Embarking on the journey of owning a kiln brings boundless possibilities for artists, but the concern over firing costs often looms large. At Kilns and Furnaces, we understand the importance of demystifying these costs. In this guide, we’ll simplify the process of calculating the expenses associated with powering your electric kiln.

Understanding Electricity Consumption

The cost of firing your electric kiln involves some calculation, considering the power of the kiln, consumption time, and the cost per unit of electricity. Let’s break it down using our EcoKiln as an example:

Power of the EcoKiln:

The EcoKiln operates at 3 KW, running on a typical 13A plug socket at 230v.

Consumption Time:

A typical program cycle for the EcoKiln is around 8 hours. As mentioned earlier, most kiln firing cycles draw electricity intermittently, so the consumption time is approximately 66.66% of the total firing time (however this factor can increase or decrease based on program cycle).

Cost per Unit of Electricity:

In the UK, the average cost per kilowatt-hour is 28.6p.

Example Calculation For the EcoKiln:

Power: 3 KW

Firing time: 8 hours (An average firing time, if the kiln does not cycle on and off)

Total cost in a domestic connection:

3kW×8hrs×0.286p=£6.86

In this example, running this particular kiln would cost you around £0.86 per hour.

Using the same method as above, but this time assuming the kiln is drawing power intermittently (66.66% of 8hrs = 5.33hrs) here is an updated calculation for the EcoKiln:

3kW×5.33hrs×0.286p=£4.57

Note: Keep in mind that these are simplified examples and are NOT representative of real world firing costs in the UK. The cost is entirely dependent on multiple factors including, but not limited to: the kiln’s power supply, internal and external firing conditions, the efficiency of the kiln and your supplier’s electricity rates. 

Maintenance Costs

Beyond electricity, it’s important to consider that kilns incur maintenance costs due to wear and tear on components. At K&F, we emphasise considering the overall cost of operation, including component replacements, when calculating the cost per firing. This holistic approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of your firing expenses.

Calculating the cost of firing your electric kiln is an essential step in managing your budget whether domestically or as a part of your business.

Armed with the knowledge of electricity consumption and maintenance costs, you can make informed decisions about your firing practices.

If you have any queries or need further guidance, feel free to reach out to our customer services team by phone: +44 (0)1782 344270, email: sales@kilns.co.uk, or online: kilns.co.uk/contact-us.