Firing & Equipment
Buy Refurbished Kilns or New: The Kiln Shop’s Guide to Smart Kiln Investing
Aug
Kiln prices are steep. A new Skutt kiln can cost $3,000–$8,000+. A refurbished kiln delivers identical firing performance at 30–40% savings—if you buy from the right source.
The Kiln Shop carries both new and refurbished kilns from trusted brands like Skutt, Brent, Shimpo, North Star, and Orton. Whether you’re upgrading your studio or buying your first kiln, we help you choose the right equipment at the right price.
Should You Buy a Refurbished Kiln or a New One?
Both make sense. The choice depends on budget, timeline, and kiln model availability.
New kilns come with factory warranties, latest manufacturing standards, and guaranteed condition. You pay full MSRP and wait for production or shipping.
Refurbished kilns cost less, fire identically, and are ready to ship immediately. They carry a 90-day performance warranty. Refurbished is the smart choice if you want to save money without sacrificing kiln quality.
Refurbished vs. Used: Know the Difference
Not all pre-owned kilns are equal. Refurbished and used kilns are not the same. Refurbished Kiln Used Kiln Inspection Comprehensive safety & performance testing Elements New or certified elements installed Warranty 90-day performance warranty included Cost 30–40% less than new Risk Minimal—warranty backed Ready to Fire Yes, immediately
A refurbished kiln from The Kiln Shop is a reliable investment. A used kiln is a gamble.
Why Buy Refurbished Kilns? Five Smart Reasons
1. Save 30–40% on Quality Equipment Skutt, Brent, and Shimpo kilns are engineered to last 10–15+ years. Refurbished models fire identically to new kilns at significantly lower cost. The price difference goes directly into your studio budget.
2. Immediate Availability & Fast Shipping New kilns often require weeks or months of lead time. Refurbished kilns ship within days. If you need to fire this week, refurbished is the answer.
3. Tested, Inspected, and Warranted Every refurbished kiln in our inventory passes comprehensive inspection. Elements are replaced, electrical systems are tested, and firing performance is verified. You get a kiln ready to use, not an unknown risk.
4. Identical Firing Performance to New Kilns A refurbished Skutt 818 fires to Cone 10 identically to a new 818. Same kiln body, same elements, same results. The firing experience is indistinguishable from new.
5. Lower Environmental Impact Refurbishing kilns keeps equipment in use longer, reducing manufacturing waste and energy consumption. Buying refurbished is a sustainable choice.
The Kiln Shop Difference: Why We’re Your Refurbished & New Kiln Source
We stock both new and refurbished kilns because different potters have different needs. Here’s what sets us apart.
Trusted Brands, Verified Quality We carry Skutt, Brent, Shimpo, North Star, and Orton—the industry-standard kiln manufacturers. Whether new or refurbished, you’re buying equipment built to fire reliably for years.
Rigorous Refurbishment Process Our refurbished kilns don’t come from unknown sources. We inspect element condition, test electrical systems, verify heating performance, and certify safety before listing. Our 90-day warranty backs every kiln.
Expert Guidance Kiln selection matters. We help you choose between the compact Skutt 818 (home studios), mid-size 1018 (growing studios), large-capacity 1027 (production), or industrial 1227 (schools and high-volume studios). We advise on voltage, flooring, ventilation, and freight.
Complete Studio Outfitting Kilns are just the start. We supply kiln shelves, stilts, pyrometers, kiln sitters, kiln wash, and pottery wheels. Outfit your entire studio from one trusted source.
International Shipping & Support We ship kilns worldwide—Australia, Canada, Europe, and beyond. We calculate CIF freight, advise on electrical requirements, and coordinate installation support internationally.
Fast Shipping, Professional Freight Refurbished kilns ship within days via freight carrier with inside delivery. New kilns arrive on schedule with full factory support. Either way, we handle logistics so you don’t.
