Skutt Kiln Buyers Guide for Potters and Ceramic Artists

The Skutt 1027 Kiln, our top pick for an electric top loader Skutt kiln.

The Skutt 1027 Kiln, our top pick for an electric top loader Skutt kiln.

Skutt Kilns are some of the most popular and dependable top-loading electric kilns on the market. Manufactured by Skutt in Portland, Oregon, the company has a variety of kilns to suit just about any size studio and budget. The following guide will cover all the features of current Skutt kilns, along with tips and suggestions on how to buy a kiln.

Top Pick: Skutt 1027-3 with KMT Touchscreen Controller

The Skutt 1027-3 is the top pick for a Skutt electric kiln. Featuring upgraded, 3-inch-thick bricks, it’s an efficient workhorse of a kiln that is also Skutt’s most popular model. It’s a great size for any studio, with an interior chamber measuring 22.5 inches in diameter by 27 inches tall, for a total of 6.4 cubic feet of loading area.

The kiln is small enough that an individual potter can fill it with some frequency, while it also has enough capacity for an academic or shared studio. It can easily fire to cone 10, along with mid range or low fire temperatures. And the KMT Touchscreen Controller makes for an easy and efficient user interface.

It’s a great kiln package that is listed around $4000 but can sometimes be found for as low as $3100 to $3200.

There are a lot more sizes of Skutt kilns. Keep reading for a complete buyer’s guide to Skutt kilns.


Table of Contents

  1. Top Pick: Skutt 1027

  2. Choosing a Top Loader Electric Kiln

  3. Skutt Controllers

  4. Skutt Product Number Explainer

  5. Electrical Requirements

  6. Lid Lifters

  7. Venting Options

  8. Kiln Furniture

  9. Sectional Design

  10. What To Expect with Ordering and Delivery

  11. Skutt Kiln Models

  12. Summary



Choosing a Top Loading Electric Kiln

Skutt makes a wide variety of kilns.

Skutt makes a wide variety of kilns.

Choosing an electric kiln is a big decision. You’ll want to consider power availability, the size of your studio, the size of the work that you make, and your budget. It can be a commitment: with care and proper maintenance, an electric kiln can easily last 30 years or more. But where to start? There’s a lot of options, sizes, and a confusing array of product numbers. This guide will help you understand the models in the Skutt product line.

Front Loader vs Top Loader
Electric kilns can be broken down into two main categories, front loaders and top loaders. While Skutt has occasionally made a front loader, at the time of this writing, the entire Skutt product line was top loading kilns.

Top loaders are usually smaller, have thinner walls, and generally are made in sections that allow for easier transport. Top loaders can be harder to load, although they are available in a variety of heights. Top loaders are usually the kiln of choice for home studio and for individual studios.

Front loaders are heavier and not made in sections, as the entire kiln frame needs to support the weight of the door. There are some small front loaders, but generally you will find these types of kilns in production studio or larger spaces. Front loaders can often accommodate taller firing chambers.

Electric vs Gas
Skutt only makes electric kilns, so this post won’t cover any gas kilns. But in general, think of an electric kiln as a big, insulated incandescent bulb. The inside walls of an electric kiln are lined with “elements” made from nichrome wire, i.e. nickel-chrome wire. Electricity is run through these elements at a rate determined by the controller, and over time, heat builds up inside the kiln. When properly installed, electric kilns are safe and easy to operate, and typically there is little to no odor or anything noxious coming out of the kiln.



The Skutt KilnMaster Touchscreen Controller

The Skutt KilnMaster Touchscreen Controller

Skutt Controllers

Skutt makes kilns with two types of controllers, which are both dependable and allow you to program and run the the kiln by itself. (It is always recommended that you be present when the kiln finishes firing to check that the program runs correctly.)

The KilnMaster Touchscreen Controller is the latest and greatest controller technology, featuring built-in WiFi and a free app, so that you can connect your device to the kiln and monitor the firing. The Touchscreen Controller features the same ramp and firing modes found on previous Skutt kilns, but with added features including a program library, help screens, diagnostic tools, and much more. It costs more, but this is a recommended upgrade. For an added fee, you can upgrade to a premium account with more features including text or email alerts, multiple users on one account, and more.

