Why buy an automatic kiln?

Since we introduced Skutt KilnMaster® automatic kilns, we have found them growing in popularity among a wide variety of users.

Artists enjoy the freedom to design and experiment with their own firing schedules.

Teachers appreciate the ability to program a delay so their firing starts at night and reaches the shut-off point just after they arrive in the morning.

Production studios have come to rely on the highly precise, repeatable firings that result in top quality control. Whether you’re firing 50 pencil holders for your 3rd grade art class, or a custom tile entryway for Trump Tower, you can benefit from a Skutt automatic kiln, or wall-mounted KilnMaster Controller

PRECISION FIRING We give you two ways to achieve precise firings time after time.

Cone Fire mode emulates firing to the maturing of a specific pyrometric cone, using an advanced process patented by the Edward Orton Jr. Ceramics Foundation. The firing chart at lower left shows how the KilnMaster intelligently works through the stages of maturity, slowing the temperature rate at critical stages. Not only is every firing precise and repeatable, but you can also fire between cones by programming a Hold at the end of the firing.

Ramp/Hold mode lets you design your own firing programs of up to eight segments. Each segment can include temperature rate, end temperature, and holding time. You can store up to six profiles for instant reuse. These capabilities are essential for potters, glass fusers, enamelists and jewelers. For example, it is now easy to program crystal glaze pottery firings which require very long and precise soaks. The example below shows a typical Ramp/Hold profile for a Cone 5 porcelain firing.

CONVENIENCE The KilnMaster frees your time for productive activities. There are no more switches to be turned up, no more junior cones to buy, store or place. No longer do you have to adjust your schedule to the kiln. Simply program in a Delay so the kiln will finish firing when it’s convenient for you to be there. You can set an alarm to sound at a crucial temperature you’d like to monitor. View the display in degrees C or F. There’s a built in cone table for easy reference. To view the current firing segment, simple press View. If you forget which program is in memory, press Review, and you’ll see the entire program, segment by segment.

PROGRAMMING FLEXIBILITY You have the freedom to cross traditional boundaries while maintaining consistent results. Those working in glass can fire to specific temperatures. Potters working with crystal glazes can control the cooling side with utmost precision. Sculptors working with thick-walled pieces can program long soaks to prevent cracking. Your approach is no longer restricted by your equipment. EASE OF PROGRAMMING The sealed touch pad, shown at right, is designed with single function control buttons that are grouped to make programming a snap. There are no special codes to memorize—just follow the prompts. And the KilnMaster will store up to six firing programs in its memory, a convenient time saver. DURABLE, INNOVATIVE DESIGN Skutt engineers worked for many years to develop an automatic kiln system that could meet our standards of quality and durability. To maintain modular, sectional kiln construction, we designed a control box with numbered leads and a special patented hinge that make it easy to move or repair the kiln. The control box is well insulated to protect the circuitry from heat. If your kiln is not performing properly, the KilnMaster will automatically give you an error message to explain the problem. It will also detect power failures, and resume the firing if power is out for a short period.

Digital Readout. Shows prompts, messages and temperature throughout firing and cooldown. Touch Pad. Smooth surface pads are easily cleaned, have no moving parts. Delay Option. Lets you delay start of firing. Alarm. You can set alarm to sound at any temperature. Cone Fire Mode. Lets you fire by simply entering the desired Cone number. Firing speeds. Choose from Slow, Medium or Fast heating.

KilnMaster Control Features

Temperature Scale Selector. Lets you work in degrees F or C. Action controls. Let you start or stop kiln operation. Ramp/Hold Mode. Lets you select up to eight segments of temperature change and hold. View Current Segment. Shows you what Ramp/Hold segment the kiln is currently in. Cone Table. Converts Cone numbers to temperature. Review. Reviews your current firing program.