Olympic Kilns FL5.5E Large Capacity Electric Kiln
$8,118.41Regular price$8,550.00
Save $431.59FREE with this kiln: Studio Starter Pack ($185 value)
Ships with your kiln. Added to your cart automatically.- 5 lb bag of Olympic kiln wash
- 1 qt Olympic kiln mortar for brick touch-ups
- Olympic heavy-duty insulated kiln gloves
- Spare Olympic Type K thermocouple (10 in. on large-capacity models)
Offer ends Nov 30One free pack per qualifying kiln.
- Talk to a kiln expert before you buy. Call or text: 470-264-3563
Configure your kiln
Not sure? Call 470-264-3563
Bundle & saveEverything you need to fire on day one, in one shipment.
Customize your kiln Upgrades & add-ons
Kiln Furniture
Shelves and posts sized for this kiln's chamber. They hold your work in layers so you can fill the kiln on every firing.
Who needs it: Everyone. Nothing ships inside the kiln crate, so without shelves and posts you can't load or fire the kiln.
Skip it if you already own shelves and posts that fit this exact chamber size.
Full details → · Not sure? Call 470-264-3563
Kiln Controller
A digital controller in its own wall-mounted box. It runs the kiln through a power cord, away from the kiln's heat.
Who needs it: Kilns with a manual or worn-out controller, or studios that want a different interface. Pick the voltage and amperage that match your kiln.
Skip it if this kiln already has a programmable controller built in. Most buyers do not need a second one; ask us about the factory touchscreen upgrade instead.
Full details → · Not sure? Call 470-264-3563
A digital controller in its own wall-mounted box. It runs the kiln through a power cord, away from the kiln's heat.
Who needs it: Kilns with a manual or worn-out controller, or studios that want a different interface. Pick the voltage and amperage that match your kiln.
Skip it if this kiln already has a programmable controller built in. Most buyers do not need a second one; ask us about the factory touchscreen upgrade instead.
Full details → · Not sure? Call 470-264-3563
A digital controller in its own wall-mounted box. It runs the kiln through a power cord, away from the kiln's heat.
Who needs it: Kilns with a manual or worn-out controller, or studios that want a different interface. Pick the voltage and amperage that match your kiln.
Skip it if this kiln already has a programmable controller built in. Most buyers do not need a second one; ask us about the factory touchscreen upgrade instead.
Full details → · Not sure? Call 470-264-3563
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Ships in 12-15 weeks · freight to your door
Olympic Kilns builds most kilns to order once your order is placed, so plan on about 12-15 weeks before it leaves the factory. We email your confirmed ship date and tracking.
- The freight carrier calls you to book a delivery window.
- Delivery is curbside with a liftgate. Have a helper or hand truck to move it inside.
- Check the crate before you sign. Note any damage on the receipt and send us photos.
Enter your ZIP in "See your delivered price" above the Add to cart button to see freight and your delivered total.
Authorized Olympic dealer · full factory warranty
Brand new and shipped direct from Olympic Kilns, so it carries Olympic's full factory warranty. If something goes wrong, call us and we handle the claim with the factory for you.
Warranty terms are in the Warranty and support section below.
Returns: request within 15 days, unused
Because kilns are heavy and often built to order, returns are limited, so we'd rather help you pick the right one up front:
- Ask within 15 days of purchase or 2 days after delivery, whichever comes first. We issue a return authorization (RA).
- It must be new, unused (beyond the factory test fire) and in its original packaging.
- A restocking fee of at least 25% applies, up to 50% on custom, 3-phase or made-to-order units. Return freight is on the buyer unless we made an error.
- Damaged in transit? Note it on the delivery receipt, send us photos and we'll help with the freight claim.
Will it work in my space? Power check
Direct-wired (no plug): 240V/36A or 208V/40A single phase on a 50-amp breaker. Not included: kiln shelves, posts, kiln wash, vent and castors (sold separately).
Most 240V kilns need their own circuit and the matching outlet, installed by an electrician. Homes are usually 240V; schools and commercial buildings are often 208V, so pick the voltage that matches your panel.
Send us a photo of your breaker panel or outlet and we'll confirm before your kiln is built: 470-264-3563 (call or text).
