An overview of Nabertherm ceramic kilns: all 8 series and which kiln is right for you

You are eyeing a Nabertherm kiln, but the range looks confusing at first glance. Top-loading kilns, front-loading kilns in three different versions, kilns for glass fusing and even a gas-fired raku kiln. Which one actually suits you, your space and your budget?

At Formwerk Berlin we take you by the hand in this overview and introduce all eight Nabertherm series, with honest pros and cons, the right uses and the accessories that really make sense. So that in the end you know exactly which kiln suits you.

A note up front: Nabertherm does not only build ceramic kilns. The series also cover glass design, meaning fusing and annealing glass beads. We introduce all of them to you, but we focus on the ceramic kilns.

What all Nabertherm kilns have in common

Before we get into the individual series, it is worth looking at what distinguishes every Nabertherm kiln. These strengths apply across the entire range, from the small top-loading kiln to the large front-loading kiln.

The Nabertherm headquarters in Lilienthal near Bremen, Germany

• Manufactory from Germany: Every kiln is built by hand with great care. Nabertherm is a family-owned company with over 75 years of experience in kiln building.
• AC590 controller with touch operation: Standard equipment, with a graphic display, up to 50 programs of 40 segments each and the cone firing assistant Conny, which makes starting a program child's play. Operable in up to 24 languages.
• MyNabertherm app: Monitor your firing for free from the couch or on the go, on iOS and Android.
• Solar mode and documentation: The controller can use power from a photovoltaic system and records firing data via USB.
• Energy-efficient insulation: A well-thought-out insulation design provides low connected loads and shorter cooling times.
• Free of RCF fibers: Nabertherm completely avoids classified aluminum silicate wool. A health benefit that is often overlooked in everyday use.
• 36-month warranty: On every kiln, Made in Germany.

The eight series at a glance

So that you can get your bearings quickly, here is the rough map. Below it, we explain each series in detail.

• Top-loading kilns: the versatile classic for hobby and workshop, 45 to 220 liters
• Top-loading kilns with higher connected load: faster heating for frequent use
• N series chamber kilns: the front-loading kiln heated on five sides for workshop and studio, 100 to 660 liters
• NW series chamber kilns: like the N series, but with a pull-out kiln floor for back-friendly loading
• NE series chamber kilns: the affordable entry-level front-loading kiln, 40 to 280 liters
• Fusing kilns: for glass fusing and slumping, as a top loader or as a table with a lid
• RAKU kiln: gas-fired, for the traditional Japanese raku technique
• Glass bead annealing kiln: the small tabletop kiln for the controlled cooling of glass beads
  
  

1. The Nabertherm top-loading kiln, the versatile classic

The Nabertherm top-loading kiln is the first choice for most beginners and many workshops. You load it conveniently from the top, and it is round, compact and light. With volumes from 45 to 220 liters and up to 1320 °C, it covers the entire ceramics range, from bisque firing to stoneware. The small models up to 60 liters even run on a normal household outlet.

Pros: affordable entry point, light weight, easy hookup on the small models, casters as standard. Things to consider: loading from the top means bending over, and the round firing chamber is less ideal for flat, wide pieces than a square front-loading kiln.

Ideal for: hobbyists, preschools, schools and smaller workshops.

2. The top-loading kiln with higher connected load, when you want it faster

Almost identical in looks, one step stronger technically: the Top R models have the same firing chamber as the standard top-loading kilns, but more powerful heating elements and a higher connected load. The result is a much faster heat-up. If you fire often or work regularly at high temperatures, you will save noticeable time here. Nabertherm expressly positions the series as an attractively priced alternative to the front-loading kiln.

Pros: short heat-up times, designed for frequent high-temperature use. Things to consider: apart from the small tabletop model Top 16/R, the models need a 400 V three-phase power connection, and they cost a bit more than the standard version.

The Nabertherm Top R series top-loading kilns, from 16 to 190 liters

3. The N series front-loading kilns, for workshop and studio

With the N series, the world of front-loading kilns begins. You load the kiln from the front through a door, at a comfortable working height. The five-sided heating on support tubes provides excellent temperature uniformity, which means even and reproducible firing results. The models range from 100 to 660 liters and reach up to 1,300 °C, and up to 1,340 °C in the high-temperature version H.

Pros: excellent uniformity thanks to five-sided heating, large volumes, convenient loading from the front, a very wide range of accessories. The stand is included. Things to consider: all models need 400 V three-phase power, and they are larger and more expensive than top-loading kilns.

Ideal for: professional workshops, ceramic studios, schools and clinics.

4. The NW series front-loading kilns, same quality, easy on your back

The NW series is the ergonomic premium version of the N series. The key difference: the loadable kiln floor slides out like a smooth-running drawer, and on the large models from NW 440 even as a freely movable bogie. So you no longer load into the kiln, but comfortably from three sides on the pulled-out floor. In daily operation, that is a real gain for your back.

Pros: by far the most comfortable loading, otherwise all the strengths of the N series. From NW 440, the motorized vent damper is already standard. Things to consider: the comfort comes at a price, the NW series costs more than the N series.

Ideal for: high-volume workshops and anyone who loads a lot and loads heavy.

