06/23/2026
Here’s a long form video of me setting up my first brand new kiln from rohdeusa There are important steps you need to do before adding your pottery, so I wanted to take you through the steps. So grab some tea or a coffee, I have you for 7mins 😌☕️.
First, I have a ECOTOP 145 S. It is hardwired into the breaker system. My old kiln was an old cone sitter with dials and k***s. I never had a screen or a pyrometer to see the temperature or what was going on inside my kiln, so this is all new to me, and I know I’m not the only one. So here’s a quick setup guide for newbies and first time rohdeusa users.
I know you’re excited about firing your pots, but there are some things you have to do first. In order to burn off any manufacture oils and any moisture, you need to run the kiln through an initial firing, empty. This firing is like a bisque firing with a long hold at the end. This firing only has your kiln shelves and post inside, NO CERAMIC WORK.
There are 3 manuals that come with the kiln. One Operating manual for the kiln and parts, one for the controller, and thicker one with all the languages. So far I’m using the Controller manual the most to learn how the controller and programs work. All the programs are listed in the controller manual.
Program 1 is your Initial firing. Run that just the way it is, and you’ll be fine.
You can use witness cones, or self supporting cones if you want to check the temperatures at each level in your kiln. I only used 04, and they all were over fired. But that because of the 1.5 hr hold. The longer you hold at a temperature, the cones will continue to melt. Not sure if it was necessary for this firing, but for sure, grab self-supporting cones for all of your other firings to double check the temperatures at each level of the kiln.
For a bisque, cone 04 & 06, and mid fire cone 5 & 6.
Everything else is shown in the video, let me know if you have any questions! 🙌🏾💃🏾
