Are L And L Kilns Good?

L&L kilns have been around since the 1970s and are a popular choice among ceramic artists, hobbyists, and small studios. The company was founded by Bartlett and Louise Lukens, hence the name L&L. Today, L&L offers a range of electric and gas kilns in various sizes to suit different needs.

In this article, we’ll provide an overview of L&L kilns, looking at the ease of use, reliability, temperature accuracy, durability, safety, cost, and customer support. We’ll summarize the key pros and cons to help you determine if an L&L kiln is a good choice for your specific needs.

Kiln Types

L&L kilns come in several different types, each with their own pros and cons:

Front-Loading Kilns: These are the most common L&L kilns. The door is located on the front for easy loading and unloading. Front-loading kilns heat evenly and are a good choice for most applications. The downside is that heat is lost every time the door is opened.

Top-Loading Kilns: As the name suggests, top-loading kilns are loaded from the top. They retain heat better since the door is opened less frequently. However, loading large pieces can be challenging. Heat distribution may also vary between top and bottom.

Square Kilns: L&L square kilns maximize interior space and allow fitting larger pieces. However, heat distribution can be less even in the corners.

Oval Kilns: Oval L&L kilns offer excellent uniform heating in a space-efficient shape. The downside is their smaller capacity compared to a similar sized square kiln.

Shoulder Kilns: These have extra space in the upper chamber to accommodate tall pieces. Shoulder kilns have uneven heating though since the upper chamber is cooler.

Custom Designed Kilns: L&L offers made-to-order kilns tailored to a customer’s specific needs. These allow customization of size, shape, power, and other features.

Ease of Use

L&L kilns are designed to be user-friendly and easy to operate, even for beginners with no prior experience. The basic functions like turning the kiln on, programming firing profiles, and monitoring temperature are simple and straightforward. L&L kilns come with digital controllers that allow you to easily set target temperatures, ramp rates, and hold times.

Operating an L&L kiln does not require any special skills or knowledge. The instruction manuals and video tutorials provided by L&L make it easy to learn how to use the kilns properly. The controls are intuitive and have features like touch screen displays, easy to navigate menus, and alarm notifications to prevent firing errors.

In terms of maintenance, L&L kilns need minimal upkeep. Basic tasks like vacuuming out dust, lubricating moving parts, and replacing worn thermocouples can be performed by the owner without much difficulty. The kilns are designed for easy repairs and part replacements. L&L provides excellent troubleshooting guides and support as well.

Overall, L&L kilns are some of the most user-friendly and easy to operate kilns available. Their thoughtful design and customer support resources make them accessible even to complete beginners.

Reliability

L&L kilns are generally known for their reliability and solid construction. They use high quality materials like brick and refractory that can withstand high temperatures without cracking or breaking down over time. According to customers, L&L kilns can last for decades with proper care and maintenance.

That being said, there are a few common issues to be aware of. The element grooves in the firebrick can sometimes chip or degrade, potentially exposing the heating elements. The control panel is also a potential weak point – if not properly enclosed, the electronics can fail prematurely. The hinge and closure system is another area that may need repairs or adjustments over time as the kiln ages. Proper ventilation and covering the kiln when not in use will help minimize corrosion as well.

Overall, L&L kilns have proven their durability and most owners are happy with the longevity, as long as regular inspections, adjustments, and repairs are performed. The brick and refractory design results in a sturdy, long-lasting kiln when cared for properly.

Temperature Accuracy

L&L kilns are known for their excellent temperature accuracy and even heating. The digitally controlled kilns use patented electronic controllers that regulate power to each heating element to maintain precise temperatures. According to tests by ceramic artists, the temperatures are accurate to within 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit once the kiln has reached the target temperature.

The even heating is achieved through careful design of the heating elements and insulation. L&L kilns have heating elements embedded in the brick insulation on all sides, allowing them to heat from all directions. The elements are carefully calibrated and balanced to distribute heat evenly. Users report minimal temperature variation from top to bottom or side to side, unlike some cheaper kilns.

According to tests published on the L&L website, their popular Easy-Fire kilns can achieve uniform heat distribution of +/- 10°F or better when fired correctly. This level of evenness allows for consistent results and prevents defects like cracked glazes.

