1Medium Propane Firing (1 session)
Inputs
Result
One firing in a 3 cu ft kiln: 60 min ramp + 15 min hold. Uses ~3.3 lbs propane ($11.50) plus 2.4 lbs reduction material.
Total Firing Time
135 min
Fuel
3.4 lb
Cost
$11.93





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Price as of Jul 24, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Inputs
Result
One firing in a 3 cu ft kiln: 60 min ramp + 15 min hold. Uses ~3.3 lbs propane ($11.50) plus 2.4 lbs reduction material.
Inputs
Result
Three firings in a 7 cu ft kiln using wood. Each firing uses ~15.8 lbs of wood at $0.15/lb.
A medium (3 cu ft) raku kiln uses about 3–5 lbs of propane per firing. At $3.50/lb, that is $10–$18 in fuel per session. Smaller kilns use 1–2 lbs; larger kilns use 7–12 lbs.
A typical raku firing takes 45–90 minutes: 30–60 minutes to ramp up to 1800°F and 15 minutes of hold time. Larger kilns take longer to reach temperature.
| Kiln Size | Ramp Time | Hold | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cu ft | 30 min | 15 min | 45 min |
| 3 cu ft | 60 min | 15 min | 75 min |
| 7 cu ft | 75 min | 15 min | 90 min |
Newspaper, sawdust, and dried leaves are the most common reduction materials. You need about 0.5–1 lb of material per cubic foot of kiln space.
A general rule is 3 small to medium pieces per cubic foot of kiln space. A 3 cu ft kiln holds about 9 small bowls or 4–5 medium vases per firing.
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Last Updated: Jul 24, 2026
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