Kiln Firing 101: The Basics

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Whether you're new to ceramics or looking for a refresher, understanding the basics of kiln firing is an important part of creating successful ceramic projects. This resource covers essential kiln information to help you feel more confident preparing for and managing firings in the classroom or studio.

Learn about kiln setup and safety, firing temperatures and schedules, and important considerations for loading and firing ceramic work. Use these kiln firing basics as a helpful starting point for developing safe, consistent firing practices and getting the best results from your clay and glazes.

In our Kiln Basics video series, we walk you through everything from kiln safety, how to begin with your kiln, pyrometric cones, loading your kiln, important temperatures, and, of course, how to fire your kiln.

We have an excellent technical support team here at AMACO to help you every step of the way, so come along as we remove everything scary and mystifying about your kiln!

2_KilnSafety_YouTubeThumbnail2 — Kiln Safety: A quick guide to safe kiln operation and essential precautions.

3_BeginningWithYourKiln_YouTubeThumbnail copy — Beginning With Your Kiln: Essential steps for getting to know your kiln—new or used.

4_PyrometricCones_YouTubeThumbnail — Ceramic Pyrometric Cones: Learn why pyrometric cones are essential—even with a digital kiln controller. Cones provide the most accurate measure of heatwork in every firing.

5_ImportantTemperatures — Firing a Kiln for Beginners: Important Temperatures” — Key temperatures to know during the firing process.

6_LoadingYourKiln_YouTubeThumbnail — How to Load a Ceramics Kiln: Learn the basics of loading your kiln.

7_ProgrammingKiln_YouTubeThumbnail — How to Program Your Kiln: A beginner’s guide to using the Select Fire controller.

Kiln FAQ

This depends on what type of clay body and glaze you are using. It's important to understand the difference between low-fire, mid-range, and high-fire temperatures and how to choose the right firing temperature for your clay and glazes.

Low Fire: Cone 06-04

Mid-Fire: Cone 5-6

High-Fire: Cone 9-10

Always follow the firing recommendations provided for your specific products.

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Firing time varies depending on the kiln, firing schedule, load size, and materials being fired. Allow additional time for the kiln to cool before opening.

We'd recommend opening a kiln around 200°F (93°C) or cooler as a general guideline—but the kiln manufacturer’s instructions should always take priority.

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Keep glaze off the bottom of your ceramic pieces and any area that will come into contact with the kiln shelf.

Wipe the bottom of each piece clean before firing, and use kiln wash on shelves as recommended by the kiln manufacturer.

Kiln wash is used to coat all shelves prior to a glaze firing. With a 1/16" thickness, the life of shelves is prolonged, and glaze drippings are easy to remove.

If glaze does drip onto a shelf, allow the kiln to cool completely before carefully removing the affected piece and repairing the shelf.

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Kiln Firing 101: The Basics

Kiln FAQ

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Questions? We’re here to help!