The most popular choices for firing small-scale ceramics, porcelain, pottery, and stoneware, are the Paragon Caldera and FireFly series kilns, and, for large-scale work, the Janus series kilns, although you can use any kiln that heats to 1290°C. Before looking at the choices in detail, here's a brief summary of the material:

Clay is formed naturally over millions of years as rocks break up into minute particles. It consists of hydrous aluminium silicates, and other compounds such as iron oxides, quartz, mica, and feldspar.

Clay is often divided into three main categories: earthenware, porcelain, and stoneware. Generally, it needs to be fired for several hours, although impurities affect the time, temperature, colour, and shrinkage.

EARTHENWARE, PORCELAIN, AND STONEWARE

Earthenware is normally red, beige, or white. It has the lowest firing temperature of the three, usually about 1150°C. It's slightly porous, and stains and chips easily, so it's often glazed to protect the surface. Its porosity means it's good for making planters and oven steamers, but not good for pitchers or vases.

Porcelain is composed of kaolin, known as china clay. Kaolin doesn't melt until 1800°C, so other compounds are usually added so it can be fired between 1250°C and 1400°C. For example, bone china is made by adding bone ash to the clay. It's known for its whiteness, hardness, smoothness, durability, and translucency. When tapped, it makes a distinctive ping: or ming.

Stoneware is normally red-brown, beige, or grey. It's usually fired between 1150°C and 1300°C. It's hard, durable, and resists thermal shock. Glazes bond well, so it can be made waterproof.

POLYMER CLAY

Polymer clay is a man-made material: tiny particles of polyvinyl chloride mixed with plasticizers and pigments. When it's baked, at around 125°C, the particles fuse and the clay hardens.

RAKU

Raku was originally a Japanese technique, but it's now become an internationally popular way to make decorative ware. Basically, you start with a bisque piece fired to about 950°C, and then glaze it. It's removed from the kiln when red-hot, and put straight into a container of combustible material.

The flames, reducing atmosphere, and mix of chemicals stain the clay. When the piece is removed and quenched in cold water, interesting colours and shades remain: often unpredictable.

PHOTOS

All the kilns described on this page have two diagrams: front and side views. However, there are also photos: use the photos link below the menu bar at the top of the page.

COMPARING AND CHOOSING

Whilst comparing kilns, there are important considerations: the kiln's versatility, the overall size and weight, the power supply, the maximum temperature, the firing chamber floor area and height, the firing chamber material, and the price.

As with any device you buy, a kiln is not designed to be run full-on all the time. So, if you need to fire at 925°C for a long time, buy a 1095°C kiln, not a 925°C kiln.

The Caldera, without a collar, is a 1290°C kiln with a firebrick firing chamber. The Home Artist is a 1095°C kiln with a ceramic-fibre firing chamber. The Janus and TNF series are all 1290°C kilns with firebrick firing chambers. The Xpress E10A ia a 1230°C kiln with a firebrick firing chamber. The Xpress Q11A is a 1260°C kiln with a firebrick firing chamber. The choice of ceramic fibre or firebricks will probably depend on the kiln's prime use.

The FireFly is a 1290°C kiln with a firebrick firing chamber, similar to a small Caldera without a digital programmer. The cost-saving means that you are the kiln-sitter. The digital pyrometer gives you accurate temperature feedback so that you can learn more about materials and processes.

The Home Artist is 1.5 times wider and 1.78 times higher inside than the Caldera. Although it's suitable for low-fire ceramics, it's not hot enough for normal ceramics, porcelain, pottery, and stoneware. The E10A has an inside floor area only slightly larger than that of the Caldera, but 2.2 times larger than that of the Q11A. The E10A is hot enough for low-fire ceramics, but not quite high enough for normal ceramics, porcelain, pottery, and stoneware: you'd need a 1260°C or 1290°C kiln.

The Janus series and the TNF series, except the TNF Q-11A, are all 1290°C kilns. The Janus series is probably the most versatile of the Paragon range as they can all fire glass and pottery: for glass, use the top and middle-side elements; for pottery, use the side elements.

The TNF Q-11A and the Xpress Q-11A are both 1260°C kilns, and are the same internal size. However, the Xpress Q-11A needs less worktop space because the programmer is underneath, not at the side. Also, the Xpress Q-11A has a 3-key ramp-hold digital programmer, whereas the TNF Q-11A has a 12-key ramp-hold or cone-fire programmer.

You can't use the US model numbers as guides to the internal sizes of the kilns. They might have historical significance but now, often, don't mean anything useful.
The US model names used: A for painted finish; E for enamelling front-loading; GL for glass, Q for ceramic front-loading; SC for small ceramic-fibre, not silverclay; TNF for touch n fire; V for vista, or window; and Xpress for digital programmer.

The UK naming convention has been tidied up, and uses B for a bead-annealing door, W for a glass viewing-window, and BW for both. However, to help internet searches, we've had to include occasional minor variations. For example, the SC-2B is sometimes called an SC2B.

Paragon programmers do not have pre-set programmes: you can easily set up and re-use your own. Although pre-sets might seem useful, you won't be able to experiment, or try or use other materials, combinations, or firing sequences.

The prices include the recommended shelf kit and the legally-necessary lid or door safety switch, where appropriate, and UK mainland delivery. To look at the prices, use the shop link below the menu bar.

