L&L Kilns
ActiveOverview
L&L Kilns manufactures electric kilns for pottery, schools, and industrial applications, including top-loading, front-loading, bell-lift, and car bottom configurations.1235 The company, in its third generation of family ownership, produces durable kilns at a solar-powered facility using sustainable materials and serves artists, educators, and industries like aerospace and heat treating.13 It holds the position as the oldest U.S. manufacturer of pottery and school kilns.3
History
L&L Kilns was founded in 1946 by Steve Lewicki Sr. and Isadore Levin to build better kilns for Virginia Lewicki's pottery studio in Chester, PA.13 Stephen Lewicki Sr. started the company in 1945, with formal founding in 1946.12 The industrial division separated in 1973, developed by Gregory and Stephen Lewicki for aerospace, high-tech ceramics, and heat treating sectors.1 Now in its third generation of family ownership, it operates from Swedesboro, New Jersey.235
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Easy-Fire Pottery Kilns | entry-level for home potters | $1,500 - $4,000 |
| School-Mate School Kilns | durable for educational use | $2,000 - $5,000 |
| Bell-Lift Kilns | large capacity for crystalline glazes | $4,000 - $10,000 |
| Home Craft Kilns | compact for hobbyists | $800 - $2,500 |
| Industrial Kilns | high-temperature for aerospace and ceramics | $10,000 - $50,000+ |
Manufacturing
Products are manufactured in-house at their solar-powered facility in Swedesboro, New Jersey, United States.235 They utilize engineering, management, and production technologies with a focus on sustainable materials.13
Notable Products
- Easy-Fire Kilns - Top-loading electric kilns for pottery firing with user-friendly controls.
- School-Mate Kilns - Rugged kilns designed for repeated school and studio use.
- Bell-Lift Kilns - Elevating lid kilns for large loads and crystalline glazing.
- J-Series Front-Loading Kilns - Front-loading models for easy access in professional settings.
- Industrial Car Bottom Kilns - High-endurance kilns for aerospace and heat treating applications.
Reputation
L&L Kilns is recognized by potters, educators, and professionals for durable construction and reliability built over 60+ years.13 Enthusiasts value the user-friendly designs and long-lasting performance in pottery and school settings.27 The brand maintains a strong reputation in industrial sectors, though specific criticisms are not detailed in available sources.1
Sources (7)
- https://www.axner.com/l-and-l-kilns.aspx
- https://prospeo.io/c/l-l-kiln-mfg
- https://studiopotter.org/ll-kilns
- https://www.zoominfo.com/c/ll-kiln-mfg-inc/63446513
- https://www.ceramicindustry.com/directories/2719-equipment-digest/listing/6585-l-l-kiln-mfg-inc
- https://www.datanyze.com/companies/l-l-kiln-mfg/63446513
- https://hotkilns.com