The Paragon Xpress series kilns are usually used for ceramics, enamelling, firing metal clays, glass work, heat treating, making jewellery, and porcelain. They're 1095°C to 1290°C firebrick kilns, with ramp-hold, or cone-fire ramp-hold, Sentry Xpress 3-key digital programmers. In regular blue, or special-edition black, pink, purple, or turquoise.

You can make bangles, beads, bowls, bracelets, brooches, charms, dolls, earrings, figurines, fingerprints, garden ornaments, glass-art, jewellery, keepsakes, knives, lampshades, model parts, mugs, necklaces, pendants, plates, porcelain beads, pots, rings, seasonal decorations, souvenirs, stained glass designs, thimbles, tiaras, tiles, and vases.

You can try Art Clay metal clay, bronze clay, copper clay, PMC silver clay, glass clay, Accent Gold, Image Transfer Solution, Metal Clay Veneer, SilverEtch, bead annealing, ceramics, china painting, dichroic glass, enamelling, glass art, glass fusing, sagging and slumping, glazes, heat treating, knife-making, laboratory testing, lampwork, lost-wax casting, making jewellery, melting gold, pâte de verre, porcelain, pottery, raku, and staining glass. And work with many other materials and processes.

They're ideal for your arts centre, ceramics studio, college, course venue, craft centre, engineering facilty, glass works, home, jewellery studio, medical laboratory, pottery business, research unit, school, technical workshop, or university.

For prices, use the shop link below the menu bar near the top-right of the page. The prices are for a UK voltage CE-marked kiln, with a professional shelf kit, UK VAT, and UK mainland delivery.

Cherry Heaven TV has made an on-line photo book featuring these popular kilns: click the Cherry Heaven TV player above. It starts with the Paragon Xpress Q11A, and continues with the larger E9A, E10A, E12A, E14A, J14A, 1193, 66-3, and 1693.

To look at the pop-up photos, hold your mouse over the zoom buttons below: you don't need to click.

The Paragon Xpress Q11A.

The Paragon Xpress E9A.

The Paragon Xpress E9A: In Black, Pink, Purple, Or Turquoise.

The Paragon Xpress E10A.

The Paragon Xpress E10AW With A 12-Key Upgrade.

The Paragon Xpress E12A.

The Paragon Xpress E12AB.

The Paragon Xpress E12ABW.

The Paragon Xpress E14A.

The Paragon Xpress J14A.

The Paragon Xpress 1193.

The Paragon Xpress 663.

The Paragon Xpress 1613.

The Paragon Sentry Xpress 3-Key Programmer.

The Paragon Sentry 12-Key Programmer.

This comprehensive internet resource lets you research and compare kilns in your own time. There's a lot to read, but you'll make the right choice instead of an expensive mistake. The section about kiln furniture is very important.

There are two broad groups of kilns: small plug-in table-top kilns and large wired-in floor-standing and work-top kilns. Although there's cross-over, you can transfer to a more appropriate group using the link above the menu bar near the top of the page.

The Paragon Xpress series kilns are usually used for ceramics, enamels, firing metal clays, glass work, heat treating, making jewellery, and porcelain. They're 1095°C-1290°C firebrick kilns, with ramp-hold, or cone-fire ramp-hold, Sentry Xpress 3-key digital programmers. In regular blue, or special-edition black, pink, purple, or turquoise.

There are nineteen in the series: the plug-in, table-top, four-sided, front-opening Q11A, E9A, 9AW, E10A, E10AB, E10AW, E10ABW, E12A, E12AB, E12AW, E12ABW, E14A, E14AB, E14AW, E14ABW, and J14A, and the wired-in, floor-standing, top-opening, six-sided 1193, seven-sided 66-3, and eight-sided 1613. They're all firebrick, except for the ceramic-fibre J14A.

They're popular for mixed-media work in a commercial studio or a small business: everything from quick enamelling to firing porcelain. They're very versatile and will do most things for most people within their size limits.

Paragon's naming conventions aren't consistent. Although there was probably a useful plan many years ago, it's worth trying to understand where we are now:

The E series were described as manual front-opening fibrebrick enamelling kilns, the J series as medium-size front-loading square kilns, and the Q series as front-loading square kilns. The numbers described the internal front-to-back dimension, in inches. And the letter A meant painted. So, for example, an E9A was an enamelling kiln, 9in front-to-back and painted blue.

As programmable kilns became more popular, the prefix Xpress meant it had a Sentry Xpress digital programmer, so the manual E9A became the digital Xpress E9A, sometimes referred to as the Xpress E9A, Xpress E-9A, or Xpress-E-9A.

However, kilns were sometimes rectanglar, hexagonal, or octagonal, and had 2.5in or 3in thick firebricks. So, one number described the internal side-to-side dimension, one number described the internal height, and the suffix 3 was the firebrick thickness. So Xpress 1613-3 still made sense, even though the un-used letter B had been assigned to a stainless steel case.

Somehow it all fell apart as the E10A isn't an inch larger than the E9A, the Q11A isn't 11 inches anywhere, the 66-3 isn't 66 inches anywhere, and the 1193 should been been called the 1109-3. There was no suffix for 2.5in. And Xpress was sometimes part of the name for other kilns, and sometimes not.

So, rely on the actual descriptions. The model names we use have suffixes which describe the door options. For example: the E12AB has a bead-annealing door, the E12AW has a heat-resistant glass viewing-window, and the E12ABW has both.

Unfortunately, the factory sometimes uses different names: the Xpress E12A has been called the Xpress-E-12A, E12TXpress, Xpress-E-12T, and S0676-9 Multi-Media. Multi-media is an audio-visual term: mixed-media would be better. And the suffixes B, W, and BW weren't used, although they should have been?

Although the choice seems overwhelming, it's really quite simple. Choose the Xpress kiln that's the right size and temperature. Think about a temperature upgrade. Think about a bead door, a window, or both. Then think about any appropriate options, upgrades, and extra shelf kits.

If you want a smaller, simpler, economy kiln, look at the 1000°C front-opening Kitiki MiniKiln. For similar kilns, look at the 1095°C front-opening Paragon SC2, or the 1290°C top-opening Paragon Caldera A. I've included a specification table below showing the standard models, not all the upgraded versions.

If your primarily interested in a floor-standing. top-opening. ceramics kiln, it might help you to decide between the six-sided Xpress 1193, seven-sided 66-3, and eight-sided 1613 by comparing the volumes of the firing chambers: the 1193 is 15.86 litres, the 66-3 is 34.55 litres, and the 1613 is 49.55 litres. Of course, depending on what you want to make, width or height might be more important than volume.

If you're researching kilns that can use a regular mains socket, the E12A is the most popular 1230°C mixed-media kiln, the E14A is the largest 1095°C glass kiln, the 1193 is the largest and hottest 1260°C ceramics kiln, and the Q11A is the smallest 1260°C porcelain kiln.

An option is usually a cosmetic or practical variation, such as a pink respray, a right-hand hinge, a bead door, or an EU plug. An upgrade goes beyond the standard specifications, such as a higher temperature, a 12-key programmer, an electric kiln vent, or a USB interface. The photo shows a Paragon SC2 customised for an Art Clay and PMC studio: pink, with a RH hinge, and a maximum temperature of 925°C.

The kilns in this series are described in detail further down the page. It's important to read everything carefully so that you understand what they can and can't do, why some of the accessories, options, and upgrades might be useful, and how they compare with other kilns.

Not every option or upgrade applies to every kiln in this series. However, if they're appropriate, they're listed in the on-line shop, so just add up the ones you want: but order them with your kiln as they're often difficult, expensive, or impossible, to implement afterwards. It might help if you make a few notes of your own now? Mail or call if you need help deciding.

They use regular single-phase 230V mains so have 230V EU elements, not 120V US elements. They have UK 13A three-pin plugs: so they're ready to go. If you're not in the UK, use a plug adapter or cut off the UK plug and fit your own: it won't invalidate the guarantee. Alternatively, a special-order kiln can have an EU plug factory-fitted.

Most kilns can be re-engineered for 110V, 200V, 208V, or 240V, single phase or three phase, or 440V three phase. If you're interested, mail or call.

Although standard EU and US kilns have the same maximum temperature, set by the design and the programmer, some 1095°C firebrick kilns can be re-engineered to run at 1230°C, 1260°C, or 1290°C, making them versatile mixed-media kilns.

However, virtually everything can be done at less than 1260°C. At 1290°C, conventional kiln materials are nearing their limit so I suggest you only use 1290°C occasionally rather than full-on hour after hour.

Also, to maintain 1290°C, some upgraded kilns might need thicker firebricks, so they'll be slightly smaller inside: about 12mm on each side. Mail or call if you're interested, or need help deciding.

Kilns in the BlueBird, SC, and Xpress series are normally blue, but can be painted black, pink, purple, or turquoise. However, as they're made to order, they can't be returned if the colour isn't exactly the same as in the photo.

The door hinge is usually on the left. However, a right-hand hinge might be better if you're left-handed: unless the kiln will be in the left-hand corner of your studio or there's an obstacle that will make access difficult. Give this some thought.

Most of the medium-size kilns have a standard lift-up lid. Firebrick lids seem heavy to some people so, if you feel that a hydraulic-assisted or spring-assisted lid would be easier, mail or call.

If the kiln comes with a Sentry Xpress 3-Key ramp-hold programmer, you can upgrade to a Sentry Xpress 3-Key cone-fire and ramp-hold programmer, usually preferred for ceramics. Cone-fire is implemented in the programmer's software and is very easy to use: just set a cone number and start the firing sequence.

Or, you can upgrade any Sentry Xpress 3-key programmer to a Sentry 12-Key ten segment ramp-hold, or cone-fire and ramp-hold, programmer, with advanced firing features and connection options. The 3-key has a 12-month guarantee and the 12-key has a 30-month guarantee.

The Sentry 12-key programmer can be connected to your computer through a factory-fitted USB interface. The Control Master software allows you to control and monitor the firing, and analyse, arrange, print out, and save the data. If you want this feature, make sure you order the USB interface.

Most kilns come with a standard long-lasting electro-mechanical relay. However, if long-life and reliability are vital, you can upgrade to a mercury relay which has a lifetime of several million on-off cycles. Remember that some of the larger kilns have two or more relays.

Some bronze and copper clays, and some metals, need to be fired in activated charcoal granules in a stainless steel container. The SC2 and SC3, the Caldera-A, and the Xpress E9A. E10A, and 1193 can hold a one-litre container: most other kilns can hold a three-litre.

Particulates represent a health risk if they're breathed in, so wear a HEPA mask when cleaning out your kiln, mixing kiln wash, and working with charcoals, ceramic-fibre blocks, cloths, and papers. And, ideally, use protective glasses.

If you want to touch anything hot or move your kiln before it's cooled off, it's important to wear heat-resistant gloves. And, if you want to look into a red-hot kiln, wear glare-resistant glasses which protect your eyes from IR and UV.

Paragon kilns, made in the US, have been re-engineered and comprehensively tested for the UK, the EU, and most other countries. They're CE Marked and comply with EU safety standards. They're guaranteed for a year, and Paragon has an international, informed, and supportive user-base, and spares and repair centres.

The digital programmer shows degrees Celsius, not degrees Fahrenheit as in the US. If you need to convert, this is how to do it. However, if you want to work in Fahrenheit, you can make a simple change to the programmer.

In the unlikely event that your kiln develops a fault, it's reassuring to know that home repairs are easy and need little more than a screwdriver and a pair of pliers. An engineer can guide you on the phone, and there are on-line repair videos.

Re-freshing the air in a kiln minimises surface blemishes when firing clays, ensures brighter colours when firing glasses, and prevents colour contamination when firing different glazes.

A factory-fitted Orton Vent Master removes airbourne pollutants straight away and redirects them to the outside. Most kilns can be factory-readied: the vent just needs on-site assembly.