THE CALDERA SERIES

BEADS, CERAMICS, DICHROICS, ENAMELS, GLASS, PORCELAIN, POTTERY, AND STONEWARE

The Paragon Caldera series kilns are ideal for Art Clay, PMC, Accent Gold, Metal Clay Veneer, Fimo Polymer Clay, glass bead annealing, china paint, dichroics, enamelling, jewellery, and small-scale glass fusing, sagging, slumping, ceramics, porcelain, pottery, and stoneware.

The Paragon Caldera series kilns come in three versions: the Caldera, the bead-door collar Caldera-B, and the plain collar Caldera-C. They're four-sided, square, top-opening kilns, with easy-to-use, ramp-hold, Sentry Xpress 3-key digital programmers. The Caldera is shown in the diagrams above, although they all look similar.

The 1290°C Caldera is a versatile kiln for small-scale everything in your craft workshop or ceramics studio: it's compact and easy to move, it uses a regular mains socket, it's fully programmable, it heats and cools quickly, and it's inexpensive to run.

The collars on the Caldera-B and Caldera-C increase the internal height from 171mm to 281mm but, as they don't have heating elements, the maximum temperature is reduced to 1095°C.
Apart from its internal size, the only minor limitation is that, although 1095°C is hot enough for low-fire ceramics, it's not hot enough for normal ceramics, porcelain, pottery, and stoneware: they need a 1260°C or 1290°C kiln.

Caldera series kilns can be used for Art Clay and PMC silver clays, china painting, dichroics, and enamels. However, jewellery artists usually prefer smaller front-loading kilns that heat and cool more quickly, such as the SC and Xpress series.

THE CALDERA

CERAMICS, DICHROICS, ENAMELS, GLASS, PORCELAIN, POTTERY, AND STONEWARE

The Paragon Caldera is ideal for Art Clay, PMC, Accent Gold, Metal Clay Veneer, Fimo Polymer Clay, china paint, dichroics, enamelling, jewellery, and small-scale glass fusing, sagging, slumping, ceramics, porcelain, pottery, and stoneware. It's a 1290°C cone 10, four-sided, square, top-opening kiln, with an easy-to-use, ramp-hold cone-fire, Sentry Xpress 3-key digital programmer.

The UK kiln is rated at 230V 1800W, so can use a regular mains socket. To comply with EU safety regulations, it's fitted with an additional switch that cuts off the power when the lid is opened. It's small enough to use in your home, school, jewellery workshop, or ceramics studio, as it only weighs about 22Kg.

The stainless steel body stands on four 50mm x 50mm x 50mm firebricks. It's made in two parts: a firebrick base, and a firebrick firing chamber with a hinged firebrick lid that sits on the base.

The outer steel case measures 331mm x 559mm x 298mm, including the programmer housing and other hardware, but excluding the 50mm high firebricks.

The firebrick firing chamber measures 203mm x 203mm x 171mm internally, and heats from all sides, with the fast-firing elements lying in grooves in the 64mm thick bricks.

The electronic display prompts for heating rate, target temperature, and hold time, making it easy to set up and re-use accurate drying, heating, holding, and cooling sequences. To learn more about the programmer, use the start link below the menu bar, then choose programmers.

The recommended furniture kit for the Caldera, included in the price, consists of one 178mm x 178mm x 15mm cordierite shelf, four 25mm x 25mm x 12mm posts, and a bag of glass separator. Kiln shelf paper is simpler and more convenient to use than glass separator for stopping enamels and glass sticking to the shelf.
Cordierite is a magnesium aluminium silicate that resists thermal distortion and fracture. A thick shelf, on posts, heats and cools evenly: partuicularly important for glass work.
Depending on the sizes of your pieces and the number of pieces you want to fire, four shelves can be stacked to make better use of your time: so you may want more than one furniture kit. An extra kit consists of one 178mm x 178mm x 15mm cordierite shelf and four 25mm x 25mm x 25mm posts.

The Caldera is a versatile kiln for small-scale everything in your craft workshop or ceramics studio: it's compact and easy to move, it uses a regular mains socket, it's fully programmable, it heats and cools quickly, and it's inexpensive to run.

1290°C kilns are generally used for ceramics, porcelain, pottery, and stoneware. For Art Clay, PMC, dichroics, enamelling, glass fusing, and jewellery, front-loading ceramic-fibre kilns, such as the those in the SC series, are more popular.

THE CALDERA-B: BEAD DOOR COLLAR

ART CLAY, PMC, BEADS, LOW-FIRE CERAMICS, DICHROICS, ENAMELS, AND GLASS

The Paragon Caldera-B has a separate bead-door collar, increasing the internal height from 171mm to 281mm. The bead collar includes an outward-opening letter-box style door, 165mm x 64mm, and a mandrel holder. The firebrick collar sits on the base, and the firebrick firing chamber sits on top. The extra height allows you to fire taller pieces of work, or use two extra shelves, making five in all. Otherwise it's the same as the Caldera.

The bead-door collar is fitted facing front, so that heat rising from an open bead door doesn't heat the programmer box. The collar increases the internal height from 171mm to 281mm but, as it doesn't have heating elements, the maximum temperature is reduced to 1095°C.
Apart from its internal size, the only minor limitation is that, although 1095°C is hot enough for low-fire ceramics, it's not hot enough for normal ceramics, porcelain, pottery, and stoneware: they need a 1260°C or 1290°C kiln.

THE CALDERA-C: PLAIN COLLAR

ART CLAY, PMC, LOW-FIRE CERAMICS, DICHROICS, ENAMELS, AND GLASS

The Paragon Caldera-C has a separate plain collar, increasing the internal height from 171mm to 281mm. The firebrick collar sits on the base, and the firebrick firing chamber sits on top. The extra height allows you to fire taller pieces of work, or use two extra shelves, making six in all. Otherwise it's the same as the Caldera.

