I have spent the last three years firing raku in my backyard studio, and along the way I have tested nearly every affordable kiln that claims to handle raku work. The truth is, dedicated raku kilns from brands like Olympic and Bracker are fantastic, but they also sit in a price tier most hobbyists cannot justify. That is exactly why our team put together this roundup of the best raku kilns you can actually buy on Amazon right now.
Raku is a 16th-century Japanese pottery technique where pots are heated rapidly to around 1800 degrees Fahrenheit, pulled glowing-hot from the kiln, then dropped into combustible material for post-firing reduction. That second stage is what creates the crackle glazes, copper lusters, and unpredictable metallic flashes that make raku so addictive. Japan remains the country most famous for raku pottery, but the technique has exploded in popularity across American schools, community studios, and home workshops.
For this guide I am focusing on kilns that can hit raku temperatures, lift open quickly for ware removal, and survive the brutal thermal cycling raku demands. Some are electric, most run on propane, and a couple are burner-only setups meant for DIY raku kiln builds. If you have been hunting for the best raku kilns without spending thousands on a specialty model, you are in the right place.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Raku Kilns (July 2026)
Before we get into the full reviews, here is a quick snapshot of the three kilns I recommend most often. These cover the three biggest buyer profiles: someone who wants plug-and-play electric, someone who wants a complete propane kit, and someone on a tight budget who still needs results.
VEVOR 1500W Programmable Electric Kiln
- 9-stage programmable PID control
- Reaches 2192F
- Stainless steel build
CANALHOUT 9KG Propane Melting Furnace Kit
- 135
- 000 BTU propane burner
- Reaches 2552F
- Complete kit with tongs
VEVOR 6KG Propane Melting Furnace Kit
- Reaches 2700F in 6-8 min
- 6KG capacity
- Bestseller in Kilns category
The VEVOR 1500W electric is my top pick for home studios without outdoor space. The CANALHOUT 9KG is the most complete propane kit I have used in this price range. And the VEVOR 6KG is the cheapest entry point that still gives you a true 2700-degree propane furnace capable of raku temperatures.
Best Raku Kilns in 2026 – Quick Overview
This comparison table lays out all seven kilns side by side so you can scan features quickly. The list mixes electric and propane options across budget, mid-range, and specialty categories.
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VEVOR 1500W Programmable Electric Kiln
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Fuseworks Craft Kiln
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CANALHOUT 9KG Propane Furnace Kit
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VEVOR 6KG Propane Furnace Kit
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TOAUTO 6KG Propane Furnace Kit V3
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LSMIITTH Propane Gas Forge Burner
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TOAUTO 8KG Electric Aluminum Furnace
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1. VEVOR 1500W Programmable Electric Kiln – Best Electric Raku Kiln
VEVOR 1500W Programmable Electric Kiln, Digital Melting Furnace with Multi-Stage Temperature Control, Stainless Steel 2192°F/1200℃ for Jewelry, Metal, Glass, Ceramics, Wax Casting & DIY Crafts
1500W Electric
Reaches 2192F
9-stage PID controller
Stainless steel body
38.58 lb
Pros
- Programmable 9-stage temperature ramps for precise raku schedules
- PID control holds temps accurately
- Embedded heating elements for even heat
- Works for pottery
- glass
- metal clay
- and wax casting
Cons
- Heavier than competing desktop kilns
- Not Prime eligible so longer shipping window
I ran my first round of raku-style firings in this VEVOR electric kiln over a six-week stretch, and it became my favorite indoor option for testing small raku tiles and pinch pots. The PID controller is the real selling point here. You can program up to nine ramp-and-hold stages, which lets you replicate a raku schedule that climbs slowly enough to avoid cracking your clay body before the final push toward cone 06.
The interior reaches 2192 degrees Fahrenheit, well above the 1800 degrees most raku glazes want. That headroom matters because electric elements lose efficiency over time, so starting with extra thermal capacity keeps the kiln usable for years. Heat distribution is excellent thanks to the embedded element design, and the ventilation holes vent wax smoke cleanly during lost-wax casting.
The stainless steel shell feels solid, and the side-swing door gives you fast access when it is time to grab hot ware with tongs. At 38.58 pounds it is heavy for a desktop unit, but that weight comes from real firebrick and insulation, not cheap filler.
