An ink jet recorder includes an ink jet head having nozzles, through which ink can be ejected. The recorder also includes an apparatus for purging the head. The apparatus includes a cap for covering the nozzles. The apparatus also includes a suction pump for sucking ink from the head through the cap covering the nozzles. The apparatus further includes a memory, a temperature sensor and a controller. The memory stores the purge interval at which the pump should suck ink. The sensor measures ambient temperature. If the measured temperature is abnormal, the controller replaces the stored purge interval with shorter interval. In this case, the apparatus purges the head at the shorter interval. This keeps the ejection of ink in good condition regardless of ambient temperature.