Tool
Kiln electricity cost calculator
Estimate what each electric kiln firing costs. You'll need the volts and amps from your kiln's nameplate (usually on the side of the control box) and the rate from your electricity bill.
How the estimate works
Power comes from your nameplate: kilowatts = volts × amps ÷ 1,000 for single phase, and volts × amps × 1.732 ÷ 1,000 for three phase.
Energy is power × firing hours × the share of time the elements are actually on. A controller switches elements on and off to follow the programmed ramp, so a kiln rarely draws full power for the whole firing. Early, slow segments use less; the final climb to peak temperature runs close to 100%.
Cost is energy × your rate. Older or worn elements need longer to reach temperature, so expect costs to creep up as elements age. A sudden jump in firing time is often the first sign they need replacing.
Make your firings cheaper
- Fire full loads: an empty shelf costs nearly as much to heat as a full one.
- Check the lid and peephole plugs for gaps that leak heat.
- Skip unnecessary holds, unless your glazes need them.
- Ask your utility about off-peak rates if your firings can finish overnight.