Different Kiln Types for Pottery Manufacturing: Wood-Fired vs Gas-Fired Kilns

Table of Contents

Wood-Fired Kilns

Gas-Fired Kilns

Which Is Better for Wholesale Buyers?

Final Thoughts

Sources

When it comes to producing Vietnamese garden pottery at scale, the kiln choice plays a major role in shaping the quality and looks of the pot. Both wood-fired and gas-fired kilns have distinct advantages that make each type ideal for a different customer profile. For wholesalers and retailers alike, understanding the key differences between wood-fired and gas-fired kilns can help determine which type of pottery manufacturer better suits your business model and customer preferences. 

Wood-Fired Kilns

Wood-fired kilns are rooted in centuries of ceramic tradition, dating all the way back to Ancient China. In Vietnam, many artisan potters still rely on this method, especially in regions where fuel is abundant and affordable.

Key Characteristics of Wood-Fired Kilns:

• Lower Production Output: Wood kilns require longer firing cycles and more manual labor, making them less efficient for mass production.
• Greater Variety Per Batch: Inconsistent heat distribution between pots in the kilns leads to unique finishes. Due to the way pottery is stacked and fired in the kiln, the flames and ash in the kiln will leave behind unique streaks and designs, making each pot unique
• Higher Firing Temperatures & Longer Durations: These kilns often reach higher peak temperatures and stay hot longer, allowing for thicker-walled pots to be fired compared to gas fired kilns.
• Larger Kiln Chambers: Traditional wood kilns are built with wide openings, allowing for a large amount of pots to be fired inside, plus the pots themselves can be extremely large as well.
• Temperature Measurement via Cones: Instead of digital thermometers, artisans use pyrometric cones to visually track heat during the firing process (what are cones? [1]).

Rubberwood Advantage in Vietnam:

• Vietnam has vast rubberwood plantations, and when trees are no longer useful for latex production, they are felled and repurposed. According to Vietnam’s timber export statistics [2], Vietnam is among the world’s top exporters of rubberwood furniture and timber, thanks to these expansive plantations.
• The resulting timber and bark are inexpensive, making them an economical fuel source for potters. Because of this, kilns can be fired for days on end using just local rubberwood bark.

Gas-Fired Kilns

In contrast to the unique, longstanding tradition of wood kilns, gas kilns are all about control and scale using modern technology. They're the preferred choice for factories focused on mass producing a very limited selection of pottery, usually making one style or color in large batches at a time.

Key Characteristics of Gas-Fired Kilns:

• High Production Volume: Perfect for wholesale operations that wish to produce a large quantity of one style/color
• Tight Design Constraints: Due to their compact openings and controlled environments, these kilns are often limited to smaller or more uniformly shaped pottery.
• Fast Production Time: Shorter firing times mean thousands of pots can be made in a short period of time, allowing for cheaper prices and a higher Minimum Order Quantity.
• Consistent Results: Every pot in a gas kiln looks nearly identical. This is great for big-box retailers or customers who require high quantities of matching sets.
• Precise Temperature Control: Digital sensors and computer-regulated burners ensure even temperatures and predictable glaze behavior.

Types of Gas Kilns: Shuttle vs. Tunnel

With modern technology, there are many types of gas kilns suitable for mass production. In terms of mass pottery production, there are two types that most manufacturers use: 

• Shuttle kilns, where small batches are placed onto a “shuttle” on rails and fired one at a time, allowing for precise temperature control and greater flexibility.

• Tunnel kilns, where non-stop production takes place on conveyor belts moving in a continuous motion, ideal for high-volume production.

Which Is Better for Wholesale Buyers?

Final Thoughts

Both kiln types serve different ends of the wholesale pottery market. If your customers are drawn to artisanal charm, unique glaze effects, and larger sized collections, wood-fired pottery offers compelling value. On the other hand, if your business depends on inventory consistency, high turnover, and a limited product range, gas-fired kiln production may be a better fit. TT Pottery offers a wide collection of both wood-fired and gas-fired wholesale garden pots and planters, suitable for any business needs.

Want to learn more about sourcing wood-fired or gas-fired Vietnamese pottery? Contact John@ttpottery.com for product catalogs, pricing, production lead times, or any other inquiries!

Sources

[1] Pyrometric cones: The Edward Orton Jr.. Ceramic Foundation: Westerville. Orton Ceramic. (n.d.). https://www.ortonceramic.com/pyrometric-cones

[2] Kumar, R., Borer, D., & Velasquez, S. (2024, January 25). Vietnam’s Wood Industry: Key Export Staple and recommendations for future growth. The Investor. https://theinvestor.vn/vietnams-wood-industry-key-export-staple-and-recommendations-for-future-growth-d8375.html

[3] Shuttle Kilns - Nutec Bickley. Shuttle Kilns - NUTEC Bickley. (n.d.). https://www.nutecbickley.com/what-we-do/industrial-kilns-for-ceramics/shuttle-kilns

[4] Tunnel Kiln Manufacturers, Tunnel Kilns . Tunnel Kiln Manufacturers, Tunnel Kilns – Therser UK. (n.d.). https://www.therseruk.com/tunnel-kilns