Purchasing a kiln can be a daunting prospect, particularly if you’re still a beginner and you’re not sure what to look for, so here you’ll find information about the functionality, maintenance and reputation of many of the most popular glass fusing kilns, including what to look for if you’ve found a kiln for sale second-hand.
These recommendations aim to layout the options in simple terms for those new to glass, full technical information and specs are displayed on the kiln manufacturers and suppliers’ websites. I’ve included information about which suppliers stock which kilns, and what benefits you can receive at each supplier, so some of the information is specific to those purchasing a kiln in the UK.
I have owned or used all of these kilns. Any opinions expressed here are informed by my experiences as a kiln owner, a teacher, a past employee of a leading kiln distributor and my students’ experiences with their kilns.
Kilncare Hobbyfuser 3
Overview
Plug straight into the wall
38cm x 38cm square shelf
Sprung lid (easy lifting), infra-red quartz elements
Brand
Kilncare are a fantastic brand and the undeniable UK leading manufacturer of high-end, fantastic kilns. They offer fantastic customer service, and even produce parts and offer servicing to kilns made by other companies.
Where to buy new
This kiln is available at all of the big suppliers, and I suggest you choose the one which stocks the glass you use as purchasing a kiln will make you eligible for discounts.
Second-hand
These kilns are a pretty safe bet second-hand (I actually bought my own second-hand). They are built intuitively, so if a brick or element needs replacing this is very easy to do. Look closely at the fibre roof, is it still intact? Cracks in the fibre are normal, but if it’s fraying, dented or if any of it is missing it may be due for replacement. Issues of this kind could imply improper care or propping-up of the lid. Fibre lids can last a good ten years if cared for properly.
Pros
The fibre lid is a major selling point of this kiln. It has far greater longevity than a brick lid, which will eventually start to drop little bits onto your glass. This won’t happen with a fibre lid.
Sprung lid, which makes it easy to open and close.
Cons
Price. Yes, this is a fantastic kiln, but the price increases so dramatically each year that I’m starting to see kilns bought 3-4 years ago being sold by their owners for more than what they paid. Five years ago this kiln was much more accessible, but increasingly, people are being priced out by this kiln and choosing alternatives.
Fairly shallow, meaning you are limited to 5” (6” if you’re pushing your luck) drop outs (assuming 6mm thick glass). Those looking to focus on drop outs may consider the Hobbyfuser Deep or Profuser Deep, which offer extended height.
Skutt Firebox 14
Overview
Plug straight into wall
Cost-effective starter kiln
Brick lid, coil elements
35cm x 33cm shelf size
Brand
Skutt are a reputable American brand of kilns for ceramics and glass.
Where to buy new
Skutt glass kilns are exclusive to Warm Glass in the UK.
Second-hand
If you are buying a second-hand Skutt there are two important things to look at, the lid and the elements. I often hear of issues with Skutt lids, but with careful care they have good longevity. Because the lid is heavy it can be dropped too quicky, which over time will cause cumulative damage. Look at the corners, both inside and outside, and the brick all over the inside of the lid. Are there any bits missing, however small, or cracks? These could lead to bits of brick falling on your glass and eventually a new lid will need to be installed. Flaking to the top surface of the lid is normal and not an issue. When looking at the coiled elements, look to see that they are not protruding from the lid and notice if the coil is significantly tighter in some places than others. Both of these will suggest that some maintenance is necessary.
Pros
A great price for the size
Cons
Necessity of extra care with lid
Top Tip - The Olympic Fuser 14 is virtually identical in function and price to the Skutt Firebox 14. The main difference is the controller (see below). But the main point that you need to consider when choosing between the two is which glass you use; COE90 (Bullseye) or COE96 (Oceanside/System 96, Wissmach, Youghiogheny) as the Skutt is exclusive to Warm Glass and the Olympic is exclusive to Creative Glass Guild. If you use COE90 you’re better off buying your kiln at Warm Glass as they stock Bullseye, and if you use COE96 you’re better off buying from Creative Glass Guild as they stock this glass. Buying a kiln from either company makes you eligible for discounts on their glass and both companies also send you a box of promotional goodies.
