Category Archives: Kilns

Is the Skutt 1027 the Best Size for a Home Studio?

The Skutt 1027 is a popular home studio choice, but it isn’t automatically the best size for every home. Skutt’s own guidance actually points toward smaller models instead. The 818 and 822 are their recommended fit for home studios specifically. The 1027 is a real step up in size, output, and cost. Whether that step […]

What Electrical Requirements Does the Skutt 1027 Need?

Skutt 1027 electrical needs come straight from Skutt’s own spec sheet. It draws 48 amps at 240V. It needs a 60-amp breaker, number 6 copper wire, and a NEMA 6-50 outlet. This is a real 240V install, not something you can run off a normal household outlet. Most homes need an electrician to add a […]

Can the Skutt KM-614 Really Run on a Household 120V Outlet?

The Skutt KM-614 runs on 120V power, but it isn’t quite as simple as plugging into any standard wall outlet. Most sources agree it needs a dedicated 20-amp outlet. Specifically, that’s a NEMA 5-20 type, not the common 15-amp outlet found in most rooms. This is still far simpler than the 240V setup a larger […]

Skutt KM 818 Kiln: Frequently Asked Questions

The Skutt KM 818 is one of the most common kilns for small studios, and for good reason. It packs full studio features into a compact 2.6 cubic foot chamber. Here are real answers to the questions we hear most often about this specific model. How Big Is the Skutt KM 818? The interior measures […]

Can You Put a Kiln in Your Basement? What to Check First

Putting a kiln in your basement is allowed in most cases. It’s actually one of the most common home kiln spots. That said, “allowed” comes with real rules. Clearance space, electrical permits, and airflow all matter, and local rules can vary by city or county. This isn’t a simple yes or no question, but the […]

When to Buy Your First Kiln Instead of Paying to Fire Elsewhere

When should you buy your first kiln? Many potters reach this point after relying on a studio membership or a friend’s kiln to get work fired. Maybe you’re paying per firing. Perhaps you’re working around someone else’s schedule. Or you’re simply out of luck when kiln space runs short. At some point, owning your own […]

Kiln Cone Accuracy: Why Firing Temperature Matters for Glaze Safety

Kiln cone accuracy affects whether your glazes fire safely and correctly. Underfired glaze can trap raw material at the surface. This matters most for anything sold as food-safe. Getting your kiln’s real heat to match your target cone is a step many potters skip. This guide covers what cone accuracy means. It covers why it […]

Kiln Capacity for Sellers: Are You Firing Enough?

Kiln capacity for sellers becomes a real bottleneck once you’re producing for craft fairs and farmers markets on a schedule. The clay-to-customer pipeline runs four to six weeks at minimum. That includes throwing, drying, bisque firing, glazing, and final firing. If your kiln can’t keep pace, your booth runs empty at exactly the wrong moment. […]

Kiln Repair vs Replace: How to Decide

Deciding between kiln repair vs replace is a question every kiln owner faces eventually. Elements wear out, thermocouples drift, and controllers age. The right call depends on your kiln’s age, how much the repair costs, and how often you’re already fixing it. This guide walks through the signs that point toward repair. It also covers […]