A Compact Vitrigraph Kiln for Pulling Stringers
The Jen-Ken AF3P Vitri Barrel is a specialty kiln designed for one specific glass technique: vitrigraph stringer pulling. Unlike a standard glass kiln that holds glass inside, the Vitri Barrel has a hole in the bottom that lets molten glass flow out so the artist can pull it into stringers, rods, ribbons, and decorative glass elements as it falls. It's how studio glass artists make their own custom stringers in any color or pattern they want.
Inside, you've got an 11" x 9" chamber with 0.55 cubic feet of capacity. The kiln is side firing only, with the elements on the chamber walls to bring the glass to working temperature without heating the bottom (where the glass is flowing out). It fires up to 2150°F, but the glass starts flowing out the bottom hole around 1650°F. The kiln plugs into a standard 120V wall outlet (NEMA 5-15) and weighs only 50 lbs, so it's portable enough to set up in any working glass studio.
The kiln comes as a three piece stacked design by default. If you prefer, you can special order it with the pieces attached and a hinged lid.
Important: this is a specialty kiln, not a beginner kiln
Vitrigraph stringer pulling involves molten glass flowing out the bottom of the kiln at around 1650°F. This is genuinely dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. Please seek proper instruction from a qualified instructor or workshop before attempting to fire this kiln and pull stringer. If you're new to glass and just want to fuse or slump, this is not the right kiln for you. Take a look at our ProFusion or AF3P glass kilns instead.
Setup: must be fired on a steel rack, not on a table
This kiln must be fired on a steel rack with a large steel container positioned below to catch the hot glass as it flows out. Do not fire this kiln on a table or any surface that can't safely contain molten glass. Proper protective gear is required: high temperature gloves, appropriate clothing, eye protection, and the right tools for pulling stringer. Set up in an appropriate area with adequate ventilation and fire safety precautions.
Convertible to fusing or ceramics
With the optional second solid floor (no hole), the Vitri Barrel can be converted into a standard fusing or small ceramic kiln. So if you want a kiln that does vitrigraph work plus everyday glass or small ceramic firings, the solid floor accessory gives you that flexibility.
Included with every order
The Orton Digital AF3P 3 Key controller, base brick (or optional stand), 2 year limited warranty through Jen-Ken, and free shipping to the US Lower 48.
Who Is This Kiln For?
The Vitri Barrel is built for a specific kind of glass artist. Here's how to tell if that's you.
✓ Fused glass artists making their own stringers
If you've been buying commercial stringers and want to make your own in custom colors, patterns, and twists, this is the kiln that lets you do it.
✓ Studio glass artists exploring vitrigraph technique
Pull rods, ribbons, decorative drips, and unique glass elements that other artists can't replicate. A specialty kiln for a specialty technique.
✓ Glass instructors and workshop programs
If you teach vitrigraph technique or want to add it to your workshop offerings, this is a portable, accessible, classroom friendly setup.
✓ Working glass studios adding stringer capability
If you already have a main fusing kiln and want to add vitrigraph as a complementary technique, the 120V plug and small footprint make it easy to add without major studio changes.
The Vitri Barrel ships with the Orton AutoFire 3 Key controller, which is the no frills option that handles vitrigraph firing schedules well since you're typically running the same heat to flow profile each session. If you want more programming flexibility (especially if you're converting the kiln with a solid floor for other glass work), upgrade at checkout to the AutoFire 12 Key or TAP Smart Controller.