Author Archives: The Kiln Depot

Pug Mill for Clay Recycling: Why Demand Is Rising in 2026

Pug Mill for Clay Recycling: Why Demand Is Rising in 2026 Clay waste costs studios real money. Every dried scrap, every trimming, every failed piece adds up over a year. Right now, more potters are fixing this problem than ever before. Sustainability is driving the trend. Studios want to reclaim clay instead of throwing it […]

Best Portable Slab Roller for Ceramics Teachers — Tested in Real Classrooms

Best Portable Slab Roller for Ceramics Teachers — Tested in Real Classrooms You teach ceramics at two schools. The slab roller you need has to move between classrooms daily — but it also has to survive 120+ student hands per week across multiple semesters. Most slab rollers weren’t built for this. Home studio rollers stay […]

Best Slab Rollers for Hand-Building Pottery in 2026 — Buyer’s Guide

Best Slab Rollers for Hand-Building Pottery in 2026 — Buyer’s Guide Hand-building pottery — whether you’re making tiles, plates, sculptural forms, or slabs for construction — demands precision and consistency. Rolling slabs by hand takes time, effort, and can strain your wrists over years of studio work. A quality slab roller eliminates all three problems: […]

Best Pug Mills for Clay Recycling & De-Airing in 2026

Best Pug Mills for Clay Recycling & De-Airing in 2026 Every potter throws away clay. Trimmings, failed pieces, dried-out clay at the bottom of buckets — it adds up fast. Most potters either buy new clay to replace it or haul scraps to the dump. But there’s a third option: a pug mill that recycles […]

Best Pottery Wheels for Home Studios in 2026 — Buyer’s Guide

Best Pottery Wheels for Home Studios in 2026 — Buyer’s Guide Buying a pottery wheel is one of the most personal decisions a potter makes. Unlike a kiln — where specs are fairly objective — a pottery wheel has to feel right under your hands. That said, the decision still comes down to a handful […]

Best Kilns for a Home Pottery Studio in 2026 — Buyer’s Guide

Best Kilns for a Home Pottery Studio in 2026 — Buyer’s Guide Setting up a kiln at home is one of the most rewarding investments a potter can make. No more waiting on community studio schedules, no more firing fees, and complete control over your firing process from bisque to glaze. But with so many […]

Most In-Demand Pottery Equipment in 2026

Most In-Demand Pottery Equipment in 2026 Pottery equipment demand continues to grow as more hobbyists, home studio potters, and professional ceramic artists invest in their own studios. If you’re buying, selling, or upgrading equipment, understanding which tools are currently in demand can help you make smarter decisions. In this guide, we’ll look at the most […]

Brent CXC vs Shimpo VL Whisper: Which Pottery Wheel Is Better?

Brent CXC vs Shimpo VL Whisper: Which Pottery Wheel Is Better? The Brent CXC vs Shimpo VL Whisper comparison is one of the most common discussions among potters. Both pottery wheels have excellent reputations for reliability, performance, and durability. However, choosing between them can be difficult because each wheel excels in different areas. Whether you […]

Why Speckled Clay Is So Popular in Modern Pottery

If you’ve spent any time in pottery studios, ceramic markets, or on social media lately, you’ve probably noticed one trend appearing everywhere: speckled clay. From handmade mugs and dinnerware to decorative vases and serving bowls, speckled stoneware has become one of the most recognizable looks in contemporary ceramics. But why has it become so popular, […]