Jen-Ken AF3C 1822 Ceramic/Pottery Kiln

The Jen-Ken AF3C 1822 strikes the perfect balance between size, performance, and affordability—an exceptional choice for potters and ceramic artists ready to take their work to the next level. Designed to fire up to Cone 6, this kiln is ideal for hobbyists producing small-batch wares, educators, or garage studios looking for professional-quality firings on a standard 30A dryer circuit.

Compact enough to fit comfortably in most home or small-studio settings, yet powerful enough to handle functional pottery and glaze firingas, the 1822 delivers consistent, reliable results without demanding special ventilation or a 50A upgrade. Its energy-efficient design keeps running costs low while maintaining the durability and performance that Jen-Ken kilns are known for.

A built-in lid prop allows for simple venting and controlled cooling—a feature typically reserved for larger kilns. Easy-access external thermocouples simplify maintenance, while optional upgrades give you room to customize your setup for years of dependable firing.

Choose Your Controller

The AF3C 1822 comes standard with the Orton AF3C 3-Button Controller (AF4X)—a reliable, easy-to-use digital controller featuring preloaded programs and precise temperature management for repeatable results.

You can also upgrade to more advanced controller options to match your workflow and creative goals:

Upgrade: Orton AutoFire 12-Key (AF/AFG) — advanced programming, mid-firing edits/holds, and support for multiple thermocouples (zone control) for improved uniformity.
Upgrade: Orton AutoFire Slide Touchscreen — intuitive touchscreen interface with PID control, flexible ramp/hold schedules, and quick access to cone programs.
Upgrade: TAP Touchscreen Smart Controller (SDS Industries) — unlimited programs, mid-firing edits, Wi-Fi/remote control (with dongle), automatic software updates, and detailed firing graphs/logs.

Optional Upgrades to Enhance Performance

Solid State Relays (SSRs) – Upgrade from mechanical relays to SSRs for quieter, more accurate temperature cycling and extended kiln life. SSRs deliver smoother power modulation for glass work, long hold firings, and consistent temperature control.

Furniture Kit – Maximize firing efficiency with a complete kit including multiple shelves, posts, and kiln wash. Perfect for bisque, glaze, or mixed-media firings, this setup improves heat circulation and lets you fire multiple layers of ware at once.

3" Insulated Brick Upgrade – Recommended for artists who fire often or regularly reach higher temperatures. The additional insulation improves heat retention, promotes more consistent chamber temperatures, increases energy efficiency, and can help extend element life.

Key Features

• Best for ceramics and pottery

• Fires up to Cone 6

• Compatible with standard 30A dryer outlet – perfect for home or garage studios

• Durable 2,300°F firebrick construction

• Integrated lid prop for convenient venting

• External thermocouples for easy replacement

• Optional SSRs and furniture kit

• Includes stand, instruction manual, and 2-year limited warranty

Whether you’re bisque firing, glazing, or preparing work for shows and markets, the Jen-Ken AF3C 1822 Ceramic & Pottery Kiln delivers exceptional performance, energy efficiency, and craftsmanship—built to grow with you as your creativity expands.

• Model: AF3C 1822
  
• Inside Chamber Dimensions: 18" W x 22" H
• Cubic Feet: 3.24
• Overall Dimensions (Footprint and Height): 24" W x 31" D x 27" H
• Maximum Temperature: 2300°F/1260°C
• Elements: side firing
• Kiln weight: 150 pounds
  
• Amperage/volts: 26 amps / 240 volts
  
• Watts: 6,240
  
• Breaker: 30 amp
• Plug Configuration: NEMA 6-30
• Circuit wire gauge: 8

The furniture kit option includes:

• 3 layers of shelves: 2 full, 2 half
• 3 each: 1, 2, 4, and 6 inch posts
• 1 pound of shelf primer

Until further notice, Jen-Ken Kilns order-to-ship lead time is approximately 13-17 weeks.

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Choose the voltage that matches the electrical service where the kiln will be installed. Some kilns are available in only one voltage, while others can be ordered in multiple voltages. If both 120V and 240V are available, 240V is generally the preferred choice because it places less demand on your electrical system, while 120V offers the convenience of operating on a dedicated standard household circuit. If both 208V and 240V are available, select the voltage that matches your building's electrical service—240V is most common in homes, while 208V is common in many commercial, educational, and institutional buildings. If you're unsure which voltage you have, confirm it with your electrician before ordering.

Your kiln must be built to match the electrical service where it will be installed. Choose single-phase if that's what your building has (almost all homes do). Choose three-phase only if your building has three-phase power available. If both are available, three-phase is generally the preferred option. If you're unsure, verify the available electrical service with your electrician before placing your order.

Mechanical relays are standard and reliable. Solid-state relays (SSR) offer silent operation, faster cycling, greater precision, and longer lifespan—ideal for frequent or high-accuracy firings.

The following controllers are used across kilns sold by Pottery Pulse. Not all models offer every option—available controllers are listed on each product page. Some kilns include only the standard controller, while most allow upgrades for added precision and convenience.

Olympic Kilns

• Infinite Switch – Manual dial control for simple heat adjustments.
• KilnStar – Digital controller with preset and user-defined programs.
• Genesis – Advanced touchscreen interface with Wi-Fi and data logging.

Evenheat Kilns

• Icon – Digital 3-button controller for straightforward firing.
• RampMaster II – Manual digital controller for ceramic kilns; flexible ramp/hold programming.
• RampMaster 3 – Updated version for glass kilns with refined interface.
• Icon+ – Enhanced digital control with expanded profiles and precision.
• TAP II – Smart touchscreen controller with Wi-Fi, data tracking, and remote access.

Hot Shot Kilns

• Novus – “Set & Go” controller: set a target temperature and it does the rest (no segments).
• Spark – Entry-level touchscreen controller with intuitive operation and limited program control.
• TAP II – Smart touchscreen controller with Wi-Fi and real-time monitoring.

Jen-Ken Kilns

• Orton AF3P 3-Button – Reliable and straightforward for basic firing.
• Orton AutoFire 4000 12-Key – Expanded program capacity and fine control.
• Orton AutoFire Slide Touchscreen – Modern, responsive touchscreen interface.
• TAP II Touchscreen Smart Controller – Wi-Fi connectivity and real-time data tracking.

Not all kilns can use a collar, but Olympic’s Hot Box kilns can be ordered with a collar to expand versatility. A blank collar simply adds height to the firing chamber, while a bead collar adds the same height and includes a built-in bead or annealing door for quick-access lampwork projects.

This safety feature automatically cuts power to the heating elements whenever the kiln lid or door is opened. It prevents accidental burns, protects elements, and resumes power only when safely closed. (Also called an automatic lid shutoff on Olympic kilns.)