Kilns for the processing ceramics and methods for using such kilns

A portable kiln, comprising:

• an inner body configured to hold one or more ceramic workpieces for processing;
• an outer body at least partially surrounding the inner body and spaced apart from the inner body to define an airflow passageway therebetween, the airflow passageway having an inlet proximate to an upper portion of the outer body and an outlet proximate to a lower portion of the outer body;
• a lid assembly operably coupled to the outer body and configured to sealably close against at least the inner body;
• a radiant barrier positioned in the airflow passageway between the inner body and the outer body;
• and
• a fan proximate to the lower portion of the outer body and positioned to move ambient air through the airflow passageway from the inlet toward the outlet to cool the inner body during processing of the one or more ceramic workpieces placed therein.

A portable kiln, comprising:

• a ceramic processing chamber;
• an outer body at least partially surrounding the processing chamber and spaced apart from the processing chamber to define an airflow passageway therebetween, the airflow passageway having an air inlet proximate to an upper portion of the outer body and an air outlet proximate to a lower portion of the outer body;
• a lid assembly pivotably coupled to the outer body and configured to sealably close against at least the processing chamber;
• radiant barrier means for dividing the airflow passageway between the processing chamber and the outer body;
• and
• airflow means for moving ambient air through the airflow passageway from the air inlet toward the air outlet to cool the processing chamber.

A method for processing a ceramic workpiece in a processing chamber of a kiln, the method comprising:

• increasing a temperature in the processing chamber to process the ceramic workpiece;
• reflecting at least a portion of the heat generated by the processing chamber during processing back toward the inner body using a radiant barrier positioned in the airflow passageway;
• and
• flowing ambient air from an inlet positioned proximate to an upper portion of the kiln through a passageway extending at least partially around the processing chamber to maintain the temperature of an exterior portion of the kiln at or below a preset temperature.

A kiln, comprising:

• an inner body configured to hold one or more ceramic workpieces for processing;
• an outer body at least partially surrounding the inner body and spaced apart from the inner body to define an airflow passageway therebetween, the airflow passageway having an inlet proximate to an upper portion of the outer body and an outlet proximate to a lower portion of the outer body;
• a plurality of air intake portions in the outer body adjacent to a lower portion of the inner body, the air intake portions being in fluid communication with the airflow passageway;
• a lid assembly pivotably coupled to the outer body and configured to sealably close against at least the inner body;
• and
• an air mover positioned to move ambient air through the airflow passageway from the inlet toward the outlet.