The Nabertherm NW series, from 150 to 660 liters with built-in drawer 

5. The NE series front-loading kilns, the affordable way into front loaders

You want a front-loading kiln, but the N series blows your budget? Then the NE series is your entry point. It is more compact, heated on two or three sides, and covers volumes from 40 to 280 liters. The smallest, the NE 40, is even a tabletop model. Despite the low price, you get Nabertherm manufactory quality with the AC590 controller.

Pros: affordable front-loading kiln, compact and space-saving, ideal for beginners, schools and occupational therapy. Things to consider: the NE series only reaches 1,300 °C, and there is no high-temperature version. With two- or three-sided heating, uniformity is somewhat lower than with the five-sided N series, and on the small two-sided models the stand is optional.

Ideal for: a budget-conscious start with front-loading kilns, schools and preschools.

The Nabertherm NE series, 40 to 280 liters

 

6. The fusing kilns, if you work with glass

Now we briefly leave ceramics. The fusing kilns are made for glass design, meaning fusing and bending glass at around 750 to 950 °C. They come in two designs: the F series is a top-loading kiln with lid heating, compact and round, ideal for hobbyists. The GF series is a front table with a hood, where the glass lies on a flat table and the heating sits in quartz glass tubes in the hood, perfect for large, flat formats in professional use.

Pros: specialized in fusing, glass bending and glass melting, with even ceiling heating. Things to consider: this is glasswork, not pottery. For clay and glaze, you need one of the ceramic kilns above.

Ideal for: glass artists and ceramic workshops that also work with glass.

Nabertherm fusing kilns in 14 variants

7. The raku kiln, an experience in itself

The RAKU 100 is the exotic in the range, and a wonderful one. It is gas-fired and brings the centuries-old Japanese raku technique into your workshop. In a raku firing, you remove the glowing ceramic while hot and place it in leaves, straw or shavings. The reduction creates unique color nuances and the typical crazing. The kiln comes complete with a propane gas burner, temperature gauge and kiln furniture kit.

Pros: a unique, hands-on technique, delivered fully equipped. Things to consider: it runs on propane gas, not electricity, and you need to get the gas cylinder separately. At 100 liters it is compact, and raku is done outdoors or in a very well-ventilated space.

Ideal for: anyone who wants to discover or offer raku as a creative technique.

The raku kiln from Nabertherm 

8. The MF 5 glass bead annealing kiln, the specialist

The MF 5 is the smallest of the bunch and a true specialist. Anyone who makes glass beads at the torch has to cool them slowly and in a controlled way so they stay stress-free and durable. That is exactly what this compact tabletop kiln does. Up to 950 °C, it is also a versatile helper for small fusing and enamel projects. It runs on a normal outlet and has the AC590 controller.

Pros: compact, cheap to run, plugs into a household outlet. Things to consider: a niche appliance, mainly for lampworking glass beads.

Ideal for: glass bead makers and anyone working in lampwork.

The MF 5 glass bead annealing kiln, tabletop kiln with AC590 controller

Which Nabertherm kiln is right for you?

To finish, a little decision aid. Find the description that fits you best:

• I'm just starting out and firing at home: a small top loader up to 60 liters, often on a regular outlet, or the affordable NE 40 front loader.
• I have a workshop and fire regularly: a larger top loader or the N series if you want even results and lots of volume.
• I fire often and want to save time: the Top R series with its fast heating.
• I want to protect my back: the NW series with a pull-out kiln floor.
• I work with glass: an F or GF series fusing kiln, or the MF 5 for glass beads.
• I want to do raku: the gas-fired RAKU 100.

And if you are unsure: just write to us at kontakt@formwerk-berlin.de. We are happy to advise which kiln and which size really fit your pieces and your space.

Nabertherm oval top-loading kiln

The right accessories

A kiln alone is not enough, you also need the right equipment. The most important items at a glance:

• Kiln furniture: Shelves and posts form the levels your ware sits on. The easiest option is to take the kiln furniture kit that is fully matched to your kiln, so you don't have to work anything out yourself.
• Stainless steel extraction hood: carries firing gases away cleanly, for a good indoor climate in workshop and studio. Suitable for the front loaders.
• Air inlet and vent dampers plus cooling fan: shorten process times and improve ventilation. These options are installed at the factory, so it's best to order them together with the kiln.
• Lockable door latch: secures the kiln door against unauthorized opening, ideal for schools and open workshops. Can be retrofitted at any time.
• Peephole in the kiln door: for a look into the firing chamber without heat loss.

You can find the complete accessories for Nabertherm kilns in our kiln accessories at Formwerk Berlin.

Conclusion: the right Nabertherm kiln for every need

From the small plug-in solution to the large studio kiln, from ceramics to glass to raku, Nabertherm covers practically every need with eight series. The shared foundation of manufactory quality, the AC590 controller and the durable, RCF-free insulation comes with every model. The right choice depends mostly on what you fire, how much space you have and how you want to load.

Take your time with the decision, a good kiln will be with you for many years. And if you like, we are happy to advise you personally.

Note: Information on temperatures, volumes and connected loads is for guidance and may vary depending on model and version. For the electrical installation, we recommend a qualified electrician.

PS: In 2026, you get 5% off all kilns with us using the code WELCOME5. Just enter it at checkout.

Enjoy your firings, the Formwerk Berlin Team