Kilns Compared: The 5 Best Kilns for Potters in 2026
LB BerlinYou have been doing pottery for a while, you have caught the firing bug, and now you are wondering which kiln would actually be right for you. Maybe you have been using the shared kiln at your pottery class, maybe you inherited an older kiln, or maybe you simply want to become more independent. Whatever brought you here: choosing a kiln is a decision you will live with for a long time. That is why it pays to make it carefully.
In 2026, four manufacturers shape the German market: Nabertherm, Kittec, Pyrotec Brennofenbau and Rohde. All four stand for solid quality, offer wide model ranges and make kilns that suit beginners just as well as experienced ceramicists. At Formwerk Berlin we work with Nabertherm, Kittec and Pyrotec, and here we present our five favorites for 2026 from these three brands, plus an honorable mention for advanced potters. For each kiln you get a one sentence summary and everything you need to make an informed decision.
If you are looking for a reliable, high quality kiln, you will find all models on our kilns page at Formwerk Pottery Supplies Berlin.
Contents
Kiln buying checklist
Before we get to the individual models, there are a few questions you should answer for yourself. They help you narrow down the choice to what really matters from the start.
A) What power supply do you have? This is often the first and most important technical hurdle. Small kilns up to about 80 liters often run on a standard 230 V household socket. That is ideal if you work at home without three-phase power (one example is the Kittec CB Classic Line). As soon as you want more volume or higher temperatures, you need a 400 V three-phase connection (CEE 16 A or CEE 32 A depending on the model). Ideally, check this with an electrician before you commit to a model. Even with 230 V kilns, it is worth a quick check whether the circuit is protected with a 16 A fuse.
B) How large will your pieces be? A kiln's volume tells you how much you can fire at once, but the interior height and width matter just as much. Kilns typically start at 12 liters. A top-loading kiln of around 95 liters suits most hobby projects well: it offers enough space for vases, bowls and smaller sculptures, is easy to load and heats evenly. If you regularly fire larger batches or bulky pieces, you are better off thinking about 150 liters and more right away.
C) Which clay bodies do you want to work with? For earthenware and classic low fire work, 1,100 °C is enough, and many kilns manage that easily. If you want to fire stoneware or porcelain, you should definitely choose a model with headroom up to 1,320 °C. The reason: heating elements that constantly run at their limit wear out quickly. A kiln with some reserve fires more reliably and lasts longer.
D) How important is the controller to you? Modern controllers such as the widely used Bentrup TC66 or the Nabertherm AC590 let you program and save your own firing schedules with individual heating ramps, hold times and controlled cooling phases. This is especially helpful for beginners: you start with proven standard programs and refine your curves over time. If you want to log your firings or follow them on the go, look at models with WiFi, an app or a USB port. You will find a wider selection here: Controllers for Pyrotec kilns or Bentrup controllers for Kittec kilns.
E) Where will you set up the kiln? Kilns need enough clearance from combustible materials. Manufacturers usually recommend at least 50 cm to the sides and 100 cm to the ceiling. The floor should be non combustible. And if you plan glaze firings, venting to the outside is not a luxury but strongly recommended for safety reasons.
A word on safety: Kilns are not household appliances. They reach temperatures at which mistakes can have serious consequences. Choose a suitable, non combustible location with enough clearance from walls and ceiling, ensure good ventilation and always vent fumes outside during glaze firings. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and operating manual. Have electrical connections installed only by a qualified electrician. And never leave a running kiln unattended, especially during the first firings, until you know how it behaves. The information in this article has been compiled to the best of our knowledge but may contain errors. If in doubt, always follow the manufacturer's operating manual.
Also important when choosing your kiln:
F) Warranty, spare parts and lead time are things you should definitely plan for. Pyrotec kilns currently have lead times of 20 weeks or more in some cases, and Kittec can take 16 to 18 weeks depending on the model. Nabertherm is a different story: many models are in stock with us. If you want to start firing soon, keep this in mind when choosing. When buying, also ask specifically about the warranty terms and whether spare parts such as heating elements or thermocouples are available at short notice.
G) Upgrades and accessories are also worth considering. Some models can be upgraded later with an energy saving package (ESP), a vent port or a better controller. This is ideal if you start with a solid base model and want to upgrade later. Kiln furniture kits with kiln shelves, kiln posts and kiln wash are often available as options and save time when you are starting out.
H) Top loader or front loader? Top loaders are usually more compact, cheaper and well suited to smaller studios. You load the kiln from above, which works great for round shapes such as vases or bowls. Front loaders open like a cabinet and allow more comfortable work that is easier on your back, especially if you load heavy pieces or use the kiln often and intensively.
I) How do you want to pay? A good kiln is an investment for many years, and not everyone wants to pay the full amount at once. That makes financing a real buying criterion. With us, you can pay for your kiln conveniently with PayPal installments over up to 24 months. You simply select installments at checkout, and PayPal handles the approval and processing. That way you can choose the kiln that really suits you, not just the one that happens to fit your budget right now.
