Chili Pepper Kiln: Heating Element Question

[Solana]

Hello everyone! I had the unfortunate experience yesterday of firing up my kiln, made a wonderful bead, and found out my kiln wasn't heating up when I went to put the finished bead in there. :(

My controller seems to be working fine, with the pilot light on showing that it's sending power to the heating element, but the temperature never increased. I looked inside of the kiln and the little coils in there weren't even on.

I called Jen-Ken's support number and the lady informed me that I have to have my heating element replaced. I bought a new one for $25, and it'll be shipped on Monday.

Have any of you experienced your heating element going out? My kiln is only 1.5 years old. Is that standard for how long a heating element lasts? Are chili pepper kilns know for this? I just want to make sure this doesn't happen again in the future.

Also, does anyone know how to replace the heating element? I'm a little nervous about doing it myself. Jen-Ken said I could call them for help, but wanted to hear from you guys if it's really as simple as they're claiming.

*sigh* I was hoping to work on Christmas presents this weekend too. :(

[Dale M.]

Hello everyone! I had the unfortunate experience yesterday of firing up my kiln, made a wonderful bead, and found out my kiln wasn't heating up when I went to put the finished bead in there. :(

My controller seems to be working fine, with the pilot light on showing that it's sending power to the heating element, but the temperature never increased. I looked inside of the kiln and the little coils in there weren't even on.

I called Jen-Ken's support number and the lady informed me that I have to have my heating element replaced. I bought a new one for $25, and it'll be shipped on Monday.

Have any of you experienced your heating element going out? My kiln is only 1.5 years old. Is that standard for how long a heating element lasts? Are chili pepper kilns know for this? I just want to make sure this doesn't happen again in the future.

Also, does anyone know how to replace the heating element? I'm a little nervous about doing it myself. Jen-Ken said I could call them for help, but wanted to hear from you guys if it's really as simple as they're claiming.

*sigh* I was hoping to work on Christmas presents this weekend too. :(


There is no standard time for heating elements to last...

Heating elements are consumables... The go out when the go out... With many heating and cooling cycles metal fatigue sets in, especially if there is a weak spot in element wire... You may only have gotten 1.5 years on your element the next one may go 3 years or 5 or....

It just "happens"....

Dale

[Solana]

Hi Dale! Thanks for the info! I know heating elements are consumables since I recently replaced the one in my hot tub as well (THAT was a lot more that $25). I was just curious as to the expected lifespan of the chili pepper ones. Hopefully the next one I get will last longer than 1.5 years. :)

[Ann]

I replaced mine also. My element came with an instruction sheet on how to replace it. Also I know you need to check often to be sure that there isn"t any kiln dust. It can get on the element and cause it to have a shorter life. My Evenheat is 6 years old and I have only replaced the element one time .

[Solana]

Woo hoo! My element came today (with no instructions), but I still managed to replace it! Successfully too! :) I tested my kiln, and it was such a relief to see the temperature start increasing! Hallelujah! :biggrin: