I currently have a kiln that is listed as 30 Amp on the kiln info plate. My new kiln is listed as 44.2 amps on the info plate. The Wire is 8 AWG and the Kiln is less than 10 feet from my 200 AMP service panel. I know that I need to change the Receptacle. I currently have a
14-50P and the new kiln has a 14-60P.
(I used the following site for the Receptacle information) Quail Electronics (http://www.quail.com/nema.cfm)
My question is what breaker do I need and do I need to change the wire from 8 AWG to 6 AWG? My current breaker is a double pole 30 amp, will that work?

Is the #8 wire in NM-B Romex? Or what kind of wire or cable do you have?

Romex #8 can only have a 40 amp breaker, MC cable or pulled wires with THHN insulation can have a 50 amp breaker.

The breaker needs to be 25 % larger than the 44 amp load, so 55 amps, or the next size up standard breaker, which is 60 amps.

Therefore, you need to use a min of #6 wire THHN. Romex still not allowed, only good for 55 amps.

Thanks for your answer.
The wire is pulled wires in metal conduit. They have the following printed on them
"Type MTW or THWN or gasoline & oil resistant II or AWM 600 volts".
When you say 60 amps standard breaker is that double pole 30 Amp (30+30=60) or
Double pole 60 amp breaker.

A double (2) pole 60 amp CB, with #6 THHN wire pulled through the conduit.

Thanks for your help!