In the world of pottery, kiln shelves and posts are essential tools for firing your creations effectively.
Kiln shelves provide a stable platform for your pottery inside the kiln, while posts support and separate the shelves to maximize space and ensure even heat distribution.
These components are crucial for achieving consistent results, whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional potter.
When choosing kiln shelves and posts, several factors should be considered to ensure they meet your specific needs.
Material is a key consideration; shelves are commonly made from cordierite, silicon carbide, or high alumina, each offering different levels of heat resistance and durability.
The size and weight of the shelves also matter, especially if you’re working with large or heavy pieces.
Posts must be compatible with the shelves and should be chosen based on height and material to match your firing requirements.
Selecting the right kiln shelves and posts can make a significant difference in your pottery projects.
We spent many hours researching and testing top products to identify those that deliver reliable performance and ease of use.
Best Kiln Shelves & Posts
We’ve compiled a collection of the best kiln shelves and posts to help you achieve optimal results in your pottery projects.
These selections balance durability, heat resistance, and practicality, ensuring you have the right support in your kiln.
Let’s explore the top choices available in the market.
Penguin Pottery Kiln Wash
This kiln wash is ideal for anyone looking to safeguard their kiln shelves while ensuring an effortless application process.
- Simple mix-ready formula: just add water and shake.
- Effectively prevents pottery pieces from sticking to shelves during firing.
- Proven reliability from a well-regarded brand like Penguin Pottery.
- Not suitable for silicon carbide or fiber-based shelves.
- Requires multiple coats for best results, necessitating patience.
- The drying time between layers can slow down the preparation process.
We’ve found the Penguin Pottery Kiln Wash particularly straightforward to use.
The convenience of simply adding water, shaking, and applying sets it apart.
This product makes maintaining our kiln shelves worry-free, as it effectively prevents those nasty glaze mishaps.
Although the kiln wash is easy to apply with a brush, roller, or sprayer, patience is required when building up layers.
Ensuring that each coat dries thoroughly before applying the next ensures the best protection.
While it’s not compatible with certain types of shelves, the versatility on standard kiln shelves more than makes up for this limitation.
We appreciate how this kilns wash protects our work, allowing us to focus more on the creative process.
Sun and Moon Glass Kiln Posts
A superb choice for efficient kiln use, these kiln posts prevent issues like entrapped air and ensure a smooth firing process.
- They perfectly elevate slumping molds, enhancing airflow.
- Their durability offers reliability over multiple firings.
- Compact size fits a variety of kiln settings.
- Some may find the size smaller than expected.
- Limited to certain uses due to their dimensions.
- Not suitable for high-capacity kilns.
Using the Sun and Moon Glass Kiln Posts, we instantly noticed their effectiveness in elevating kiln shelves off the floor.
The posts help in venting while propping the kiln lid, and are particularly beneficial in preventing entrapped air during the slumping process.
We found them highly reliable across various firing sessions.
Their compact design, however, might not be to everyone’s preference, especially if you’re planning to cover larger projects.
They work remarkably well for smaller setups but might not be ideal for those needing substantial elevation.
Despite this, they maintain uniform size and smoothness, showing no signs of deformation even after repeated use.
The posts arrived promptly and securely packaged, ready to use out of the box.
Perfectly designed for those working with fused glass projects, their sturdiness is undeniable.
While they tick all the boxes for most applications, it’s wise to double-check the dimensions to ensure they align with your specific requirements.
For more information, feel free to explore their Amazon listing.
6″ Kiln Post – 4 Pack
These kiln posts have proven themselves very useful, with reliable performance and sturdy design for firing pottery.
- Sturdy during high-temperature firings
- Ensures even heat distribution
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Only 1 inch wide, which may be too narrow for some
- May not be compatible with larger molds
- Potential for some wobbling during use
We found the 6″ Tall x 1″ Wide Kiln Post – 4 Pack offered solid support during our firing sessions.
The posts are lightweight yet maintain their structural integrity under the high heat of kiln firings, ensuring our pieces were elevated properly for even heat distribution.
Handling these posts felt effortless due to their manageable weight, making the setup and adjustment a breeze.
Despite their thin profile, they performed adequately, although the 1-inch width might be an issue for those dealing with larger or heavier items.
We did notice a bit of instability if not placed carefully, but this was a minor concern.
These posts serve well for regular use, especially considering their decent temperature tolerance and ease of handling.
While they might not fit every specific need due to their size, for a standard pottery project, they offer great value and functionality.
Delphi Glass Kiln Posts
These kiln posts by Delphi Glass are a reliable choice for potters needing stability and versatility in their kiln setups.
- Durable and sturdy design
- Easy to use with various kiln setups
- Lightweight for easy handling
- May arrive with some residue
- Size discrepancies upon delivery occasionally occur
- Limited pack size options
These 1-inch kiln posts offer solid support, making them ideal for anyone using kilns to create ceramic or glass pieces.
