# Best Pyrometric Cones for Accurate, Repeatable Kiln Firings Source: https://potterynest.com/best/best-pyrometric-cones Updated: 2026-09-14 Publisher: Pottery Nest. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://potterynest.com/how-we-research#our-score A digital controller tells you the temperature inside your kiln. A pyrometric cone tells you what actually happened to your clay, because cones measure heatwork, the combination of temperature and time that matures a glaze. Experienced potters run witness cones in every glaze firing, and kiln manufacturers ask for cone evidence before honoring element warranties. This guide covers the cone brands and formats worth buying, when self-supporting cones justify their higher price over standard cones, and which numbers to keep on hand for bisque and glaze work. We also explain reading a bent cone correctly, placing cones across shelves to map hot spots, and building a simple firing log around them. ## Picks ### 1. Orton Pyrometric Cones For Monitoring Ceramic Kiln Firings - Cone 6 (1 Pkg/50) Our score: 9.1/10 (Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 9/10) Orton pyrometric cones, Cone 6, 1 Pkg/50, the go-to witness cone for mid fire stoneware firings. Pros: - Cone 6 is the most popular mid fire target for home potters - Shows whether your kiln controller is reading accurately - Orton cones behave consistently from box to box Cons: - Mid fire only, so low fire potters need a different number - Best used with guide cones on either side, bought separately Details: https://potterynest.com/product/B076X72VJX ### 2. Orton Pyrometric Cones For Monitoring Ceramic Kiln Firings - Cone 06 (1 Pkg/50) Our score: 8.8/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 9/10) Orton pyrometric cones, Cone 06, 1 Pkg/50, for monitoring low fire bisque and glaze kiln firings. Pros: - Cone 06 is a common bisque and low fire glaze target - Orton is the industry standard for pyrometric cones - Pack of 50 lasts through many bisque and glaze firings Cons: - Cone 06 only suits low fire, so stoneware potters need other cones - Large cones need cone packs or holders to stand correctly Details: https://potterynest.com/product/B01DJNF6TE ### 3. Orton Small Pyrometric Cones for Kiln Sitter 06 (50) Our score: 8.8/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 9/10) Orton small pyrometric cones for kiln sitter, 06, pack of 50, for automatic shutoff in low fire firings. Pros: - Small cones fit kiln sitter mechanisms precisely - Pack of 50 covers many low fire bisque and glaze loads - Reliable shutoff keeps manual kilns from overfiring Cons: - Only works with kiln sitter equipped kilns - Low fire number, so it does not suit mid fire loads Details: https://potterynest.com/product/B0019LRXBI ### 4. Orton Pyrometric Cones For Monitoring Ceramic Kiln Firings - Cone 05 (1 Pkg/50) Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 9/10) Orton pyrometric cones, Cone 05, 1 Pkg/50, for checking low fire and slightly hotter glaze firings. Pros: - Cone 05 helps confirm low fire glazes matured properly - Witness cones show heat work, not just a thermocouple reading - 50 cones in a pack keep you supplied for a long time Cons: - Only useful if your clay or glaze targets Cone 05 - Needs to be set in a cone pack at the correct angle Details: https://potterynest.com/product/B01DJNGVXO ### 5. Orton Pyrometric Cones For Monitoring Ceramic Kiln Firings - Cone 04 (1 Pkg/50) Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 9/10) Orton pyrometric cones, Cone 04, 1 Pkg/50, for monitoring hotter bisque and low fire glaze firings. Pros: - Cone 04 is a common hotter bisque firing target - Helps diagnose underfired or overfired low fire loads - Pack of 50 is economical for regular firings Cons: - Narrow use if you do not bisque or glaze at Cone 04 - Cones must be stored dry to stay accurate Details: https://potterynest.com/product/B01DJNJKWI ### 6. Orton BRB O6 Pyrometric Bar Cones for Ceramic Kilns Our score: 7.7/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10) Orton BRB O6 pyrometric bar cones for kiln sitters on ceramic kilns firing to the low fire range. Pros: - Bar cones fit the kiln sitter on manual kilns to shut them off - Orton quality gives reliable shutoff at the target heat work - Handy replacement for kilns that use sitter bars Cons: - Only for kilns with a kiln sitter, not digital-only models - Check the pack count covers your firing schedule needs Details: https://potterynest.com/product/B07BX57BD7 ### 7. Orton Pyrometric SRB017 Cones for Accurate Firings in Industrial, Pottery and Hobby Kilns - Cone 017 (50/Box) Our score: 7.5/10 (Fit for the job 6/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10) Orton SRB017 small cones, Cone 017, 50/Box, for accurate decal, luster and overglaze firings. Pros: - Cone 017 matches common decal and luster firing targets - 50/Box gives lots of cones for repeat decoration firings - Usable in industrial, pottery and hobby kilns Cons: - Too low a cone for bisque and regular glaze firings - Only useful for potters who add decals or lusters Details: https://potterynest.com/product/B07PSLDJCZ ### 8. Orton BRB017 Pyrometric Bar Cones for Ceramic Kilns Our score: 6.8/10 (Fit for the job 6/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10) Orton BRB017 pyrometric bar cones for kiln sitters when firing decals, lusters and china paint. Pros: - 017 range suits overglaze, decal and luster firings - Bar format drops into kiln sitters for automatic shutoff - Orton accuracy prevents overfiring delicate decals Cons: - Very low temperature range is not for bisque or glaze firing - Check the pack count matches your firing schedule needs Details: https://potterynest.com/product/B07N76V4MZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.