Skutt Kilns: New vs. Refurbished Comparison
Confused about which Skutt model to buy? Here’s a quick reference for our most popular refurbished models. Model Interior Size Capacity (Shelves) Best For New Price Refurbished Price Status KM-818 18”×18”×18” 2 shelves Home studios, hobbyists $2,800–$3,200 $1,800–$2,200 New & Refurbished KM-1018 18”×18”×27” 3–4 shelves Growing studios, small production $3,500–$4,000 $2,200–$2,700 New & Refurbished KM-1027 27”×27”×27” 4–5 shelves Production studios, serious potters $4,500–$5,500 $2,800–$3,500 New & Refurbished KM-1227 27”×27”×27” 4–5 shelves High-volume studios, schools $5,500–$6,500 $3,500–$4,200 Refurbished Available
Note: Refurbished availability varies. Contact us for current stock and pricing on specific models.
How to Buy a Refurbished Kiln: The Process
Buying a refurbished kiln from The Kiln Shop is straightforward.
1. Determine Your Kiln Size Consider your studio space, production volume, and electrical capacity. The 818 fits compact studios. The 1018 suits growing makers. The 1027 and 1227 handle production. Need help? We advise.
2. Confirm Your Electrical Setup Kilns require specific voltage and amperage. A 240V household circuit works for 818 or 1018 models. High-volume kilns need industrial 208/240V three-phase or dedicated 60+ amp service. We verify your electrical requirements before shipping.
3. Review the Warranty Every refurbished kiln includes a 90-day performance warranty on elements and heating. If a kiln fails to reach proper cone temperature or an element burns out within 90 days, we replace it. No surprises.
4. Arrange Freight & Installation We ship via freight carrier with inside delivery throughout the continental US and internationally. We advise on studio placement, floor requirements, and electrical installation. A licensed electrician should handle final electrical connection.
5. Fire Your First Kiln Your refurbished kiln arrives tested, inspected, and ready to fire. Load your work, follow the owner’s manual, and start making. We’re here if you have questions.
New Kilns vs. Refurbished: Which Should You Buy?
Buy a new kiln if:
- You want the latest manufacturing features or specific model options
- You need a factory extended warranty beyond 90 days
- You prefer the psychological benefit of “brand new” equipment
- You’re willing to wait 4–8 weeks for delivery
- Budget is not a primary constraint
Buy a refurbished kiln if:
- You want to save $1,000–$2,000+ on a proven kiln model
- You need to start firing immediately (ship within days)
- You trust third-party inspection and prefer verified-tested equipment
- You’re upgrading existing studios or expanding capacity
- You want the best value for your studio investment
Most serious potters choose refurbished. You save money, get tested equipment, and start firing faster than new kiln lead times allow.
Other Kiln Brands We Stock: New & Refurbished
Beyond Skutt, we carry other respected kiln and pottery equipment brands.
Brent Pottery Wheels Brent ceramic wheels are industry standard for hand-building and production work. We stock new models and refurbished units. Brent wheels last 20+ years with minimal maintenance.
Shimpo Pottery Wheels & Equipment Shimpo offers compact, durable pottery wheels ideal for home studios and schools. New and refurbished Shimpo wheels available.
North Star Slab Rollers If you hand-build with slabs, a North Star roller saves time and ensures consistency. New and refurbished models in stock.
Orton Pyrometric Cones & Kilns Orton cones are the industry standard for cone temperature verification. We supply cones for every firing range.
We can help you outfit your entire studio—kiln, wheel, slab roller, kiln furniture, and consumables—from a single trusted source.
FAQ: Refurbished Kilns and Buying Kilns
Are refurbished kilns as good as new kilns? Yes. Refurbished kilns fire identically to new models. The kiln body, elements, and chamber are unchanged. The only difference is price and warranty length. You get proven equipment at a fraction of new kiln cost.
What’s covered in the 90-day refurbished kiln warranty? Element replacement if a heating element fails within 90 days. Kiln replacement or full refund if the kiln cannot reach proper cone temperature. After 90 days, elements are inexpensive user-replaceable parts.
How long does a refurbished kiln last? With proper maintenance (annual element inspection, load management), 10–15+ years. Kilns are incredibly durable. A refurbished kiln with fresh elements performs for decades.
