subject: Electric Kiln - Features You Should Consider Before Buying [print this page] Electric Kiln - Features You Should Consider Before Buying
Kilns come in different types. You can buy an electric kiln, a wood kiln, a microwave kiln and a glass-fusing kiln among others. Therefore you should know the type you desire and the major features to look for when buying. If you are searching for good electric kilns, you should select carefully. You must focus on the following features when buying your next kiln that uses electricity:
The size of the kiln-you should consider size in relation to your production capacity and the biggest unit you have to put in the kiln. If fully loaded, huge kilns will cost less cash per unit fired.
Heights of the kiln- most of the kilns with top loading capacity are high inside. You are likely to buy a twenty-seven inches high electric kiln. If you choose a product from the leading L&L brand, you will be lucky to find up to forty-five inches high kilns. Other kilns manufactured by the same brand ranges from thirty-six and above inches high. You can remove sections for extra loading or make other desirable adjustments. A high kiln is very economical.
Voltage capacity- you are much more likely to find two hundred and forty or two hundred and eight volts electric kilns here in the US. Additionally, most kilns are available in either single or three phases. You could buy the 240 volts or a single-phase kiln for home use. If you are not sure about purchasing the right kiln, ask an expert electrician to guide you. Buying the wrong kiln will not allow you to work properly.
The Kiln Elements- approximately all the electric kilns are made of Kanthal A-1 alloys. Those who do high firing constantly should focus on heavy-duty elements. Usually, automatic kilns are used to perform longer firing sessions and could be upgraded using these elements. The electric kilns you can get have grooves in the firebricks where the elements are laid in for added support. This firebrick is much more likely to break after a few years of constant use. In fact if you accidentally slip and drop your kiln shelf, the element groove could be damaged for good. The pins, which are used to fix the grooves, aggravate the problem. Pins usually contract and expand at a different level than bricks. This explains why they fracture the bricks.
Kiln venting- you should consider a powered kiln vent or else crack the kiln lid to vent it manually. When firing clay and glazes, poisonous gases such as sulfer, carbon monoxide and carbon among other gasses are produced. A powered kiln vent removes the gases automatically and eliminates the risk of kiln damage. A vent that boosts the kiln uniformity and improves the glaze colors such as the downdraft is good. You could certainly try the L&L downdraft vents because the smoke is kept under vacuum. Ensure good ventilation in the room where you perform ceramics and pottery.
Warranty- when purchasing an electric kiln, ask about the warranty. Many kilns are pricey and you shouldn't take care of any damages immediately after buying them. A warranty allows you to service your kiln by returning it the vendor.
