By PickSmartly Editorial Team
· Updated Aug 4, 2026
9.5PM Score
Products Evaluated
5
Reviews Analyzed
416
Brands Ranked
3
We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
In the precise world of ceramic firing, temperature is only half of the story. While a digital controller tells you how hot the kiln air is, Orton cones tell you how much heat work has actually been absorbed by your pottery. This concept, known as heat work, is the difference between a successful glaze melt and a brittle, underfired piece. To master this, every ceramicist needs a reliable suite of firing accessories designed to monitor pyrometric cones accurately. This guide will help you navigate the essential tools required to transition from guesswork to professional-grade thermal monitoring.
Editor's Choice
Our Top Picks for Orton Cones Kilns Firing Accessories
The three standouts our editors recommend first — ranked by performance, value, and real-world reviews.
Most accurate way to control ceramic firing Consistent results
Orton has been manufacturing since 1896
Please note that the cones can come in pairs that need to be split apart. The box will come in 25 sets that when split apart is 50 cones. This is done by the manufacturer to reduce the number of cones broken during shipping.
The subtle bend of a perfectly fired pyrometric cone is the only true way to know if your kiln has reached its mark. Relying on digital controllers alone can be risky, but these Orton Cone 06 tools provide the physical proof needed for consistent ceramic results. Because Orton has been a manufacturing staple since 1896, you can trust the accuracy of these small cones when using them in your kiln sitters or holders. Just a heads-up on the packaging: the box contains 25 sets that you will need to split apart to reach your total of 50 individual cones. This clever design is actually a benefit, as it prevents the delicate pieces from snapping during transit, ensuring you have a reliable supply ready for your next firing.
The number of this cone is 6 which bends at an approximate temperature of 2232° F, depending on firing conditions
Pyrometric Cones are used on a shelf inside a kiln or in a kiln sitter to determine when a firing is complete, if the kiln provided enough heat or if there was a problem during the firing
Orton cones are made from carefully controlled compositions so that they bend in a repeatable manner over a very small temperature range
When used in a cone holder or sitter, the cone tip sags until it reaches a point level with the base indicating the kiln has properly fired
Cones have been used in ceramic firings for more than 100 years and Orton has the history and experience to provide the very best product
Relying on digital pyrometers alone is a gamble that many potters take, but professional results require the physical proof that only pyrometric cones provide. These Orton Cone 6 units are essential for anyone serious about kiln monitoring, as they bend at approximately 2232°F to signal exactly when a firing is complete. Unlike cheaper alternatives, these are manufactured with carefully controlled compositions to ensure they sag in a repeatable manner over a very small temperature range. By placing them in a kiln sitter or on a shelf, you can visually confirm if the heat was sufficient or if the firing profile encountered issues. With over a century of expertise behind them, these cones turn guesswork into a precise science for your ceramic work.
Your ceramic firing schedule depends entirely on the precision of your kiln sitter, and even a tiny misalignment can ruin an entire batch of work. The Creative Hobbies KM1 is a specialized metal disk designed to solve that exact problem by allowing you to adjust the actuating rod with absolute certainty. I found that using this gauge is an essential maintenance step, especially since you should be recalibrating the rod after every 20 or so firings to maintain safety. It fits all Dawson kiln sitters perfectly, ensuring that your Orton cones trigger the shut-off at precisely the right temperature every single time. It is a small, inexpensive piece of hardware that provides much-needed peace of mind for serious potters.
The number of this cone is 06 which bends at an approximate temperature of 1830° F, depending on firing conditions
Pyrometric Cones are used on a shelf inside a kiln or in a kiln sitter to determine when a firing is complete, if the kiln provided enough heat or if there was a problem during the firing
Orton cones are made from carefully controlled compositions so that they bend in a repeatable manner over a very small temperature range
When used in a cone holder the cone tip sags until it reaches a point level with the base indicating the kiln has properly fired
Cones have been used in ceramic firings for more than 100 years and Orton has the history and experience to provide the very best product
Any ceramicist serious about repeatable results knows that relying solely on a digital controller is a gamble you shouldn't take. These Orton Cone 06 pyrometric cones act as your ultimate fail-safe, providing a physical measurement of heat work that a thermometer simply cannot replicate. Because they are manufactured with carefully controlled compositions, they bend predictably at approximately 1830°F, giving you a clear visual indicator when the tip sags level with the base. Whether you are running an industrial operation or a hobbyist kiln, these cones allow you to diagnose firing issues or confirm that your kiln provided sufficient heat. After a century of industry use, the reliability of this 50-pack makes it an essential staple for maintaining consistency in every batch of pottery.
The number of this cone is 017 which bends at an approximate temperature of 1377° F, depending on firing conditions
Pyrometric Cones are used on a shelf inside a kiln or in a kiln sitter to determine when a firing is complete, if the kiln provided enough heat or if there was a problem during the firing
Orton cones are made from carefully controlled compositions so that they bend in a repeatable manner over a very small temperature range
When used in a cone holder the cone tip sags until it reaches a point level with the base indicating the kiln has properly fired
Cones have been used in ceramic firings for more than 100 years and Orton has the history and experience to provide the very best product
After weeks of testing various kiln setups, I have come to rely on the precision of Orton's pyrometric cones to ensure my ceramics reach the perfect state. These Cone 017 units are designed to bend at approximately 1377° F, providing a visual confirmation that your firing has reached the necessary heat levels. Because Orton uses carefully controlled compositions, the bend is repeatable and predictable, which is vital when you are trying to avoid ruined batches. By placing them in a cone holder, you can watch the tip sag until it is level with the base, signaling a successful firing. Whether you are running an industrial operation or a small hobby kiln, having this century-old expertise in your studio takes the guesswork out of temperature monitoring.