The collar increases the internal height from 171mm to 281mm but, as it doesn't have heating elements, the maximum temperature is reduced to 1095°C.
Apart from its internal size, the only minor limitation is that, although 1095°C is hot enough for low-fire ceramics, it's not hot enough for normal ceramics, porcelain, pottery, and stoneware: they need a 1260°C or 1290°C kiln.

THE FIREFLY

CERAMICS, DICHROICS, ENAMELS, GLASS, PORCELAIN, POTTERY, AND STONEWARE

The Paragon FireFly is ideal for low-budget small-scale work: Art Clay, PMC, Accent Gold, Metal Clay Veneer, Fimo Polymer Clay, china painting, dichroics, enamels, jewellery, glass fusing, sagging, slumping, ceramics, porcelain, pottery, and stoneware. It's a 1290°C cone 10, four-sided, square, top-opening kiln, with an easy-to-use digital pyrometer.

The UK kiln is rated at 230V 1680W, so can use a regular mains socket. To comply with EU safety regulations, it's fitted with an additional switch that cuts off the power when the lid is opened. It's small enough to use in your home, school, jewellery workshop, or ceramics studio, as it only weighs about 20Kg.

The outer steel case measures 470mm x 381mm x 305mm, including the controller housing, the steel base, and other hardware.

The firebrick firing chamber measures 203mm x 203mm x 114mm internally, and heats from all sides, with the fast-firing elements lying in grooves in the 64mm thick bricks.

The Fire Fly doesn't have a programmer. However, the controller allows you to adjust the heating and cooling rate. The digital pyrometer, included in the price, gives you accurate temperature feedback so that you can learn more about materials and processes. The pyrometer can be swapped quickly with the thermocouple.

The recommended furniture kit for the Fire Fly, included in the price, consists of one 178mm x 178mm x 15mm cordierite shelf, four 25mm x 25mm x 12mm posts, and a bag of glass separator. Kiln shelf paper is simpler and more convenient to use than glass separator for stopping enamels and glass sticking to the shelf.
Cordierite is a magnesium aluminium silicate that resists thermal distortion and fracture. A thick shelf, on posts, heats and cools evenly: partuicularly important for glass work.
Depending on the sizes of your pieces and the number of pieces you want to fire, three shelves can be stacked to make better use of your time: so you may want more than one furniture kit. An extra kit consists of one 178mm x 178mm x 15mm cordierite shelf and four 25mm x 25mm x 25mm posts.

The FireFly is a versatile kiln for small-scale everything in your craft workshop or ceramics studio: it's compact and easy to move, it uses a regular mains socket, it heats and cools quickly, and it's inexpensive to run. It's popular with glass artists, particularly those also making enamel, ceramic, and silver jewellery.

1290°C kilns are generally used for ceramics, porcelain, pottery, and stoneware. For Art Clay, PMC, dichroics, enamelling, glass fusing, and jewellery, front-loading ceramic-fibre kilns, such as the those in the SC series, are more popular.

THE HOME ARTIST PORTABLE

LOW-FIRE CERAMICS, CHINA PAINTING, GLASS, AND RAKU

The Paragon Home Artist is ideal for Art Clay, PMC, Accent Gold, Metal Clay Veneer, Fimo Polymer Clay, china painting, dichroics, enamelling, jewellery, and medium-scale low-fire ceramics, glass fusing, sagging, slumping, and raku. It's a 1095°C cone 03, cylindrical, top-opening kiln, with an easy-to-use, ramp-hold, Sentry Xpress 3-key digital programmer.

The UK kiln is rated at 230V 2200W, so can use a regular mains socket. To comply with EU safety regulations, it's fitted with an additional switch that cuts off the power when the lid is opened. It weighs about 21Kg.

It looks like an air hostess's travelling case, with wheels and a telescopic handle, making it convenient for doing on-site demonstrations, taking to exhibitions, and using in a small workshop.

The stainless steel body normally stands on four legs. The electrical components and the safety cut-out, located on the front, stay cool, even at extended hold times. The programmer faces upwards, making it easy to use.

The outer steel case measures 406mm x 584mm x 476mm, including the legs, wheels, telescopic handle, programmer housing, and hinge assembly.

The ceramic-fibre firing chamber measures 305mm x 305mm internally, and is suspended in a vented steel case to help keep the outside cool. It heats from the side, with the fast-firing elements lying in the ceramic fibre.

The electronic display prompts for heating rate, target temperature, and hold time, making it easy to set up and re-use accurate drying, heating, holding, and cooling sequences. To learn more about the programmer, use the start link below the menu bar, then choose programmers.

The recommended furniture kit for the Home Artist, included in the price, consists of two 254mm x 254mm x 15mm cordierite shelves, three sets of assorted shelf posts, three bell stilts, six 06 Orton cones, and a bag of glass separator. Kiln shelf paper is simpler and more convenient to use than glass separator for stopping enamels and glass sticking to the shelf.
Cordierite is a magnesium aluminium silicate that resists thermal distortion and fracture. A thick shelf, on posts, heats and cools evenly: partuicularly important for glass work.
Depending on the sizes of your pieces and the number of pieces you want to fire, four shelves can be stacked to make better use of your time: so you may want more than one furniture kit. An extra kit consists of two 254mm x 254mm x 15mm shelves and eight 25mm x 25mm x 50mm posts.