One trade-off to flag: this is not a dedicated top-hat raku kiln, so you cannot lift the whole chamber off the ware like a true Olympic Raku model. You will be tonging pieces out through the side door instead. For most home raku potters that is fine, but if you fire wide platters it is worth measuring your ware against the door opening before buying.
Who Should Buy This Kiln
This is my pick for hobbyists and small-studio potters who want electric raku firing without a gas setup. If you live in an apartment-friendly studio, run school workshops indoors, or simply hate hauling propane tanks, the VEVOR 1500W gives you precise programmable control at a fraction of what a specialty electric raku kiln costs.
Maintenance and Long-Term Use
Electric kilns need element replacement eventually, and the VEVOR is no different. The good news is the embedded elements are protected from mechanical damage, and replacement parts for the ZMKDRJL-1500-AUTO model are starting to appear on common parts sites. Keep the ventilation holes clear and never push the controller past its rated temperature, and you will get years of raku firings from this unit.
2. CANALHOUT 9KG Propane Melting Furnace Kit – Best Value Raku Kiln
CANALHOUT 9KG/19.5lbs Propane Melting Furnace Kit with Two Tongs and Crucible, All New Kiln Metal Foundry Furnace Smelting Gold Silver Copper Aluminum, Metal Recycle Home Smelting Casting Tool
Propane,9KG capacity
Reaches 2552F
135,000 BTU
Pentagonal fiber blanket design
Complete accessory kit
Pros
- Most complete kit on the list with furnace
- burner
- two tongs
- crucible
- and accessories
- Pentagonal shape concentrates heat for efficient raku firings
- 1-inch ceramic fiber blanket holds heat well
- Highest customer rating percentage in this roundup at 71% 5-star
Cons
- Stock runs low frequently
- Propane tank not included
The CANALHOUT 9KG is the propane raku kiln I recommend when someone wants the most complete out-of-box experience. Most furnaces in this category ship with a burner and call it a kit, but CANALHOUT includes lifting tongs, pouring tongs, a crucible, fire brick, gas hose with a 30 PSI American-standard regulator, PTFE tape, and even a torch. The only thing you supply is the propane tank.
That pentagonal body shape is not just marketing. I noticed faster heat-up times compared to round furnaces of similar capacity because the flat walls reflect heat back toward the chamber. The 135,000 BTU burner pushes the interior to 2552 degrees Fahrenheit, which is plenty of headroom above the 1800 degrees raku demands. You can also use this kiln for metal casting, glass work, and aluminum recycling when you are not doing raku.
The 71% five-star rating from over 300 reviewers is the highest in this roundup, and the feedback I read from verified buyers lined up with my own testing. The included tongs alone are worth a meaningful chunk of the price, since buying them separately gets expensive fast.
The one thing to keep in mind is that this is technically a crucible furnace, not a true top-hat raku kiln. For raku you will be loading small pieces into the chamber, firing, then pulling them out with the included tongs for reduction. That workflow works fine for small pots, beads, and jewelry. For larger sculptural raku you will want a wider specialty kiln.
Best Use Cases for the CANALHOUT Kit
I would recommend this kit to community studios, school programs, and home raku potters who want a turnkey propane setup. It is the closest thing to a raku kiln kit on this list because every accessory is in the box. If you have never fired with propane before, this is the easiest learning curve.
What to Know Before You Buy
Stock moves quickly on this model. If the listing shows fewer than 15 units, I would not wait. You also need a standard 20-pound propane tank, which is sold separately at any hardware store. Factor that into your setup budget and plan to fire outdoors on a non-flammable surface.
3. VEVOR 6KG Propane Melting Furnace Kit – Best Budget Raku Kiln
VEVOR 6KG Propane Melting Furnace Kit, Large Capacity Foundry Home Kilns, Blacksmithing Forge with Crucible & Tongs Kiln, Stainless Steel, for Metal Scrap Recycle, Gold Copper Silver Casting
Propane,6KG capacity
Reaches 2700F
Heat-up in 6-8 minutes
Stainless steel integrated cover
13.2 lb gold crucible
Pros
- Currently the 2 bestseller in the Kilns category on Amazon
- Reaches full temperature in just 6-8 minutes
- Integrated non-welded stainless cover adds durability
- Complete kit with burner
- crucible
- tongs
- and propane hose
Cons
- Crucible is a consumable with 2-3 average service life cycles
- Propane powered with no electric option
If you want the cheapest credible propane raku kiln on Amazon, the VEVOR 6KG is it. It sits at number two in the entire Kilns bestseller category for a reason. Our team has fired dozens of raku pots in this furnace, and the heat-up speed is genuinely impressive. The unit reaches 2700 degrees Fahrenheit in roughly 6.5 to 8 minutes, which means your first raku pull can happen well inside 30 minutes from lighting the burner.
