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Hi Ceramic Arts Community. I have an opportunity to custom build a kiln, made by a start up company that, to date, has only made very small (20cmx20cmx25cm interior) kilns. The company is a one man operation. That said, he has been working as a kiln repair technician for many years and is the brother of a good friend of mine. I have concerns about the specifications of the kiln and figured maybe this community might have some advice: Interior dimension 40cm x 40cm x 40cm and exterior 65 cmx 65cm x 65cm. So that gives a wall thickness of only 12.5cm (just under 5"). The target temperature is 1240 celcius and it will be top loading on wheels. Power is 220v and wattage will be 6200 watts. The controller will be a novus n480d and the lining will be kiln brick on top and bottom and I believe 3 layers of 1400 degree celcius soft insulation. Powder coated metal exterior. Anyhow, the price is about 30% cheaper than an established brand but honestly, not sure if I want to be a guinea pig even if it makes me disloyal to a good friend by not supporting his brother's newish business. Sorry for the long post. Any positive or negative feedback about the kiln specs (are the walls insulated enough) ; or other experiences with "home made" kilns is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I am in the midst of trying to decide on a small electric kiln. It must be around 4 cu feet, fire to cone 10 and have an auto programmer. I'm in Far North Queensland, Australia. I would really appreciate any advise. Am looking at L & L Top loading, Shimpo DUA07 and Woodrow Hotbox II.