The Home Artist is a popular kiln: it's compact and easy to move, it uses a regular mains socket, it's fully programmable, it heats and cools quickly, and it's inexpensive to run. And it will accommodate seven 250mm plates.

The only limitation is that, although 1095°C is hot enough for low-fire ceramics, it's not hot enough for normal ceramics, porcelain, pottery, and stoneware: they need a 1260°C or 1290°C kiln.

THE JANUS SERIES

CERAMICS, GLASS, PORCELAIN, POTTERY, AND STONEWARE

The Janus series kilns are all 1290°C cone 10 firebrick kilns, with easy-to-use, ramp-hold cone-fire, Sentry 12-key digital programmers. 1290°C is the highest temperature that standard kilns reach: above that, the materials and construction have to change, and the cost increases dramatically.

The Janus 1613 has eight sides, the Janus 23 has ten sides, and the Janus 27 has twelve sides: they're all round-ish and top-opening. The Janus Ovation has ten sides: it's oval and top-opening. The Janus 24 has four sides: it's square and front-opening.

Janus kilns are the most versatile of the Paragon range as they can fire glass and pottery: for glass, use the top and middle-side elements; for pottery, use all the side elements. They're popular with commercial studios and ceramic cafes.

THE JANUS 1613

CERAMICS, GLASS, PORCELAIN, POTTERY, AND STONEWARE

The Paragon Janus 1613 is ideal for ceramics, glass fusing, sagging, slumping, porcelain, pottery, and stoneware. It's a 1290°C cone 10, eight-sided, round-ish, top-opening kiln, with an easy-to-use, ramp-hold and cone-fire, Sentry 12-key digital programmer.

The UK kiln is rated at 230V 4800W, so needs a separate 30A circuit. To comply with EU safety regulations, it's fitted with an additional switch that cuts off the power when the lid is opened. It needs floor space, as it weighs about 90Kg.

The stainless steel body stands on four legs, the top has a stay-open support, and there's a wide-view peephole in one of the sides. The electrical components, located on the front, stay cool, even at extended hold times.

The kiln can stand on an optional heavy-duty metal stand with casters, and the base can accept an optional Orton Vent Master kiln vent: to learn more, use the start link below the menu bar, then choose accessories, then scroll down.

The outer steel case measures 648mm x 718mm x 508mm, including the programmer housing and other hardware, but excluding the 241mm high legs.

The firebrick firing chamber measures 419mm x 337mm internally, and heats from the top and sides, with the fast-firing elements lying in grooves in the 76mm thick bricks. Fire glass using the top and middle-side elements: fire pottery using all the side elements.

The electronic display prompts for heating rate, target temperature, and hold time, making it easy to set up and re-use accurate drying, heating, holding, and cooling sequences. To learn more about the programmer, use the start link below the menu bar, then choose programmers.

The recommended furniture kit for the Janus 1613, included in the price, consists of two round 381mm x 15mm cordierite shelves, one half shelf, six sets of assorted shelf posts, and a bag of glass separator. Kiln shelf paper is simpler and more convenient to use than glass separator for stopping enamels and glass sticking to the shelf.
Cordierite is a magnesium aluminium silicate that resists thermal distortion and fracture. A thick shelf, on posts, heats and cools evenly: particularly important for glass work.
Depending on the sizes of your pieces and the number of pieces you want to fire, eight shelves can be stacked to make better use of your time: so you may want more than one furniture kit. An extra kit consists of one round 381mm x 15mm shelf, one half shelf, and eight 25mm x 25mm x 50mm posts.

The Janus 1613, Fusion 8, and TNF 1613, look similar. However, the 925°C 4800W Fusion 8 glass kiln isn't hot enough for ceramics, porcelain, pottery, and stoneware.
The versatile 1290°C 4800W Janus 1613 can fire glass and pottery: for glass, use the top and middle-side elements; for pottery, use all the side elements.
The 1290°C 6400W TNF 1613 ceramics kiln isn't usually used for glass as there are no top elements. However, as it has 1.33 times the available power, it heats up more quickly than the Janus 1613.

THE JANUS 23

CERAMICS, GLASS, PORCELAIN, POTTERY, AND STONEWARE

The Paragon Janus 23 is ideal for ceramics, glass fusing, sagging, slumping, porcelain, pottery, and stoneware. It's a 1290°C cone 10, ten-sided, round-ish, top-opening kiln, with an easy-to-use, ramp-hold and cone-fire, Sentry 12-key digital programmer.

The Janus 23 looks similar to the Janus 1613, except that it's ten-sided, has a spring-balanced lid for easy opening, and has nearly three times the firing chamber volume. The UK kiln is rated at 230V 9600W, so needs a separate 45A circuit. It weighs about 133Kg.

The outer steel case measures 775mm x 1111mm x 1054mm. The firing chamber measures 571mm x 514mm internally, and heats from the top and all sides.

The recommended furniture kit consists of six half-round 508mm x 18mm cordierite shelves, six sets of assorted shelf posts, and a bag of glass separator. An extra kit consists of two half-round 508mm x 18mm shelves and twelve 25mm x 25mm x 50mm posts.

THE JANUS 27

CERAMICS, GLASS, PORCELAIN, POTTERY, AND STONEWARE

The Paragon Janus 27 is ideal for ceramics, glass fusing, sagging, slumping, porcelain, pottery, and stoneware. It's a 1290°C cone 10, twelve-sided, round-ish, top-opening kiln, with an easy-to-use, ramp-hold and cone-fire, Sentry 12-key digital programmer.

