Pottery Kiln Electricity Cost Calculator

Electric kiln firing cost depends on kiln volume, firing temperature, and your local electricity rate.

Total kWh = kiln volume (cubic feet) × energy intensity (kWh per cubic foot) Cost = total kWh × electricity rate ($/kWh)

Energy intensity by temperature target:

Note that cone numbers with a zero in front run colder, not hotter. Cone 06 is a bisque temperature and cone 6 is a glaze temperature, and they are nearly 400°F apart. The numbering is a historical accident and it catches everyone once.

These are estimates. Actual consumption varies with how tightly the kiln is loaded, insulation condition, element age, and ambient temperature. A full kiln fires more efficiently than a sparse one, because the ware itself absorbs and re-radiates heat, which is the real argument for waiting until you have a full load.

Typical kiln volumes: small test kilns 0.2–0.5 cu ft, hobby kilns 1–3 cu ft, studio kilns 3–7 cu ft, production kilns 7–20 cu ft.

US average electricity cost is around $0.14–$0.16 per kWh (2024). Rates vary significantly: some rural co-ops charge $0.08, some Northeast utilities $0.28+. Use your actual utility rate from your bill.

The practical way to track exact costs: connect a kill-a-watt meter to your kiln outlet and read kWh directly after each firing. After 5–10 firings you will have accurate real-world numbers for your specific kiln and firing schedule. Elements near end-of-life draw more power and take longer to reach temperature.