Kiln Log Template: Firings, Element Wear and Maintenance
A kiln is the most expensive piece of equipment in most studios, and it wears out silently. A log gives you the history to spot problems early, plan repairs and answer the question "what happened in that firing?"
What to record for every firing
- Date and who fired
- Bisque or glaze, and the program used
- Target cone and peak temperature reached
- Start and end time
- Number of pieces and how the kiln was loaded
- Problems: slow climb, error codes, uneven results
- Cooling time and unload date
Kiln log sheet
Copy this onto a clipboard sheet by the kiln or into a spreadsheet.
| Date | Fired by | Type | Cone | Program | Start | End | Peak temp | Pieces | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Track element wear
In an electric kiln, elements age with every firing. Their resistance changes, firing times grow longer and eventually they fail.
- Count total firings, with a separate tally for high-temperature glaze firings.
- Note how long a standard firing takes. A steady increase is a sign of wear.
- Check elements visually at regular intervals. See understanding your kiln's elements.
- Record the date any element is replaced.
Follow your kiln manufacturer's guidance for testing and replacement. Work on a kiln should be done with the power disconnected, or by a qualified person.
Track shelves and furniture
- Inspect shelves for cracks and glaze drips, and re-wash when needed. See kiln wash.
- Retire warped or cracked shelves.
- Record the date of each re-wash and any shelf replacement. See caring for kiln shelves.
Maintenance schedule
| Task | How often |
|---|---|
| Check the kiln room for ventilation and clutter | Every firing |
| Inspect shelves and kiln wash | Monthly |
| Inspect elements, lid and peepholes | Every three months |
| Check thermocouple or sensor | As the manufacturer recommends |
| Full service by a professional | Yearly, or per the manual |
Adjust this to your kiln and the manual.
Why it pays off
- You see patterns before something fails.
- You can show the history to a technician or insurer.
- New staff learn the kiln's habits quickly.
- You can answer member questions with facts.
Want this in your studio?
Claybook handles this for your studio: firings, element hours and maintenance reminders in one place.
Tell us how you run things today and we will tailor it to your studio. See everything we offer studios.