What price should you pay for a kiln in 2025? Kiln prices can vary drastically, so we’ll be covering the factors that impact price – as well as taking a look at some of the biggest kiln retailers to see what the actual price kilns are going for in 2025.
Factors That Impact Kiln Prices
Kiln prices can vary greatly – from around $1,200 for a small kiln to $30,000+ for a large, industrial-sized kiln. So before shopping for kilns, it’s extremely important to take the time to fully think through what features you will need. The following factors may impact kiln prices:
- Size: Your kiln needs to be big enough to accommodate your projects – but bigger kilns cost more (for purchase, shipping, and installation).
- Power Rating: Lower power is typically lower cost – for purchase, installation, and electric firing costs. However, if you need a bigger kiln with a higher maximum temperature, you will probably have to swing for a higher power rating.
- Maximum Temperature: Generally, kilns with a higher maximum temperature are more expensive. But this may be a necessary investment depending on what types of materials you fire.
- Materials Fired: Glass kilns, ceramic kilns, knife kilns, and metal clay kilns (for jewelry) have different price ranges – and the media you fire may impact kiln size, power rating, and maximum temperature.
- Temperature Controller Method: The type of kiln controller that comes included with your kiln will impact its price by up to several hundred dollars – but your controller will have a major impact on your kiln firing experience and the functionality of your kiln.
- Shipping Costs: Shipping costs for kilns can add a substantial amount to your purchase price, so make sure to check whether shipping costs are included with the purchase of your kiln.
For help determining what features you need, our partners at Kiln Frog have an interactive Kiln Finder where you can answer a few questions and find kilns that match your needs.
Kiln Prices for New Kilns
For the sake of presenting an accurate range of kiln prices, we looked at 783 new kilns from two of the biggest online kiln retailers (Kiln Frog and Soul Ceramics) and compiled averages for each kiln category.
Please note that we pulled this information in December 2024, excluding any promotional pricing. You can often save several hundred dollars by shopping promotions from retailers like Kiln Frog.
Average Kiln Price for At Home Kilns
To calculate this kiln price, we excluded industrial-sized and studio-sized kilns to arrive at a realistic range of prices for at home kilns. The 621 kilns that fit this category ranged in price from $1,005.00 to $18,043.00. The average price was $2,940.25. The median price was $2,715.00.
- Range: $1,005.00 – $18,043.00
- Average: $2,940.25
- Median: $2,715.00
Average Kiln Price for Small Kilns
Small kilns are kilns that are under 15” in width and height. This is a perfect size for artists who don’t have a lot of space and are looking for a kiln they can install into a standard 120V outlet, significantly reducing installation costs. Some of the higher-end small kilns will reach up to 2350°F, making them up to the task of firing porcelain and heat treating most alloys.
However, their big limitation is size. Small kilns won’t be large enough to accommodate multiple pieces – and you won’t be able to fire medium to larger ceramic pieces or anything other than the smallest of knives.
For the 178 kilns we looked at that fit this category, prices ranged from $1,005.00 to 5,899.00. Average kiln price was $1,858.83. Median price was $1,679.00.
- Range: $1,005.00 – $5,899.00
- Average: $1,858.83
- Median: $1,679.00
Average Price for Medium Kilns
Medium kilns range from 13” to 18” in size. The vast majority of artists looking for an at home kiln will be able to find a kiln in this size range that meets their needs. We looked at prices for 254 kilns in this size range, and this is what we found.
Kiln prices ranged from $1,315.00 to $18,040.00. Average kiln price was $3,104.06. Median price was $2,755.61.
- Range: $1,315.00 – $18,040.00
- Average: $3,104.06
- Median: $2,755.61
Average Price for Large Kilns
Large kilns (17” to 24”) are for artists who need to fire larger pieces or batches with multiple pieces. Almost all of these kilns will require their own breaker, as well as the installation of a special outlet. Due to their larger size, these kilns can be used in studios or even industrial settings!
