Brennofen-Lieferzeiten 2026: Kittec, Nabertherm und Pyrotec im Überblick

Kiln lead times 2026: Kittec, Nabertherm and Pyrotec at a glance

LB Berlin

How long does it currently take until a new pottery kiln is standing in your studio? The short answer: it depends heavily on the manufacturer. For most Kittec and Pyrotec models, you should expect to wait several months; as of October 2026, lead times at German specialist retailers range from about 16 to 23 weeks. Nabertherm, on the other hand, keeps its common top-loading kilns and smaller front-loading kilns in stock at the factory, so these often reach you within a few days.

In this article you will learn why wait times differ so much, what to expect from each manufacturer and how to get your kiln faster.

At a glance (as of October 2026)
  • Kittec: typically about 16 to 18 weeks
  • Pyrotec: typically 20 weeks or more
  • Nabertherm: top-loading kilns and smaller front-loading kilns from stock, larger front-loading kilns about 10 to 14 weeks
  • Stock items, pre-reserved allocations and returns are often much faster

Why are the lead times so long?

The most important point: kilns are usually not stock items. Each kiln comes with countless configuration options to meet customers' different requirements. The Kittec CB Classic Line alone, for example, offers 17 different model types. This wide range of variants rules out simple standardized pre-production.

Accordingly, Kittec and Pyrotec build their kilns mostly to order and in comparatively small numbers in Germany. So your kiln is not taken from a full warehouse and shipped, but built only after you order. Nabertherm is the exception: as a much larger manufacturer, Nabertherm keeps its standard models in stock at the factory. Long waits there mainly apply to large front-loading kilns and special equipment.

Specialist retailers like us at Formwerk Berlin try to keep the most common models in stock, but demand is often hard to plan. One month perhaps only two kilns sell, the next suddenly a dozen. As a result, the very models in highest demand are often the ones currently unavailable.

Lead times for Kittec

For Kittec kilns, the lead time is currently about 16 to 18 weeks, depending on the model. Kittec builds the popular top-loading kilns of the Studio Line and Classic Line series in small numbers, which explains their solid quality. One special feature: the ECO series is meant as a more affordable entry line and is sometimes noticeably faster to get than the larger models. If the wait matters a lot to you, it is worth looking at this series specifically or sending a quick inquiry about current availability.


Lead times for Pyrotec

Pyrotec kilns currently have lead times of 20 weeks or more in some cases. The same applies here: the kilns in the Studio and Profitherm series are manufactured in Germany upon order; the manufacturer typically provides the exact delivery date only after the order has been placed.


Lead times for Nabertherm

If you need a kiln fast, Nabertherm is currently your best bet. The manufacturer from Lilienthal near Bremen keeps a large part of its arts & crafts range in stock at the factory. From the factory, the kiln usually reaches your address in Germany by freight carrier within 2 to 3 business days.

Important: special equipment extends the lead time, even if the kiln itself is in stock. A top-loading kiln with bottom heating and manual zone control (from 80 liters) or with a raised stand, for example, needs about 6 to 8 additional weeks. For front-loading kilns, about 2 to 6 weeks are added depending on the accessories:

Accessories (Nabertherm) Additional lead time
Top-loading kiln: bottom heating with manual zone control (from 80 l) +6 to 8 weeks
Top-loading kiln: stand raised by 130 mm (Top 45 and Top 60) +6 to 8 weeks
Front-loading kiln: peephole +2 weeks
Front-loading kiln: stand on casters or in a special height +2 to 3 weeks
Front-loading kiln: motorized air inlet or exhaust flap, vent hood, cooling fan +3 to 4 weeks
Front-loading kiln: bottom heating with manual zone control +5 weeks
Front-loading kiln: door hinged on the left +5 to 6 weeks

Our tip: if you want to start firing soon, choose a standard Nabertherm kiln without special equipment. Many accessories can be added later.


Why the same model number sometimes takes longer and sometimes less

If you compare different shops, you will often find very different information for one and the same model. Sometimes it says 12 to 16 weeks, sometimes 20 to 22 weeks, sometimes even more. This is not down to the model itself, but to how well a retailer is connected with the manufacturer. Retailers who order early and in fixed allocations, keep their own stock or have access to inspected returns deliver much faster in practice than the bare manufacturer figure suggests. So a lead time is always also a question of the retailer, not just the brand. Which model suits you is shown in our comparison of the best kilns for 2026.


What delivery actually includes

One point that is easily overlooked: kilns are usually delivered by freight carrier to the curb. The carrier leaves the kiln in front of your door and does not carry it into your apartment or basement. With a weight of often 45 to 60 kilograms (100 to 130 lb), this should not be underestimated. Plan the transport to the actual setup location in good time, ideally with a strong second person. For difficult routes, stairs or tight spots we offer a setup service on request:

  • Setup service, ground level, €238.00. Includes up to 1 hour for moving the kiln into the house at ground level on a firm, level surface without thresholds, setup and instruction. Each additional quarter hour €23.80. One helper on site is required. Delivery and setup up to 450 kg.

