Kiln firing cost calculator

By the Lindenmaker team

Specs and sources awaiting check

Work it out for your workshop

Worked example

For an example 2.5 kW kiln, elements on for the whole firing, 12 pieces a firing and an example tariff of 25p per kWh (use the figure on your bill):

  • Bisque firing (8 hours): 20 kWh, £5.00, or £0.42 a piece.
  • Glaze firing (10 hours): 25 kWh, £6.25, or £0.52 a piece.
  • Bisque and glaze together: £0.94 a finished piece.
  • Two of each a month: £22.50 a month.
  • That's the most it could cost, with the elements on throughout. If your kiln's manual gives an average, enter it to bring this down.

Source: HSE, awaiting check; Electrical Safety First, awaiting check

Enter your kiln's power from its rating plate or spec page, how long your bisque and glaze firings take, and the price per kWh on your electricity bill. The calculator shows the electricity cost of each firing, per piece, per shelf and per month.

How it works

Energy is the kiln's power multiplied by the hours it fires and the share of that time its elements are on. Cost is that energy multiplied by your tariff.

A kiln's elements switch on and off as it holds its temperature, so the share of time they're on matters. If you leave that at the top setting, you see the most a firing could cost. If your kiln's manual gives an average, enter it for a closer figure.

FAQs

Why doesn't it fill in my tariff?

Tariffs differ from home to home and change often, so we use the figure you type in. It's on your bill or in your supplier's app.

Does it include clay and glaze?

No, it's electricity only. Clay, glaze, kiln shelves and wear on the elements are extra.

Read the guide: How much does it cost to run a kiln?

Sources