Intro
How we can help
“We have been supplying kilns since 1992 and our preferred manufacturers are Rohde Gmbh and Potterycrafts Ltd. We can supply other makes on request. Rohde Kilns These are high quality kilns from Germany and the range includes Top loaders, Front loaders, Gas kilns, Raku kilns, Fusing kilns and Hood kilns for ceramics and glass. At Heskeths we use the Ecotop kiln for firing. All the kilns come with a 3 year guarantee (exluding heating elements) and Gas and Raku kilns. Delivery takes between 3 and 4 weeks. Potterycrafts Ltd Kilns Potterycrafts Ltd are an established British kiln manufacturer and have many years of experience in kiln building. The hobby kilns are particularly good and come as a complete package with kiln, controller and kiln furniture set to get you started. The Aurora and Mercury kilns can be plugged into a 13 amp socket.
After sales assistance
Once your new kiln is connected and provided you are within a reasonable travelling distance, we will, if you wish and at no extra charge visit you on-site to talk you through the firing process and show you how the controller works etc.
Should you not require a visit but would still like some impartial advice then you are welcome to telephone or email us.
Choosing a kiln
We recommend study the list of kilns on offer to match the nearest kiln to the size and configuration you require. Please feel free to contact us if you need help in making a decision.
Before ordering you need to check to see if the kiln will fit the space, e.g. pass through a doorway etc. and check the electricity supply. In some cases the kiln may need to be built on site or delivered as a split cabinet. The manufacturers need to know this before they can start building your kiln.
Installation and Servicing
If you need an experienced electrician to install your kiln then contact Robin Shoebridge on 01273 515169 who can give you a quotation to carry out the work. Robin can replace elements, trouble-shoot problems and service your kiln for you.
Maintenance
It is important to look after your kiln once it is installed and you begin firing. You can prolong the life of your elements by making sure the ware is completely dry before loading the kiln, keeping the vents/bung holes open to ensure steam and gases escape.
If you are unfortunate to have an explosion, carefully hoover out the shards both at the base of the kiln and in the element grooves.
Always place a kiln batt on the base of the kiln - if you have a glaze run, a batt is cheaper to replace than a kiln base!
We recommend you keep a Firing Book to log all your firings etc and this will help to indicate when elements will need to be replaced etc, which is after approximately 50 - 60 stoneware firings. It also helps us to troubleshoot if you are experiencing problems. Make a note of the make of your kiln, model and serial number (which can be found on a metal plate on the kiln) as this will help when ordering elements and spare parts.
Health and Safety
The kiln needs to be sited in a room with good ventilation, you could fit an extractor fan if there is no window.
If the kiln is to be sited in a school classroom then it should be caged and padlocked to prevent children gaining access to the kiln and its controls.
It is advisable to fire your kiln when there is nobody in the room and if you have off-peak electricity/white meter then it is cheaper to fire overnight.
Make sure there is nothing left either on the top of or leaning against the kiln as this would be a fire hazard.
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