the larger diameter models.  Deeper kilns are available.  An artist that just fuses glass and slumps into a bowl or plate mold will do fine in a shallow kiln.  Whereas, the artist that prefers to create floral formed pieces, slumped over a tall inverted mold, will require the deepest depth kiln possible.  It is always suggested to get the largest kiln that can be afforded, giving the most options possible. 

Once the kiln size has been selected there are two main choices for controlling the heat in the firing chamber, Infinite Switches and Digital Controllers.  Infinite switches are easy to use and when paired with a pyrometer, yields a system for virtually all situations.  But keep in mind a manual kiln requires a lot of attention and monitoring.  If you fire for production or require several ramp/soak settings or require the glass to be annealed, a digital controller will give you the control and the ability to fire the same sequence repeatedly.  A controller will allow the kiln to be fired without constant monitoring, but not unattended.  All kilns need to be checked at the fusing temperature, to determine if more time or temperature  is needed.  Digital controllers are a must for long annealing cycles.