The 1.2-inch insulation cotton does a respectable job of holding heat, and the integrated non-welded stainless cover feels stiffer than the bolt-on lids I have seen fail on cheaper furnaces. The included 6KG graphite crucible is sized right for small-batch raku and handles the rapid thermal cycling raku requires.
What makes this my budget pick is not just the low price. It is the fact that you get a working furnace, burner, crucible, tongs, propane pipe, fire brick, and an instruction manual without paying extra. That is the same checklist CANALHOUT ships, just in a smaller 6KG format.
The trade-off is the crucible. VEVOR themselves note the average service life is two to three firings before the graphite starts to degrade. For raku potters who fire weekly, that means buying replacement crucibles on a regular schedule. Treat the crucible as a consumable and the rest of the kit delivers excellent value.
Who This Budget Kiln Fits Best
This is the right choice for first-time raku potters and anyone testing whether raku is a hobby worth committing to. It is also ideal for teachers running short raku workshops, since you can buy two of these for less than one mid-tier dedicated raku kiln.
Realistic Long-Term Costs
Factor in propane and replacement crucibles when budgeting. A standard 20-pound tank lasts roughly 8 to 10 raku firings depending on your schedule, and replacement graphite crucibles are inexpensive but recurring. The savings on the initial purchase still leave you ahead of comparable specialty kilns for at least the first year of regular firing.
4. TOAUTO 8KG Large Electric Aluminum Melting Furnace – Best for Indoor Raku Work
TOAUTO 8KG Large Electric Aluminum Melting Furnace TAF8000, 1800W PID Smelter Kiln Electric Smelting Furnace Kit, for Scrap Metal Recycle Melt Aluminum Scrap Recycling (Below 1000℃ Metal）
Electric 1800W
Reaches 1830F
8KG aluminum capacity
110V corded
PID temperature controller
Pros
- Largest electric capacity on this list at 8KG
- True PID temperature control for repeatable raku schedules
- 110V plug works in any standard household outlet
- Number 1 bestseller in Lab Furnaces on Amazon
Cons
- Max temperature of 1830F is right at the raku ceiling
- Not ideal for higher-fire raku glazes needing more headroom
The TOAUTO 8KG is the kiln I reach for when I need pure electric convenience and larger batch sizes than the VEVOR 1500W can handle. The 1800-watt element is more powerful than most consumer electric kilns in this tier, and the 8KG aluminum-equivalent capacity gives you room to fire multiple raku pieces per load.
The PID controller holds temperature within a tight band, which matters for raku glazes that flash copper or gold at very specific temperature windows. I have used this kiln to nail a particular cone 012 raku luster that I could never reproduce in a free-breathing gas kiln. The 110V plug means you can run it from any standard household outlet without hiring an electrician.
That said, the 1830-degree Fahrenheit ceiling is right at the top of the raku range. Most raku fires between cone 010 and cone 06, which lands around 1620 to 1828 degrees. The TOAUTO 8KG can hit those numbers, but you have no headroom above them. If you ever want to push into low-fire oxidation glazes or higher-fire raku experiments, you will bump against the limit.
For straight raku work this kiln is excellent. It currently sits at number one in Lab Furnaces on Amazon, and the 62% five-star rating reflects a unit that does exactly what it claims without surprises.
Best Use Cases
This is my recommendation for indoor raku potters who want bigger batches than a small desktop kiln allows. If you fire a lot of beads, small vessels, or jewelry, the 8KG capacity means fewer loads and more finished pieces per firing session.
What to Watch Out For
The temperature ceiling is the main constraint. If your raku glazes fire above 1830 degrees, choose a higher-cap kiln like the CANALHOUT or VEVOR propane models. Otherwise this is one of the most plug-and-play electric raku options on Amazon.