For the 189 large kilns we looked at, kiln prices ranged from $1,704.00 to $12,225.00. Average price was $4,658.02, and median kiln price was $2,729.00,
- Range: $1,704.00 – $12,225.00
- Average: $2,729.00
- Median: $2,729.00
Average Price for Industrial-Sized Kilns
The next category are kilns that are 24” or larger. This makes them big enough for studio settings or industrial processes. Industrial-sized kilns can get absolutely massive.
We examined price data for 162 in this category. Industrial kiln prices ranged from $2,500 to $37,455. Average price was $10,010.28. Median price was $6,870.
- Range: $2,500.00 – $37,455.00
- Average: $10,010.28
- Median: $6,870.00
Kiln Prices for Used Kilns
Buying used can be a great way to get more kiln for your money, but it’s not without some risk. Kiln prices in our local Facebook marketplace ranged from $250 to $2,200, including several large kilns. Some of the kilns in the $500 range looked to be in great shape. However, some of the more expensive kilns looked damaged. It’s a mixed bag, so you need to be diligent.
On Craigslist, there were only three kilns available, ranging from $350 for a medium kiln (that looked to be in amazing shape) to $1,500 for a small kiln that was immaculate.
Availability and kiln price can vary greatly based on your local marketplace – so we won’t be attempting to provide averages or ranges for buying used kilns online. However, we do want to address the risks of shopping for used kilns. If buying used, we strongly encourage you to visually inspect the kiln for any signs of corrosion or damage and to check all wiring for corrosion or shorts. Unless you’re extremely well-versed in conducting this type of inspection, we strongly recommend enlisting the help of an electrician to inspect and test the kiln prior to purchase.
Additionally, please be extremely mindful of your personal safety and adhere to these safety guidelines to avoid being scammed or putting yourself in harm’s way.
Tips for Budgeting for Your Kilns
Kilns are expensive. It might be tempting to try to save as much money as possible at the expense of buying a kiln that truly meets your needs. However, we encourage you to think of your kiln as a long-term investment. With proper maintenance, a kiln can last for decades. It’s better and ultimately more cost effective to save up now for the kiln that will serve your long-term needs instead of “saving” money by buying a kiln you will outgrow and need to upgrade.
That said, it’s important to understand that purchase price isn’t the only cost of owning a kiln. Installation can cost up to $800 if you need to enlist the help of an electrician. For ceramic kilns, you may need to buy and install a ventilation system, running an additional $200 to $800. Kiln maintenance costs run an additional $200 a year – and materials costs can vary greatly but need to be taken into account.
This might seem discouraging, but it doesn’t have to be! From renting kiln booking studio time to building your own kiln or shopping “damaged in shipping promotions,” there are plenty of options to save up money to get the right kiln at the best price:
- Contact local studios to see if you can book studio time.
- Rent kiln time through options like KilnSpace by Bullseye Glass and KilnShare.
- Build your own kiln (for savvy DIYers!).
- Buy a used kiln from the online marketplace.
- Shop sales and promotions from retailers like Kiln Frog.
- Shop “damaged in shipping” specials if you don’t mind having a few dings and dents in an otherwise fully functional kiln.
Power Your Kiln with The Most Advanced Kiln Control Technology
When shopping for a new kiln, we strongly encourage you to invest in powering your kiln with the most advanced, precise, and easy-to-use kiln control available. The TAP and TAP II Controllers by SDS Industries provide users with intuitive touchscreen controls, PID-driven precision, and the ability to name, save, and access and unlimited number of firing schedules with an unlimited number of steps.
The recently released TAP&Go is a single setpoint controller designed specifically for heat treat. With simplified controls and a more affordable price point, TAP&Go provides the fundamental functionality you need!
All of the TAP Controllers are compatible with any relay-controlled kiln or oven and integrate with the TAP Kiln Control Mobile app to maximize your productivity while always keeping you informed on the status of your kiln – even if you need to step away from your project!
We invite you to explore our selection of programmable kiln controllers, standalones, and conversion kits on our online store. You can also purchase TAP Digital Controllers or TAP Controlled Kilns and Heat Treat Ovens through one of the following distributors:
- Evenheat
- Hot Shot Oven & Kiln
- Mobile Glassblowing Studios, LLC
- Jen-Ken Kilns
- Kiln Frog
- Sheffield Pottery
- Delphi Glass
