What to Look for when Buying a Raku Kiln Kit

If you want to fire raku pottery at home you will need buy your own raku kiln. Most of the raku kilns available to buy online can be separated into one of two categories: very expensive professional raku kilns, and more affordable ones that lack many of the features you need to fire effectively. Let’s look at what you need from raku kiln setup that really works, and what you might find missing elsewhere (see gallery below for photos).

• Well of course you need the kiln itself. This should be made from galvanised steel, and insulated all around using high temperature fibre blanket.

• Kiln furniture. Depending on how many items you are putting in your kiln, you will need at least two shelves and three props.

• Then you will need a propane gas burner. This should be powerful enough to heat the raku kiln effectively.

• As part of your propane torch setup you will need at least a 2m gas hose, and a gas regulator as well.

• Then comes one of the most imports important parts of the home raku kiln setup – the thermocouple. Most raku kiln kits do not come with a thermocouple, leaving you with no idea of the temperature inside the kiln.

• The thermocouple is connected to a digital display which shows you the exact temperature.

• You will need a pair of long raku tongs with which to remove your pottery, 80cm being a very good length.

• You will need heat-proof gloves to protect yourself from the heat when removing your pottery.

• Finally, a set of instructions telling you how to use your equipment.

When looking at home raku kilns online, it is important to recognise that without all of this equipment you will still have more things to buy before you can fire at home. Most of the raku kilns you can buy online literally only come with the kiln itself, leaving you a lot more expense before you can actually start making pottery in your backyard.

Needless to say, the home raku kilns available at RakuKiln.co.uk have everything you need to get started. Best of all, our home raku kilns are very affordably priced, allowing you to get going without a huge outlay.