Target Temperature
2,232°F
Celsius
1,222°C
Time
~13.3 hrs
Cost
$13
2,232°F
1,222°C
~13.3 hrs
99 kWh
Ramp Rate: 150–200°F/hr
Start slow (100\u00B0F/hr to 500\u00B0F) to drive off moisture, then increase. Final ramp depends on ware thickness and kiln load.
Based on 99 kWh at your electricity rate
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Inputs
Result
A standard cone 6 glaze firing in a 7-cu-ft kiln ramps through 4 segments over about 9.5 hours, peaking at 2,232°F. At $0.13/kWh, electricity cost is approximately $4.55.
Inputs
Result
A slow bisque to cone 06 takes about 11 hours with a careful 100°F/hour initial ramp. It uses less electricity than a glaze firing because the peak temperature is 400°F lower.
Inputs
Result
A cone 10 gas reduction firing begins reduction around 1,800°F by closing dampers. The firing peaks at 2,345°F with a 15–20 minute hold for even heat distribution.
Cone 6 reaches approximately 2,232°F (1,222°C) at a standard heating rate of 270°F/hour. The exact temperature varies with firing speed: fast fire hits 2,269°F, standard rate 2,232°F, and slow rate 2,194°F. Cone 6 is the most popular mid-range temperature for functional pottery.
| Cone | Temperature (°F) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Cone 06 | 1,828°F | Bisque firing |
| Cone 6 | 2,232°F | Mid-range glaze |
| Cone 10 | 2,345°F | High-fire stoneware |
| Cone 12 | 2,419°F | Porcelain / specialty |
A standard bisque firing takes 8–12 hours total. Start slow (100°F/hour to 250°F) to drive off moisture, then ramp at 200°F/hour to 1,000°F for quartz inversion, then 300°F/hour to cone 06 (1,828°F). Hold 10–15 minutes at peak, then cool naturally.
| Phase | Temp Range | Ramp Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Water smoking | Room–250°F | 100°F/hr |
| Burnout | 250–1,000°F | 200°F/hr |
| Quartz inversion | 1,000–1,100°F | 150°F/hr |
| Final ramp | 1,100–1,828°F | 300°F/hr |
Cone 6 fires to 2,232°F and is considered mid-range, producing durable dinnerware in electric kilns. Cone 10 fires to 2,345°F (113°F hotter) and creates denser stoneware, typically in gas kilns with reduction atmospheres that produce unique color effects.
| Factor | Cone 6 | Cone 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 2,232°F | 2,345°F |
| Kiln type | Electric | Gas (reduction) |
| Electricity cost/firing | $8–$15 | $12–$25 |
| Element lifespan | 150–200 firings | 50–100 firings |
A mid-size electric kiln (7 cubic feet) firing to cone 6 uses 30–40 kWh, costing $4–$15 per firing at average US rates ($0.13/kWh). Cone 10 firings use 45–60 kWh. Kiln size, insulation quality, and local electric rates drive the actual cost.
| Kiln Size | kWh (Cone 6) | Cost @ $0.13/kWh |
|---|---|---|
| 2–3 cu ft | 12–18 kWh | $2–$3 |
| 7 cu ft | 30–40 kWh | $4–$6 |
| 10+ cu ft | 45–60 kWh | $6–$8 |
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Last Updated: Mar 26, 2026
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