Pottery Kiln Electricity Cost Calculator
Estimate pottery kiln electricity cost per firing.
Enter kiln size, cone target, and local kWh rate for cone 06, cone 6, and cone 10 firings.
Electric kiln firing cost depends on kiln volume, firing temperature, and your local electricity rate.
Total kWh = kiln volume (cubic feet) × energy intensity (kWh per cubic foot) Cost = total kWh × electricity rate ($/kWh)
Energy intensity by temperature target: Cone 06 at 1828°F (999°C) — bisque firing: roughly 6 kWh per cubic foot Cone 6 at 2232°F (1222°C) — mid-fire glaze: roughly 8 kWh per cubic foot Cone 10 at 2345°F (1285°C) — high-fire stoneware: roughly 10 kWh per cubic foot
These are estimates. Actual consumption varies with how tightly the kiln is loaded, insulation condition, element age, and ambient temperature. A full kiln fires more efficiently than a sparse load — the bisqueware absorbs and re-radiates heat, which is why ceramic artists try to batch fire rather than fire half-empty kilns.
Typical kiln volumes: small test kilns 0.2–0.5 cu ft, hobby kilns 1–3 cu ft, studio kilns 3–7 cu ft, production kilns 7–20 cu ft.
US average electricity cost is around $0.14–$0.16 per kWh (2024). Rates vary significantly: some rural co-ops charge $0.08, some Northeast utilities $0.28+. Use your actual utility rate from your bill.
The practical way to track exact costs: connect a kill-a-watt meter to your kiln outlet and read kWh directly after each firing. After 5–10 firings you will have accurate real-world numbers for your specific kiln and firing schedule. Elements near end-of-life draw more power and take longer to reach temperature.