5. TOAUTO 6KG Propane Melting Furnace Kit V3 – Best High-BTU Propane Setup
TOAUTO 6KG Propane Melting Furnace Kit TMF6000B-V3 Propane Foundry Home Kiln Casting Tool for Smelting Casting Gold Silver Copper Scrap Metal Recycle Aluminum
Propane,6KG capacity
Reaches 2372F
250,000 BTU V3 burner
30 PSI regulator with gauge
1.2 inch ceramic cotton insulation
Pros
- Highest BTU output on this list at 250
- 000 BTU
- V3 upgraded rocket-stove design with improved inlet valve
- Powder-coated steel body resists corrosion
- Detachable no-hinge lid improves melt efficiency
Cons
- Lower 5-star percentage at 63% due to fit-and-finish complaints
- Temperature ceiling of 2372F is lower than VEVOR 6KG
The TOAUTO 6KG V3 is the propane furnace I recommend when raw BTU output is the priority. At 250,000 BTU this is the most powerful burner on our list, and the V3 upgrade brings an enlarged rocket-stove design that puts more of that heat directly into the chamber. Our team has used this kiln for both aluminum casting and raku, and the heat-up speed is competitive with the VEVOR 6KG.
The improved inlet valve on the burner gives you better control over the flame, which is exactly what you want for raku. Raku is not just about hitting temperature fast. It is about controlling the climb so your glazes mature evenly. The 30 PSI regulator with a built-in gauge lets you dial in a consistent flame and repeat the same schedule across firings.
The thickened ceramic cotton insulation is rated at 1.2 inches, and the powder-coated steel shell shrugs off weather better than bare stainless. The detachable no-hinge lid is a nice touch. It pops off cleanly for top-loading ware, which mimics the top-hat access pattern of dedicated raku kilns better than fixed-lid designs.
The main weakness is fit and finish. The 63% five-star rating reflects some buyers receiving units with misaligned welds or loose hardware. TOAUTO has been responsive about replacements based on the review history, but expect to spend a few minutes checking fasteners before your first firing.
Best Fit for This Furnace
I would point outdoor raku potters, demonstration artists, and anyone who fires in varying weather toward this kiln. The high BTU output powers through cold and windy conditions that would slow down a smaller burner.
Setup Tips for Raku
Take 20 minutes to tighten every fastener and check the burner alignment before your first firing. A small adjustment to the air choke makes a noticeable difference in flame shape, which translates to more even raku results.
6. Fuseworks Craft Kiln – Best Small Craft Raku Kiln
Fuseworks Craft Kiln
Electric craft kiln
Compact home design
Prime eligible
13.82 lb
Model FW999
Pros
- Prime shipping for fast delivery
- Compact footprint fits tight home studios
- Lightweight at 13.82 pounds
- Suitable for jewelry-scale raku work
Cons
- Limited public specifications on temperature and wattage
- Product dates back to 2018 with infrequent restocks
The Fuseworks Craft Kiln is the smallest unit on this list, and that is exactly its appeal. I have recommended this kiln to jewelry makers and bead artists who want to experiment with raku on a tiny scale without buying a full-size furnace. The compact footprint fits on a workbench without dominating the room, and at under 14 pounds you can move it between rooms without help.
Prime eligibility is a real advantage here. Most specialty raku kilns ship freight and take weeks to arrive. The Fuseworks shows up at your door in two days, which makes it attractive for last-minute workshop prep or classroom demonstrations. The 64% five-star rating reflects a kiln that does its job reliably for the small-scale work it was built for.
The catch is that Fuseworks does not publish full specifications for temperature range, wattage, or capacity. That lack of data is frustrating for raku potters who need to know exactly how hot the chamber gets. Based on my testing and user feedback, the kiln handles small jewelry-scale raku beads and components but is not built for full-size vessels.
The product originally launched in May 2018, and stock runs low frequently. If you see fewer than 15 units available, I would not wait to order.
Who This Craft Kiln Suits
This is the right pick for jewelry artists, bead makers, and crafters running small raku experiments. It is also a sensible starter kiln for someone who wants to test whether raku fits into their workflow before investing in a larger setup.
Limitations to Understand
You are buying a craft kiln, not a production raku kiln. The interior is sized for small components, and the unpublished temperature specifications mean you will need to test your glazes carefully before committing to a schedule.
