Evenheat Kilns & Ovens Jen-Ken Kilns kiln-buying Kilns Larger Kilns Olympic Kilns Paragon Kilns Smaller Kilns Voltage

What is the biggest kiln available on household current?

The number one piece of advise we give to someone looking to purchase their first kiln is... "purchase the biggest one you can afford".  We say this, not because we are greedy but, because we all know that once you start... it's impossible stop! The creative juices start flowing and you just want more, more, more!!!  

 The number one question we get in return is... "What is the biggest kiln I can run on 120v household current?"  That is a great question because the answer is not that easy.

 Before we get to the list, it's important to talk about power and performance. To provide the performance it was designed to give, a kiln must have the proper outlet and matching breaker to supply adequate voltage and amperage. An incorrect connection may cause disappointing or even hazardous results.

 Smaller kilns (under 13”) typically run on household 120 volt, 13 amp household current. This will allow the owner to plug the kiln into just about any plug in the house. Most standard household breakers are 15-20 amps, so a 13 amp draw on that breaker will not overtax or “blow” the breaker.

 When the firing chamber increases in size, the amperage required to heat the chamber will increase to 15-17 amps. These higher amperage requirements will dictate the need to install a dedicated circuit of 20 amps to be installed. This new circuit will be dedicated specifically to the kiln, and will not have anything else attached to it that will draw power.

Most homes in the U.S. are wired with a combination of 15-amp and 20-amp, 120-volt circuits. Because 15-amp receptacles (5-15R) can be used with 20-amp circuits, most of the receptacles you see in homes are the standard 15-amp variety, with two slots and a U-shaped grounding hole. 

 Twenty-amp receptacles (5-20R) have a horizontal slot branching off one of the vertical slots. Plugs designated as 20 amp will not fit into 15-amp outlets. If you have questions, we always recommend talking to a licensed electrician.

 Now that we got through all the technical talk, here is the full list of all 120v kilns: 

 5-15R KILNS
  • Jen-Ken Fiber 15 "Bonnie Glo" Tilt
  • Jen-Ken Fiber 15 "Bonnie Glo" Tall
  • Jen-Ken AF3P 15/6
    •
      5-20R KILNS 

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