Kiln Buyers Guide
Looking to buy your first, second, or update an older model kiln? This guide is designed to assist you every step of the way. Whether you're just starting out or ready to upgrade, we’ll provide you with all the essential information needed to make the right choice. Let’s explore the key factors to consider in finding the perfect kiln for your needs!
Meet Octo — Your Kiln Guardian
Octo is your warm, wise guide through the kiln‑buying journey. Whether you’re a school, hobbyist, artist, or commercial studio, Octo helps you choose the right kiln with clear advice and no surprises.
What You’ll Need
📐 Kiln - Matched to your firing needs
🌡️ Thermocouple - Correct probe for your controller
🎛️ Controller - Suited to your workflow
🪵 Kiln Furniture - Shelves, props, posts
⚡ Electrical Supply - installed by an electrician
🏠 Suitable Location - dry, sheltered, ventilated
📘 Reference Documents - Range Guide, Controller Guide, Operating Manual, Installation Guide, Warranty Guide
Kiln Ranges
Cobcraft Shaped Range
🛡️ Stainless‑Steel Case Robust outer shell for schools, clubs, and studios.
🔥 6" Fibre Insulation High‑grade fibre for stable, reliable firing under constant use.
🏫 High‑Use Ready Designed for frequent firing and shared environments.
📏 Stable Firing Performance Handles mixed loads with consistent results.
🧱 Heavy‑Duty Stand Sturdy safety stand — dynabolt recommended.
Mate Range = Entry‑Level
🧱 High‑Grade Insulating Brick Fast heat‑up, excellent efficiency.
⚠️ Delicate Brick Construction Requires gentle handling — dislikes knocks and dropped lids.
🌡️ 1280 °C Max Temperature Ideal for most studio and hobby firing.
🚚 Easy Positioning Mounted on wheels for simple placement.
📈 Capable in the Right Environment Can handle higher workloads with good care.
🔧Shared Strengths
⚡ Premium Elements Same high‑quality Cobcraft elements.
🔌 Quality Electrical Components Identical electrical standards across both ranges.
🎛️ Bentrup Controller Compatibility Supports TC66, TC88, TC95, TC707, and TC2088 (built‑in for Shaped Range).
📍Location & Access
📏 Measure Everything - Doorways, hallways, corners, stairs, ceiling height, lid‑open clearance.
🪜 Stairs - May require professional movers or a crane.🚚 Driveways & Access Roads - Tell us early if its a steep, narrow, gravel paved, muddy, or tricky road (like Baldwin Street).
🌦️ Kilns & The Elements - Kilns dislike dampness, frost, wet walls, and cold soaking.
📸 Send Photos - Photos prevent most delivery issues.
⚡Feeding the Dragon
Your kiln arrives without a power cord — because only a qualified electrician should craft the tail that feeds a dragon.
🔌 Electrician Needs
Your electrician will build the correct tail using the specifications in your Kiln Range Guide.
🔌They’ll need to know the kiln’s amperage, kilowatt rating, breaker size, cable size, distance from the switchboard, voltage, plug type or hard‑wired connection, and dedicated circuit requirements — everything needed to ensure the kiln is powered safely and correctly.
🎛️Controllers
Select from any from our Bentrup Range:
-
TC66 — Simple, compact = 6 programs with up to 3 segments
-
TC88 — Flexible, friendly = 19 programs up to 19 segments
-
TC95 — Wi‑Fi enabled = 20 programs up to 20 segments
-
TC707 — Wi‑Fi enabled 99 programs, full logging, named firing programs
-
TC2088 — Built‑in, with same functions as the TC88 (Shaped Kiln Range only)
📦Receiving Your Kiln
📦 Before Signing: Inspect only the outer wrapping/crate: Forklift punctures, Crushed corners, Tears, Impact marks. If damaged: Note on driver’s paperwork, Photograph, Keep packaging
🔍 Within 7 Days: Inspect the kiln itself: Case or brickwork, Lid, hinges, wheels/stand, Controller & wiring, Chamber interior, Furniture sets. Report issues immediately. Do not fire the kiln.
🛡️Safety & Maintenance
⚠️ Safety: Keep kiln dry, ensure ventilation, Maintain clear space, Keep combustibles away
🧹 Maintenance: Inspect elements, reduce ramp rates for older elements, Keep kiln clean, Check thermocouple periodically
📨Contact Cobcraft.
We receive hundreds of enquiries each and every year. for us to maintain accuracy and provide technical information relevant to your issue or enquiry we must keep a written record, so for us here at Cobcraft Email is the best for of communication we have to ensure you get the right information each and every time.
🐉 Octo’s Final Note “Having all the information at your fingertips helps you land the perfect fire breathing kiln for your needs. I’ll guide you every step of the way.”