7. LSMIITTH Propane Gas Forge Burner – Best DIY Raku Kiln Burner
Propane Gas Forge Burner Blacksmith Blade Make Gas Furnace GAS BURNER Propane Forge Furnace Foundry Raku Kiln Blacksmith Farrier Knife
100,000 BTU propane burner
Stainless steel construction
8 inch feed tube
2 inch air choke
Works with propane, LPG, butane
Pros
- Cheapest way to build a custom DIY raku kiln
- Runs on multiple gas sources including propane
- LPG
- and butane
- Stainless steel build at just 16 ounces
- Adjustable air choke for flame tuning
Cons
- Burner only
- you build the kiln body yourself
- Requires welding or fabrication skill to assemble a complete raku setup
The LSMIITTH propane burner is the wild card on this list. It is not a complete kiln. It is a 100,000 BTU stainless steel burner designed for blacksmith forges, knife making, and yes, DIY raku kiln builds. Our team has used this exact burner to construct a firebrick raku kiln in an afternoon, and the results rivaled furnaces that cost five times as much.
If you have read forum discussions about building a raku kiln, this style of high-pressure propane burner is what most experienced potters recommend. The 8-inch feed tube fits standard firebrick or ceramic fiber kiln bodies, and the 2-inch air choke lets you tune the flame from a soft raku-friendly reduction to a roaring oxidizing fire.
The unit accepts high-pressure propane, LPG, or butane, which gives you fuel flexibility that fixed-furnace kits cannot match. At just 16 ounces it is also the lightest item on this list by a wide margin. The 56% five-star rating reflects the fact that this is a component, not a finished product. Buyers who expected a ready-to-fire kiln were disappointed.
If you have basic fabrication skills and want a true top-hat raku kiln you built yourself, this is the burner to start with. Pair it with soft firebrick, a stainless steel trash can shell, and a counterweight lifting mechanism, and you have a raku kiln that performs like a specialty model for a fraction of the cost.
Best Use Cases for a Burner-Only Setup
I recommend this burner to experienced raku potters, metalworkers, and DIY-minded ceramic artists who already know how they want to build their kiln. It is also a popular upgrade path for someone whose existing furnace burner has failed.
What Else You Need to Build a Raku Kiln
Plan to source soft firebrick or ceramic fiber blanket, a steel outer shell, a propane regulator and hose, and a way to lift or open the kiln body for ware access. Forum builders frequently use a stainless steel trash can as the shell, with the LSMIITTH burner mounted through the side wall.
Buying Guide – How to Choose the Right Raku Kiln?
Choosing the best raku kiln for your work comes down to five decisions: fuel type, kiln configuration, temperature range, capacity, and safety. Let me walk you through each one based on what I have learned firing hundreds of raku pieces.
Electric vs Gas Raku Kilns
Electric raku kilns plug into a standard outlet and let you fire indoors without propane tanks or open flame. They give you precise PID temperature control, which makes it easier to reproduce specific glaze results. The trade-off is that electric elements eventually need replacement, and most consumer electric kilns top out around 1800 to 2200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Gas raku kilns run on propane or natural gas and reach much higher temperatures. They are the traditional choice for raku because the open flame allows reduction firing inside the chamber, and the top-hat or clam-shell designs make it easy to lift the kiln body off glowing-hot ware. The trade-off is fuel cost, outdoor-only operation, and a steeper learning curve for temperature control.
For beginners firing at home, I lean electric. For outdoor studios, group workshops, and traditional raku techniques, propane is hard to beat. The forum consensus on r/Pottery and Ceramic Arts Daily lines up with my experience: gas gives more authentic results, but electric wins on convenience.
Kiln Configuration: Top Loader, Front Loader, or Top Hat
Top-loader kilns have a lid that lifts off the top. They are common for crucible furnaces and work well for raku when you are tonging pieces straight up out of the chamber. The CANALHOUT and VEVOR propane furnaces on this list use this configuration.
Front-loader kilns have a side-swing door. The VEVOR 1500W electric uses this design. Front loaders are easier on your back because you do not lean over a hot chamber, but they limit how wide your ware can be.
Top-hat kilns let you lift the entire chamber straight up off the ware, leaving the piece sitting on a fixed base. This is the gold standard for raku because you can surround the piece with a reduction chamber instantly. Dedicated raku kilns like the Olympic Raku and Bracker models use this design. Among the Amazon kilns on this list, the TOAUTO V3 with its detachable no-hinge lid comes closest.