The KilnMaster Controller.

The KilnMaster Controller.

The KilnMaster Controller is the standard controller on Skutt kilns with a button pad and small, one-color display. This controller has the same ramp and on-board programming capabilities as the touchscreen model, but with fewer bells and whistles. It’s a sturdy, dependable controller that itself was an upgrade from the older kiln sitter models. If you currently have an older kiln sitter kiln, check and see if you can upgrade it to a computerized model.


Skutt Product Numbers

Skutt kilns are numbered based on this system, and we’ll use a KMT-1027-3-PK as our example.

  • Controller type (KM = KilnMaster, KMT = KilnMaster Touchscreen)

  • Sides of the kiln are indicated in the first one or two numbers (the 1027 is a ten-sided kiln)

  • Depth of firing chamber is indicated by the final two numbers (the 1027 is 27 inches deep)

  • Any kiln with a “3” after the kiln number is a model with the 3 inch brick upgrade as opposed to the standard 2.5 inch bricks

  • PK stands for Production Series Kilns, an upgrade in wiring gauge and other features found in four kilns models that are appropriate for extremely busy studios.

  • LF is only found on one large oval kiln, and it stands for a Low Fire only rating.



Electrical Requirements

Electric Kilns need to be properly installed and it’s best to check your power situation with an electrician before ordering a kiln so that you know exactly what type of power you have and how large of an amperage draw and breaker box you can install.

Types of Power: 208 or 240 and single phase or three phase
Generally, residential power in the United States is 240 volt and commercial and school buildings have 208 volt, and these can be available in either single phase or three phase. You’ll need to pick a kiln model that matches the power you have available as the elements and other features are fitted to match your power.

Amperage
Amperage measures the draw of electricity, and Skutt kilns range from 20 amps to 79. It’s recommended to have a breaker box with a fuse that is about 25 percent higher than that. Having an electrician check what you have available will help narrow down your choices, especially if you are considering a larger kiln. Larger kilns have bigger amperage draws that may require running new wires or breaker boxes.

NEMA outlet guide.

NEMA outlet guide.

Plug or Direct Wire
Smaller kilns will plug in and Skutt ships them with the most appropriate plug. Your electrician may need to install or change the outlet to match this plug. Larger kilns need to be “hard wired” or have wires directly connected to the power cutoff box.


Lid Lifter

Skutt 10- and 12-side kilns now come standard with a spring-loaded lid lifter.

Skutt 10- and 12-side kilns now come standard with a spring-loaded lid lifter.

All the 10- and 12-sided Skutt kilns now come standard with spring-loaded lid lifters. It makes the kilns easy to lift with two fingers and reduces the chance of slamming a lid down, which can damage the bricks. The Skutt lid lifter attaches just to the top ring, making it simple to take your kiln apart if necessary. It’s a great upgrade and if you have an older kiln, you might want to look into a lid-lifter upgrade.


Venting Options

The Skutt EnviroVent 2 consists of a spring-loaded pressure attachment at the base of the kiln, metal hose, and squirrel cage type blower.

The Skutt EnviroVent 2 consists of a spring-loaded pressure attachment at the base of the kiln, metal hose, and squirrel cage type blower.

An optional kiln vent helps remove gases while the kiln is firing and will help even out the firing temperature inside the kiln. In top loading kilns, a small hole about the diameter of a pencil is drilled in the floor of the kiln and the vent hose is mounted below this hole with a simple spring mechanism. At the end of the hose, a blower is connected to move the air towards an outlet vent. Skutt’s current vent model is the EnviroVent2. Another optional upgrade to this system is the Envirolink, which connects to the kiln controller and can be programmed to shut off when the kiln cools to a certain temperature, such as 200 degrees F.

A vent is definitely needed if your kiln is located in your house or in an enclosed studio space. If your kiln is in a semi-open space, such as a garage with the door open, you may not need a vent. Consider your space and how much airflow there is to determine if you need a vent.

