Is the kiln the best furnace again?

The answer depends on how much time and space you have, I guess.

In a larger base, heat efficient is the best choice imo, you probably wind up saving fuel as it finishes so fast. Heat efficient with a T3 thrall will beat a kiln with a T4Purge thrall. And coal isn’t difficult to acquire.

In a smaller base, Kiln may be a better choice just because of its tiny footprint.