We often get asked how much it costs to run a kiln. The answer is that it depends on the kiln itself and the firing schedule that you're doing.
We have created a tool that lets you enter the necessary details to get an estimated cost per firing.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Average power draw is an estimate.
Kilns don’t run at full power the whole time. The elements cycle on and off.
Most firings average 50–70%, but this varies by a few factors. If you are doing a faster ramping firing, use a higher percentage.
- This calculator gives an estimate, not an exact measurement.
Actual costs depend on factors like how full the kiln is, ramp speed, soak time, element condition, and your specific firing programme. - For exact numbers, you’d need to measure real kWh usage.
This requires an energy monitor or a smart meter that can track consumption during a firing.