5 Pro Tips for Extending Your Kiln Element Life

Replacing kiln elements is a necessary part of pottery, but it doesn't have to happen as often as you might think. By following these five professional tips, you can significantly extend the life of your heating coils.

1. The "Break-in" Fire

Whenever you install new elements, run the kiln empty to about 1000°F and hold for 20 minutes. This allows the wire to form a clean, protective aluminum oxide layer before it is exposed to glaze fumes.

2. Vacuum Regularly

Glaze drips, bits of kiln wash, and clay dust can settle in the element grooves. These contaminants can cause "hot spots" or chemical reactions that eat through the wire. Vacuum your grooves every few firings — see our troubleshooting guide for what to do when contamination has already caused damage.

3. Avoid Over-Firing

Firing to the absolute limit of your kiln's capability every time will wear out elements rapidly. If you consistently fire to Cone 10, consider upgrading to elements designed for that load.

4. Proper Venting

Glaze fumes are not just bad for you—they are bad for your elements. Sulfur and other chemicals can attack the wire's protective coating. Ensure your kiln has an active venting system.

5. Check Your Connections

Loose terminal connections cause heat to build up at the connector rather than in the kiln. This leads to brittle tails and premature failure. Check that your terminal nuts are tight every few months — our installation guide covers proper torque and tail termination in detail.

By taking these small steps, you can save money and ensure your kiln fires consistently every time. When the day comes that elements do need replacing, send us your kiln model and we'll wind a precise factory-spec replacement.