Have you ever wanted to try your hand at a crafting project such as pottery or smithing, but just don’t have the funds to invest in a kiln? The good news is you can use your kitchen stove as a makeshift kiln if you take the right safety precautions! This article aims to explain what a kiln is and what it’s used for, the benefits of using your stove as a kiln, and provide tips and safety guidelines for the best results.
What is a kiln and what is it used for?
A kiln is an enclosed chamber designed to heat and “set” materials such as clay, metal, wood, and glass into their desired shape. Part of what makes a kiln so special is its ability to reach very high temperatures (over 1000 degrees Celsius/1800 degrees Fahrenheit)—temperature levels that are often unattainable with simpler tools such as an ordinary kitchen oven. Kilns are popularly used to create items such as pottery, jewelry, stained glass, and steel items.
What are the benefits of using a stove as a kiln?
In addition to its cost efficiency, another great benefit of using your stove as a makeshift kiln is its portability. Kilns are usually stationary pieces of equipment that require professional installation, whereas a stove can be moved around or taken outdoors for quick firing sessions. Additionally, since stoves usually contain burners made from gas or electric coils, you may adjust your firing area to fit your needs.
What safety precautions should be taken when using a stove as a kiln?
Before attempting to use your stove as a kiln, it is important to take safety precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. First, always take the time to read and understand the manufacturer’s instruction manual for your stove. This will provide you with important information regarding the capabilities and limits of your stove, as well as pertinent warnings. It is also important that you ascertain that your stove is capable of reaching the degree of temperature you are looking for. Secondly, it is important to work in a well-ventilated area, with all burners off while firing is taking place. Lastly, wear safety goggles and gloves while firing your project. This will protect you against the potential of burning yourself or inhaling fumes.
How to prepare your stove for use as a kiln
When preparing your stove for use as a kiln ensure that both the external and internal surfaces are clean from dirt or residue. Additionally, avoid placing any combustible materials on or near your stove while in use, and ensure that the burners underneath your pieces are off. Once pre-firing is complete, it is important to prepare a “loading zone” on top of your stove for your creations to be fired. Place a ceramic or fireproof shelf or platform over the cooking area and spread sand or other fireproof material evenly across the surface. Place any items you would like fired on top of the fireproof material then cover with another layer of sand or material.
What materials can be fired in a stove-kiln?
The materials that can be fired in a stove-kiln depend on the reachable temperature of your specific stove – making sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety instructions is key. Popular materials that can be fired in stoves include pottery, metal clay, glass, and enamels. Additionally, use low fire clays or glazes in order to avoid burning or melting the items being fired.
Techniques for firing in a stove-kiln
The technique for firing in a stove-kiln depends on what type of material you are firing, however generally speaking most items should be fired “slow and cool”. This means heating the items inside your makeshift kiln slowly over time in order to ensure even heating and cooling. Additionally, ensure that the handle of your stove remains open at all times during the firing process and allow pieces to cool immediately after firing is complete.
Tips for firing larger pieces in a stove-kiln
Firing larger pieces can take more time and be more difficult in a makeshift kiln. To make sure your large item fires correctly you should: favor asymmetry over symmetry to promote even heating; pre-heat the empty area around the item before placing it into the kiln; keep your stove on its lowest setting; and consider covering with aluminum foil during the last portion of firing (this will help with heat diffusion). Lastly, while firing any type of piece in a makeshift kiln it is important to rotate pieces at least twice every fifteen minutes.
How to achieve desired results with a stove-kiln
Reaching desired results with a homemade kiln requires some trial and error—try various settings until desired effects are achieved. The key is to be patient, pay attention to the amount of time and heat you are applying, and don’t be afraid to experiment! Working with lower temperatures with longer durations will allow more time for pieces to heat evenly while avoiding burnouts.
Troubleshooting common issues with using a stove-kiln
Common issues experienced when using a homemade kiln such as uneven heating, burning or melting of pieces can usually be solved by simply pre-heating longer prior to placing pieces into the kiln. It is also important to evenly distribute pieces when arranged on top of the fireproof material or shelf. If pieces need more covering or insulation, use Kiln Wrap or Aluminum Foil to help disperse heat around individual pieces. Lastly, it is important to maintain an adequate supply of furnace cement or clay cement when repairing any damaged parts on your makeshift kiln.
It’s important to remember that while using a kitchen stove as a makeshift kiln may save you money upfront setting up your project, always weigh safety precautions and instructions provided by the manufacturer before attempting any type of firing.