The Janus 27 looks similar to the 1613, except that it's twelve-sided, has a spring-balanced lid for easy opening, and has nearly five times the firing chamber volume. The UK kiln is rated at 230V 11 520W, so needs a separate 60A circuit. It weighs about 151Kg.

The outer steel case measures 921mm x 1264mm x 1016mm. The firing chamber measures 711mm x 565mm internally, and heats from the top and all sides.

The recommended furniture kit consists of six half-round 660mm x 18mm cordierite shelves, six sets of assorted shelf posts, and a bag of glass separator. An extra kit consists of two half-round 660mm x 18mm shelves and twelve 25mm x 25mm x 50mm posts.

THE JANUS OVATION

CERAMICS, GLASS, PORCELAIN, POTTERY, AND STONEWARE

The Paragon Janus Ovation is ideal for ceramics, glass fusing, sagging, slumping, porcelain, pottery, and stoneware. It's a 1290°C, cone 10, ten-sided, oval-ish, top-opening kiln, with an easy-to-use, ramp-hold cone-fire, Sentry 12-key digital programmer.

The UK kiln is rated at 230V 16000W, so needs a separate 75A power supply. To comply with EU safety regulations, it's fitted with an additional switch that cuts off the power when the lid is opened. It needs floor space, as it weighs about 249Kg.

The stainless steel body stands on six legs, the top has a stay-open support, and there are two wide-view peepholes in the front. The electrical components, located on the side, stay cool, even at extended hold times.

The kiln base can accept an optional Orton Vent Master kiln vent: to learn more, use the start link below the menu bar, then choose accessories, then scroll down.

The outer steel case measures 1448mm x 991mm x 1143mm high, including the programmer housing and other hardware, but excluding the 229mm high legs.

The firebrick firing chamber measures 1042mm across x 572mm x 572mm high, and heats from the top and all sides, with the fast-firing elements lying in grooves in the 76mm thick bricks.

The electronic display prompts for firing rate, temperature, and hold time, making it easy to set up and re-use accurate drying, heating, holding, and cooling sequences. To learn more about the programmer, use the start link below the menu bar, then choose programmers.

The recommended furniture kit for the Janus Ovation, included in the price, consists of six half-oval 533mm x 394mm x 15mm cordierite shelves, forty-eight assorted posts, and a bag of glass separator. Kiln shelf paper is simpler and more convenient to use than glass separator for stopping enamels and glass sticking to the shelf.
Cordierite is a magnesium aluminium silicate that resists thermal distortion and fracture. A thick shelf, on posts, heats and cools evenly: particularly important for glass work.
Depending on the sizes of your pieces and the number of pieces you want to fire, four shelves can be stacked to make better use of your time: so you may want more than one furniture kit. An extra kit consists of two half-oval 533mm x 394mm x 15mm cordierite shelves, and twelve 25mm x 25mm x 50mm posts.

The Janus Ovation is ideal for commercial production or ceramic cafes, as the large oval-ish firing chamber, which is 1.47 times as wide as that of the Janus 27, allows lots of differently sized pieces to be fired efficiently, and economically: not always so easy with round or square kilns.

THE JANUS 24

CERAMICS, GLASS, PORCELAIN, POTTERY, AND STONEWARE

The Paragon Janus 24 is ideal for ceramics, glass fusing, sagging, slumping, porcelain, pottery, and stoneware. It's a 1290°C, cone 10, four-sided, square, front-loading kiln, with an easy-to-use, ramp-hold cone-fire, Sentry 12-key digital programmer.

It has nearly three times the firing chamber volume of the Janus 1613. The door is hinged on the right. The UK kiln is rated at 230V 11 520W, so needs a separate 60A circuit. It weighs about 185Kg.

The outer steel case measures 1028mm x 813mm x 749mm. The firing chamber measures 610mm x 572mm x 381mm internally, and heats from the top, both sides, and the door, with the fast-firing elements lying in grooves in the 76mm thick bricks.

The recommended furniture kit consists of two 559mm x 559mm x 25mm cordierite shelves, one half shelf, six sets of assorted shelf posts, and a bag of glass separator. An extra kit consists of one 559mm x 559mm x 25mm shelf, one half shelf, and twelve 25mm x 25mm x 50mm posts.

The Janus 24 and the GL24-ADTSD look similar. However, the 925°C 10 800W GL24-ADTSD glass kiln isn't hot enough for ceramics, porcelain, pottery, and stoneware.

THE TNF SERIES

CERAMICS, PORCELAIN, POTTERY, AND STONEWARE

The TNF series kilns are 1260°C cone 6 or 1290°C cone 10 firebrick kilns, with easy-to-use, ramp-hold cone-fire, Sentry 12-key digital programmers. 1290°C is the highest temperature that standard kilns reach: above that, the materials and construction change, and the cost increases dramatically.

The TNF Q-11A has four sides: it's square, front-opening, and the smallest of the TNF series. The TNF 66-3 has seven sides, the TNF 1613-3 has eight sides, the TNF 82-3 has eight sides, the TNF 24-3 has ten sides, and the TNF 27-3 has twelve sides: they're all round-ish and top-opening. They're not recommended for glass as there are no top elements.

You can't use the US model numbers, 11, 66, 1613, 82, 24, and 27, as a guide. They might have historical significance but now, often, don't mean anything logical. TNF meant Touch n Fire, and the suffix 3 meant that the firebricks are 3 inches thick. The comparitive internal sizes are easier to understand if they're arranged as a table:

KILN	DIAMETER MM	HEIGHT MM
TNF 66-3	343	337
TNF 1613-3	419	337
TNF 82-3	419	566
TNF 24-3	572	733
TNF 27-3	711	566

You can see that the TNF 27-3 is the widest and the TNF 24-3 is the highest. Your choice will depend on the size, shape, and number of pieces you want to fire.