More ways to save · wire, school & military pricing
- Pay by bank wire: 3% off the subtotal, freight included.
- Schools, studios & bulk orders: purchase orders welcome, quoted before funding is approved.
- Military, veterans & first responders: 5% off your whole order.
- Price match: found a lower delivered price online? We'll match it.
Not ready yet? Email me this build + a delivered quote
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- Freight to your ZIP and the current lead time on this model
- Found a lower delivered price online? We'll match it
- Voltage, breaker and venting answers before you order
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Prefer email? Get a written delivered quote →Olympic Kilns FL5.5E Larg...
$8,118.41
Overview
Olympic Kilns · Electric Kiln · Front-Loading Large Capacity
Olympic FL5.5E Front-Loading Electric Kiln
The FL5.5E is Olympic's production-volume front-loading kiln with 5.5 cubic feet of firing capacity and industrial-grade construction for high-volume studios and educational facilities. Front-loading design allows ergonomic loading and unloading of heavy work at waist height without overhead lifting. Fires to Cone 10 on 240V or 208V, single-phase or three-phase power, with the 12-key digital KilnStar controller included.
Maximum TemperatureCone 10 / 2350°F
Firing Chamber20″ W × 20″ D × 24″ H (5.5 cu ft)
Power Configuration240V or 208V, single- or 3-phase
Kiln TypeFront-loading production design
What’s included
The kiln, with its elements installedThe chamber arrives with Olympic's heavy gauge coiled elements already set in the brick and wired to the control panel. Olympic's manual puts this kiln in its ready-to-fire-on-arrival list, so there is nothing to stack or bolt together.
Bartlett KilnStar controller, fitted and wiredThe KilnStar is the standard controller on this kiln and it is installed and wired at the factory. The Genesis touchscreen is a paid upgrade taken at order time, and Olympic's 2026 range no longer offers the RTC-1000, Kiln Sitter, 3-key or V6-CF, so nothing legacy ships here.
One Type K thermocouple and the pilot lightA single Type K thermocouple comes installed and wired to the controller. The control panel also carries a pilot indicator light that comes on whenever the kiln is live. Extra thermocouples only arrive with the 2-zone or 3-zone option, and a Type S is a paid substitution.
The integral steel frame, so no separate standLarge Capacity kilns are built on their own welded heavy angle iron and metal tubing frame, so there is nothing to fit underneath and no separate stand in the crate. Castors and the shelf rack are separate paid items.
Observation plugsHollow ceramic peephole plugs ship with the kiln. Olympic publishes no count for any model, in its manuals or on its site, so we will not print a number here. Ask and we will confirm yours with the factory. Replacements are a stock part.
The operating manual and a one-year warrantyOlympic's printed operating manual travels with the kiln. Olympic's limited warranty runs two years, cut to one year on Kiln-Sitter models and on any kiln rated at cone 10. This one is rated to cone 10, so one year. Register with Olympic within 30 days of delivery and keep your invoice.
Direct wired, so no cord or plugLarge Capacity kilns are hard wired by a licensed electrician, so no cord or plug is fitted and none ships. The receptacle, breaker, copper wire and disconnect are all your electrician's work and your cost.
Not included: relay upgrade, furniture and hookupSolid state relays cost extra and are required in CA, IL, CT, MN, ME, MA, NH, NY, RI and VT, so budget for them in those states. Castors, the shelf rack and the furniture kit are separate items, and the VentMaster vent, stilts, gloves, kiln wash, a pyrometer and all electrical hookup are not supplied.
