Olympic Kilns HB86E Electric Kiln

The Olympic HotBox 86E stands as the pinnacle of compact kiln innovation, offering expansive possibilities with its detachable lid and collar for those artists seeking more depth and versatility. This model isn't just the largest of the Olympic's Hot Boxes featuring a detachable lid—it's a transformative tool for those who push the boundaries of creativity.

Delivered standard with the Bartlett Digital KilnStar controller, the HotBox 86E delivers high-performance firing up to Cone 10 at 2350°F within its ample 8"H x 8"W x 6.5"D interior. But when your projects demand more space, the optional collar extends the firing chamber to 11", all while maintaining a firing range up to 2000°F. The bead collar isn't merely an extension; it's an enhancement, complete with a door designed for the annealing process.

Every Olympic 120-volt electric kiln embodies reliability and convenience, from the reassuring glow of the pilot light to the robust metal stand and the enduring stainless steel jacket.

For those looking to take their firing capabilities to the next level, consider upgrading to the Genesis touchscreen controller, a state-of-the-art controllers that offers additional user programs, delay start options, preheat functions, cone offset capabilities, and various features tailored for serious artists.

And if you want to watch your precise firing at work, consider adding a quartz viewing window. Two size/shape options to consider, a 2" round or a 2" x 4" rectangle window.

Oh, and for you glass artists looking to do some vitrigraphing, be sure to add on the fiber floor option!

For artists who prioritize organization and efficiency, the Furniture Kit for the HB86E is a game-changer, boasting dual layers of 6.5" x 6.5" shelving and a variety of posts for optimized stacking, all complemented by a pound of kiln wash to maintain your kiln's integrity. If you focus primarily on glass work, select the furniture kit that comes with ceramic paper instead of kiln wash.

Embrace the recommended Solid State Relay upgrade for unwavering power control up to 20 amps, ensuring that every firing is a testament to your commitment to excellence. Discover the power and precision of the Olympic HotBox 86E and let your artistry know no bounds.

• Model: 86E
  
• Lid Lift Assist: N/A
  
• Inside Chamber Dimensions: 8" W x 8" H x 6.5" D
• Cubic Feet: 0.24
• Outside Dimensions with Stand or Frame: 17.5" W x 13" H x 16.5" D
• Brick Thickness: 2.5"
• Maximum Temperature: Cone 10 – 2350°F/1288°C
• Max Temp with collar: 2000°F/1093°C
• Est Ship Weight: 55 lbs
• Amperage/Volts: 15 amps, 120 volts
• Watts: 1800
• Breaker: 20 amp required
  
• Plug Configuration: NEMA 5-15
• Copper Wire Size: #12, #10 if the circuit is longer than 40 ft

The Furniture Kit option for the HB86E includes:

• 2 layers of shelving with 2 each of 6.5" x 6.5" square shelves (1 per layer)
• 4 each: 1/2", 1", and 2" small posts
• 1 pound of kiln wash (if focused more on ceramics) or 1 square foot of ceramic paper (if focused more on glasswork) - select the one that best suits your needs

Estimated order-to-ship lead time is approximately 12-15 weeks.

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Choose the voltage that matches the electrical service where the kiln will be installed. Some kilns are available in only one voltage, while others can be ordered in multiple voltages. If both 120V and 240V are available, 240V is generally the preferred choice because it places less demand on your electrical system, while 120V offers the convenience of operating on a dedicated standard household circuit. If both 208V and 240V are available, select the voltage that matches your building's electrical service—240V is most common in homes, while 208V is common in many commercial, educational, and institutional buildings. If you're unsure which voltage you have, confirm it with your electrician before ordering.

Your kiln must be built to match the electrical service where it will be installed. Choose single-phase if that's what your building has (almost all homes do). Choose three-phase only if your building has three-phase power available. If both are available, three-phase is generally the preferred option. If you're unsure, verify the available electrical service with your electrician before placing your order.

Mechanical relays are standard and reliable. Solid-state relays (SSR) offer silent operation, faster cycling, greater precision, and longer lifespan—ideal for frequent or high-accuracy firings.

The following controllers are used across kilns sold by Pottery Pulse. Not all models offer every option—available controllers are listed on each product page. Some kilns include only the standard controller, while most allow upgrades for added precision and convenience.

Olympic Kilns

• Infinite Switch – Manual dial control for simple heat adjustments.
• KilnStar – Digital controller with preset and user-defined programs.
• Genesis – Advanced touchscreen interface with Wi-Fi and data logging.

Evenheat Kilns

• Icon – Digital 3-button controller for straightforward firing.
• RampMaster II – Manual digital controller for ceramic kilns; flexible ramp/hold programming.
• RampMaster 3 – Updated version for glass kilns with refined interface.
• Icon+ – Enhanced digital control with expanded profiles and precision.
• TAP II – Smart touchscreen controller with Wi-Fi, data tracking, and remote access.

Hot Shot Kilns

• Novus – “Set & Go” controller: set a target temperature and it does the rest (no segments).
• Spark – Entry-level touchscreen controller with intuitive operation and limited program control.
• TAP II – Smart touchscreen controller with Wi-Fi and real-time monitoring.

Jen-Ken Kilns

• Orton AF3P 3-Button – Reliable and straightforward for basic firing.
• Orton AutoFire 4000 12-Key – Expanded program capacity and fine control.
• Orton AutoFire Slide Touchscreen – Modern, responsive touchscreen interface.
• TAP II Touchscreen Smart Controller – Wi-Fi connectivity and real-time data tracking.

Not all kilns can use a collar, but Olympic’s Hot Box kilns can be ordered with a collar to expand versatility. A blank collar simply adds height to the firing chamber, while a bead collar adds the same height and includes a built-in bead or annealing door for quick-access lampwork projects.

This safety feature automatically cuts power to the heating elements whenever the kiln lid or door is opened. It prevents accidental burns, protects elements, and resumes power only when safely closed. (Also called an automatic lid shutoff on Olympic kilns.)