Olympic Kilns FL5.5E Large Capacity Electric Kiln

The FL5.5E operates on either 240V single-phase (48 amps, 60-amp breaker) or 208V three-phase (32 amps, 40-amp breaker). Both configurations draw 11,520 watts. You'll need 6 AWG copper wire run from your electrical panel to the kiln location with appropriate breaker and NEMA receptacle. A licensed electrician must evaluate your existing service capacity and install the dedicated circuit. Three-phase power is common in commercial and educational facilities and offers more efficient operation, but most residential studios use single-phase 240V.

Kiln furniture is sold separately. You'll need cordierite shelves sized for the 20″ × 20″ chamber along with posts at various heights to create stacking levels. Most potters purchase 2-4 full shelves, 2-4 half-shelves, and 12-20 posts in 1″, 2″, 3″, and 4″ heights. Peach State Pottery can recommend furniture kits specifically sized for the FL5.5E based on your typical work and firing style.

Front-loading kilns allow you to load and unload at waist height without bending over or reaching into a hot chamber from above. This is especially valuable when handling heavy sculptural work, large platters, or production quantities. The horizontal door also makes it easier to build complex stacking configurations while viewing the entire chamber. Front-loaders are preferred in educational settings, production studios, and for potters with back or shoulder limitations. The tradeoff is a larger floor footprint and higher initial cost compared to stackable top-loaders.

The FL5.5E is designed for ceramic firing to Cone 10 and can technically fire glass that doesn't require temperatures above 2350°F. However, front-loading kilns with horizontal doors are less ideal for glass fusing and slumping because shelves must be perfectly level and door seals may allow more heat loss. Glass artists typically prefer top-loading kilns with more precise temperature uniformity. If you're firing both ceramics and glass, consider whether the front-loading design meets your glass firing requirements or if a separate dedicated glass kiln would be more appropriate.

Register your Olympic kiln within 30 days of delivery by completing the warranty card or registering online at Olympic's website with your serial number and purchase date. The one-year limited warranty covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship but does not cover normal wear items like elements, thermocouples, and firebrick degradation from regular use. The FL5.5E includes a two-year element warranty when properly registered. Warranty service is valid only when purchased through authorized dealers like Peach State Pottery.