Kiln Shelf Review: What Kiln Shelves are Best for Soda Firing?

​​Types of Kiln Shelves:

1. High Alumina Clay 
2. Silicon Carbide
3. Advancer or Thermal-lite

High alumina clay kiln shelves are my favorite for soda firing.

• No kiln shelf drips on your ceramic pieces​​​​

​Caution:

• High clay alumina kiln shelves have a shorter life span than silicon carbide kiln shelves.
• Order extras and retire kiln shelves early. (Hood College has successfully fired some of their kiln shelves 30ish times.)
• Shelves that are a darker orange have been fired more times (See image on left).
• Order 1 inch thick shelves. While heavier they last longer.

Disadvantage of Silicon Carbide Kiln Shelves:

• Silicon Carbide drips (They can drip down and crawl up a pot, see image on left.)
• ​Cause: soda fluxes out the silicon carbide shelf.
• Note: they vary in quality. nitrite bonded silicon carbide shelves are usually better.

Advancer Kiln Shelves:

• Drip as well (granted I have not had first hand experience with them.)
  
•  Are cost prohibitive. 
• Can be disastrous when stored in wet areas.

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