Kilns in the cold

[CeeGeeJewellery]

Apologies if this is a really stupid question, but I really don't want to damage my lovely new kiln! Are there any problems with leaving it out in my shed when the weather is really cold? Obviously it's designed to withstand extreme temperatures, but does that apply to frosty nights as well?

[Margram]

I haven't got anything sensible to say - but I can imagine you putting a little duvet on your kiln with a hot water bottle...cute!
Mine has had to survive all sorts of weather in a draughty shedio.

[sea-thistle]

I had problems with my kiln on Sunday. I switched it on and just got a row of dots and a beep!! I left it switched on and eventually it came back to life!! This is the first time I have had probelms in the cold weather and my shed is insulated, and dry, no holes in walls. The ground was frozen outside, and still is!! Think it's just the cold, and the electircs. Don't really want to cover the kiln up, don't think that would be a good idea. Hurry up Spring that's  what I say!!

[CeeGeeJewellery]

That's what I'm worried about! It's a bit heavy to be lugging back to the house all the time but I don't run it often as I don't have the time to make enough beads to make it worthwhile. Just have to hope for the best I guess  .

[Donna@Rockin' Beads]

My Paragon SC2 was showing -4C one morning when I switched it on. I must admit I was rather worried about it at that point but it worked a treat.

[noora]

My kiln's manual says not to leave it out in cold spaces like sheds and garages, mostly because it can get damp in the cold. I think the white stuff in the walls could crack if it is damp when you heat the kiln.

[Lee - Kilncare]

To be honest, the cold shouldn't really effect your kiln any. The electronics on our kilns and most others as far as I know will go down to minus silly degrees.

Damp is another issue all together and often accompanies the cold.
Let's face it, there are thousands of kilns up and down the UK in sheds and garages and they all survive so I really wouldn't worry too much. If the things are used now and then then the damp tends to get cleared, it's when they stand un-used for long periods that it seems to be a problem.

We have a customer in Bristol who has his kiln under a lean-to.....not that I would reccomend that too often

[dinah46]

My kiln has been out in the unheated garage since 2004 (crumbs have I been at it that long ) and it's showing no ill effects and never had any issues with it.

[Redhotsal]

Yeah - I agree with Lee - the temperature should be ok but damp is a killer.

[Flyingcheesetoastie]

You big meanies, letting your poor kilns get damp and cold!  One thing I would say is I have a ceramics kiln which has a thicked wall than the others and when I first got it and again when it was in storage, I ran it empty up to 500 odd just to get any moisture out of it before putting glass it.

[sea-thistle]

I think it would be sensible if I switched my other kiln on an SC2 to see if that is ok as well!!, it's not been on for a very long time! as  I hope it's ok! ::)it's keeping the Bluebird company.

[noora]

You big meanies, letting your poor kilns get damp and cold! 

It does sound horrible when you put it like that What if the kiln catches a cold! It wouldn't do to have a kiln with a sore throat and runny nose. Beadies would get all yucky.

[CeeGeeJewellery]

Thanks for the reassurance! Great excuse to go and have some torch time - can you look after the baby please husband, as I need to make sure my kiln doesn't catch a chill  .