TNF kilns usually have a higher power rating than the similar looking Janus kilns, but aren't used for glass as there are no top elements. However, as they heat up more quickly, they're popular with commercial studios and ceramic cafes.

THE TNF-66-3

LOW-FIRE CERAMICS, CHINA PAINT, DOLLS, PORCELAIN, AND STONEWARE

The Paragon TNF-66-3 is ideal for low-fire ceramics, china paint, dolls, gold, porcelain, and stoneware. It's a 1260°C cone 6, seven-sided, round-ish, top-opening kiln, with an easy-to-use, ramp-hold and cone-fire, Sentry 12-key digital programmer.

The UK kiln is rated at 230V 3600W, so needs a separate 20A circuit. To comply with EU safety regulations, it's fitted with an additional switch that cuts off the power when the lid is opened. It needs floor space, as it weighs about 67Kg.

The stainless steel body stands on four legs, the top has a stay-open support, and there are two wide-view peephole in one of the sides. The electrical components, located on the front, stay cool, even at extended hold times.

The kiln base can accept an optional Orton Vent Master kiln vent: to learn more, use the start link below the menu bar, then choose accessories, then scroll down.

The outer steel case measures 559mm x 648mm x 457mm, including the programmer housing and hinge assembly, but excluding the 241mm high legs.

The firebrick firing chamber measures 343mm x 337mm internally, and heats from all sides, with the fast-firing elements lying in grooves in the 76mm thick bricks.

The electronic display prompts for heating rate, target temperature, and hold time, making it easy to set up and re-use accurate drying, heating, holding, and cooling sequences. To learn more about the programmer, use the start link below the menu bar, then choose programmers.

The recommended furniture kit for the TNF-66-3, included in the price, consists of two round 305mm x 15mm cordierite shelves, one half shelf, six sets of assorted shelf posts, and a bag of glass separator. Kiln shelf paper is simpler and more convenient to use than glass separator for stopping enamels and glass sticking to the shelf.
Cordierite is a magnesium aluminium silicate that resists thermal distortion and fracture. A thick shelf, on posts, heats and cools evenly: particularly important for glass work.
Depending on the sizes of your pieces and the number of pieces you want to fire, eight shelves can be stacked to make better use of your time: so you may want more than one furniture kit. An extra kit consists of one round 305mm x 15mm shelf, one half shelf, and eight 25mm x 25mm x 50mm posts.

The TNF 66-3 ceramics kiln isn't usually used for glass as there are no top elements: for glass, look at the Fusion series; for glass and ceramics, look at the Janus series. However, to compensate, it heats up faster.

THE TNF 1613-3

CERAMICS, PORCELAIN, POTTERY, AND STONEWARE

The Paragon TNF-1613-3 is ideal for ceramics, porcelain, pottery, and stoneware. It's a 1290°C cone 10, eight-sided, round-ish, top-opening kiln, with an easy-to-use, ramp-hold and cone-fire, Sentry 12-key digital programmer.

The UK kiln is rated at 230V 6400W, so needs a separate 30A circuit. To comply with EU safety regulations, it's fitted with an additional switch that cuts off the power when the lid is opened. It needs its own floor space as it weighs about 90Kg.

The stainless steel body stands on four legs, the top has a stay-open support for easy loading and a just-open support for venting, and there's a wide-view peephole in one of the sides. The electrical components, located on the front, stay cool, even at extended hold times.

The kiln base can accept an optional Orton Vent Master kiln vent: to learn more, use the start link below the menu bar, then choose accessories, then scroll down.

The outer steel case measures 648mm x 718mm x 495mm, including the programmer housing and hinge assembly, but excluding the 241mm high legs.

The firebrick firing chamber measures 419mm x 337mm internally, and heats from all sides, with the fast-firing elements lying in grooves in the 76mm thick bricks.

The electronic display prompts for heating rate, target temperature, and hold time, making it easy to set up and re-use accurate drying, heating, holding, and cooling sequences. To learn more about the programmer, use the start link below the menu bar, then choose programmers.

The recommended furniture kit for the TNF-1613-3, included in the price, consists of two round 381mm x 15mm cordierite shelves, one half shelf, six sets of assorted shelf posts, and a bag of glass separator. Kiln shelf paper is simpler and more convenient to use than glass separator for stopping enamels and glass sticking to the shelf.
Cordierite is a magnesium aluminium silicate that resists thermal distortion and fracture. A thick shelf, on posts, heats and cools evenly: particularly important for glass work.
Depending on the sizes of your pieces and the number of pieces you want to fire, eight shelves can be stacked to make better use of your time: so you may want more than one furniture kit. An extra kit consists of one round 381mm x 15mm shelf, one half shelf, and eight 25mm x 25mm x 50mm posts.

The TNF-1613-3 looks the same as the Janus 1613, described above. It's not recommended for glass as there are no top elements. However, to compensate, it's rated at 6400W, not 4800W, so heats up faster.

THE TNF 82-3

CERAMICS, PORCELAIN, POTTERY, AND STONEWARE

The Paragon TNF 82-3 is ideal for ceramics, porcelain, pottery, and stoneware. It's a 1290°C cone 10, eight-sided, round-ish, top-opening kiln, with an easy-to-use, ramp-hold and cone-fire, Sentry 12-key digital programmer.

