The NEW TOP 190 kiln has arrived
9 months with the TOP 190 from Nabertherm – A report from my workshop
It has now been almost exactly 9 months since my new Nabertherm kiln arrived in my workshop.
After a long period of research, comparison, and consideration (which I wrote about in detail in my last post https://www.formfrei.at/post/auf-der-suche-nach-dem-passenden-brennofen-tipps-und-erfahrungen), the day of delivery was a real highlight. Today, I'd like to finally give you my honest conclusion – from the perspective of a ceramist who has now fired several times with this kiln, learned a lot, and also experienced a few surprises.
First impression: Big box, great anticipation
When the TOP 190 arrived, I was briefly overwhelmed. A kiln of this size is no small package—neither logistically nor emotionally. Fortunately, thanks to the integrated transport wheels, the kiln was easily maneuvered to its designated location in the workshop.
A tip here: Make sure you allow plenty of space for the oven itself, as well as for loading, ventilating, and handling all around it.
Commissioning: Important points to consider
Before I started the first fire, I had to read the manual, check the power connection, and check the room. Especially important was:
Electrical connection: The TOP 190 runs on high voltage – this is definitely something you should have a professional do. I had an electrician do the connection and would definitely do it again.
First test firing: Before the first "real" firing, I performed a so-called "seasoning firing" without any ware to burn out any residue from the kiln interior. This is important to prevent unpleasant odors or deposits from developing later.
Room ventilation: In my case, the stove is in a separate room, completely separated from the living and work areas. During the fire, I'm not in the room; the windows are tilted, and that works very well for me. Nevertheless, anyone purchasing a stove should definitely consider the issue of exhaust air. Depending on the room layout, duration of use, and construction, active extraction may be necessary. Good professional advice is a huge help here.
Working with the TOP 190: What I particularly appreciate
After several firings – bisque firings, glaze firings, smaller series, individual pieces – I can now say: The TOP 190 is a real stroke of luck for me.
What I especially love:
The underfloor heating: Combined with the top heating, this creates a wonderfully even temperature distribution. This has led to visibly more consistent glazing results for me.
The two-zone technology: I can control and fine-tune the floor separately – it was unusual at first, but after a bit of practice, it's a fantastic way to work with real precision.
The touch controller with app: Never sit in front of the oven and stare at the temperature display again!
Practical everyday helper: The Nabertherm app
A real highlight—and now an integral part of my work routine—is the Nabertherm app, which allows you to conveniently monitor the kiln via your smartphone. I use the app daily, sometimes even several times, and find it incredibly useful to be able to read the current firing temperature from anywhere.
In the morning, I often glance at my phone while still in bed and immediately see whether the oven is already in cooling mode—or whether I can wait a bit longer to get up. This flexibility has really made my everyday life easier. Especially if, like me, you don't work in the same room as the oven, it's a real gain in safety and convenience.
One small wish I have for future updates: an integrated history display of all completed firings. It would be great to have a kind of firing diary in the app—with the date, program, temperature history, and maybe even the option to add short notes or pictures to each firing. This would be a great addition for your own documentation—or simply to keep track of how many firings actually take place per month or year.
Who knows, maybe someone from Nabertherm is reading this – I think it has great potential.
What I have learned – and want to pass on to you
Even though I've been working with the kiln for many years, a new tool always comes with a learning curve. Here are my most important learnings from the last four months:
Test out different programs and save your favorites. The programming functions are extensive – and they're worth it!
Record your results. I've started documenting my fires in a small Notion spreadsheet—it's incredibly helpful for identifying patterns and adjusting programs later.
Take your time with the glaze firing. The even heat distribution has increased my confidence in the kiln—but it's still worth taking extra care when loading the kiln.
My conclusion: A reliable partner with great potential
The TOP 190 has now become an integral part of my daily work. It's powerful, well-designed, and flexible – and I'm delighted every time I open the lid and see my pieces in perfect condition.
Of course, the path to this point wasn't entirely without challenges. But with a little technical curiosity, good advice, and a good dose of patience, you can really get to know this oven well – and then it will become the best friend in the workshop.
One more thought at the end
A new kiln isn't just a piece of equipment—it's a promise to yourself. A promise to quality, to the continued development of your own work, and to the confidence that everything you put into this kiln is in good hands.
If you're considering buying a stove yourself, I wish you lots of courage, good advice, and a bit of a spirit of discovery. And if you have any questions, feel free to write to me. I'm happy to share my experiences with you.
Your Anna Maria
* Advertisement / PR Sample
This post contains advertising due to brand mention.
Nabertherm
kilns
https://nabertherm.com/de
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/nabertherm/
