A Studio Workhorse with 3" Brick for Steady Firings
The Cress ET28 is built for studios that fire regularly. Running on 240V, it has the power to reach high temperatures fast and hold them dead steady through long firing schedules.
The Cress ET28 is part of Cress's ET-Series, which means it ships with 3" firebrick walls instead of the 2.5" brick used on standard E-Series models. That extra half-inch of brick makes a real difference once you're firing regularly — better heat retention, steadier temperatures throughout the firing, and elements that don't have to work as hard to keep schedule.
The 28.38" W x 27" D firing chamber gives you of capacity (9.92 cubic feet) a solid working footprint for pottery, sculptural work, and full shelves of student or production pieces.
It fires up to 2350°F (Cone 10 range), which covers the full ceramic spectrum — earthenware, stoneware, porcelain, and high-fire glaze work.
The ET28 runs on 240V — most home and small commercial shops have this available. Total draw is 11,500 watts at 48 amps.
Included with every order
heat-reflective stand (a Cress innovation — they were first to include this), full operator manual, a 3 year limited warranty through Cress, and free freight shipping to the US Lower 48.
You'll pick your digital controller at checkout. Cress kilns are designed around Bartlett-built controllers (Cress is part of the Bartlett family). Most buyers choose the Prodigy Touchscreen Smart Controller — a full-color touchscreen with intuitive ramp-and-hold programming, real-time monitoring, custom firing profile storage, and built-in safety diagnostics with over-temperature alerts and data logging. Not sure which controller fits your workflow? That's exactly the kind of thing we help with.
A note on lead time: Cress kilns are made-to-order at their facility in Carson City, Nevada, with current lead times running roughly 8-12 weeks. Give us a call before ordering and we'll confirm current production estimates.
- 240V at 48 amps for fast heat-up and stable high-temperature performance
- 28.38" W x 27" D firing chamber (9.92 cu ft)
- Fires up to 2350°F (Cone 10)
- 3" firebrick construction (ET-Series upgrade) — better heat retention than standard 2.5" brick
- Heat-reflective stand included — reduces floor temperature during firing (Cress was first to include this)
- 5 preset firing speeds with custom ramp/hold programming via the controller
- 3-zone capable controls (ships connected as 1-zone, upgradable to 3-zone at time of order)
- UL/CSA certified to standard 499
- Made in Carson City, Nevada by Cress (manufacturing since 1973)
- 3 year limited warranty from Cress plus free freight shipping to the US Lower 48
Frequently Asked Questions
What size kiln load can the ET28 handle in one firing?
With a 28.38" x 27" chamber and 9.92 cubic feet of space, the ET28 comfortably holds a full shelf load — typically 2-3 shelves of mixed pottery, or a single large sculptural piece up to about 24" tall depending on shelf spacing. It's sized for studios firing weekly batches rather than occasional small loads.
Does the ET28 need a special electrical setup?
Yes. At 240V and 48 amps (11,500 watts), the ET28 requires a dedicated 240V circuit, typically on a 60-amp breaker to meet code with margin. Most home studios with an electric dryer or range hookup already have 240V service, but you'll likely need an electrician to run a dedicated circuit to the kiln's location. Check your panel capacity before ordering.
Can the ET28 be upgraded to 3-zone control after purchase?
The ET28 ships wired for 1-zone control but is 3-zone capable. The upgrade to 3-zone needs to be specified at the time of order since it involves additional thermocouples and wiring done during manufacturing — it's not a simple field retrofit. If even temperatures top-to-bottom matter for your work, mention this when you call to order.
How does the ET28 compare to the smaller E24HP?
The ET28 has a 28.38" x 27" chamber (9.92 cu ft) versus the E24HP's 23.38" x 22.5" chamber (5.8 cu ft) — about 70% more usable space. Both run on 240V at 48 amps, so the ET28 doesn't cost you anything in circuit requirements for the extra capacity. The ET28 also steps up to 3" firebrick (vs. 2.5" on the E24HP) for better heat retention on long firings. If your studio's electrical setup already supports 48A, the ET28 gives you more room for the same power draw.
Not sure if this is the right kiln for you?
Give us a call. We'll talk through your space, your power setup, and what you're firing, and help you land on the right setup.
📞 (801) 839-5882Monday to Friday, 9AM to 5PM MST