Finally, some spaces may choose to install an exhaust hood above the kiln. This can really help remove excess heat from your kiln room.



Kiln Furniture

Select a furniture kit that matches the size of your kiln.

Select a furniture kit that matches the size of your kiln.

Kiln Furniture refers to the kiln shelves and posts that you will put inside your kiln. Unless you have these, you should plan to order the basic kit that comes with your kiln. Some retailers sell a kiln and furniture kit as a package, but if you are buying this separately expect to add $300 to $1,500 or more getting all the shelves and posts that you need. Think about what you fire: if you mostly make tall pots or big sculptures, you won’t need a lot of shelves. If you make shorter pieces, you’ll need more shelves to make use of the firing chamber.

Shelf size by Kiln Model

Skutt 614 9.25” x 5” half shelves, or 9.25” x 10” full shelves
Skutt 714 13” x 6.5” half round, or 13” full round
Skutt 818 15” x 8” half shelves, or 15 x 16” full
Skutt 818-3 15” x 8” half shelves, or 15” full round
Skutt 1027 22” x 10 5/8” half shelves, or 19.5” full round
Skutt 1027-3 20” x 9 7/8” half shelves, or 19.5” full round
Skutt 1227 26” x 13” half shelves
Skutt 1627 26” x 13” half shelves for ends, 13” x 16” shelves for center


Sectional Design

The Skutt 1222 picture here consists of a top lid, two rings, and a floor that all latch together. The floor sits on a metal stand to elevate the kiln.

The Skutt 1222 picture here consists of a top lid, two rings, and a floor that all latch together. The floor sits on a metal stand to elevate the kiln.

Most top loading kilns are designed to be taken apart in “rings” or sections that clamp together. This allows you to get the kiln pieces through doors and into spaces where a large front loader can’t go. When you receive your kiln, there will be instructions on how to take apart the kiln. Generally, this includes removing screws and undoing some of the wires inside the control panel. Smaller kilns may just come apart into the body and lid, while the largest kilns have separate top and bottoms, and up to 3 middle rings.


What to Expect With Ordering and Delivery

Skutt Kilns can be ordered directly from Skutt, via an online retailer, or through your local ceramic supplier. In general, the kilns will ship directly from Skutt. In the past, it was typical to wait 10 to 12 weeks for delivery, but since the Covid epidemic, production times have stretched as long as four to six months due to socially-distanced manufacturing along with increased demand for kilns. It can be a long wait but it’s worth it!

As the kilns are all basically coming straight from Skutt, it pays to shop around and find the best deal. To compare, calculate the cost of the kiln, furniture package, and cost of delivery. If you are in a building with a loading dock, any truck can deliver to you. But for a residential building, you will need a delivery truck with a lift gate, and this service may cost extra.

When the kiln is delivered, the delivery driver will take it as far as the curb, or possibly up to your garage or studio building. It will be up to you to then get it inside. Be ready with help, and/or screwdrivers, electrical pliers, and other tools to take your kiln apart if needed. Then it’s simply a matter of getting your kiln hooked up to begin firing.


Skutt Ceramic Kiln Models

This guide will cover Skutt ceramic kilns starting with the smallest sizes first. The kilns are all made with the same controllers, bricks, metal, and other high-quality parts. The difference is mostly in the size of the kiln and firing chamber. In addition to the size and model of kiln, with Skutt there is often an option for an upgraded 3 inch thick bricks in the wall. Also make sure to select the correct phase (single or three phase) and voltage (208 or 240) for your studio.


Skutt 614-3

The Skutt 614-3 pictured here with a touchscreen controller.

The Skutt 614-3 pictured here with a touchscreen controller.

The Skutt 614-3 is the only Skutt kiln that can be fired while connected to a standard household current but it will need a modified outlet for a NEMA 5-20 plug. This is a great kiln for porcelain jewelry, doll heads, or glaze tests. It’s small, but has all the same features as larger Skutt kilns including 3 inch thick bricks. It’s available with the KilnMaster (KM) or Touchscreen (KMT) controller.

