Ever wonder … what’s the difference between an electric fired furnace and a kiln?

Although furnaces and kilns both provide a source of high temperature to process materials, their difference lies in intended application and construction.

Kilns are typically associated with heating pottery and ceramic wares. They’re intended for periodic use whereby the kiln is loaded with material at room temperature, slowly heated to an elevated temperature and then automatically shutting off to begin a slow cool down to ambient temperature. Kilns are designed with lower power (KW) and thin gauge heating element coils supported in grooves cut into the insulation of the chamber. Kiln construction features thinner walls of insulation; the shell is assembled with lighter gauge metals.

Furnaces are generally designed for heat treating metals at temperatures above 1400°F. A furnace is heated to temperature and remains at set point for extended periods or on a continuous basis. Parts being heated are loaded/unloaded while the furnace chamber soaks at temperature. The furnace chamber provides uniform heating with precision temperature control. Furnace construction is heavy duty with multi-layered walls of insulation, heavy gauge heating element coils mounted in removable holders, and higher power ratings for faster heat up and load recovery rates. In addition, furnaces are commonly designed for operation with protective atmospheres for achieving various surface finishes on the metals.