Keeping Betty going and Knowing When to replace the kiln elements
- nadineblakemore
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Yes, kilns are expensive and no, they don’t last forever, but you knew that already, right!
Why Kiln Logs Matter
For a potter, the kiln is the one piece of pottery studio equipment you simply cannot be without, and mine is in regular use. As part of my regular kiln maintenance, I keep a detailed kiln firing log and note everything: the number of firings, the type (bisque or glaze), the cone it has gone up to (that’s a measurement of temperature and time), and the date I switched it on. I also record whether it has achieved the cone/temperature or not.
Uneven Heat and Element Lifespan
Most of the time, Betty fires with an uneven kiln temperature, slightly hotter at the top than at the bottom. When I bought the kiln, the manufacturers explained the basics of electric kiln care, including how long the elements typically last. One set of elements, the metal wire that heats the kiln, should last between 75 and 125 firings before needing replacement. Hence the importance of keeping a log, so I know when it’s time to buy new elements.
The First Element Change: Playing It Safe
My first set of elements lasted me six years. I had the fabulous people from Northern Kilns round to service the kiln and replace the elements. Back then, Betty had fired 125 times and, because I depended on her for the business, I decided it was time for replacing the kiln elements, even though she was still firing absolutely fine. She might have managed another 10 or even 30 firings, but one just doesn’t know — and I didn’t want to risk it.
The Signs Something Was Wrong
This second set of elements lasted “only” three years and needed replacing in June 2026. But they had done a whopping 139 firings, and I only noticed something was wrong when the cone 6 glaze firing didn’t reach the temperature I had hoped for and my cone 6 was fully down at the top but not at the bottom, in fact it hadnt even done a full cone 5. The kiln simply wasn’t getting up to an even temperature anymore, which told me this set had reached the end of its lifespan in the kiln.
Replace the kiln elements (With a LOT of Help From Clive)
This time, Clive (one of my students) and I had a go at changing them ourselves. Clive knows far more about electrics than I do; he’s a retired electrical engineer. Together we lifted Betty up, brought her into the room so we could access the back, removed the old elements, and fitted the new ones. I say we, but in all honesty, it was Clive. He is a superstar, and I am very grateful for his help. In the end, I also gave Betty a once over, vacuum and dust (with a wet cloth) which is just as well, because even the most reliable pottery studio equipment needs a little TLC now and then.
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