Skutt 614-3
Phase: 1
Volt: 115
Amperage: 20
Recommended Breaker: 30 amp
Max Cone: 6
Chamber: 11” diameter by 13.5” deep (0.8 cubic feet)
NEMA Plug: 5-20
Outside dimensions: 17” wide plus control panel on one side
Shipping dimension: 29” x 28” x 28”
Weight: 88lbs
Typical Price: KM-614 $1243–$1640, KMT-614 $1537–1975


Skutt 714

The Skutt 714 kiln, with a 1.4 cubic foot firing chamber.

The Skutt 714 kiln, with a 1.4 cubic foot firing chamber.

The 714 model is almost the same as the 614-3, except that it has a wider diameter, seven sides as opposed to six, and only comes with the 2.5 inch thick brick. It has a larger 1.4 cubic foot firing chamber, but the same depth as the 614. Think of this as a jewelry or test kiln but on the big side.

Skutt 714
Phase: 1
Volt: 208/240
Amperage: 20
Recommended Breaker: 30 amp
Max Cone: 8
Chamber: 14.3” diameter by 13.5” deep (1.4 cubic feet)
NEMA Plug: 14-30
Outside dimensions: 20” wide with control panel on one side
Shipping dimension: 29” x 28” x 28”
Weight: 95lbs
Typical Price: KM-714 $1323–$1740, KMT-714 $1616-2075


Skutt 818

The Skutt 818 is a small studio kiln. It’s available with the standard 2.5 inch thick bricks, or an upgraded 3 inch thick brick. The 818-3 with the thicker walls has a slightly smaller firing chamber. This kiln is around 17 inches wide by 18 inches deep.

The Skutt 818 is a small studio kiln.

The Skutt 818 is a small studio kiln.

Skutt 818
Phase: 1
Volt: 208/240
Amperage: 26.7
Recommended Breaker: 40 amp
Max Cone: 10
Chamber: 17.5” diameter by 18” deep (2.6 cubic feet)
818-3: 16.5” diameter by 18” deep (2.3 cubic feet)
NEMA Plug: 6-50
Outside dimensions: 22.5” wide plus control panel on one side
Shipping dimension: 32” x 32” x 32”
Weight: 145 lbs (818-3 weighs 160 lbs)
Typical Price: KM-818 $1,586–$2,075
KMT-818 $1,882–$2,400
KM-818-3 $1,642–$2,170
KMT-818-3 $1,938-$2,495


Skutt 822

The Skutt 822 pictured here with the KMT Touchscreen controller.

The Skutt 822 pictured here with the KMT Touchscreen controller.

The Skutt 822 is another small, eight-sided studio kiln. It’s available with the standard 2.5 inch thick bricks, or an upgraded 3 inch thick brick. The diameter is the same as the 818, but this kiln has a firing chamber that is 4.5 inches taller, at 22.5 inches deep.

Skutt 822
Phase: 1
Volt: 208/240
Amperage: 33.4-38.5
Recommended Breaker: 50 amp
Max Cone: 10
Chamber: 17.5” diameter by 22.5” deep (3.2 cubic feet)
822-3: 16.5” diameter by 22.5” deep (2.9 cubic feet)
NEMA Plug: 6-50
Outside dimensions: 22.5” wide plus control panel on one side
Shipping dimension: 32” x 32” x 37”
Weight: 170 lbs (822-3 weighs 180 lbs)
Typical Price: KM-822 $1,694–$2,230
KMT-822 $2,005–$2,555
KM-822-3 $1,864–$2,330
KMT-822-3 $2,100-$2,655


Skutt 1018

The Skutt 1018 is a ten side kiln that has a firing chamber around 23 inches wide by 18 inches deep.

The Skutt 1018 is a ten side kiln that has a firing chamber around 23 inches wide by 18 inches deep.

The Skutt 1018 is wide but short kiln that is easy to load. It features a 23 inch wide firing chamber that is 18 inches deep. It’s also available with the 3 inch brick upgrade, which results in a slightly narrower firing chamber.

