Why you should not buy a microwave kiln!

Microwave kiln review, and why in my opinion you should not buy one!
I use this for firing metal clay, I have been firing using a torch but was finding that method to be somewhat unreliable, the results inconsistent.
This microwave kiln certainly worked and gave me a lot more consistency in firing my copper clay items.
So why do I not reccomend you buy this?
Well, you will have to watch the video and I will tell you!
Enjoy!

[lisettevandijk]

I use several microwave kiln' s for more than 6 years. Never had problems with fusing glass. Before i bought them i looked up how to use a microwave kiln. But i think that is necessary for a lot of creative materials. I bought them in a store were you can get advise and there is more than enough information on the Internet. Buying a bigger kiln for glass fusing is really expensive, this is a good alternative.

[alangunn]

Hi!
I don't know why you decided this was not something you should buy.
It successfully fired your piece without exploding or setting fire to the workshop.
I agree that using it in your "Food" microwave is not appropriate, but there does not appear to be a shortage of second hand ovens that could be obtained.
The cost of a device to generate these temperatures jumps from £26 for this to £400+ for a "Hobby Kiln"
If you want to try heating things up to this temperature, you will be exposing yourself to risks irrespective of any instructions.

I'm buying one of these.

[tobuyornottobuy]

Such misleading title and amateur information was given (no offense)
1) this equipment not for playing around and only for professional use only. Same as Do Not Buy jewelry fire torches as they reach 1500 degrees Celsius and can burn house down, not safe... Yeah you don't do that in kitchen unless you are an idiot or like to live risky lifestyle. All melting, fusing etc needs to be done in good ventilated and safe environment.
2) is easy and fast way to fuse /melt stuff, silicone carbide heats up absorbing microwave waves. It can't explode as for that you need gas to expand, you need high pressure in small time frame. Please learn some chemistry and physics before just saying opinions. It will melt everything if you leave for long as silicone carbide do not stop heating, and again learn chemistry before doing all that... Learn how it works before working with it! Probably microwave die before everything melts as magnitron(or whatever is called) inside which generates waves probably burn down.
3) buy small heat resistant board, same material as this kiln made of, cut square or circle to put kiln on, for getting whole kiln out of microwave safely and buy ceramic blanket - cut circle of kiln shape and put kiln inside so whole kiln will be insulated from all side, it won't slow the heating process. And for taking the kiln top you can use fire resistant gloves or metal tongues, again is made for professionals so safety is important!
4) yes, you do need to experiment to get perfect result as the less you need to do yourself the more the item will cost, as manufacturer will do the test and put the price of the tests into price of piece. So buying DIY stuff you need to experiment as you won't like to pay for that kiln like 150-200$ but with all instructions included etc, are you? You get what you have paid for. And all design you don't like about is done for making the price as low as possible, there are professionally build kilns for your needs but will cost 2-5k but you don't want to buy it as too expensive...

Ps. I use similar ones but for melting metal and jewelry casting, you won't find on Amazon, I bought from one small business that makes them, noone in whole world makes them yet, the crucible heats up to 1800 degrees Celsius and can melt stainless steel, but I never go to that heat levels, only 1100 and brass, bronze and silver.
Use your head while working with melting /fusing stuff. Goggles and respirator is something you may want to buy. As it will protect you from some accidents which may happen. As heating metal produce fumes same as everything else which can damage your organs.

Ps. Not so sure but my comment may sound offensive and rude(as my friends always tells me that, I am too blunt), no intention to offend anyone here.

[UtubeMyAccountName]

You are a fully grown adult. You are responsible for operating/using your machines/tools responsibly. The only time a manufacturer has any liability is if there was a defect in the machine/tool, not in improper use. Bicycles don't come with instructions, neither do hammers, nails, etc... It is your responsibility to ensure you are using your machines/tools safely/responsibly.

[wolin]

Mitigate your risks like you do in EVERY smart situation. These work great. Art sometimes requires you work with hot or dangerous tools. Take common sense precautions and enjoy your craft. When I was a kid, we had chemistry sets with glass blowing and wood burning, and I'd say most survived it. As adults I think we can research how to use the microwave kiln.

[tinkmarshino]

I see your point and agree with you. Especially today when some people seem to lack a bit of critical thinking skills..

[fordvman]

This is just moaning. The biggest risk I see is you working on carpet for some unfathomable reason. Wool or otherwise, its not a good idea. If its nylon then you may want an extinguisher very handy. Anyone cooking clay or fusing glass in their kitchen is mad and deserves any problems they incur. Thrift store microwaves are very cheap to buy used.
Users still have a responsibility to not use a thing they don't understand. Chinese instructions are so poor as a rule they are not worth having anyway.

[helloitsanxiety]

i just came across this video while researching ways to fire silver clay and i think this video is extremely helpful and clever. your point is very clear and perfectly reasonable. i really don't see why people don't get it. maybe it's because we are used to this kind of marketing (when i say "we" i mean younger generations): anonymous items with no instructions and no safety warnings. like, this is NOT normal nor acceptable. i'm glad i found this video.
sorry for my english, regards from italy!

[lisabroussardjanuska]

I was recently informed about these microkilns and really came here to find out more info on one. I am mostly looking for a way to fire pottery using Luster glazes that our community club does not fire. We have a pottery and China club in our retirement community...but neither will allow overglazes or Mayco Luster glazess to be exact, to be fired in any of their kilns. I want my gold and silver adornments, and so, how can I get them? Well get yourself one of these I hear!! Can you give your best guess whether this device can fire to a cone 019 or 020 extent? How would one determine the heat enveloped... could you add a cone to see how hot it gets?

[rudigerstein]

When I close my eyes it sounds just like Sir Paul McCartney explaining microwave melting DIY! Great video thanks!

[johnmcclanahan]

Does your toilet paper come with instructions for proper use?

[Peter_A]

So, buy one with a user guide. I'm pretty sure taking it out while hot will be in there in the "not to do list"

[adrienn.b.erdelyi]

Do you put kiln paper under the kiln to stop overheating?

[bf]

I agree with all you say. I work with hot stuff frequently, but the idea of using this in a kitchen microwave oven is out and out scary.

[LimitedState]

Been making my own crucibles and kilns for about 4 yrs now and just stumbled across this video today. Very weird video. It boggles my mind seeing someone make all these arguments against something that today in 2025 is such a valuable tool in the home shop. I highly suggest you do your own research and try out microwave kilns yourself and do not let the fear mongering about its dangers stop you from trying something new.

[LurkingCrassZero]

Could you possibly do a video on firing metal clays in the microwave? Seems to be a distinct lack of info on Youtube about firing metal clays. This was very informative btw, some great info. You convinced me to buy one!

[CuriousEarthMan]

Thanks for the informative review! I wonder if you have an IR thermometer to read the outside and inside kiln temps for a laugh. Your work is much appreciated!

[TheKmcClub]

I’m really curious if they omit any toxic fumes while using?

[jillannettejohnson]

Limiting liability by limiting product information is getting to be a huge problem. I agree.

[pzbeez]

Sounds like you’re only worried that you can’t sue someone.