We find them particularly helpful in maintaining proper ventilation within the kiln by propping the lid slightly, which helps reduce unwanted air entrapment.
This small but essential feature is beneficial for achieving better firing results.
While using these posts, we noted how they effectively supported not only kiln shelves but also assisted in elevating molds, enhancing the airflow.
The design makes them quite adaptable, whether for venting purposes or even in unconventional uses like supporting a grill grate.
This versatility certainly adds value to the pack, despite its simplicity.
On the downside, there can be some minor issues with post cleanliness and size.
We’ve encountered instances where they arrived with a sandy coating or were slightly off in size.
Despite these inconsistencies, they perform the basic tasks they are intended for quite well.
For the price and convenience, Delphi Glass kiln posts are a worthy addition to our kiln accessory collection.
Kiln Post 4 Pack
These kiln posts are efficient, well-crafted, and suitable for a reliable pottery firing experience.
- Upright and durable, providing excellent support.
- Perfectly sized to fit a variety of kiln sizes.
- Heat-resistant up to 2380°F, ensuring safety.
- Priced slightly higher than some alternatives.
- Limited availability in bulk.
- Might not suit smaller kilns.
When we used the 2″ Tall x 1″ Wide Kiln Post set, we immediately noticed their stability.
Their sturdy build is ideal for supporting heavy ceramic pieces in the kiln.
This set made the arrangement of shelves easy, and each post felt durable under high temperatures.
The heat resistance was impressive.
During trial runs, the posts handled the high temperatures without any visible damage, adding an extra layer of reassurance during the firing process.
The pack of four posts is quite accommodating for most setups.
Despite their reliability, they come with a slightly higher price tag.
We found this justified by their durability and performance.
However, for those firing many pieces or operating larger kilns, purchasing multiple packs might become costly.
Buying Guide
When purchasing kiln shelves and posts, we should consider several key factors to ensure we make the right choice.
First, material is essential.
Shelves can be made from silica, cordierite, or mullite.
Each offers different durability and heat resistance levels.
Let’s evaluate which works best for our specific firing needs.
Size and Shape are crucial too.
We need to measure our kiln to select shelves that optimize space without restricting airflow.
Options include round, square, and rectangular shapes.
Thickness
The thickness of shelves usually ranges from 1/2 inch to 1 inch.
Thicker shelves generally offer better heat retention and are less prone to warping.
Depending on the type of pottery we’re firing, we should choose a suitable thickness.
Posts and Stacking
Posts are essential for stacking multiple shelves inside the kiln.
Let’s pay attention to the height and stability of these posts.
They should be robust enough to support the weight of the shelves and pottery.
Thermal Conductivity affects the even distribution of heat.
Materials with good heat conduction properties help in achieving uniform firing, critical for consistent results.
| Feature | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Material | Silica, Cordierite, Mullite |
| Size and Shape | Round, Square, Rectangular |
| Thickness | 1/2 inch to 1 inch |
| Posts | Height, Stability |
| Thermal Conductivity | Uniform heat distribution |
Understanding these factors allows us to choose wisely, optimizing performance and longevity without overspending.
Frequently Asked Questions
When choosing kiln shelves and posts, we consider material types, size, and maintenance needs.
Different kinds of shelves and posts offer unique benefits and require specific care routines.
What factors should be considered when selecting kiln shelves and posts for pottery?
We examine weight capacity, heat tolerance, and durability.
Considering the type of pottery and the firing temperature ensures the right choice.
Shelf thickness also plays a crucial role.
What are the differences between silicon carbide, CoreLite, and Advancer kiln shelves?
Silicon carbide is known for high-temperature resistance and thermal shock durability.
CoreLite shelves are lightweight with good heat distribution.
Advancer shelves offer the thinnest, lightest option with significant strength.
What materials are commonly used for manufacturing kiln shelves and how do they compare?
Shelves are typically made from silicon carbide, cordierite, or mullite.
Silicon carbide provides excellent heat resistance.
Cordierite is economical but heavier.
Mullite offers a blend of durability and price.
How can one choose the appropriate size and number of kiln posts for optimal support?
Matching post diameter and shelf size is essential for stability.
We ensure adequate height to fit the desired kiln load.
More posts may be necessary for larger or heavier shelves.
What maintenance is required to ensure the longevity of kiln shelves and posts?
Proper cleaning to remove glaze drips or kiln wash builds longevity.
Regular inspections help spot any cracks or damage early.
Preventive measures like coating with kiln wash maintain shelf condition.
What are the recommended methods for cleaning and grinding kiln shelves?
We recommend using gentle scraping for minor debris.
For more persistent residues, careful grinding using a silicon carbide brick is best.
Regularly reapplying kiln wash after cleaning preserves surface quality.