Whether you’re investing in your first or your tenth, trying to find the best glass kiln in the market can be maddening and can keep leading you further down the infinite rabbit hole that is the internet.
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If You Are Short of Time, Here Is My List of the Best Glass Kilns:
- Melting Furnace RapidFire Tabletop Kiln Melter <<Best for Beginners
- Melting Furnace RapidFire Programmable Tabletop Kiln Melter <<Best Programmable Kiln
- Tabletop Hi-Temp 2200 Degree Electric Burnout Oven Kiln <<Best Kiln for Burnout
Even if you know exactly what you need, you might come across hundreds of choices that are suitable perhaps due to an affordable price point or it may have the perfect dimensions for your art studio or garage. That’s where my best glass kiln reviews comes in!
In this guide, I’m going to introduce you to 13 of the best glass kilns I came across and I’ll also be reviewing them based on key buying considerations.
My best overall pick for the best glass kiln is this Melting Furnace but If you’re not sure how to pick excellent glass kiln products from the average ones, you can skip over the reviews and read our buyer’s guide first.
My Reviews of 13 Different Glass Kilns
1. Delphi Ez Pro 15-6 Kiln (Not always available)
According to many experienced artists, this kiln is the best performing product for glass fusing. It comes pre-set with 22 custom fire programs and 16 pre-set programs for you to choose from. Also, it can easily fire up 96 and 90 COE glass and other common types in its 15” x 6.5” chamber.
- Many custom and pre-set programs to choose from
- Perfect for intermediate to expert level artists
- Can easily fit into tight spaces
Rating: 98%
2. Deluxe Mini Tabletop Pro Kiln Propane Gas Furnace Kit
The Deluxe Mini Tabletop Pro is ideal for artists who are looking for a compact machine that doesn’t sacrifice on performance. Other than offering artists excellent functionality for their projects, this kiln is very lightweight and only weighs approximately 10 pounds. Still, you will find that it takes only 8 minutes to reach its full firing potential of 2200 degree Fahrenheit. It does require two standard propane bottles and tips, which are not included.
- Surprisingly strong firing range for such a compact unit
- Includes two crucible cups, tongs, a graphite mold and a bit of anhydrous borax
- 16 heating coils help you reach full firing potential in just 8 minutes
- Affordable and delivers excellent value
Rating: 97%
3. Melting Furnace RapidFire Tabletop Kiln Melter <<Best for Beginners
This glass fusing kiln is perfect for newbies because it is super easy to use and can fire up very quickly. Additionally, this kiln doesn’t need additional installations since it can easily plug into any household outlet. The firing chamber of this product measures up to 8.5” x 3.5”, making it perfect for classrooms or cozy art studios.
- Plugs into any standard 120V outlet
- Can easily fire up 2 layers of glass
- Ideal for beginners
Rating: 96%
4. Melting Furnace RapidFire Programmable Tabletop Kiln
In 4th place, we have a kiln that was specifically designed to experiment with new glass design techniques. The RapidFire internal chamber measures up to 6” x 6” x 5″ and can still manage to heat up and cool down small projects in just under an hour. What’s more, this kiln uses little power to produce heat, therefore keeping your overall utility costs in check. It has a cooling fan, a digital programmable controller with 30 settings.
- Very compact and portable weighing 8 lbs
- Built-in pyrometer and kiln shelves
- Heats to 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit in about 8 minutes
- Perfect for fusing small projects in under an hour
- Made in USA
Rating: 94%
5. Large Microwave Kiln for Glass Fusing – Best Microwave Kiln for Fusing
Looking forward to fusing glass works rapidly? Well, this particular kiln can reach its maximum temperature of 2200 degrees Fahrenheit very quickly. In addition to this, the wide opening chamber doors, embedded healing elements and its pre-programmed digital control panel make it a choice that is difficult to look past.
- PID temperature controller makes the unit easy to operate
- Firing chamber measures up to a compact 6” x 5” x 6”.