The 5 best kilns for potters in 2026
No. 5: The compact high fire specialist, Pyrotec Profitherm PY 95 HD
In short: Real high firing up to 1,320 °C in just under 100 liters, for anyone with little space but a three-phase connection.
The Pyrotec Profitherm PY 95 HD answers a common question: “I want to fire stoneware seriously, but I do not have a huge workshop. What should I get?” With 96 liters of volume and a maximum temperature of 1,320 °C, it is compact enough for a small studio or a well ventilated basement room and still offers real high fire capacity. At Pyrotec, the HD suffix stands for three-phase power: the kiln is designed for intensive use at high temperatures and built to match.
The Pyrotec Profitherm PY 95 HD top-loading kiln
For insulation, Pyrotec combines insulating firebricks with a backing layer of Superwool mats. This retains heat well and also protects the kiln structure mechanically. The heating elements are set deep into the bricks, which protects them from damage during loading. Pyrotec gives a 36 month manufacturer's warranty (heating elements and thermocouple excluded). The list price is around 3,389 euros. The PY 95 HD requires a three-phase connection and weighs just under 75 kg.
Ideal for: Ambitious hobby potters who want to fire stoneware or porcelain seriously but have little space. A three-phase connection is required. If you want to start compact without giving up high firing, this is the one.
No. 4: The front loader for frequent firing, Kittec Studio Line CBN 200 S
In short: The largest kiln on the list, with 209 liters and convenient front loading for anyone who fires a lot and regularly.
If you fire regularly, whether for classes, a small production of your own or because your pottery has simply become more professional, you will quickly come to appreciate the ergonomics of a front loader. With the Kittec Studio Line CBN 200 S you open the door like a cabinet and load the kiln comfortably from the front: no bending over a deep top loader chamber, no awkward twisting when placing heavy pieces.
With 209 liters of interior volume, the CBN 200 S is the largest kiln on our list. Heating on three sides gives a more even temperature distribution than front loaders heated on one side only. The safety door switch automatically cuts the power as soon as the door is opened. The standard controller is the Bentrup TC66, also available with WiFi on request. An energy saving package (ESP) and a rear vent port can be added as options. Depending on the configuration, the price is between around 4,835 and 5,879 euros.
The Kittec Studio Line CBN 200 S front loader
Ideal for: Potters who fire regularly and in larger quantities, for example for classes, a small ceramics studio or their own production. If you want to work comfortably and let the kiln grow with your practice over the long term, the CBN 200 S is a very sustainable choice.
In stock
Our alternative with no waiting time: Nabertherm NE 140
Need a front loader? Then also take a look at the Nabertherm NE 140. It offers a 140 liter firing chamber, 1,320 °C, heating on three sides, a stand as standard and the state of the art AC590 controller with app. It is handmade in Germany and comes with a 36 month warranty. It has less volume and, at around 8,149 euros, costs a bit more than the Kittec, but it is delivered to you without any waiting time and its controller is a class more modern.
No. 3: Our entry level champion, Pyrotec Profitherm PY 75 H
In short: The most affordable route to serious firing performance on a household socket, with 77 liters and 1,200 °C.
For anyone who wants to start at home or in a small studio without three-phase power, the Pyrotec Profitherm PY 75 H is our budget recommendation. With a 77 liter firing chamber, a standard 230 V plug and a maximum temperature of 1,200 °C, it delivers real firing performance without the hassle of a three-phase connection. It belongs to Pyrotec's proven Profitherm series and shares the same solid build as the larger models in the range: insulating firebrick lining, Superwool backing insulation, a stainless steel casing and a type S thermocouple for precise temperature measurement. The standard controller is the Bentrup TC66: reliable, well documented and easy for beginners to use. Depending on the configuration, it costs between around 2,339 and 2,892 euros.
A frequently asked question is why we do not recommend the Pyrotec Studio ST 68 H here, which is similar in size, also runs on 230 V and costs around 700 euros less. The answer is simple: the ST 68 H is rated for a maximum of 1,100 °C and is therefore limited to earthenware and low firing. The PY 75 H reaches 1,200 °C, which already takes you into the range of light stoneware. If you think long term and do not want to buy the next model after a year, the PY 75 H is the better choice. And if you even want to fire up to 1,320 °C on a household socket, you will find the answer at No. 2.
The Pyrotec Profitherm PY 75 H
Ideal for: Beginners and hobby potters who want to fire at home without three-phase power and do not want to compromise on quality. If you are starting with earthenware but want to try stoneware in the medium term, this kiln gives you the headroom you need at a fair entry price.
No. 2: The high fire champion for a household socket, Nabertherm Top 60
In short: Real stoneware up to 1,320 °C on a household socket, with the most modern controller on the list and in stock.