Skutt 1018
Phase: 1
Volt: 208/240
Amperage: 39.4-40
Recommended Breaker: 50 amp
Max Cone: 10
Chamber: 23.4” diameter by 18” deep (4.6 cubic feet)
1018-3: 22.5” diameter by 18” deep (4.2 cubic feet)
NEMA Plug: 6-50
Outside dimensions 28.5” wide with control panel on one side
Shipping dimension: 37” x 40” x 35” high
Weight: 250 lbs (1018-3 weighs 275 lbs)
Typical Price:
KM-1018 $2,216–$2,910
KMT-1018 $2,525–$3,235
KM-1018-3 $2,300–$3,020
KMT-1018-3 $2,609-$3,345


Skutt 1022

The Skutt 1022 has a 23 inch wide chamber with a depth of 22.5 inches.

The Skutt 1022 has a 23 inch wide chamber with a depth of 22.5 inches.

The Skutt 1022 is exactly the same as the 1018, but it’s 4.5 inches taller with a 22.5 inch deep firing chamber. This brings the volume to 5.7 cubic feet on the 1022, or 5.25 cubic feet on the 1022-3 model. If you love the taller 1027 but find it hard to load, the 1022 might be the best kiln for your studio. The 1022 is also the smallest Skutt kiln that is available with three phase wiring.

Skutt 1022
Phase: 1 and 3
Volt: 208/240
Amperage: 34.6-48
Recommended Breaker: 50 to 60 amp, depending on the model
Max Cone: 10
Chamber: 23.4” diameter by 22.5” deep (5.7 cubic feet)
1022-3: 22.5” diameter by 22.5” deep (5.25 cubic feet)
NEMA Plug: 6-50 for single phase, 15-50 for three phase
Outside dimensions: 28.5” wide plus control panel on one side
Shipping dimension: 37” x 40” x 41” high
Weight: 270 lbs (1022-3 weighs 298 lbs)
Typical Price: *add $150–$200 for 3 inch brick option
KM-1022 1 Phase $2,447–$3,230
KM-1022 3 Phase $2,999–$3,280
KMT-1022 1 Phase $2,776–$3,555
KMT-1022 3 Phase $2,836–$3,605


Skutt 1027

The Skutt 1027 is the company’s most popular model because of it’s ideal combination of width, height, and price.

The Skutt 1027 is the company’s most popular model because of it’s ideal combination of width, height, and price.

The Skutt 1027 is the company’s most popular model and also the top recommendation if you were to choose just one kiln. The kiln chamber is about 23 inches wide by 27 inch, for a total of 7 cubic feet of firing space (or 6.4 cubic feet for the 3 inch brick model.) This depth and width is big enough for most pots and sculptures, but not so huge that it is impossible to fill. Many busy studios rely on 1027s too, as they are quick to fire and affordable, with a few models coming in right around $3,000.

Skutt 1027
Phase: 1 and 3
Volt: 208/240
Amperage: 29.3-48
Recommended Breaker: 50 to 60 amp, depending on the model
Max Cone: 10 (note: the 208V 1 phase model can only go to cone 6)
Chamber: 23.4” diameter by 27” deep (7 cubic feet)
1027-3: 22.5” diameter by 27” deep (6.4 cubic feet)
NEMA Plug: 6-50 for single phase, 15-50 for three phase
Outside dimensions: 28.5” wide plus control panel on one side
Shipping dimension: 37” x 40” x 44” high
Weight: 290 lbs (1027-3 weighs 320 lbs)
Typical Price: *add $100 to $150 for 3 inch brick upgrade
KM-1027 1 Phase $2,687–$3,860
KM-1027 3 Phase $3,380–$3,585
KMT-1027 1 Phase $3,667–$3,860
KMT-1027 3 Phase $3,714–$3,910


Skutt 1218

The Skutt 1218-3 is a wide and low kiln with 3 inch thick walls.

The Skutt 1218-3 is a wide and low kiln with 3 inch thick walls.

