If you’ve ever been curious about fused glass but weren’t sure if you were ready to invest in a full-sized kiln, a microwave kiln might be a great way to dip your toes into the process. While I personally haven’t used one myself, I know that it’s an affordable, accessible option for beginners who want to experiment with melting glass together. Let’s take a closer look at what a microwave kiln is, how it works, and whether it’s the right starting point for you!
What Is a Microwave Kiln?
A microwave kiln is a small portable container kiln consisting of a base and hood made for use in a standard household microwave oven. The kiln is made of a white insulating fiber and lined on the inside of the chamber with a black compound that absorbs the microwave radiation and heats up to 1650°F—hot enough to fuse glass! The heat from this compound is then transferred to the chamber and to the piece being fired. It takes between 5 to 10 minutes to reach peak temperature ranges depending on the size of the microwave kiln, the work being fired, and the microwave’s wattage. After the firing, the kiln needs to cool for at least 20 minutes before being opened.
How Do you use a Microwave Kiln?
The process is fairly simple:
- Line the kiln base with a piece of kiln paper to prevent the glass from sticking.
- Arrange your glass pieces inside the kiln, just as you would in a regular kiln.
- Place the kiln in your microwave and heat in short intervals, typically 30 seconds to a few minutes at a time.
- Monitor the fusing process by carefully checking through the kiln lid (some have small peepholes).
- Take a kiln out immediately to prevent damage to the microwave’s ceiling from prolonged exposure to the heat from the vent hole.
- Allow it to cool—just like a regular kiln, the cooling process is important to avoid thermal shock.
Since every microwave is different, getting the timing right may take some trial and error, but plenty of tutorials and guides are available to help you along the way.
Pros and Cons of a Microwave Kiln
✅ Pros:
- Affordable – Costs significantly less than a full-sized kiln.
- Compact & Portable – Takes up very little space, perfect for small studios or apartments.
- Fast Firing Times – Some projects can be completed in under 10 minutes (plus cooling time).
- Beginner-Friendly – Great for experimenting with small projects like jewelry, pendants, and cabochons.
❌ Cons:
- Size Limitations – Only fits small glass pieces.
- Less Temperature Control – No precise programming like a standard kiln.
- Trial & Error – Different microwaves may require different times and adjustments.
- Potential for Damage – There’s a small risk of damaging your microwave if not used properly. It is also recommended to use a microwave that is not your kitchen microwave for this process.
Who Should Try a Microwave Kiln?
If you’re interested in fused glass but aren’t ready to commit to a larger kiln, a microwave kiln can be a fun, low-cost way to explore the process. It’s especially great for:
- Jewelry makers who want to create small fused glass pendants or earrings.
- Hobbyists & beginners looking to test out glass fusing before investing in a full kiln setup.
- Fused glass artists who want to test color combinations quickly rather than using their full-sized kiln that would take a bit longer to complete the fusing process.
- People with limited space who need a portable, easy-to-store solution.
Final Thoughts
While I personally work with a full-size kiln, I love that there are options like the microwave kiln to make fused glass more accessible to beginners. If you’ve been on the fence about trying glass fusing, this could be the perfect way to experiment before making a bigger investment!
Have you tried a microwave kiln? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!