Brennstäbe & Heizelemente austauschen: Wie erkennt man Verschleiß, welche Modelle passen zu unseren Öfen, und wie tauscht man sie sicher aus?

Replacing Heating Elements: How to Spot Wear, Which Models Fit Our Kilns and How to Replace Them Safely

LB Berlin

Table of contents

Overview: Why heating elements are wear parts

Heating elements are the heart of every electric kiln. They produce the heat that permanently changes clay and glaze. At the same time, they are classic wear parts: they age a little with every firing.

Many potters report that a kiln “gets weaker at some point” even though the controller and programs are unchanged. In most cases this is not down to the electronics but to aged heating elements.

You can find a basic introduction to firing here: Firing ceramics: basics, temperatures and technology explained .

How to tell your heating elements need replacing

Wear rarely shows up suddenly. Usually it is small changes that creep in over several firings. These are the signs people report most often:

  • Noticeably longer heat-up times with the same programs
  • The kiln barely reaches its final temperature, or no longer reaches it at all
  • Uneven firing results (hotter at the top than at the bottom, or vice versa)
  • Visible oxidation or thinning of the heating elements

Typically: the kiln still works, but “not like it used to.” This very state costs energy, time and nerves in the long run.

What happens if you replace them too late

Heating elements used for too long put strain on the entire kiln:

  • Programs run noticeably longer → higher electricity consumption
  • Temperature distribution becomes unstable
  • Controllers have to correct more often
  • Glazes react unpredictably

Many experienced potters therefore replace heating elements deliberately before they fail completely – not only once the kiln no longer heats up at all.

Which heating elements fit which kiln?

Heating elements are specific to the kiln and model. Length, diameter, wattage and connection type must match exactly. When buying new heating elements, give the model number and the year of manufacture of the kiln to be safe and avoid problems later.

For many common models we offer matching heating element sets:

Important: Heating elements should ideally be replaced as a set. Individual new elements next to old ones often lead to uneven heat distribution.

You can also find an overview of matching kiln models in the Guide: Kittec kilns .

Replacing heating elements safely: Step by step

Replacing them requires care:

  1. Fully disconnect the kiln from power (switch off the fuse, pull the plug)
  2. Let the kiln cool down completely
  3. Document the existing connections or take photos of them
  4. Carefully release the old heating elements from their holders
  5. Insert the new heating elements without tension
  6. Make the connections exactly as before

Important: Heating elements must not be under mechanical tension. Elements mounted too tightly often break after just a few firings. We recommend getting advice from experts, as installing the heating elements can cause problems.

Lid and bottom heating: When additional heating elements make sense

In many kilns, temperature differences develop between the top and the bottom. Additional heating elements can help here:

Especially for production runs or larger firing chambers, many potters report much more even results.

FAQ from practice

How long do heating elements last?

Roughly between 80 and 200 firings, depending on the kiln, temperature and use. High-temperature firings shorten their lifespan.

Can I replace just individual heating elements?

Technically yes – in practice it is usually discouraged. A complete set provides more even heat.

Can I replace heating elements myself?

Yes, if you work carefully. If you are unsure, it is better to ask first – incorrect installation can damage the kiln.

Further reading

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