In stock
The Nabertherm Top 60 solves a problem that stops many potters without three-phase power: it reaches the full 1,320 °C on a standard 230 V socket. That means you can fire real stoneware and porcelain without an electrician having to install a three-phase connection. With a 60 liter firing chamber it is a bit smaller than the PY 75 H, but that is plenty for mugs, bowls, vases and smaller sculptures.
Nabertherm is the largest manufacturer of ceramic kilns in Germany, and it shows in the details. The heating elements sit protected in grooved bricks and heat the chamber from all sides. The three layer insulation of insulating firebricks with backing insulation saves energy and contains no aluminosilicate wool (RCF) at all. As standard, the Top 60 comes with lockable transport casters and the AC590 controller with touch display. Its cone firing assistant Conny makes getting started especially easy, the free MyNabertherm app lets you follow the firing on your phone, and Solar Mode can use power from your photovoltaic system if you wish. Every kiln is handmade in Germany and comes with a 36 month warranty. The price is around 3,799 euros.
The Nabertherm Top 60 top-loading kiln
Why No. 2 and not No. 1? The Top 60 costs around 500 to 1,050 euros more than the PY 75 H and offers 17 liters less volume. In return, you get 120 °C more headroom, the most modern controller in this comparison and, above all, no waiting time. While many models come with lead times of 16 weeks or more, the Top 60 is in stock with us.
Ideal for: Potters without a three-phase connection who do not want to be limited to earthenware, and anyone who needs their kiln now rather than in a few months. If you invest a little more, you get a kiln you will not outgrow anytime soon.
No. 1: Our all round champion, Pyrotec Profitherm HS PY 138 HS
In short: The kiln that can do almost everything: 138 liters, 1,320 °C and a swing lid that is easy on your back.
Our favorite for 2026 is the Pyrotec Profitherm HS PY 138 HS, and what makes it special is that it has almost no weak spots. A 138 liter firing chamber, a maximum temperature of 1,320 °C and a type S platinum rhodium thermocouple for precise, reproducible readings. That sounds technical, but you notice it immediately in practice: your glazes develop exactly as you programmed them, firing after firing.
What sets the PY 138 HS apart is its swing lid with gas springs. Anyone who has ever lifted a heavy kiln lid without assistance knows how pleasant this difference is, especially if you fire often or share the kiln with others. The safety features are exemplary: a positive break switch when the lid is opened, a second over temperature protection via a separate safety contactor and combined insulation of insulating firebrick and Superwool mats. Pyrotec gives a 36 month manufacturer's warranty. Depending on the controller, the price is around 3,754 to 4,279 euros, which is fair value for what this kiln offers.
Ideal for: Anyone looking for a reliable, well equipped all rounder, from ambitious hobby ceramicists to small workshops. If you do not want to deliberate for long and are looking for a kiln that works in almost any situation, the PY 138 HS is the right choice. A three-phase connection is required.
The Pyrotec Profitherm HS PY 138 HS
Honorable mention: The reduction firing specialist, Kittec Classic Line Gas CBG 160
In short: Not a kiln for everyone, but the right one for advanced potters who want reduction firings and have a gas supply and flue in place.
The only gas kiln in our selection plays in a league of its own, which is why it sits outside the ranking. Gas kilns like the Kittec Gas CBG 160 show their strengths in reduction firings: a kiln atmosphere in which deliberately reducing the oxygen creates special glaze effects that are hard to reproduce in an electric kiln. With a 160 liter firing chamber and 40 kW of burner output, it has plenty of power for high firing up to 1,320 °C. A CO alarm is included as standard, a clear sign that this type of kiln places special demands on ventilation. The top loader is available in various colors.
The CBG 160 is not really one for beginners: a gas supply (propane or natural gas), a flue, possible permits and the know-how needed for atmospheric firing make it a kiln for advanced potters with the right infrastructure. If you meet these requirements, you get a very versatile tool. Depending on the configuration, the price is between around 4,500 and 7,700 euros.
Ideal for: Experienced potters with their own studio or workshop space who already fire electrically and want to take the next artistic step towards reduction and atmospheric firing.
The Kittec Classic Line Gas CBG 160
Our verdict
There is no perfect kiln, but there is a right one for your situation. If you are just starting out and work at home without three-phase power, the PY 75 H is the affordable entry point, and the Nabertherm Top 60 is the choice if you also want to fire stoneware on a household socket. If you already know that you will regularly fire stoneware or porcelain and have three-phase power, the PY 138 HS is our all rounder. If you fire a lot and want to work comfortably, go for the front loader. And if you dream of reduction firings one day, the gas kiln is waiting for you.
Also plan for the lead time: for Kittec and Pyrotec it is currently between 16 and 23 weeks depending on the model. If you want to start firing quickly, Nabertherm offers many models that are in stock with us.
PS: Throughout 2026, you get 5% off all kilns with the code WELCOME5. Simply enter it at checkout and the discount is deducted from the price right away.
Happy firing from the Formwerk Berlin team
