Firing the SFEM PRO is quite simple! Turn the power switch on and the ambient temperature will show in a few seconds.

Digital temperature control is easy! The only controls you need are the up and down arrow keys. Hold down on the direction you want the target temperature to go and the readout will begin changing. Stop on your desired temperature. The SET button is not used for this kiln. If you accidentally press it, simply switch the power off then back on to reset the controller.

On the Dual Mode Control, select the desired firing method - Ramp & Hold or Ramp & Off.

Ramp/Hold - Moving the toggle switch up starts the firing cycle and when your target temperature is reached the PRO will hold that temperature with a relay going on and off to maintain temperature within a few degrees. The switch will remain in the up position.

Once your target temperature is reached an internal relay begins to click on and off to maintain the target temperature.

Ramp/Off - Moving the toggle switch down starts the firing cycle and once your target temperature is reached, power to the elements is switched off automatically. Switching down is a momentary position - the switch will return to the middle position.

Intermediate temperatures during the firing cycle can be controlled in the Ramp/Hold mode by dynamically changing the target temperature during the firing process. Whether you are ramping up or ramping down simply make the adjustment using the up/down arrows on the right side of the controller and the kiln will reach that temperature and hold it until you change it again. This also allows you to control the ramp rate of a firing cycle. This is quite handy when doing a binder burnout with some metal clays and when firing glass.

Handling the Kiln Top
We strongly recommend that you turn the kiln off and allow it to cool for about ten minutes before removing it from the base. If the kiln is cooled to 300ºF (149ºC) or less and the element cover is at the back of the base the kiln top can be lifted up and set behind the base resting on the element cover and with the opening facing you. If the kiln is over 300ºF (149ºC) then the recommended method is as follows: With the element cover having the power cord facing you, lift the kiln up to clear your pieces or firing vessel and tip it towards you 90 degrees and rest the element cover on a heat resistant surface. This puts the open area of the kiln facing AWAY from you. This will also allow the kiln to cool more quickly. Be cautious when reaching for your pieces or firing vessel as they may still be hot. Consider the use of tweezers, tongs and heat resistant gloves. It is strongly recommended that you work on a heat proof surface such as a ceramic tile. During firing to maximum temperature, the under side of the kiln base itself generally doesn't exceed 200ºF (93ºC), but it is prudent to protect surfaces from elevated temperatures.

IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING!

• Do not leave the kiln unattended for extended periods of time.
• ALWAYS operate the kiln on a heat resistant surface.
• Locate kiln well away from combustable materials and at least 18" (45.7cm) away from any wall or curtain material
• Do not allow young children to use the kiln unsupervised at any time.
• As with any kiln, there are hot surfaces. Assume they are hot before touching any surface to avoid accidental hot contact.
• Do NOT lift the kiln up off the base while at high temperatures as escaping heat could cause burns.
• When firing glass and "peeking" at the firing progress gently lift one side and look quickly then let kiln back down gently.
• We strongly recommend that the kiln be turned off and allowed to cool for 10 minutes or more before moving the kiln.

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KILNS GET HOT!
Kilns get hot inside as well as out! Surface temperatures around the kiln at full temperature will range from 110ºF (43ºC) to 280ºF (138ºC). Also note that the underside of the SFEM™ can get to 200ºF (93ºC) so please make sure you operate the kiln on a heat resistant surface. Any ceramic tile or other surface designed to resist heat should suffice. To put a bit of perspective on these temperatures, we tested a home waffle iron and found that the top outer surface reaches 150ºF (66ºC) and the middle exposed area reaches 300ºF (149ºC).

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