Durability

L&L kilns are known for their durability and long lifespan compared to other kiln brands. The materials used in L&L kilns such as the firebrick and metal casing are designed to withstand repeated heating and cooling cycles without cracking or warping. The firebrick is a high density material that can withstand thousands of firings, and the metal outer casing is made from 14 and 11 gauge steel which resists corrosion and rust over many years of use.

Proper maintenance like re-applying kiln wash also helps extend the lifespan of an L&L kiln. But many users report getting decades of use out of their L&L kilns with proper care and maintenance. The durability and reliability of the materials used in L&L kilns make them an excellent long-term investment for ceramics artists and hobbyists who want a kiln that will last through years of frequent firings.

Safety

L and L kilns are generally considered very safe to use when proper precautions are taken. They are equipped with several standard safety features:

The kiln lid opens vertically, minimizing the risk of accidentally contacting hot surfaces inside the kiln chamber. L and L kilns also come with a prop rod to securely hold the lid open while loading/unloading.

The kiln elements are embedded within the brick insulation, protecting users from accidental contact. The outer metal casing also remains cool during firing.

An automatic shut-off device is included to prevent overfiring. If the internal temperature exceeds the programmed limit, power to the heating elements is cut.

That said, kilns do reach extremely high temperatures up to over 2000°F. There are potential hazards if not used properly:

– Always wear heat-resistant gloves when handling hot kiln shelves or ceramics. Avoid direct skin contact with hot surfaces.

– Ensure good ventilation while firing. Some materials may release harmful fumes at high temperatures.

– Do not open the kiln while it is above 500°F – this can damage the heating elements. Always allow the kiln to cool fully before accessing the interior.

– Never leave a firing kiln unattended. Monitor the temperature gauge to ensure proper shut-off at the end of the cycle.

With responsible use, L and L kilns provide a high level of safety for ceramic firing. Be sure to read the instruction manual thoroughly and follow all precautions.

Cost

The purchase price of an L&L kiln can range from around $1,900 for a small hobby kiln to over $10,000 for large production kilns, depending on the size and features. L&L kilns are generally seen as competitively priced compared to other major kiln brands.

In terms of operating costs, electric kilns like L&L are more energy efficient than gas kilns. L&L kilns use electricity to generate heat, rather than gas which can be more expensive over time. The added insulation in L&L kilns also helps retain heat and minimize energy waste.

Maintenance costs for L&L kilns are relatively low if basic preventative steps are taken. The heating elements may need replacing every 2-3 years with frequent use. Thermocouples may need calibration or replacing every few years as well. The kiln shelves will also eventually need replacing. Overall though, an L&L kiln that is well-cared for can last for decades with minimal maintenance costs.

Customer Support

According to https://www.ceramicartsnetwork.org/comparison-of-ln-versus-l-kilns/, L&L Kilns is known for having excellent customer service and support compared to other kiln manufacturers. They offer phone, email, and live online chat options for contacting their support team. Many customers mention the helpfulness and responsiveness of the L&L support staff in troubleshooting issues and answering questions.

L&L Kilns provides a 5 year warranty on most new kilns, covering materials and workmanship. This is a longer warranty period than some competitor brands offer. The warranty shows L&L’s confidence in the quality and durability of their products. Details on the warranty terms, coverage, and process can be found on the L&L website at https://www.hotkilns.com/warranty.

Overall, the quality customer service and solid warranty coverage provided by L&L Kilns helps give customers peace of mind in choosing their products. This level of support is a key strength of L&L Kilns.

Summary

Based on the research, L&L kilns seem to be a good option for most home ceramic artists and hobbyists. The major pros of L&L kilns are that they are relatively easy to use, provide accurate and consistent temperatures, are durable with a long lifespan, and have excellent customer support. The main downsides are the higher cost compared to some competitors, and potential electrical/wiring issues if not installed properly.

Overall, L&L kilns stand out for their quality construction, precise temperature control, and long-term reliability. For ceramists who fire frequently or need consistent results, the extra cost of an L&L kiln is likely worth the investment. While no brand is perfect, L&L kilns seem to satisfy most users with their performance and longevity.