Here are five main factors to consider when evaluating the cost of kiln firing:
Cost of Electricity
How much is charged for the use of electricity varies from provider to provider. The cost of energy is measured in cents per kilowatt hour (kW), currently the rates are fluctuating rapidly making pricing hard to predict.
How Much Power the Kiln Uses
A kiln’s power consumption is largely dependent on its size and design. Smaller kilns will typically draw between 1.5 and 1.8 kilowatts whereas a medium-sized kiln will draw around 5 kW or 8 kW. Some large kilns can even be as rated as 11kW. If your pieces can fit into a smaller oven this is more economical.
Duration of a Single Firing
Some firing programs take longer than others – firing time can be up to 20 hours. The longer your firing programs are, the more energy is used, therefore increasing the price exponentially. For example earthenware requires a shorter cooler program and therefore is cheaper to fire than stoneware or porcelain.
Frequency of Firings
How often your kiln is used also affects the cost of running it as there is a lifespan to a kiln’s elements. More use means more maintenance.
Pieces Fired
The characteristics of the pieces are also important. Thickness, size, and composition along with the type of materials or techniques may require slower or longer firing programs that will increase your firing costs.
For example big pieces consume more space in a kiln they are more expensive to fire.
