The Ultimate Guide to Kilns and Ovens

Fire With Confidence!

The definitive, user-focused roadmap to help you choose the right tools, fire safely, troubleshoot any issue, and master your kiln firing process—whether you work in ceramics, glass, metal, or heat treating.

The guide empowers kiln users to navigate every stage of kiln use with ease. Bringing reliable, plain language knowledge into one trusted resource. It eliminates hours of searching, reducing costly mistakes, replacing uncertainty with clarity, so users can focus on creating, producing, and operating with confidence.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Ultimate Guide to Kilns and Ovens is the perfect companion reference for all kiln ownership levels!

The guide is comprehensive and easy to understand for beginners who need to get beyond the basics as they build their knowledge and make those early purchasing and operating decisions.

Intermediate and experienced kiln owners and operators will be excited by the hundreds of pages of in-depth information that gets to the heart of issues that occur through long-term kiln and oven ownership.

YES! All of the concepts and terms in the book apply to all kiln brands. Since all kilns require a heat source (elements), as well as a controller, a temperature measurement device (thermocouple), and the internal parts and wiring (transformers, relays, switches, fuses) to regulate electrical current throughout a firing, the content in the book covers the entire universal knowledge base that every kiln owner needs to know regardless of brand.

Digital downloads and printable worksheets are available immediately after payment. You will be emailed links to your downloads and will have access to them forever!

Hard copy book orders will ship 3-5 days from your order date. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with tracking information. Delivery times vary depending on your location.

The guide can be purchased two ways.

1) Our Digital Masterclass is for readers who prefer having the guide available on their phone, tablet, and desktop. This version allows for easy searches that take you directly to the information you need when you need it. The digital version is your pocket go-to reference for trouble shooting, diagnostics, and learning topic-by-topic.

  • The Digital Masterclass not only includes the 316-page digital book, it includes a the 2-hour companion video class based on the book, and printable checklists for kiln maintenance, firing logs, and more! For learners who prefer to watch as the information is presented, the video is the perfect addition to push your knowledge further.

2) The Complete Tool Kit is for kiln owners who want all the benefits of digital, and prefer owning a hard copy version of the book as well. The 316-page hard copy book is full color and easy-to-read, with gorgeous photos, helpful charts, loads of checklists, and more!!

THE COMPLETE TOOL KIT INCLUDES:

  • The 316-page hard copy book - Ideal as a hands-on reference for note taking, as a studio handbook, and a teaching guide.
  • PLUS! Everything in the Digital Masterclass!
  • The 316-page digital e-book - Available for your phone, tablet, and desktop allowing for easily searches that take you directly to the information you need when you need it. The digital version is your pocket go-to reference for trouble shooting, the kit also includes a
  • The 2-hour companion video class based on the book.
  • Printable checklists for kiln maintenance, firing logs, and more!

It's easy! We're happy to help! Just reach out to us at admin@kilnacademy.com and we'll email you a link to upgrade your package and get the hard copy book right away!

Here is a summary of the terms of use for all content downloads.

SUMMARY OF THE LICENSE AGREEMENT - TERMS OF USE

This document is a binding legal contract
between Kiln Academy, LLC and any person who downloads or accesses the
eBook titled "The Kiln Academy." By downloading the file, you
automatically agree to these terms.

1. Scope of the License

  • Personal Use Only: You are granted a limited, non-exclusive license to use the eBook for personal, non-commercial purposes.
  • No Ownership: You do not own the eBook; Kiln Academy retains all intellectual property rights.
  • Restrictions:
    You cannot redistribute, resell, lend, lease, sublicense, or share the
    eBook. You are also prohibited from modifying, translating, or
    reverse-engineering the content.

2. Prohibited Actions

  • No Sharing: You cannot grant access to third parties or federal programs without written consent of the publisher. Non-Transferable: You cannot give the file to a friend or colleague.
  • No Automation:
    Use of bots or scripts to download or distribute the book is forbidden.
    Using the contents of the book to train AI large language learning
    models is prohibited.
  • Notices: You must not remove or alter any copyright or trademark notices within the file. No Derivatives: You cannot change the text or use parts of it to create your own book or course.
  • Using the eBook for Business or TeachingThe license is strictly for personal, non-commercial purposes. You cannot use the eBook to teach a paid workshop, include it in a corporate training library, or charge people to view it.

    Need more? If you want to use it for a school or a business, Section 1.2 says you must get "express written consent" from Kiln Academy first.

