Getting to know your FrontLoader™

The first thing you can do is to environmentally profile your FrontLoader™. It is not complicated and once done it does not need to be repeated. When we profiled the FrontLoader™ it is likely that our environment was different than yours will be. The numeric values we provide are based on OUR environment. Your line voltage, air conditioning vent placement, ceiling fan in operation, room temperature, proximity to a sunny window, outdoor operation - these are aspects that are in your control. The following process is to make sure you know what your FrontLoader™ is capable of by knowing what temperatures it will attain at different settings.

The process is quite simple. With a piece of paper at hand, write down five minute increments down the left side... 5, 10, 15, etc to about 75 minutes. Note the ambient temperature on the digital readout when you first turn the FrontLoader™ on. Turn the kiln to FULL at the 12 o’clock position of the kiln and start timing. Every 5 minutes note the temperature until the temperature stabilizes. Let the kiln cool completely - a table fan can help. Repeat the process setting the dial on the next lower setting on the knob to the 12 o’clock position. Do this until the top temperature is the lowest you have need for and you are done. Now you know what your FrontLoader™ can do at different settings based on your own environment.


Mechanical Aspects of the FrontLoader™

The FrontLoader™ is manufactured with rigidified fiber that uses an organic binder in the process. There will be a small residual amount left. When you first fire the FrontLoader™ you may notice a small amount of smell from this but it should be completely gone after the first or second firing. It is non-toxic.

After many firings you may notice a bit of heat discoloration of the muffle face and the green finish just under the door. This is normal. You may also notice that after numerous firings the door and kiln body display a bit of heat distortion. This in no way affects the performance of the FrontLoader™. If the latch becomes a bit stiff to engage, the back catch can be adjusted to compensate by loosening the screw and moving the catch just a bit. Since the fiber muffle is a cast product, the process of firing to high temperatures may form very thin tiny fissures in the kiln wall. This is to be expected and in no way compromises the function or life of the FrontLoader™.

Temperature Chart

The temperature chart below is a generalization of what you can expect and may be different than what you will experience. Following the instructions under Getting to know your FrontLoader™ will index your kiln to your environment and voltages and should only need to be done one time.

The knob positions on the FrontLoader™ are indicated on the chart by different color lines. Time is on the horizontal axis and temperature is on the vertical axis.

Actual times & temperatures will vary from those presented here due to variables beyond our control such as voltage, ambient room temperature and air flow.


**Manufacturer's warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for 90 days. Please note that small fiber muffle kilns of any brand are not designed to withstand frequent and prolonged firings at maximum temperature and doing so may result in a shorter useful life of the muffle. Please note items below under Mechanical Aspects of the FrontLoader™ that are to be considered normal for the operation of the FrontLoader over time.