Advancer Kiln Shelves Are Worth the Price Tag

Why We Chose to Collaborate with Advancer Kiln Shelves

At Jars of Dust, a high-volume pottery studio, efficiency, durability, and smart use of space are not luxuries—they’re necessities. As our production and class offerings have grown, so has the demand on our kilns. After years of daily firing, we can confidently say that switching to Advancer kiln shelves in 2020 has been one of the most impactful operational decisions we’ve made. These shelves have supported our workflow in ways that continue to pay off, and we’re proud to collaborate with a company that truly understands the needs of working studios.

Built for High-Volume Production

Our kilns are loaded every single day, often with heavy and repetitive loads. Since transitioning to Advancer shelves, we have not needed to replace a single shelf—an outcome that speaks volumes about their durability. The material resists warping under constant use, allowing us to fire confidently without concern for long-term damage.

An added benefit is that we no longer need kiln wash for our stoneware clay body, which has significantly streamlined our firing process. When glaze drips do occur, cleanup is refreshingly simple. A GlazeEraser easily removes small drips, and even larger areas of post residue require nothing more than water and the eraser. This has saved our team valuable time while keeping shelves consistently clean and ready for the next load.

Maximizing Space in the Studio and Kiln

Space is always at a premium in a production studio, and Advancer shelving systems have helped us make the most of what we have. Their design allows us to efficiently use vertical space, increasing storage capacity without expanding our footprint. Because kiln wash isn’t required, shelves can be stacked and slide directly on one another as we unload, keeping our workflow fast and organized.

Inside the kiln, the thin profile of Advancer shelves makes a noticeable difference. We’re able to maximize kiln height and pack more work into each firing. This increased throughput supports both our production line and our class pieces, helping us move work through the studio more quickly, keep turnaround times short, and ultimately improve customer satisfaction and retention.

A Cost-Effective Long-Term Investment

While Advancer shelves are an investment upfront, their long-term value has been undeniable for our studio. The combination of durability, low maintenance, and reduced replacement costs continues to prove cost-effective as we grow. Fewer replacements mean fewer material costs, and less labor spent on upkeep.

Another major advantage was compatibility. Advancer shelves work seamlessly with the posts we already owned, allowing us to transition gradually and scale our setup at a pace that made sense for our business.

Support That Matters

As a small business, strong communication and reliable support matter deeply to us. Advancer has consistently provided responsive, thoughtful assistance whenever questions or needs arise. That level of support reinforces why we value this collaboration—not just for the product itself, but for the people behind it.

Looking Ahead

Since 2020, Advancer kiln shelves have become a foundational part of Jars of Dust’s studio operations, supporting our daily workflow and long-term growth. Their performance, efficiency, and the company’s commitment to customer support align closely with our values as a working pottery studio. We look forward to continuing to grow alongside a company that truly understands high-volume ceramic production.