- Customizable security access settings
Rating: 94%
6. Tabletop Hi-Temp 2200 Degree Electric Burnout Oven Kiln
Here we have yet another kiln that has been specially manufactured for beginners. For starters, it is very portable and compact since it measures up to 6” x 6” x 4.5”. This size also makes it perfect for fusing small pieces of jewelry or glass ornaments. What makes it even better is that it can reach its maximum firing capacity of 2200 degrees by plugging into any standard home outlet of 120V.
- Ideal pick for beginners
- Can be plugged into any standard home outlet
- Very portable and compact
Rating: 93%
7. Studio Pro Series 8 Kiln
The Studio Pro Series 8 is an excellent kiln for pre-intermediate artists, confident beginners and even professionals. You see, this 11” x 9” kiln can easily accommodate slightly larger glass pieces or a large amount of smaller pieces in one go. What’s more, this kiln can also be used to anneal glass beads without even breaking a sweat.
- Can satisfy artists of all skill levels
- Stands firmly in-between compact and humungous kilns
- Can easily plug into any standard home outlet
Rating: 92%
8. Tabletop QuikMelt 120 oz. PRO-120-4 KG Melting Furnace
At 14” x 14.5”, this kiln is a solid investment for artists who are looking forward to expanding their art studio or are investing in a machine for long-term use or complex projects. Even though it cannot accommodate as many pieces as an industrial-sized kiln, you’ll find that it can fit pieces that will never fit inside a medium-sized kiln.
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- Due to its clamshell design, it is much easier and safer to load or unload
- Includes a digital controller
- Can fit into any moderately-spaced studio, garage or shed
Rating: 90%
9. Fuseworks Craft Kiln
The Fuseworks Craft Kiln is yet another great choice for professional and experienced artists. It measures up to 18” x 15” making it perfect for firing up complex or larger pieces and possibly in larger batches as well. However, the only downside to this machine is that it requires 27 amps and 240V to reach its full potential of 1700 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Includes kiln shelves, stands, peep hole plugs and many more useful accessories
- The 12-key TAP controller makes it easy to get started
- Great price/value ratio
Rating: 90%
10. Love Charm Glass Jewelry Tools Professional Microwave Kiln
- Measures 4-3/5 x 3-1/2 inches outside
- Inside fusing platform is 3-1/4x 2-1/4-inches
- Very portable and compact
- Very low price
- Easy to store
Rating: 89%
11. Tabletop QuikMelt 30 oz. PRO-30 Melting Furnace
The Tabletop Quickmelt Pro deserves a spot on our list of best glass kilns because it is a medium-sized gizmo measuring up to 14” x 14.5”. Artists can use this kiln to safely fire up vases and plates that do not fit in compact kilns. Finally, this kiln also includes a digital control for no extra cost.
- Can easily reach maximum potential with standard home electrical outlets
- Very easy to load or unload glass pieces into
- A solid investment at a fairly low price for intermediate artists planning on using it professionally
Rating: 86%
12. RapidFire Pro-LP Electric Kiln Furnace-2200F
If you’re already immersed in glass projects professionally, then this complex and larger model is what you need. The 3-button heat controller, and TAP controller are suited for advanced level or intermediate level artists. However, you should know that it has higher energy needs to reach its maximum output of 2200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Measures 18” x 15”
- Can easily accommodate larger pieces or large batches of small pieces
- Includes a range of kiln accessories
Rating: 84%
13. Tabletop Pro Kiln Propane Melting Furnace
Finally, we have a smaller kiln that measures up to a tiny 6” x 6” x 4.5”, making it very compact and portable. Even though it is so small, its heating capacity rivals medium-sized kilns and that too while it plugs into standard home electrical outlets. Additionally, artists can expect additional electric controller, base stands and bricks, a kiln wash and even kiln shelves and posts.
- Includes a number of vital kiln accessories
- Perfect for fusing jewelry or miniature models
- Easily fits into tight spaces or can be placed on a tabletop
Rating: 82%
Buying Debates: Buying the Best Glass Kiln Reviews
How to Pick the Best Glass Kiln
1. Skill Level
If you’re a hobbyist or a beginner looking forward to investing in your first glass kiln, your needs are naturally going to differ from those of an experienced or professional artist. The latter usually look for products that can aid them in completing complex or bigger projects whereas the perfect kiln for you should be specifically manufactured for your level of experience.