Olympic Fuser 18 Clamshell
(This information is also relevant for the Olympic Fuser 14, which has optional clamshell option and the shelf is 31cm x 31cm approx.)
Overview
Plug straight into wall
Bigger than a Kilncare Hobbyfuser, and cheaper
Brick lid, coil elements, side elements
42cm x 42cm shelf size
Brand
Olympic are a friendly, reputable American kiln brand.
Second-hand
These kilns have only been in circulation in the UK for a few years so they don’t often come up second hand, and if they do, they’re still going to be reasonably new. If buying second-hand, you’re looking at the same things as the Skutt, the condition of the lid and the coil elements.
Pros
Both top and side-heating elements (rare for a glass kiln) particularly useful for those doing drop-outs.
Clamshell lid allows easy insertion of a loaded kiln shelf
Controller that allows you to key in numbers rather than using up and down arrows, making it much quicker to use than most other styles of controller.
Like all Olympic kilns this one comes with great supporting kit, including two kiln shelves and a selection of kiln furniture and papers.
Cons
Care needed to minimize deterioration of the brick lid
Top Tip - Even though Skutts and Olympics are American made, Kilncare make coil elements and other spares to fit these kilns, and it’s worth getting a price from them as well as from the manufacturer to see which is more cost-effective.
Paragon SC2
Overview
Plug straight into wall
17.5cm x 17.5cm kiln shelf
Smallest kiln you can get that has suitable kiln controller for glass (I think!)
Front loading
Brand
Paragon are perhaps the most established American kiln brand. They make great kilns, but they are not known for providing the best customer service in the UK.
Second-hand
This kiln comes up quite a lot second-hand. The first thing you need to know is that there is a version of this kiln with a bead door, used by lampworkers. This version can be used for fusing, but be aware that it is very likely to be cooler in the front than the back when fusing as the heat seal on the bead door deteriorates over time. This can cause a number of issues for glass fusers. I would recommend that a new glass fuser does not have a second-hand SC2 with bead door as their first kiln. This kiln costs hundreds more than it did just a few years ago, so be wary of someone selling an older kiln for not much less than the current ‘new’ price.
Pros
This really is a charming little workhorse kiln. It’s reliable, easy to use and its size makes it ideal for sample making and testing. I find it the ideal accompanying kiln for my Hobbyfuser. On its own great for jewellery, or singular small projects.
Sits on a desktop, doesn’t take up huge amounts of space.
Useful if you do lampworking as well as fusing.
Fibre walls/roof means no risk of pieces of brick falling on your glass
Cons
Elements are buried underneath the fibre walls, if an element broke I can’t imagine a way it could be fixed without taking the entire kiln apart.
The price of this kiln goes up significantly each year, and with accessibility being a real issue in the glass world and this being a supposed ‘starter kiln’ I find this a real issue.
Paragon websites difficult to navigate and a struggle to get adequate support from Paragon and their UK distributor when things go wrong or you need help.
Additional tips
The courier who delivers your kiln will only be insured to deliver to you door and not put your kiln in place in your house. You will need enough people to move your kiln into your house (usually 2-3 able bodies depending on the kiln.)
Never plug your kiln into an extension lead, it needs its own power supply.
Your kiln preset programs and manufacturer recommended programs are a guide only and you will need to do your own testing to find the ideal firing programs for what you want to achieve.
Your kiln supplier will be happy to answer any questions you have about your kiln, so don’t be afraid to ask!
Want to know more?
I run a monthly Introduction to Glass Fusing 3hr Online Course. This course is specifically aimed at those new to glass fusing, with kilns, who are struggling to get started. I will show you how to use and take care of it properly, and take the fear out of it. We’ll discuss how a firing program works (we’ll look at full fuse, tack fuse and slump) and when to use them. We will also look at design and construction techniques for glass, along with the science and technical information you need to understand them. I will explain the differences between System 96 and Bullseye glasses, what COE means and the best places to buy your materials. You will also receive a recording of the video call for you to refer back to and two weeks of email support from me if you need it. The call will be hosted on Zoom and will be limited to 5 students. The course costs £40 and available dates can be viewed here.
I also offer studio visits for those who need in-person support getting their kiln set-up (geography and COVID situation allowing!).