Should I buy a used kiln instead of refurbished? No. Used kilns carry risk—unknown element condition, no testing, no warranty, possible hidden repairs needed. Refurbished kilns are tested, warranted, and verifiably ready to fire. Spend a few hundred more for peace of mind.
What size kiln should I buy? It depends on your studio space and production volume. The Skutt 818 (18”×18”×18”) fits home studios. The 1018 suits growing makers with moderate volume. The 1027 or 1227 handle professional production. We advise based on your specific needs.
Can I run a 240V kiln on household power? Most 818 and 1018 models can run on standard 240V household circuits with appropriate breaker capacity (20–40 amps). Larger kilns (1027, 1227) require commercial three-phase 208V or dedicated 60+ amp 240V service. Confirm your electrical setup before ordering.
Do refurbished kilns ship quickly? Yes. Refurbished kilns typically ship within 3–5 business days. New kilns depend on manufacturing lead times and may take weeks or months. For fast turnaround, refurbished is ideal.
How is a kiln shipped? Via freight carrier with inside delivery (continental US and international). The kiln arrives at your studio door and is positioned in place. Due to weight (500–1,000+ lbs), professional placement is recommended.
What if I need help choosing between models? Contact us. We’ll ask about your studio space, production volume, electrical capacity, and budget. We’ll recommend the ideal kiln and advise on freight, installation, and electrical requirements.
Can I return a refurbished kiln if I’m not satisfied? Yes, within 30 days for inspection and verification. If the kiln fires as warranted and you simply changed your mind, return shipping is your responsibility. If the kiln has a defect, we cover return freight.
Do you ship kilns internationally? Yes. We ship to Australia, Canada, UK, EU, and worldwide. We calculate CIF freight quotes, advise on electrical standards in your region, and coordinate installation support.
What’s the most popular refurbished kiln you sell? The Skutt KM-1027 and KM-818. The 1027 balances capacity and size for serious hobbyists and production studios. The 818 is ideal for compact home studios. Both are reliable workhorse kilns.
Should I buy a kiln sitter? Yes, highly recommended. A kiln sitter triggers automatic shut-off at target cone, preventing over-firing and adding safety. It’s inexpensive and essential for peace of mind during unattended firings.
What other equipment do I need to go with a kiln? Kiln shelves, stilts, kiln wash, pyrometer, and optionally a kiln sitter. We supply all of these. For a complete studio, you may also want a pottery wheel, hand tools, clay, and glazes.
Is buying refurbished more environmentally friendly? Yes. Refurbishing equipment extends its operational life, reduces manufacturing waste, and lowers the environmental cost of new production. Buying refurbished is a sustainable studio choice.
How do I know if a refurbished kiln is truly inspected? We provide inspection documentation and testing records. We don’t just resell used kilns—we professionally refurbish, test, and warranty every unit. Our reputation depends on quality.
Can I finance a kiln purchase? Yes, we offer financing options on kilns over certain price points. Contact us for details and application.
Ready to Buy Your Kiln? New or Refurbished?
Whether you’re investing in your first kiln or upgrading a studio, Thehttp://www.thekilnshop.comis your trusted partner. We stock new and refurbished Skutt, Brent, Shimpo, North Star, and Orton equipment. We advise on model selection, electrical requirements, freight, and installation. We ship fast and stand behind every kiln we sell.
Browse our current refurbished kiln inventory. Or contact us to discuss your studio needs and find the ideal kiln for your work.
Related Reading
- Skutt KM-818 Refurbished Kiln: Compact High-Fire Electric Kiln
- Skutt KM-1027 Refurbished Kiln: Mid-Size High-Fire Equipment
- Skutt KM-1018 Refurbished Kiln: Tall Mid-Size Professional Kiln
- Skutt KM-1227 Refurbished Kiln: Large-Scale Production Equipment
- How to Choose the Right Pottery Kiln for Your Studio
- Kiln Firing Guide: Cone Temperatures and Glaze Firing
