Tag Archives: buying guide

Finished a Pottery Class? Here’s How to Keep Going at Home

Finishing a local pottery class often leaves people wanting more. Not everyone wants to keep paying for studio time or waiting for the next session to open up. If you searched for a pottery class near you, loved it, and now want your own setup, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common […]

3-Inch Brick vs 2.5-Inch Brick: How Much Does It Matter?

3-inch brick vs 2.5-inch brick comes down to real insulation and energy savings, not just marketing language. Skutt’s own guidance confirms 3-inch brick delivers roughly 15% better energy efficiency on average. On some models, it even raises the kiln’s max cone rating. This isn’t a cosmetic upgrade. It changes real performance. This guide covers what […]

How Often Do Kiln Elements Need Replacing, and What Does It Cost?

Kiln elements typically last 1 to 5 years, or roughly 100 to 200 firings, before needing replacement. The exact lifespan depends heavily on firing temperature and frequency. A real documented example on a Skutt 818 shows elements lasting close to 1,000 firings. A full replacement on that model ran around $750, including labor. Higher-fire, more […]

How to Choose Between Different Pug Mill Brands

Choosing between pug mill brands mostly comes down to two names. Peter Pugger and Shimpo dominate studio-scale pug mills. Both build genuinely reliable machines, but they work differently under the hood. Peter Pugger’s compact models are true pugger-mixers, built to take bone-dry scraps straight from the bucket. Shimpo’s compact models are traditionally pug-only, meaning your […]

New vs Used Kiln: Is a Used Skutt a Good Idea?

Weighing new vs used kiln options comes down to real inspection, not just age or price. A used Skutt kiln can be a genuine bargain, but only if you know what to check first. Elements, thermocouples, and relays all wear out at different rates. A kiln that looks fine sitting cold can still have serious […]