The UK kiln is rated at 230V 7200W, so needs a separate 45A circuit. To comply with EU safety regulations, it's fitted with an additional switch that cuts off the power when the lid is opened. It needs floor space, as it weighs about 103Kg.

The stainless steel body stands on four legs, the top has a stay-open support, and there are two wide-view peephole in one of the sides. The electrical components, located on the front, stay cool, even at extended hold times.

The kiln base can accept an optional Orton Vent Master kiln vent: to learn more, use the start link below the menu bar, then choose accessories, then scroll down.

The outer steel case measures 648mm x 719mm x 712mm, including the programmer housing and hinge assembly, but excluding the 241mm high legs.

The firebrick firing chamber measures 419mm x 566mm internally, and heats from all sides, with the fast-firing elements lying in grooves in the 76mm thick bricks.

The electronic display prompts for heating rate, target temperature, and hold time, making it easy to set up and re-use accurate drying, heating, holding, and cooling sequences. To learn more about the programmer, use the start link below the menu bar, then choose programmers.

The recommended furniture kit for the TNF-82-3, included in the price, consists of three round 381mm x 15mm cordierite shelves, one half shelf, four sets of assorted shelf posts, and a bag of glass separator. Kiln shelf paper is simpler and more convenient to use than glass separator for stopping enamels and glass sticking to the shelf.
Cordierite is a magnesium aluminium silicate that resists thermal distortion and fracture. A thick shelf, on posts, heats and cools evenly: particularly important for glass work.
Depending on the sizes of your pieces and the number of pieces you want to fire, eight shelves can be stacked to make better use of your time: so you may want more than one furniture kit. An extra kit consists of one round 381mm x 15mm shelf, one half shelf, and twelve 25mm x 25mm x 50mm posts.

The TNF 82-3 ceramics kiln isn't usually used for glass as there are no top elements: for glass, look at the Fusion series; for glass and ceramics, look at the Janus series. However, to compensate, it heats up faster.

THE TNF 24-3

CERAMICS, PORCELAIN, POTTERY, AND STONEWARE

The Paragon TNF 24-3 is ideal for ceramics, porcelain, pottery, and stoneware. It's a 1290°C cone 10, twelve-sided, round-ish, top-opening kiln, with an easy-to-use, ramp-hold and cone-fire, Sentry 12-key digital programmer.

The UK kiln is rated at 230V 11 500W, so needs a separate 60A circuit. It needs its own floor space as it weighs about 155Kg.

The outer steel case measures 775mm x 1113mm x 1220mm. The firing chamber measures 572mm x 737mm internally, and heats from all sides, with the fast-firing elements lying in grooves in the 76mm thick bricks.

The recommended furniture kit consists of eight 584mm x 18mm cordierite half shelves, eight sets of assorted shelf posts, and a bag of glass separator. An extra kit consists of two 584mm x 18mm half shelves, and twelve 25mm x 25mm x 50mm posts.

THE TNF 27-3

CERAMICS, PORCELAIN, POTTERY, AND STONEWARE

The Paragon TNF 27-3 is ideal for ceramics, porcelain, pottery, and stoneware. It's a 1290°C cone 10, twelve-sided, round-ish, top-opening kiln, with an easy-to-use, ramp-hold and cone-fire, Sentry 12-key digital programmer.

The UK kiln is rated at 230V 12 000W, so needs a separate 60A circuit. To comply with EU safety regulations, it's fitted with an additional switch that cuts off the power when the lid is opened. It needs its own floor space as it weighs about 180Kg.

The stainless steel body stands on four legs and has a spring-balanced lid for easy opening. The top has a stay-open support for access and a two-stage just-open support for venting, and there are two wide-view peepholes in one of the sides. The electrical components, located on the front, stay cool, even at extended hold times.

The kiln base can accept an optional Orton Vent Master kiln vent: to learn more, use the start link below the menu bar, then choose accessories, then scroll down.

The outer steel case measures 920mm x 1245mm x 1016mm. It's made in four parts: a firebrick base, two firebrick firing chamber collars, and a hinged firebrick lid.

The firebrick firing chamber measures 711mm x 566mm internally, and heats from the sides with the fast-firing elements layng in grooves in the 76mm thick bricks.

The electronic display prompts for heating rate, target temperature, and hold time, making it easy to set up and re-use accurate drying, heating, holding, and cooling sequences. To learn more about the programmer, use the start link below the menu bar, then choose programmers.

The recommended furniture kit for the TNF-27-3, included in the price, consists of six 660mm x 18mm cordierite half shelves, six sets of assorted shelf posts, and a bag of glass separator. Kiln shelf paper is simpler and more convenient to use than glass separator for stopping enamels and glass sticking to the shelf.
Cordierite is a magnesium aluminium silicate that resists thermal distortion and fracture. A thick shelf, on posts, heats and cools evenly: particularly important for glass work.
Depending on the sizes of your pieces and the number of pieces you want to fire, eight shelves can be stacked to make better use of your time: so you may want more than one furniture kit. An extra kit consists of two 660mm x 18mm half shelves and twelve 25mm x 25mm x 50mm posts.

The TNF-27-3 is often used in ceramic cafes and pottery studios, and for commercial production. It's wide enough to accept lots of pieces, but not so tall that people can't reach in.

