Choosing the Right Kiln

Ceramic Kilns

Choosing the proper kiln can be simplified by planning ahead. If you work with ceramics, porcelain, or pottery, for production or as a hobby, the proper size kiln is important. We recommend that you choose the shelf size first, and the kiln size second. Select a shelf size that will provide the needed surface area for your largest pieces. The available shelves are:

Once the proper shelf has been determined, select a kiln by its depth.  Kilns range in depth of 9” for the smaller models, to a moderate 22” depth for the mid-sized kilns, to 31” for the larger chambers.  Some individuals find it difficult to load a deep kiln.  Therefore, we have special order kiln depths available to suit your needs.

Once the kiln size has been selected, there are several options for controlling the kiln.

JK Series – The Classic Jen-Ken (JK) Series kilns feature four position switches (Low, Medium, High, Off) and a Dawson Kiln Sitter with Limit Timer.  This is the simplest model and is our best seller.  The JK Series has 1, 2, or 3 switches that are manually turned up over a period of time.  Once the kiln switches have been turned to High, the kiln will continue to heat until the appropriate cone temperature is reached, causing the cone in the kiln sitter to bend.  This, in turn, results in the Dawson Kiln Sitter automatically turning the kiln off and completing the successful firing.

FR Series – The FireRight (FR) Series features the Ramping Kiln Sitter, which is a Dawson Kiln Sitter that has an extra control feature with a built-in circuit board.  This model allows the user to select the number of hours for the kiln to heat from 0% of power to 100% power.  This eliminates the need for the user to return to the kiln and manually turn switches from Low to High.  Once the kiln is at 100% of power, the kiln will continue to heat until the kiln reaches the appropriate cone temperature.  The cone then bends, and the Kiln Sitter turns the kiln off.  It is also capable of soaking at a percent of power at the beginning of the firing in order to completely dry ware that may still contain moisture.

Orton AF3C Digital Controller – The Orton Autofire 3 Key Cone controller (AF3C) is a 3 button digital version of the larger 12 key digital controllers.  It is capable of firing to pre-determined cone fire schedules and can also be programmed to fire four user defined programs.

Orton Autofire 3000 – The Orton Autofire 3000 (AF) is a full featured 12 button digital controller that is extremely user friendly.  It is capable of firing pre-determined cone schedules from cone 022 to cone 8 and also has four different user defined programs.  With the optional software, it can be run remotely from a personal computer that will chart the firing.

The Bartlett V-6 – The Bartlett V-6 is a full featured 24 key controller with cone tables built-in, as well as a fully programmable mode for the individual that needs to control every aspect of the firing. With the optional KISS software, it can be controlled through a PC and monitored remotely.

Glass Kilns

Choosing the proper kiln can be simplified by a little advanced planning. If you work with glass, for production or as a hobby, the proper kiln size is important. We recommend that you choose the shelf size first and the kiln second. Select a shelf that will provide the needed surface area for your largest projects. The available shelves are:

Once an appropriate shelf has been determined, select a kiln by its depth.  Kiln depths range form 4.5” on the small 11” diameter kilns to a standard 15” on the larger diameter models.  Deeper kilns are available upon request.  An artist that primarily fuses and/or slumps glass into a bowl or plate mold will do fine in a shallow kiln.  Conversely, the artist that prefers to create floral formed pieces, slumped over a tall inverted mold, will require the deepest kiln possible.  It is always suggested to get the largest kiln that you can afford.  This will give you the most options possible.

Once the kiln size has been selected there are two main choices for controlling the heat in the firing chamber, Infinite Switches and Digital Controllers. Infinite switches are easy to use and when paired with a pyrometer, yield a system that can handle virtually any situation.  Keep in mind that a manually controlled kiln requires a lot of attention and monitoring.  If you fire for production, require several ramp/soak settings or require the glass to be annealed, a digital controller will give you the control and the ability to fire the same sequence repeatedly.  Digital controllers are a must for long annealing cycles.  It should be noted, however, that while a digital controller does allow the kiln to be fired without constant monitoring, your kiln will still require some attention.  All kilns need to be checked at the fusing temperature to determine if more time or temperature is needed. 

We have many controller to choose from:

INFINITE SWITCH CONTROLS - (GS & GS-E Series) Infinite switches give total control over the fusing and slumping in the chamber, but on a manual basis.  Each switch cycles the power on and off to maintain a percent of power for a given setting (ie. LO 2 3 4 5 6 HI).  A manual kiln can be connected to and controlled by a digital remote controller at any time.

3 BUTTON DIGITAL CONTROLLERS - These controllers can be used on kilns up to the 24” diameter glass kilns.  They are amazing in there ability and reliabilty.  They are well worth considering as an option that requires far less manual interaction than the Infinite Switch models.  The available 3 key controllers we offer are manufactured by Orton and Bartlett. 

AUTOFIRE 3 BUTTON - The Autofire 3 key (AF3P) is a great controller that has six user defined programs with 8 ramp/soak segments each. That means it saves 4 different programs that are up to eight segments each.

BARTLETT 3 BUTTON (B3K) – This controller also has four programs with 8 ramp/soak segments. That means it saves 4 different programs that are up to eight segments each. Can edit whilie firing.

DIGITAL CONTROLLERS PROFESSIONAL : For most of the kilns in the JEN-KEN KILN line, the large digital controllers are incredible. They all offer ease of use and the ability to program and reprogram during a firing. It is hard to choose which one. You can always call and let us know what you wish to do and we will help you decide which is right for you.

PERFECT FIRE 3 (PFG) - We have used this controller for over 12 years. It is time proven and is easy to use. It has six buttons, of which two of them are arrows to run the numbers up or down. It has 55 segments in a row. Any grouping of these can make a program. Example: Segments 1 through 6 have data stored. Segment number 7 can start the next program. It is easy to move around the program while the kiln is firing and to make changes.

ORTON AUTOFIRE 12 KEY (AFG) – This full featured controller has 4 user programs that can hold up to 15 segments each. The 12 button design makes entering a progam much quicker. And recently we had the panel upgraded to an add-time button and a add-temperature button. This helps at the high end when the glass needs a few more minutes or a little more heat to get the perfect results. This is the controller that has the Control Master Software available to monitor and program the kiln from a PC. This is great when the kiln is in the next room, you can watch the temperature rise from your desk and the know when to check on the project.

BARTLETT 12 KEY (BARTLETT) – This is another band of a 12 key that has become an industry standard. The Bartlett family has put all the features into this 6 program model. The Bartlett 12 key has add-time and temperature features, also. You can’t go wrong choosing this controller for your JEN-KEN KILN.

THE WINDOW – optional - As the originator of the unique 2.5” window we have given the artist a direct view of the glass while its moving. You will know right when to stop the heat and go into the rapid cooling stage. Gives a teacher the ability to video the action of the glass.

EI PRICING – EI - EI pricing is the kiln and all the accessories. (The Window if it fits the kiln, the shelf, posts, kiln wash, stand or base brick, and pyrometer or controller.) All you need is the glass and a mold.