March 28, 2025

KNOWLEDGEBASE & FAQS

KNOWLEDGEBASE & FAQS

Specifications & Literature

What is the difference between the Easy-Fire Kilns and the School-Master kilns?
OverviewThe Easy-Fire and School-Master kilns are very similar. The Easy-fire kilns are our flagship kiln series. Many thousands are installed around the world.
Why does L&L's Easy-Fire e28T-3 3-phase kiln have a maximum cone of 10, while some other popular brands have a maximum cone of only 8?
On the Easy-Fire e28T-3 kiln (and School-Master SM28T-3) you will find the cone rating is limited by the KW of the kiln.
Why does the e23T go to Cone 10 but the e28T only go to Cone 8?
There is an electrical code rule in the US that allows you to have any appliance that draws 48 amps or less not have what are called "branch fusing".
Why don't other manufactures use Ceramic Element Holders?
We invented them. We have a design patent on them. They are expensive. It is one of the great value-added features of L&L kilns.

Miscellaneous

Can L&L ship kilns collect?
Yes. Click here for more information.
Can L&L ship kilns Prepay and Add?
Yes - we can prepay and add freight charges to your invoice. Click here for more information.
Does L&L Export?
L&L exports through both international distributors in some countries and directly where we do not have a distributor. See our list of international distributors. Orders
How are L&L kilns packed?
Click here to find out how L&L packs its kilns.
How much does it cost to ship a kiln?
Talk to your local distributor. Call our factory for a shipping quote (if you are buying direct from the factory).
How to order from the factory
Call the factory (Toll Free:877-455-5456, Regular Phone:856-294-0077) Fax the factory (856-294-0070)
What freight companies does L&L use? Can I specify a freight company?
Click here for information on how L&L ships kilns.
What is the FOB (Freight on Board) point?
All kilns are shipped from our factory in Swedesboro, NJ (10 miles south of Philadelphia PA). Click here for more information.
What is the freight classification?
Class 85 for kilns.Class 55 for parts.
Where can I buy L&L Kilns?
Where to find an L&L Distributor. All the buying options are listed here.

Used & Discontinued Kilns

Can I convert an old K Model, P Model, H Model or other old L&L manual kiln to be automatic?
It is very difficult to do this and we offer no support for it.
Can I convert my older J Series Manual Econo-Kiln to an automatic kiln?
The Jupiter automatic kilns use the same basic kiln sections that made the J Series Econo-Kilns so popular and reliable.
How old is my kiln?
The serial number is on a data nameplate affixed to the control panel. Usually the last two digits (before any suffixes) are the year in which it was made.
I have an old L&L Kiln that I want to sell. What is it worth?
We get asked this question a lot. We don't have any real way of knowing. A kiln, or any possession for that matter, is valued at whatever someone is willing to pay for it.
I just bought an old L&L kiln and it's in great shape. How do I get instructions?
You can download almost all of our instructions (including those for older models) from

Operation

Can I cool my kiln faster than it would normally?
This question gets asked a lot around the holidays. L&L's official line on cooling the kiln is leave it alone until it reaches 200F, then you can open it and unload it.
Can the DynaTrol count the number of firings of the kiln?
The controller can only tell you how many times a firing has been started since the kiln was brand new.
Can you use Advancer Shelves in an L&L Kiln?
A customer writes:
How do I fire with fewer kiln sections on my Jupiter Kiln?
The outlets are numbered on the side of the control box. In this example below all the outlets are assumed to be numbered 1-5 top to bottom, or 1-4 top to bottom or 1-3 top to bottom.
How do I fire with fewer sections on my five section kiln?
Remove the lid. Open it first to remove the spring-loaded connections to the front of the lid. Use two people to lower it.
How do I load my kiln properly?
How much weight can go in a kiln?
Although this is not something that we have specifically tested for, the general answer is about 50 to 75 pounds per square foot of bottom surface area.
How soon after the test firing can one bisque fire?
Immediately.
How to Fire - General instruction panels for Dura-Fire.
Very Important! Be sure that the adjustments on the kiln-sitter have been properly set. See the kiln-sitter manual for details.
How to Place Posts when Loading a Kiln
Placing PostsPlace posts a few inches in from the edge of the shelf. Posts positioned on the shelf
I want to do reduction firing with alcohol drip. Does L&L provide any coating on elements to improve lifetime in such usage?
We don't offer any coatings for elements. There is an ITC coating that some people claim to use with success.
It seems that I should turn the Kiln off at the end of the test firing. Typically, how soon after would I turn it back on to check the temperature and the ability to open the lid?
The kiln will automatically shut off the program after the firing. If you do turn off the kiln with the on/off switch you can force it to shut down but you don't have to.
Should I use the Fast Glaze or Slow Glaze or Fast Bisque or Slow Bisque?
When in doubt it is almost always better to fire slower than faster. A slower firing allows for more time for water vapor, fumes and gasses to escape from the body of the clay body.
The contactors on my Easy-Load, or Davinci kiln are loud. What can I do about it?
The first and easiest thing to do is to change the cycle time of the contactors.
What are graded elements and how do they work? Does L&L use them?
Graded elements are one way kiln manufacturers adjust for the natural top to bottom temperature variations in a kiln. 
What can I do to promote even kiln firings?
Control Our DynaTrol automatic control with Dynamic Zone Control is the state of the art way to do this. Loading
What does it cost ($) for the electricity to fire the kiln?
The only way to figure this out accurately is to have a kilowatt meter installed in the power supply line.
Where can I get good information on how to fire my kiln?
We include many firing tip brochures from Orton. For a more in depth explanation, Orton has a great book
Why use slow bisque over fast bisque? Is it just a moisture issue?
Slow bisque is the safest to use and ensures a better firing to get out fumes and water vapors.The more carb

Tips, Cones, Log

Adjust Kiln Load if you have uneven firing
Distribute your load weight more evenly throughout the kiln or to match the kiln's firing characteristics.
How to fire very precisely using witness cones
Automatic kilns and even manual kilns shut off by the use of cones are never as accurate as the human eye. 99.999% of time this is fine.
To check uniformity and heat-work: Place Cone Packs in the Kiln
Use cone packs in all sections (top, center, bottom) of the kiln and keep records of what happens.

Maintenance

Can I put Small Elements in an Element Channel designed for Large Elements?
Yes - there is no problem putting a smaller element in a larger holder. Just be careful on the first firing so that the element doesn't come out of the holder while it is still "springy".
Do kiln stands rust and what should be done about it?
It is very common for kiln stands to rust. This happens from condensation in the air and possibly from moisture coming from the kiln bottom during bisque firings.
Drilling for the Element Connections
Use a drill bit with a diameter of 1/8" to 3/16"
Drilling Holes for Peepholes
To drill peepholes use a 1" diameter drill bit or hole saw.
How can I extend ceramic kiln element life?
See this link for an article in Clay Times by Stephen Lewicki, President of L&L Kiln Mfg.
How can I tell the difference between elements wired in parallel versus series in my Jupiter, DaVinci, or Doll kiln?
Your Jupiter, DaVinci, or Doll kiln will have its elements either wired in parallel or wired in series.
How long do relays last?
Relays generally last around 200,000 cycles on average (roughly 18+ months depending on usage, firing temperature, and firing profile), but can fail long before or long after without any explanatio
How long does a kiln last?
That is a difficult question to answer, as the longevity of a kiln is based much more on how it is being used and maintained, rather than how old it is.
How many times do I coat my shelves with kiln wash?
Question: I am about to run my first bisque firing in my new L&L kiln. I have coated the floor of the kiln for the test first fire along with the shelves that I put in for the firing.