Key features
Bartlett 12-key KilnStar Digital Controller
Programmable digital controller with cone-fire and ramp-hold programs, delay start, preheat, cone offset and skip step for firing to Cone 10
3-Inch Firebrick Construction
Industrial-grade 2600°F rated firebrick insulation throughout chamber walls, floor, and door for maximum heat retention and element protection
Front-Loading Door Design
Heavy-duty hinged front door with latch system allows ergonomic waist-level loading and unloading without overhead lifting
Balanced Element Configuration
Heavy gauge coiled elements mounted in grooved brick channels on both sidewalls and back wall for even heat distribution throughout firing chamber
Steel Frame and Stand
Powder-coated steel angle iron frame with elevated stand at working height for studio installation
Two-Year Element Warranty
Extended warranty coverage on heating elements beyond standard kiln warranty when registered within 30 days
Technical specifications
Model NumberFL5.5E
Interior Dimensions20″ W × 20″ D × 24″ H
Firing Chamber Volume5.5 cubic feet
Firebrick Thickness3 inches (2600°F rated)
Maximum TemperatureCone 10 / 2350°F
Voltage Options240V or 208V, single-phase or three-phase
Amperage (240V)36 amps (40 amps at 208V)
Wattage (240V)8,640 watts
Breaker Required (240V)50 amp double-pole (NEMA 6-50)
Amperage (208V 3-phase)27 amps (24 amps at 240V 3-phase)
Wattage (208V 3-phase)8,640 watts
Breaker Required (208V)40 amp three-pole (direct wired)
Wire Size Recommended6 AWG copper (#4 for runs over 40 ft)
Element TypeHeavy gauge coil in grooved brick
Controller IncludedBartlett 12-key digital KilnStar
Loading StyleFront-loading hinged door
Stand IncludedYes, powder-coated steel with elevated platform
Shipping WeightApproximately 650 lbs
Optional accessories
Solid State Relay (SSR) Upgrade
Replaces mechanical relays with silent solid-state relays for longer controller lifespan and smooth firing without relay clicking
Kiln Furniture Kit
Matched cordierite shelves and posts sized for 20″ × 20″ chamber with half-shelves and multiple height posts for versatile stacking configurations
Orton Kiln Vent System
Downdraft ventilation system removes fumes and moisture during firing while improving temperature uniformity and element life
Door Counterbalance System
Spring-assist mechanism reduces door weight for easier opening and closing during loading, especially useful for heavy front-loading door
Heavy-Duty Rolling Stand
Reinforced steel stand with locking caster wheels for repositioning kiln within studio space as needed
Power Interrupt Safety Module
Automatically shuts down kiln if power is interrupted during firing to prevent overfire when power resumes
Multi-Zone Control Upgrade
Independent top and bottom zone control for precise temperature uniformity throughout tall 24-inch firing chamber
Emergency Parts Kit
Spare elements, thermocouple, and critical components for quick repairs to minimize downtime in production environments
Type S Thermocouple Upgrade
Platinum-rhodium thermocouple for improved accuracy and longer life at high-temperature Cone 10 firings
Controller upgrade
Genesis Touchscreen — Bartlett InstrumentsRecommended
The Genesis replaces the standard KilnStar controller with a full-color touchscreen offering 200 program memory, ramp-hold programming, cone-fire modes, and automatic firing with precision temperature control throughout the firing cycle. Recommended for production studios firing multiple program schedules or requiring repeatable automated results.
- 200 programmable firing schedules with 32 segments each for complex glaze and clay body development
- Pre-loaded Cone-Fire and Speed-Fire modes for standard bisque and glaze firings without manual programming
- Full-color touchscreen interface with firing graphs, real-time temperature display, and projected completion time
- Delay start timer and automatic cooling control for overnight or weekend firing schedules
- Thermocouple offset adjustment and alarm functions for precise kiln calibration and safety monitoring
- USB firmware updates and program backup capability for long-term controller support
Common questions
What electrical service does the FL5.5E require?
The FL5.5E operates on 240V or 208V single-phase (36 or 40 amps, 50-amp breaker, NEMA 6-50 receptacle) or three-phase (24 or 27 amps, direct wired; 40-amp breaker at 208V). All configurations draw 8,640 watts. You'll need 6 AWG copper wire run from your electrical panel to the kiln location with the appropriate breaker and connection. 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.
Does this kiln include kiln furniture or do I need to purchase it separately?
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.
What's the advantage of a front-loading kiln over a top-loading design?
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.
Can the FL5.5E fire glass, or is it only for ceramics?
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.
How do I register the warranty and what does it cover?
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.
Not sure if the FL5.5E is the right kiln for your space?
We'll help you evaluate electrical requirements, compare front-loading versus top-loading designs, and determine the right capacity for your production volume.
Talk to an expert →