2. Good Value
Most kilns are sold at a premium cost, but a good find is usually the economical choice for a newbie or the perfect price for its features and size. In addition to this, the cost of a kiln should also include the cost of additional accessories, kiln furniture or that of a digital controller.
3. Easy Fit for a Home Studio
Ideally, a kiln that isn’t too bulky and doesn’t awkwardly stand in the middle of your studio can be considered the best glass kiln for your purposes. Also, some people prefer to buy a kiln that has low or standard electricity requirements and doesn’t need additional installations before you can begin your art project.
Other important considerations under this subheading can also include easy installation, convenience of use and portability.
4. Project Size
As mentioned earlier, for an experienced or professional artist, a kiln should be able to fire up large pieces such as bottles, bowls, vases and plates. Other than this, these artists should look for kilns that have a larger-than-average chamber and possibly also have an automatic controller.
5. Ease of Annealing Glass Beads
Bead annealing is a creative process that requires a porthole or glass window over a kiln so you can see inside. Of course, you will be needing a bead door and a bead collar but without a kiln that has the characteristics required to anneal a lot of bead, this task can be quite dangerous.
6. Can Handle High Temperature Projects
A few art projects such as boiling canes of glass or just glass requires a much higher-than-average temperatures. Ideally, a kiln that fires up to at least 1700 degrees Fahrenheit should serve this purpose. This is why you should also check each kiln’s maximum temperature to check whether it will be able to deliver as you imagined.
Conclusion
If you have taken all the factors in the above buyer’s guide into consideration, then you are equipped with all the right knowledge to buy the best glass kiln for your art projects. Each of the kilns mentioned in my review are perfect for different reasons and it is up to you to find whichever one stands out for your skill level or the space in your art studio.
Good luck and we hope you found exactly what you came looking for!
FAQs
1. What Kind of Space Should I Have in My Home for a Glass Kiln?
If you’re planning on storing your kiln in a place that is almost always populated, like a home studio, then you might want to consider proper ventilation. The easiest way to do this is to make sure you keep your kiln near a window or look for a model that comes with a good venting system.
On the other hand, if your kiln is going to be stored in a shed or a garage where you don’t expect to have much company, then you don’t need to worry about ventilation or venting systems. Do make sure, however, that the height and dimensions of your kiln allow for easy loading and unloading.
2. How Much Power Do I Need for the Best Glass Kiln?
Amps and voltage are two very important considerations for your glass kiln. Since some of the largest kilns in the market require 240V of power supply and the standard voltage supply in homes is 120V, you might want to consider calling in your electrician.
3. Do I Need to Order Furniture for My Kiln?
If you’re planning to get the most out of your glass kiln, you should think about investing in shelves, posts, bricks and cleaning materials. A kiln shelf keeps your glass pieces off the kiln floor hence forming a smooth base as opposed to the textured base you might have experienced before. Similarly, kiln posts elevate the shelves to optimize your space for more pieces.
While cleaning materials are quite self-explanatory, bricks can be used as an insulator around the lining of the kiln. As a result, you will be able to retain more heat inside the kiln since the brick can withstand very high temperatures.
Accessories and tools
1. Luminbo 14pcs Tools in 1 Professional Microwave Kiln Kit for DIY Jewelry Glass Fusing
Only available as a kit, this set of fusible glass has a small sampling of several kinds of glass ready to fuse:
Confetti glass, dichroic glass, bullseye glass, millefiori glass, and glass frit. The kit also includes a small kiln shelf for microwave fusin, gloves, a glass cutter, kiln paper, and a bristle brush. Also included are a sampling of jewelry findings to whet your appetite for more extensive creating.
2. Devardi Glass
This packet of fusible glass will keep you creating with your new kiln! 8 total ounces of millefiori, glass rods, spaghetti stringers, segments of glass sheets and miscellaneous flat glass.
Tutorials and Inspirations:
Whether you fuse for fun or for profit, you can create stunningly beautiful objects with fusible glass and your kiln.
Beautiful art pieces and sculptures with fusible glass and a best glass kiln
Fused glass abstract art:
Fusing glass tutorial:
Basic glass fusing book:
Project by project lessons:
