Cress Kilns Explained: Every Model, Spec and Price (2026)

We just added the full Cress line — 40 kilns, 23 ceramic and 17 glass. Cress is not the name you hear most in a pottery studio, which is exactly why it is worth a proper look: they have been building kilns in Carson City, Nevada since 1973, they warranty them for three years, and almost nobody explains what their model numbers actually mean.

This guide covers the whole range with specs from Cress's own 2026 price list and manuals, our current prices, and an honest account of where Cress is weaker than the alternatives. We sell every brand we write about, so that last part matters.

Quick picks

The E vs ET question nobody answers

Every Cress ceramic kiln comes in two versions. E18 and ET18. E23 and ET23. E27 and ET27. The ET always costs about $100–145 more, and retailer listings almost never say why.

It is brick thickness. Straight from the footnote on Cress's own 2026 price list: for 3" brick, change the E to an ET. Standard models use 2.5" brick; ET models use 3".

Here is the part that actually matters, and it is a genuine Cress advantage:

Cress keeps the interior full size when it goes to 3" brick. The shell grows outward rather than the chamber shrinking inward.

Check it against their own product pages. The E18 and ET18 both have a 17.5" octagonal chamber, 18" deep, both 2.6 cu ft, both 25A at 220V, both 5.5 kW. Identical kiln, identical firing capacity. The only differences are the brick, the outside dimensions (22.5×26×32 versus 23.5×27×33) and 25 lb of shipping weight.

Thicker brick means better insulation, slower cooling, lower running cost and longer element life at cone 10. If you fire high and fire often, the ET is worth the hundred dollars. If you fire low or occasionally, the E is the same kiln for less.

One more suffix from the same footnote: an S after the first letter means sectional — ES18, ETS27 — for about $90 more. Sectional kilns come apart for moving, which matters if your studio is up a flight of stairs.

The three-year warranty, read properly

Cress's headline is three years, and it is real. The exact wording appears identically in four of their manuals: the kiln is warranted for three years from date of purchase to the original purchaser, and Cress will replace or repair defective parts.

But a warranty is only as good as its terms, so here is what is actually in it:

• Elements are covered for one set across the three years. A second set is not covered, for any reason.
• Parts, not labor. The text talks about replacing or repairing parts. It says nothing about paying for labor.
• You pay freight on direct factory returns. If a dealer handles the repair, Cress covers it; ship it back yourself and transportation is on you. On a 245 lb kiln that is not trivial.
• Original purchaser only, with written proof of purchase.
• Excluded: overfiring regardless of cause, reduction firing, salt firing, carbon contamination, transport damage, and improper electrical installation.

How that compares

Brand	Length	The detail that matters
Cress	3 years	Parts only. One element set covered across the term.
L&L	3 years	Elements and thermocouples pro-rated, not free. But L&L prepays freight both ways in the continental US.
Skutt	2 years	Covers parts and labor at market rate. Strongest labor term of the group.
Olympic	2 years standard, 1 year on cone 10 and kiln-sitter models	Thermocouples and kiln furniture excluded.
Evenheat	2 years, 1 year on fiber kilns	Evenheat does not publish warranty terms on their own site; this comes from a dealer. Confirm before relying on it.
Paragon	Tiered, 3 months to 2 years	Depends on model and temperature rating. Vulcan elements are not warranted at all.

So: Cress ties L&L for the longest term, and Cress's element coverage is arguably better than L&L's because a full set is covered rather than pro-rated. But Skutt's two years include labor and Cress's three do not, and L&L pays the freight where Cress does not. "Longest warranty" is accurate. "Best warranty" depends on what breaks.

The controller

Cress's digital control is the SMT 700, named in their own E-series manual. It replaced the SMT 600.

What it does: Cone Fire with five preset speeds — Fast, Med-Fast, Med, Med-Slow, Slow — where most competitors offer three. Ramp/Hold with up to 8 segments per program and 6 stored user programs. It handles both type K and type S thermocouples, and it is three-zone capable, though it ships single-zone with three-zone as a paid option.

Glass FUSER E models use a different control, the Model 3K, with 4 user programs of 8 segments each.

Being straight about the ceiling here: 8 segments and 6 programs is enough for almost any pottery or glass schedule, but the Bartlett Genesis 2.0 used by L&L and Skutt stores up to 30 programs on a touchscreen. If you run many different schedules, that gap is real.

A note for anyone cross-shopping: you may see Cress kilns advertised elsewhere with a "Prodigy Touchscreen" upgrade. That name does not appear anywhere in Cress's own documentation. Ask whichever dealer is offering it exactly which controller they mean.

Ceramic top-loading kilns

All cone 10 / 2350°F except the ET911. Specs from Cress's 2026 price list; prices are our price as of September 2026.

Model	Chamber	Cu ft	Volts	Amps	Our price
ET911	11" Hex	0.55	115	15	$1,399.35
E1414	14" Hept	1.8	220	22	$1,867.70
E1814	14" Hept	1.8	220/208	24	$2,045.35
E18	17.5" Oct	2.6	220/208	25/26	$2,279.05
ET18	17.5" Oct	2.6	220/208	25/26	$2,371.20
E23	17.5" Oct	3.3	240/208	36/32	$2,460.50
ET23	17.5" Oct	3.3	240/208	36/32	$2,593.50
E2418	23.38" Dec	4.7	220	36	$3,146.40
ET2418	23.38" Dec	4.7	220	36	$3,305.05
E24HP	23.38" Dec	5.8	240/208	48	$3,567.25
ET24HP	23.38" Dec	5.8	240/208	48	$3,705.00
EOT203023 (oval)	20" × 30"	6.6	240	48	$3,848.45
E27	23.38" Dec	7	240/208	48	$3,902.60
ET27	23.38" Dec	7	240/208	48	$4,039.40
ET2818	28.13" Rd	6.6	240/208	48/54	$3,933.00
ET31	23.38"	8	240	56	$4,673.05
ET28	28.13" Rd	9.92	240/208	48	$4,673.05
ET2831	28.13" Rd	11.57	240/208	70	$5,661.05

Spot the ET28 and ET31. Identical price, and the ET28 gives you nearly two extra cubic feet. The ET31 is narrower and taller, the ET28 wider and rounder — so it comes down to shelf shape, not value. If your work suits a 28" round shelf, the ET28 is the better buy of the two.

The ET911 caveat. It is the only Cress that plugs into a normal-ish 20A circuit, and at $1,399.35 it is the cheapest route into the brand. But it tops out at 2250°F, cone 6. If you fire stoneware to cone 10 it is not your kiln.

Front-loading kilns

Five models, all cone 10 except the EC32FH.

Model	Chamber	Cu ft	Max cone	Volts / Amps	Our price
EC242431FH	24" × 31.5"	10.5	10	240 / 65	$9,578.00
EC32FHL	28"W × 32"H	13.4	10	230/208 · 68/85	$15,315.00
EC32FH	28"W × 32"H	13.4	12 (2400°F)	240/208 · 68/85	$17,127.55
EC30FH	24" Sq	10	10	230/208 · 60/70	$23,603.70
EC36FH	24" Sq	10	10	240/208 · 68/80	$27,021.80

Two honest notes on this table. The EC32FH is the only Cress kiln rated above cone 10 — cone 12, 2400°F — and it costs about $1,400 more than the otherwise identical EC32FHL. That is the entire difference between them.

And the EC36FH capacity deserves a word. Cress rates it at 10 cu ft, the same as the EC30FH, even though it is six inches deeper — and some dealers list it at 12 on that basis. We publish Cress's own figure. What you are paying the extra for is depth and insulation, not a bigger number on a spec sheet; if the exact volume matters to your load, call us and we will walk through it.

Glass kilns

Seventeen models across three lines. Cress publishes no explanation of how the lines differ, so here is what the specs actually show.

FUSER series — the fusing workhorses

Top-loading, 2000°F / cone 3, with elements in both the lid and the side walls — confirmed in Cress's FUSER E manual, where separate switches control lid and wall elements. That combination suits fusing, slumping and stretching.

Model	Chamber	Cu ft	Volts / Amps	Our price
FUSER75E	14" Hept	0.46	115 / 15	$1,478.20
FUSER87E	17.5" Oct	0.99	120 / 18	$1,650.15
FUSER89E	17.5" Oct	1.32	240 / 20	$1,729.95
FUSER2414E	23.38" Dec	3.5	240/208 · 36/31	$2,616.30
FUSER2418E	23.38" Dec	4.7	240 / 40	$3,464.65
FUSERO203014E (oval)	20" × 30"	3.9	240/208 · 38/44	$3,466.55
FUSERT2814E	28.13" Rd	4.9	240/208 · 38/36	$3,621.40
FUSERT2818E	28.13" Rd	6.6	240/208 · 48/54	$4,237.95
FUSERO46E (oval)	46" × 28"	9.5	240 / 48	$4,853.55

A wiring note on the 208V builds. Cress sells 208V versions of several FUSER models as separate factory units, and they draw more current than the 240V version, not less — the FUSERO203014E goes from 38A to 44A, and the FUSERT2818E from 48A to 54A, which Cress ships hard-wired rather than on a plug. If your shop is on 208V service, tell us before you order so the circuit is sized correctly.

GK series — the higher-temperature glass kilns

Also 2000°F / cone 3, in a square or round top-loading body.

Model	Chamber	Cu ft	Volts / Amps	Our price
GK1	8" × 8"	0.25	120 / 15	$2,025.40
GK2	12" × 12"	0.75	240/208 · 19/16	$2,601.10
GK3	17" × 17"	1.5	240 / 24	$2,919.35
GK3E	17" × 17"	1.5	240 / 24	$3,097.95
GK3T	17" × 17"	2.25	240 / 24	$3,210.05

The GK3T is the same 17" × 17" footprint as the GK3 but 2.25 cu ft against 1.5 — a taller chamber for $290 more. If you slump into deep moulds, that height is the reason to pay it.

GL and GLS — lower temperature, and the clamshells

Model	Chamber	Max temp	Volts / Amps	Our price
GL717B	17" × 17"	1700°F / cone 09	120 / 18	$1,845.85
GLS17E (clamshell)	17" × 17"	1800°F	240 / 18	$3,623.30
GLS2618E (clamshell)	26" × 17.5"	1800°F / cone 06	240 / 26	$4,297.80

One naming note: the GLS17E is listed by a few retailers as the "GLS717E". Cress's own price list calls it the GLS17E, so that is what we use. Same kiln.

The clamshells open like a book rather than lifting a lid, which makes loading flat work and moulds far easier. At 1700–1800°F these are firmly glass kilns — a full fuse sits near 1475°F, so there is headroom, but do not buy one expecting to fire clay in it.

For how those temperatures map onto actual firing schedules, see our glass fusing temperature guide.

Where Cress is weaker

We sell Olympic, Paragon, Evenheat, HotShot, Speedball and Cress, so there is no reason to oversell any of them. Four honest limitations:

The warranty has no labor coverage. Three years of parts against Skutt's two years of parts and labor is a closer call than the headline numbers suggest.

You pay return freight to the factory. Unless a dealer handles the repair. L&L prepays both ways.

The controller stores fewer programs. Six programs of eight segments is enough for most people, but it is well short of the 30 a Bartlett Genesis 2.0 holds.

Their documentation is genuinely messy. There is no warranty page on the Cress website at all — the terms live inside PDF manuals. There is no published explanation of what separates the GK, GL and FUSER lines. And their own price list and online catalogue disagree with each other on several model names and temperature ratings. We have resolved those conflicts where we could and flagged them where we could not, but if you like researching a purchase yourself, Cress makes that harder than Skutt or L&L do.

Which Cress should you buy?

You are setting up a home studio and firing to cone 6

The E18 at $2,279.05 gives you 2.6 cu ft on a 30A circuit. If you plan to push to cone 10 regularly, spend the extra $92 on the ET18 for the 3" brick.

You want the standard production kiln

The E23 at $2,460.50 — 3.3 cu ft, cone 10, 17.5" octagonal chamber. This is the size most working potters land on.

You are firing for a class or a small production run

The ET28 at $4,673.05 for 9.92 cu ft, or the ET2831 at $5,661.05 for 11.57. Both are 3" brick, which you want at that volume.

You need a front loader

Start at the EC242431FH, $9,578.00 for 10.5 cu ft. If you need above cone 10, the EC32FH is the only Cress that goes there.

You are starting in glass

The FUSER75E at $1,478.20 runs on 115V and has lid and wall elements. For bigger flat work, the FUSER2414E at $2,616.30.

You load moulds all day

A clamshell. GLS2618E, $4,297.80.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Cress E and ET models?

Brick thickness. E models use 2.5" brick, ET models use 3". The chamber size, cubic feet, controller and electrical draw are identical — Cress grows the outside of the kiln rather than shrinking the inside. Thicker brick holds heat better, which means lower running costs and longer element life at high temperatures.

How long is the Cress warranty?

Three years from purchase for the original owner, covering replacement or repair of defective parts. Elements are covered for one set across the three years. The terms do not mention labor, and you pay freight if you return a kiln directly to the factory rather than going through a dealer.

What temperature do Cress kilns reach?

Ceramic top loaders and most front loaders reach 2350°F, cone 10. The ET911 is the exception at 2250°F, cone 6. The EC32FH front loader is the only Cress rated higher, at 2400°F, cone 12. Glass kilns run 1700–2000°F depending on line.

Are Cress kilns built to order?

Yes. Cress builds in Carson City, Nevada and describes a custom build approach on their own site. That means a lead time rather than a shelf pull, and it also means unusual configurations are possible. Call us for a current estimate before you plan around a date — the queue moves, and we would rather give you a real number than a hopeful one.

Can I fire glass in a Cress ceramic kiln?

You can reach the temperature easily, but the element placement is wrong. Ceramic kilns heat from the walls; the FUSER line puts elements in the lid and the walls specifically so flat glass heats evenly. If glass is your main work, buy a glass kiln.

What controller do Cress kilns use?

The SMT 700 on ceramic kilns — five cone-fire speeds, 8-segment ramp/hold, six stored programs, type K and type S thermocouple support. Glass FUSER E models use the Model 3K with four programs of eight segments.

Talk to someone before you buy

Cress is a brand where the model numbers hide real differences — brick thickness, chamber height, one cone rating that is not like the others. Tell us the largest piece you want to fire, what cone you work at, and what power you have available, and we will tell you which Cress fits, or whether another brand fits better.

Every kiln ships flat-rate freight with liftgate service. We price match, and there is no sales tax outside Georgia.

Get in touch, or browse the full Cress range.

Related: What size kiln do I need? · Olympic vs Paragon vs Evenheat · Glass fusing temperature guide

Specifications from the Cress 2026 kiln price list, Cress product pages and Cress instruction manuals, verified September 2026. Warranty comparisons from each manufacturer's published terms; the Evenheat figure is dealer-sourced as Evenheat publishes none. Prices are our price as of September 2026 and exclude freight.