Proper kiln post placement is essential when loading your electric kiln, especially models with a powered bottom. Whether you’re working with pottery kilns at home or school kilns in an educational setting, this guide will help you make informed decisions to achieve even firing results and protect your kiln components.

Can You Place Kiln Posts Directly Over Heating Elements?

It’s generally not recommended to place kiln posts directly over the heating elements in the powered bottom of your kiln. Doing so can create several problems:

• Overheating of the Heating Elements: Kiln posts on top of heating elements can restrict airflow and lead to localized overheating. This reduces the lifespan of your elements, increasing maintenance costs for your electric kiln.
• Risk of Uneven Heating: Placing posts over elements may create hot spots, especially when using advanced kiln shelves like Advancer shelves. These shelves conduct heat more efficiently, potentially causing uneven heating of your ware and risking thermal shock to your shelves or pottery.

Should You Use Advancer or Cordierite Kiln Shelves for the Bottom Layer?

Both shelf types have their advantages, but your choice depends on your firing needs:

• Cordierite Kiln Shelves:
  • Better suited for situations where uneven heating is a concern.
  • Heavier and slower to heat up, which helps distribute heat more evenly.
  • A good choice for the bottom shelf in electric kilns if you’re experiencing hot spots.
• Advancer Kiln Shelves:
  • Excellent for high-temperature firings.
  • Lightweight, making loading and unloading easier in large pottery kilns and school kilns.
  • Conduct heat rapidly, leading to uneven heating if not properly managed

If you’re concerned about uneven heating and compromised shelf stability, using a cordierite shelf on the bottom can help minimize this issue.

Is a Slightly Less Stable Kiln Post Configuration Acceptable?

If you can avoid placing posts directly over the heating elements by slightly adjusting the configuration, that’s generally the better approach. Even if the arrangement feels "less stable," it is often stable enough for standard firings. Always ensure your kiln posts and shelves are level and secure before starting a firing cycle.

Final Recommendations for Loading Your Electric Kiln

• Avoid placing kiln posts directly over powered bottom elements.
• Consider using a cordierite shelf for the bottom layer to help mitigate uneven heating.
• Test different configurations during lower-temperature firings before committing to higher-temperature cycles.
• Remember, every kiln—whether a small home unit or a large school kiln—has its own firing characteristics. Take detailed notes during each firing to optimize your setup over time.

For more expert advice on kilns, electric kilns, and best practices for pottery kilns, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help you achieve the perfect firing every time!

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