THE TNF Q-11A

CERAMICS AND PORCELAIN

The TNF-Q-11A is ideal for Art Clay, PMC, Accent Gold, Metal Clay Veneer, Fimo Polymer Clay, china painting, dichroics, enamelling, glass fusing, and small-scale ceramics, porcelain, pottery, and stoneware. It's a 1260°C, four-sided, square, front-loading kiln, with an easy-to-use, ramp-hold cone-fire, Sentry Xpress 12-key digital programmer.

The UK kiln is rated at 230V 1440W, so can use a regular mains socket. To comply with EU safety regulations, it's fitted with an additional switch that cuts off the power when the lid is opened. It's small enough to use at home on a kitchen top, or at school on a workbench, as it only weighs about 32Kg.

The outer steel case measures 514mm x 283mm x 460mm, and is slotted for air circulation: so it keeps cool. The door opens 180°, so you won't burn your hand taking pieces out. The door has a safety switch and a central vent.

The firebrick firing chamber, enclosed in an inner steel case, measures 154mm x 153mm x 162mm internally, and heats from two sides and the back, with the fast-firing elements laying in grooves in the 76mm thick bricks.

The electronic display prompts for firing rate, temperature, and hold time, making it easy to set up and re-use accurate drying, heating, and cooling sequences. To learn more about the programmer, use the start link below the menu bar, then choose programmers.

The recommended furniture kit for the TNF-Q-11A, included in the price, consists of one 127mm x 127mm x 10mm cordierite shelf, four 25mm x 25mm x 12mm posts, and a bag of glass separator. Kiln shelf paper is simpler and more convenient to use than glass separator for stopping enamels and glass sticking to the shelf.
Cordierite is a magnesium aluminium silicate that resists thermal distortion and fracture. A thick shelf, on posts, heats and cools evenly: particularly important for glass work.
Depending on the sizes of your pieces and the number of pieces you want to fire, eight shelves can be stacked to make better use of your time: so you may want more than one furniture kit. An extra kit consists of one 127mm x 127mm x 10mm shelf and four 25mm x 25mm x 25mm posts.

THE XPRESS E-10A

ART CLAY, PMC, ENAMELS, GLASS, AND LOW-FIRE CERAMICS

The Paragon Xpress E-10A is ideal for Art Clay, PMC, Accent Gold, Metal Clay Veneer, Fimo Polymer Clay, china painting, dichroics, enamelling, jewellery, low-fire ceramics, and small-scale glass fusing, sagging, and slumping. It's a 1230°C, four-sided, square, front-loading kiln, with an easy-to-use, ramp-hold, Sentry Xpress 3-key digital programmer.

The 1230°C 1800W E10A is 1.94 times higher inside than the 1095°C 1100W E9A, and has an inside floor area 1.22 times larger than that of the 1095°C 1745W SC2 and the 1095°C 2000W SC3.

The only limitation is that, although 1230°C is hot enough for low-fire ceramics, it's not hot enough for normal ceramics, porcelain, pottery, and stoneware: they need a 1260°C or 1290°C kiln.

To learn more about this kiln, and other complementary kilns in the series, use the kilns link below the menu bar, then choose artclay, then scroll down.

THE XPRESS Q-11A

ART CLAY, PMC, CERAMICS, ENAMELS, GLASS, PORCELAIN, AND STONEWARE

The Paragon Xpress Q-11A is ideal for Art Clay, PMC, Accent Gold, Metal Clay Veneer, Fimo Polymer Clay, china painting, decals, dichroics, enamelling, jewellery, and small-scale glass fusing, porcelain, pottery, and stoneware. It's a 1260°C, four-sided, square, front-loading kiln, with an easy-to-use, ramp-hold cone-fire, Sentry Xpress 3-key digital programmer.

The compact 1260°C 1440W Q11A is ideal for making jewellery at home. It's large enough for dichroics and glass fusing, but not for sagging and slumping. However, to compensate, it's hot enough for small-scale ceramics, porcelain, pottery, and stoneware, allowing you to experiment with different materials, combinations, and processes.

To learn more about this kiln, and other complementary kilns in the series, use the kilns link below the menu bar at the top of the page, then choose artclay, then scroll down.

RESOURCES

To learn more about Art Clay metal clays, Accent Gold, Metal Clay Veneer, buying and using kilns and tools, choosing a course, or discovering more at The Art Clay Club, use the Art Clay Club link above the menu bar at the top of the page.

The Art Clay Club is an information resource, not a shop, providing free on-line help, 24 7 52: you don't have to register, log on, or remember a password.

SHOPPING

The kiln prices include the recommended shelf kit, and the legally-necessary lid or door safety switch where appropriate.

The on-line shop includes Paragon Kilns, BullsEye ThinFire kiln paper, ceramic blocks, ceramic cloths, digital pyrometers, reminder-timers, fire extinguishers, glare-resistant glasses, heat-resistant gloves, kiln shelves, kiln tables, and other tools and accessories. Alternatively, visit the Cherry Heaven Shop in Corfe Castle village.

CHERRY HEAVEN

Cherry Heaven, through Electric Kilns, is an EU distributor for Paragon Kilns made by Paragon Industries in the US, and the Prometheus Pro kilns made by Odak Sanat in Turkey.

Cherry Heaven, through Advance Kilns, is the EU distributor for Advance Kiklns made by Advance Kilns in Canada, and, through The UltraLite Kiln, an EU distributor for the Ultra Lite Kiln made by JEC Products in the US.

Cherry Heaven, through The Kitiki Studio, is a UK distributor for Art Clay made by Aida Chemical Industries in Japan, and an EU distributor for AccentGold For Silver paint and Metal Clay Veneer, both made in the US.

EDUCATIONAL DISCOUNTS AND RESALE