Skutt makes four options for the wider 12-sided kilns, ranging from an 18 inch firing chamber depth to 31 inches. The shortest, the 1218-3, has a 28 inch opening and an 18 inch depth for a total of 6.6 cubic feet of firing space. This is almost as much as the 1027, but it will only accommodate shorter pieces. But if that works for your studio, this is much easier to load.

The 1218-3 and all the larger Skutt kilns are only available with 3 inch bricks in the walls.

Skutt 1218
Phase: 1 and 3
Volt: 208/240
Amperage: 29.3-48
Recommended Breaker: 40 to 60 amp, depending on the model
Max Cone: 10 (note: the 208V 1 phase model can only go to cone 8)
Chamber: 28” diameter by 18” deep (6.6 cubic feet)
NEMA Plug: 6-50 for single phase, 15-50 for three phase
Outside dimensions: 34” wide plus control panel on one side
Shipping dimension: 42” x 45” x 35” high
Weight: 330 lbs
Typical Price:
KM-1218 1 Phase $2,691–$3,575
KM-1218 3 Phase $3,307–$3,625
KMT-1218 1 Phase $3,705–$3,900
KMT-1218 3 Phase $3,705–$3,950


Skutt 1222

The Skutt 1222-3 is a wide, medium height kiln with a firing chamber that is 28 inches wide and 22.5 inches deep.

The Skutt 1222-3 is a wide, medium height kiln with a firing chamber that is 28 inches wide and 22.5 inches deep.

The Skutt 1222-3 is the same width as the 1218 but with a depth of 22.5 inches, for a total firing chamber of 8.1 cubic feet. Like other larger Skutt kilns, it’s only available with the thicker 3 inch thick bricks. The kiln will fire to cone 10, except for the the 208V 1 phase model, which tops out at cone 8.

Skutt 1222-3
Phase: 1 and 3
Volt: 208/240
Amperage: 34.6-48
Recommended Breaker: 50 to 60 amp, depending on the model
Max Cone: 10 (note: the 208V 1 phase model can only go to cone 8)
Chamber: 28” diameter by 22.5” deep (8.1 cubic feet)
NEMA Plug: 6-50 for single phase, 15-50 for three phase
Outside dimensions: 34” wide with control panel on one side
Shipping dimension: 42” x 45” x 41” high
Weight: 330 lbs
Typical Price:
KM-1222 1 Phase $2,922–$3,850
KM-1222 3 Phase $3,586–$3,900
KMT-1222 1 Phase $3,966–$4,175
KMT-1222 3 Phase $4,013–$4,225


Skutt 1227

The Skutt 1227 is a large barrel kiln with a 28 inch wide firing chamber that is 27 inches deep.

The Skutt 1227 is a large barrel kiln with a 28 inch wide firing chamber that is 27 inches deep.

The Skutt 1227 is a big barrel kiln that is often found in academic studios or is favored by production potters and sculptors. It’s 28 inches wide and 27 inches deep, for a total firing chamber that is 9.9 cubic feet. Like the other large Skutt kilns, it’s only available with 3 inch thick brick in the walls. There’s also an upgraded “PK” model, which stands for production kiln. These kilns have heavier gauge wires, more robust relays, and a slightly different wiring configuration. The PK models cost about $500 more, which is probably worth it if you are planning to fire the kiln more than a few times a month.

The standard 1227-3 models can be plugged in, while the PK models require a direct wire into the cutoff box. For max temperatures, these kilns have a range: the PK models can all achieve cone 10 while the regular 1227-3 are cone 8, except the 208V 1 Phase, which has a maximum temperature of cone 5.

Skutt 1227-3
Phase: 1 and 3
Volt: 208/240
Amperage: 29.3–69 (PK models have a higher amp draw)
Recommended Breaker: 40 to 90 amp, depending on the model
Max Cone: 1227-3-PK models: 10
1227-3: Cone 8, except 208V 1 phase model can only go to cone 5
Chamber: 28” diameter by 27” deep (9.9 cubic feet)
NEMA Plug: 6-50 for single phase, 15-50 for three phase, direct wire for PK models
Outside dimensions: 34” wide with control panel on one side
Shipping dimension: 42” x 45” x 44” high
Weight: 400 lbs
Typical Price:
KM-1227 1 Phase $3,166–$4,220
KM-1227 3 Phase $3,884–$4.270
KM-1227 PK models $3,639–$4,870
KMT-1227 1 Phase $3,530–$4,545
KMT-1227 3 Phase $3,530–$4,595
KMT-1227 PK models $3,596–$5,195


Skutt 1231

The Skutt 1231 is the tallest kiln in Skutt’s lineup, with a 31 inch tall firing chamber that is 28 inches wide.