3. Liability and Warranties

  • "As Is" Basis: The eBook is provided without any warranties (no guarantee of merchantability or fitness for a specific purpose).
  • Limited Liability: Kiln Academy is not liable for any damages resulting from your use or misuse of the book.
  • Indemnification: You agree to defend and pay for legal claims against Kiln Academy if those claims arise from your breach of this agreement.

4. Termination

  • At-Will Termination: Kiln Academy can terminate your license at any time, without cause and without notice.
  • Consequences: If the license is terminated, you must immediately delete all copies of the eBook in your possession.

5. Legal Terms

  • Governing Law: This agreement is governed by the laws of Texas.
  • Disputes: Any legal action must take place in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
  • Jury Waiver: Both parties waive the right to a jury trial; all disputes will be settled by a judge.

Need more? Check out this page for the full legal document: https://kilnacademy.com/pages/ebook-license-agreement

What Makes Kiln Academy Different

Get the Book + Digital + Video

A PEEK INSIDE YOUR NEW ROADMAP...

The Anatomy of a Kiln, Glossary of Key Kiln & Electrical Terms, Kiln and Oven Uses

Understanding Volts, Plugs & Outlets, Gas vs. Electric Kilns, Controllers, Cost/Energy Use, Specialty Features, Kiln Construction, All Your Choices

OVER 80 PAGES! Delivery & Setup, Safety & Maintenance, Loading, Using Cones & Peepholes, Information about Shelves, Understanding temperature Ranges, Common Problems and their fixes, Spotting Signs of Trouble

Creating a Home Studio, Bisque/Glaze Firing, Temperature Ranges, Reduction Firing, and lot's more!

Understanding Metal Processes, Knife Making, Heat Treating Steel and Aluminum

Understanding Glass Processes, Materials, Steps on How to Fuse Glass

Manufacturers, Controllers, Repair Directory

OVER 70 PAGES! Kiln Power Issues, Heating Issues, Error Codes, Thermocouple Issues, Element Issues, Brick Repair, Relay Issues, Controller Issues, and more!!

Built From 20 Years Of Real-World Experience

Get The Guide Now

What Others Are Saying...

— Todd Lokash, President and Owner, Paragon Industries L.P.
...The Clarity and Confidence People Need.
★★★★★

“Gail Stouffer delivers the clarity and confidence people need when they enter the kiln world... This guide reflects that depth of experience. It removes confusion, answers real questions, and gives makers, teachers, and professionals a reliable path forward... The Ultimate Guide to Kilns and Ovens will add immediate value across our entire industry.”

— Mike Glotfelty, President and Owner, Jen-Ken Kilns
A Guide Like This Covers It All...
★★★★★

“The Ultimate Guide to Kilns and Ovens is a must-read if you are new to the fired arts. This book takes you through the life of a kiln from conception onward. The sections Kiln Basics, and Picking Your Perfect Kiln, will be super helpful before the purchase of a kiln. ...Narrowing down the kiln itself and the controller that runs it is worth the read. It delves into operating the kiln and troubleshooting issues that you can reference down the line. There has never been a guide like this that covers it all. There are 300 pages of insightful thoughts, pictures, and descriptions that have never been available before now.”

Cherie Virden
Wish I Had This 20 Years Ago!
★★★★★

"Kiln Academy: The Ultimate Guide to Kilns and Ovens is an indispensable
reference book for anyone serious about glass, ceramics or heat-based
mediums (or art?) Clear explanations, beautifully organized charts, and
step-by-step firing guidance make even complex kiln concepts feel
approachable and exciting. Whether you’re an artist looking to refine
your craft, a teacher building confident young makers, or a student
eager to explore new techniques, this guide removes the guesswork and
sparks creativity. I wish I had this guide 20 years ago! It should be a
must have reference book in anyone’s studio that will be used time and
time again."

Julie Cross
Jammed Packed With Knowledge!
★★★★★

"Packed with crystal-clear visuals, smart organization, and expert
insights, this comprehensive kiln guide is an essential companion for
both glass and ceramic artisans, or anyone using kilns or ovens in their
craft. From kiln selection to operational details, every page is
designed for easy reference and repeat use. Whether you are a novice or a
seasoned kiln owner, this is the kiln book you’ll reach for again and
again."

Stacy Levinson
This Book Is Amazing!
★★★★★

This is a must-have guide for both beginner and experienced kiln
workers. The troubleshooting section had me hooked! I highly recommend
this book for every kiln worker's studio.