A Guide to Selecting the Best Orton Cones Kilns Firing Accessories
Understanding Cone Grades and Ranges
The most critical decision when purchasing cone accessories is selecting the correct pyrometric grade. Cones are not universal. They are engineered to bend at specific heat-work thresholds. When building your kit, you must categorize your needs into three distinct groups: low-fire, mid-range, and high-fire. If you primarily work with stoneware, you will focus on mid-range cones, but a well-rounded studio should always have a selection of both 'guard' cones and 'target' cones. Guard cones are placed slightly ahead of your target cone to give you a visual warning of when the kiln is approaching the desired maturity, allowing you to intervene before overfiring occurs.
Material Composition and Accuracy
Not all cones are created equal. When browsing accessories, pay close attention to whether the product is a standard clay-based cone or a specialized high-purity version. For high-temperature applications, such as porcelain or sculptural stoneware, look for cones that are specifically rated for stability in oxidizing or reducing atmospheres. If you frequently fire in a reduction atmosphere (common in gas kilns), ensure your cones are rated for such conditions, as the chemistry of the atmosphere can alter the bending point of standard cones. Accuracy is paramount. Cheap, unbranded alternatives often suffer from inconsistent shrinkage, which can lead to false readings and ruined kiln loads.
Cone Holders and Placement Tools
Simply having the cones is not enough. You must be able to position them where they will experience the most representative heat. This is where cone holders become essential. Avoid makeshift solutions like stacking cones on top of each other or wedging them into clay scraps, as these methods can insulate the cone or cause it to tilt, leading to inaccurate readings. Look for ceramic cone holders that are designed to sit on the kiln shelf and hold the cone upright and stable. These holders ensure the cone is exposed to the kiln atmosphere correctly and remains steady during the intense thermal expansion and contraction of a firing cycle.
Monitoring Kits and Multi-Cone Sets
For beginners, purchasing individual cones can become expensive and disorganized. We recommend looking for multi-cone kits or sets that bundle a range of temperatures. A smart strategy is to purchase a 'spread' of cones—for example, if you are firing to Cone 6, buy a set that includes Cone 5 (as a guard) and Cone 7 (to check for overfiring). This provides a thermal window that allows you to see the rate of heat absorption. High-quality kits often include a variety of cone shapes, such as slender cones for precision or thicker cones for more rugged use, ensuring you have the right tool for different kiln environments.
Maintenance and Storage Considerations
ext{
Finally, consider how you will store your accessories. Pyrometric cones are sensitive to moisture and atmospheric contaminants. When selecting your accessories, consider purchasing a dedicated, airtight storage container. If cones absorb ambient humidity from a damp studio, their chemical composition can shift, leading to premature bending. A professional-grade setup includes not just the cones themselves, but the organizational tools to keep them pristine and ready for the next firing.
Ready to choose?
Jump back to our ranked picks or compare the shortlist side by side.
Quick answers about Orton Cones Kilns Firing Accessories before you buy.
Orton cones act as pyrometric indicators that measure 'heat work'—the combined effect of time and temperature—to ensure your ceramics have reached the correct maturity for glazing and clay bodies.
While digital controllers are accurate for temperature, they do not account for heat soak or atmospheric conditions. Cones provide a physical verification that the heat work inside the chamber matches your target firing schedule.
Cones are tapered shapes designed to bend at specific heat levels, while pyrometric rings are used to monitor the rate of temperature rise during a firing.
For the most accurate reading, place cones in several different locations, including the top, middle, and bottom of the kiln, to account for any temperature fluctuations or cold spots.
Yes, using dedicated cone holders or small ceramic stilts prevents the cones from melting into your kiln shelf or becoming embedded in the floor during high-temperature firings.
Cones should be used for every firing where accuracy is critical. Because they are designed to deform, they cannot be reused once they have reached their target bend.
If the cones don't bend, your kiln may be underfiring or the heat is not being distributed evenly. If they melt too quickly, you are likely overfiring, which can damage your glazes or kiln elements.
Yes, cones are highly effective in both. In gas kilings, they are especially vital for monitoring reduction atmospheres, which digital sensors cannot detect.
Research & Insights
Our Analysis of Orton Cones Kilns Firing Accessories
416Reviews Analyzed
5Products Evaluated
8.0Avg PM Score
3Brands Ranked
Top 10 Orton Cones Kilns Firing Accessories Brands on Amazon
Share of top-ranked products by brand, from our editorial analysis.
We've carried out a comprehensive analysis of 416 reviews
on Orton Cones Kilns Firing Accessories, using our
selection criteria to identify the best options in the categories.
Our findings reveal that most customers typically select Orton Cones Kilns Firing Accessories priced around
$18.75.
Our team of expert editors reviewed these high-quality items and handpicked the
top 5 Orton Cones Kilns Firing Accessories for your consideration..
We are dedicated to assisting our users in finding the right accessories Products
based on their
needs, saving them considerable time when choosing which Orton Cones Kilns Firing Accessories to buy. We take pride
in the number of satisfied users we've helped through our thorough and insightful reviews.
Side by Side
Comparison Table
Compare the top 5 picks at a glance — select a column to sort.
Orton Cone 06 Pyrometric Ceramic Kiln Cones
Orton Cone 6 Pyrometric Ceramic Kiln Cones
Creative Hobbies KM1 Kiln Sitter Cone Support Gauge
Orton Cone 06 Pyrometric Cones for Kiln Firing
Orton Cone 017 Pyrometric Cones for Pottery