  • Setup service, ground level, difficult conditions, €309.40. Includes up to 1 hour for moving the kiln into the house at ground level under difficult conditions, such as partly unpaved or uneven ground, a slight incline or decline, or thresholds up to 3 cm, setup and instruction. Each additional quarter hour €23.80. One strong helper on site is required. Delivery and setup up to 450 kg.

  • Setup service with stair transport downward, €511.70. Includes up to 2 hours for moving the kiln into the house with stair transport downward, setup and instruction. Each additional quarter hour €23.80. Two strong helpers on site are required. Delivery and setup up to 450 kg.

  • Setup service with stair transport upward, €1,154.30. Includes up to 3 hours for moving the kiln into the house with stair transport upward, setup and instruction. Each additional quarter hour €23.80 per worker. Delivery and setup up to a maximum of 360 kg.

Even smaller kilns usually weigh 45 kg (100 lb) or more. The transport from the street into your own studio or apartment should therefore not be underestimated.


What you can prepare during the wait

The wait is not wasted time. You can use it to prepare everything for your first firing:

  • Check the power connection. Smaller models often run on a regular 230 volt household outlet, larger kilns need a 400 volt three-phase power connection. Clarify this early, if necessary with a licensed electrician. With a Nabertherm kiln from stock in particular, there is little time for this. How this affects consumption and costs is explained in our guide on how much electricity a kiln uses.
  • Prepare the setup location. Manufacturers usually recommend at least 50 centimeters (20 inches) of clearance at the sides and 100 centimeters (40 inches) to the ceiling. The floor should be noncombustible. If you plan glaze firings, provide ventilation to the outside for safety reasons.
  • Get clay and glazes. That way you can get started as soon as the kiln is in place. On request, we are happy to put together a suitable package for you.


How to shorten the wait

Even though short delivery times can never be guaranteed, there are several ways to get a kiln faster:

  • Use our stock. We sometimes have popular models directly in stock.
  • Switch to Nabertherm. Many Nabertherm top-loading kilns and smaller front-loading kilns are in stock at the factory and can therefore be delivered within a few days.
  • Pre-reserved allocations. We regularly reserve kilns with the manufacturer in advance, so we do not start at the back of the queue.
  • Returns and inspected B stock. These units are often available immediately or at short notice, and they cost less.
  • Stay flexible. If you have some leeway on model, color, controller or accessories, you often get there faster.

We cannot guarantee short lead times. But things often go much faster if you are flexible and ask early. Feel free to contact us at any time at: kontakt@formwerk-berlin.de


Warranty and spare parts despite long lead times

Long lead times do not mean you will wait forever if something breaks later. Kittec and Pyrotec give a 36 month warranty on their kilns. And while a complete kiln can take months, spare parts such as insulation material, thermocouples, contactors and heating elements are usually available at short notice. So the kiln itself takes time, but supply during operation is well secured regardless.


Delivery times at a glance

Manufacturer or source Typical lead time (as of October 2026)
Kittec approx. 16 to 18 weeks
Pyrotec 20 weeks or more
Nabertherm top-loading kilns and smaller front-loading kilns from stock, shipping about 2 to 3 business days
Nabertherm large front-loading kilns and Raku 100 about 10 to 14 weeks
Stock items and returns sometimes much faster

These figures are guidelines and change constantly. Special equipment can extend the lead time. For binding information, please ask about current availability.


Frequently asked questions about kiln lead times

How long does kiln delivery take?

It depends on the manufacturer. Kittec kilns currently take about 16 to 18 weeks, Pyrotec kilns 20 weeks or more. Nabertherm top-loading kilns and smaller front-loading kilns, on the other hand, are in stock at the factory and usually reach you within a few days.

Why does delivery take so long?

Because many kilns are built to order and in small numbers in Germany. They are built and tested after you order. At Nabertherm this mainly applies to large front-loading kilns and kilns with special equipment.

Are there kilns that can be delivered immediately?

Yes. Nabertherm keeps most top-loading kilns and the smaller front-loading kilns of the N, NW and NE series in stock at the factory. On top of that there is retailer stock, pre-reserved allocations and inspected returns. The more affordable Kittec ECO series is also often available faster.

Do accessories extend the lead time?

Yes, often considerably. At Nabertherm, a top-loading kiln with bottom heating or a raised stand takes about 6 to 8 weeks longer, and for front-loading kilns about 2 to 6 weeks are added depending on the accessories.

What does delivery to the curb mean?

The freight carrier delivers the kiln to the front of your house, that is, to the curb, and does not carry it inside. You plan the transport to the setup location yourself, or use our setup service on request.

Can I shorten the delivery time?

Yes. Order early, stay flexible on model and equipment, and consider Nabertherm stock models, stock items or returns. It is best to ask about current availability directly.


Related articles

Do you want to know which kiln is available when?

We check current availability at Kittec, Pyrotec and Nabertherm for you and tell you honestly how fast it will really be. Send a no obligation inquiry about your desired models.


Back to blog