Buying a 2nd hand kiln trouble shooting

[Steph S]

Hi I’m looking at buying a 2nd hand gas kiln and I’m wondering what I should look out for in terms of pros and cons.

Are there any common faults or complaints?

[Stephen]

If you need insurance be sure and check with your agent about whats insurable.   

[neilestrick]

With gas kilns, in general the burners either work or they don't. There's not much in the way of maintenance or parts that wear out like on electric kilns. So assuming the burner system works, I'd be most concerned with the condition of the bricks.

Downdraft kilns tend to fire more easily and efficiently, but updrafts work just fine once you dial in your settings.

[liambesaw]

I'd say a potential con is in firing the kiln itself.  With an electric kiln there's a lot less involvement and monitoring of the firing.

Also if using propane it's much more expensive to fire.  

[neilestrick]

Have you decided where the kiln will be located, how you will be venting it, gas supply, local safety codes, etc? Gas kilns are not as simple as electric. Lots of prep work before buying one....

[CactusPots]

How about moving the kiln?  Depending on the size of the kiln, forklift access would probably be necessary.  I'd worry about damaging a  used brick kiln moving it.  I've never done it personally, but it seems to me like a headache.  

My propane kiln is much cheaper to fire than my electric kiln.  Based on per cubic measurement.