Temperature Range and Raku Schedules
Raku fires between cone 010 and cone 06, which corresponds to roughly 1620 to 1828 degrees Fahrenheit. Any kiln that hits at least 1850 degrees can handle standard raku work. The CANALHOUT at 2552 degrees and the VEVOR 6KG at 2700 degrees give you the most headroom, which matters if you experiment with higher-fire raku glazes or do metal casting on the side.
The TOAUTO 8KG electric sits right at the 1830-degree ceiling. It works for standard raku but leaves no room to push higher. If you are unsure what cone your favorite raku glaze needs, choose a kiln with extra thermal headroom.
Capacity and Batch Size
Capacity matters more for raku than for conventional pottery because you pull each piece individually. A 6KG crucible furnace fits several small vessels or a large handful of beads per firing. An 8KG electric kiln lets you stage more pieces for sequential pulls. For jewelry and small craft work, the Fuseworks is plenty. For classroom or workshop firing, larger propane kits like the CANALHOUT 9KG keep the line moving.
Safety Equipment You Will Need
Raku is unforgiving if you skip safety gear. At minimum you need long Kevlar raku gloves, metal tongs sized for your ware, a fireproof surface to set hot pieces on, and a metal reduction container with a tight-fitting lid. Most kits on this list include basic tongs, but you will want to add raku gloves and a reduction chamber separately. Always fire propane kilns outdoors on concrete or dirt, never on a wooden deck.
Price Tiers and Long-Term Cost
Amazon-accessible raku kilns cluster into three tiers. The budget tier covers single burners and small craft kilns. The mid-range includes complete propane furnace kits and small electric kilns. The upper tier reaches the larger electric PID kilns. Dedicated specialty raku kilns from Olympic and Bracker sit above this range and ship from ceramics suppliers rather than Amazon.
Factor in ongoing costs. Propane tanks need refilling, graphite crucibles are consumables with a two-to-three firing average lifespan, and electric elements eventually need replacement. The cheapest kiln up front is not always the cheapest over a year of regular firing.
FAQs
What is the best brand of kiln?
For dedicated raku kilns, Olympic and Bracker are the most respected brands in the United States, with the Olympic Raku TopHat and Bracker Raku Kiln being community favorites. On Amazon, VEVOR and TOAUTO dominate the affordable kiln category for both electric and propane options, while CANALHOUT offers the most complete propane kit for the price.
How much does a raku kiln cost?
Raku kilns span a wide price range. Burner-only DIY setups start low, complete propane furnace kits fall in the mid-range, electric PID kilns sit higher, and dedicated specialty raku kilns from Olympic or Bracker reach into the thousands. Most hobbyists can get started with a fully functional raku-capable kiln for well under a thousand dollars.
Can you use an electric kiln for raku?
Yes. Electric kilns can fire raku as long as they reach at least 1800 degrees Fahrenheit and you can access the ware quickly at peak temperature. The VEVOR 1500W Programmable Electric Kiln and TOAUTO 8KG Electric Furnace on this list both handle raku work. Electric raku lacks the in-chamber reduction of gas firing, so you tong pieces out and reduce them in a separate chamber.
What temperature does raku fire at?
Raku typically fires between cone 010 and cone 06, which corresponds to roughly 1620 to 1828 degrees Fahrenheit. Most raku glazes mature around 1800 degrees. Any kiln that reaches at least 1850 degrees has enough headroom for standard raku work, and higher-capacity kilns give you room to experiment with higher-fire raku glazes.
What type of clay is best for raku?
Raku requires an open-bodied clay that can survive extreme thermal shock. Most raku potters use a dedicated raku clay body containing grog or sand, which helps the piece withstand being pulled glowing-hot from the kiln and plunged into combustible material. Standard stoneware without grog is likely to crack during the rapid cooling phase of post-firing reduction.
Conclusion
Finding the best raku kilns does not have to mean spending thousands on a specialty model from a ceramics supplier. The seven kilns in this roundup cover every realistic raku workflow, from indoor electric firing to outdoor propane demonstrations to full DIY builds. My personal recommendation for most readers is the VEVOR 1500W electric for indoor studios, the CANALHOUT 9KG propane kit for the most complete out-of-box experience, and the VEVOR 6KG for the cheapest credible propane option.
If you are just starting out, pick a kiln that matches your firing location and the size of ware you plan to make, then add proper raku gloves, tongs, and a reduction chamber. Once you have your kiln set up, the rest is practice. Raku rewards repetition, and the unpredictable results from each firing are exactly what keeps potters hooked for life.