Buy Refurbished Kilns or New: The Kiln Shop’s Guide to Smart Kiln Investing

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 […]

What Pottery Wheel Should I Buy as a Complete Beginner?

Buying your first pottery wheel is exciting—and overwhelming. You’re facing dozens of options at different price points, with specifications that don’t always make sense. Should you go electric or kick wheel? Budget $300 or $3,000? This guide cuts through the noise and helps you choose the right wheel for your skill level and goals. The […]

How to Buy a Professional Pottery Wheel

Quick answer: A professional pottery wheel is built for daily use, with a powerful motor (½ to 1+ HP), a high centering capacity (100+ lbs), and a durable construction that withstands years of studio work. The best choice depends on your throwing style, space, and budget. Brands like Shimpo, Brent, and Skutt lead the market […]

How to Choose the Right Pottery Kiln: The Complete Buyer’s Guide for Potters

If you’re serious about ceramics, choosing the right pottery kiln is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Whether you’re a beginner setting up a home studio, a professional potter expanding production, or a school looking to upgrade equipment, the right kiln can improve efficiency, firing results, and long-term profitability. At The Kiln Shop, […]

The Best Kiln for Reduction Firing: A Potter’s Guide

The results are the draw. Copper that would fire green in oxidation turns deep red. Iron shifts toward celadon greens and earthy browns. Glaze surfaces gain a depth and variation that oxidation rarely produces. To create reduction, you need a kiln that burns fuel. Combustion consumes oxygen. That’s the simplest path to the atmosphere reduction […]

Best Slab Roller for Beginners: A Complete Buying Guide

You’re new to handbuilding pottery. You’ve watched videos of other potters rolling perfect, even slabs in seconds, and you wonder whether a slab roller is something you actually need or just a luxury add-on. The answer: it depends on what kind of beginner you are and how much space you’re working with. The good news […]

Is a Slab Roller Worth the Investment? A Pottery Studio Guide

You spend twenty minutes hand-rolling clay for a single project, your wrists ache, and half your slab warps before it even hits the table. You watch your hand-rolled slabs curl at the edges, thick on one side and paper-thin on the other. Meanwhile, every pottery studio around you seems to have a slab roller humming […]