The Skutt 1231 is the tallest kiln in Skutt’s lineup, with a 31 inch tall firing chamber that is 28 inches wide.

The Skutt 1231-3 is the tallest kiln in Skutt’s product line. It’s 28 inches wide with a depth of 31 inches, for an 11.6 cubic foot firing chamber. This added height is great, especially if you make sculptures or taller pots, but it can be very hard to load. Even the tallest people with longer arms may want a small step stool on the side to make it easier to load.

The 1231 comes standard with the 3 inch bricks and the “PK” production kiln upgrade of thicker gauge wires and improved relays. This kiln is most commonly found in academic and community studios, or production studios. But based on the difficulty in loading this kiln, I would advise getting a 1227 barrel,a 1627 oval, or look into front-loading options for taller kilns.

Skutt 1227-3-PK
Phase: 1 and 3
Volt: 208/240
Amperage: 46–69
Recommended Breaker: 60 to 90 amp, depending on the model
Max Cone: 10
Chamber: 28” diameter by 31” deep (11.6 cubic feet)
Connection: must be direct wired
Outside dimensions: 34” wide with control panel on one side
Shipping dimension: 42” x 45” x 49” high
Weight: 450 lbs
Typical Price:
KM-1231 1 Phase $3,639–$5,000
KM-1231 3 Phase $3,789–$5,000
KMT-1231 1 Phase $3,979–$5,325
KMT-1231 3 Phase $4,122–$5,325


Skutt 1627

The oval shaped Skutt 1627 is the largest kiln in Skutt’s product line.

The oval shaped Skutt 1627 is the largest kiln in Skutt’s product line.

The 1627 is Skutt’s largest kiln with 18.5 cubic feet in the oval firing chamber. Inside, the chamber is 30.75 wide, 46 inches long, and 27 inches deep. This is a big top loader! It’s a great option for academic or production studios, or an individual sculptor or potter with a high rate of production. It comes standard with the 3 inch bricks in the wall and the PK production kiln upgrades of heavier wires and more robust relays. The standard model is only available in 3 phase power and can fire to cone 10, while the 1627-3-PK-LF “low fire” model is available in single or three phase, but can only fire to cone 1.

The lid is lighter than you think but it still takes some strength to get it up. While lid lifters come standard on the new 10 and 12-sided kilns, in the case of the 1627 the lid lifter upgrade is only available in combination with the integrated rolling stand.

Skutt 1627-3-PK
Phase: 3 (1627-3-PK-LF is available in 1 and 3)
Volt: 208/240
Amperage: 46–69
Recommended Breaker: 60 to 90 amp, depending on the model
Max Cone: 10 (Cone 1 for LF models)
Chamber: 46” length x 30.75” wide by 27” deep (18.5 cubic feet)
Connection: must be direct wired
Outside dimensions: 36” deep by 52” wide, plus control panel on one side
Shipping dimension: 58” x 50” x 54” high
Weight: 535 lbs
Typical Price:
KM-1627 $6,259–$8,050
KMT-1627 $6,259–$8,375


Summary

This post has covered all the models, features, and accessories for Skutt ceramic kilns. These are America’s most popular kiln for a reason: they are dependable, well made, and available to fit almost any sized studio and budget. And with upgraded features like the standard lid lifter on 10 and 12-sided kilns, options such as the touchscreen controller, and Skutt’s stellar reputation for quality and customer service, you can’t go wrong with a Skutt kiln.

Any thoughts on this buyer’s guide or Skutt kilns? Let us know in the comments.