Venting the kiln has little effect on the heat-up time and the maximum temperature. However, the cooling time is reduced considerably, depending on the size of the kiln,

The UK vent motor is rated at 230V 132W, so it can use a regular mains socket. The suction cup and pipe are attached to the kiln but the motor can be remote: it doesn't get hot and the fan is easy to clean.

There's always a small gap, for expansion, around any kiln door or lid, so enough new air can be drawn in to replace the old air being drawn out. However, peepholes act as straight-through cold-air inlets: so you might not want them?

The VentMaster can be turned on and off manually. Alternatively, if the kiln has a Sentry 12-key programmer it can be plugged into the kiln's auxilliary power outlet and controlled by the programmer. The power outlet has to be fitted during manufacture, so decide before you order.

As with Paragon kilns, Orton Vent Masters can be re-engineered for any electrical system. They conform to the demanding 1992 Uniform Mechanical Code and the UL standard, and are CE Marked for the EU. They have a two year limited warranty.

Every kiln comes with kiln furniture, included in the price, so that you can start work straight away. It's not an expensive collection that I've put together for you: one that you have to pay for but might never use.

What you get depends on which kiln you choose. For example: one full shelf, two half-shelves, several mixed shelves, a set of shelf posts, a bead-mandrel holder, glass separator, hot gloves, kiln wash, a knife-making rack, pyrometric cones, a tile holder, or other accessories. So, it's important to understand what's in the included furniture kit for the kiln you've chosen.

Usually, a shelf kit comprises one professional, durable, cordierite shelf and four 12mm high posts. It should stay on the floor of the firing chamber all the time in case you accidentally spill or melt anything: solidified glass is impossible to pick off without damaging the ceramic-fibre or firebrick. You don't get a soft, ceramic-fibre shelf, often described as free, that will gradually break up and need replacing.

During firing sequences with heating, holding, and cooling segments, the elements turn on and off repeatedly. In a small kiln, with little residual heat, the inevitable temperature changes can make glass crack as it expands and contracts. A thick heavy shelf stores heat and, because it's resting on posts, the air circulates, helping to even out any normal temperature fluctuations.

If you're buying your first kiln, you're probably interested in one material, such as silver clay, or one process, such as enamelling. However, after a few successes, and failures, most people want to try different materials, make larger pieces, experiment with combinations, fire more at a time, and soon become interested in something else: or everything else. Some start a business or run classes.

Depending on the material or process, and the sizes of your pieces, shelves can be stacked up on posts to make better use of the kiln space, your time, and the unit firing-cost: so you might want extra shelf kits.

If extra shelf kits are packed with the kiln, the delivery charge doesn't increase. Ordered later, not with the kiln, they need a box and protective packing and attract an extra delivery charge. Outside the UK mainland, this might be expensive. So, if you think you'll need them, order them with your kiln, along with any other accessories, materials, parts, or tools.

Although they look tough, most ceramics break if they're dropped, so it's a good idea to have spare shelves, especially if your business depends on your kiln or you're running courses.

Shelf kits usually include 25mm x 25mm x 12mm shelf posts, When flat, they're 12mm high: on their sides, they're 25mm. Other sizes, up to 150mm high, are available, so you can choose the shelf spacing that suits your kiln and your work.

For dichroics, enamelling, and glass fusing, put kiln paper on the shelf to stop the glass sticking: it's simpler and cleaner to use than glass separator. Bullseye Thinfire shelf paper, probably the most popular, ensures easy separation between your glass and the kiln shelf. One side feels slightly smoother than the other: that's the glass side.

Generally, glasswork needs radiant heat and will fuse, sag, or slump better on one shelf than between closely stacked shelves, although experienced glass artists often use several shelves succesfully.

Delicate pieces can be fired on a puffed-up ceramic-fibre cloth: on a shelf. Round pieces, that could roll to one side, can be fired on a hollowed-out ceramic-fibre block.

Particulates represent a health risk if they're breathed in, so wear a HEPA mask when cleaning out your kiln, mixing kiln wash, and working with ceramic-fibre blocks, cloths, and papers. And, ideally, use protective glasses.

If you want to touch anything hot, or move your kiln before it's cooled off, it's important to wear heat-resistant gloves. And, if you want to look into a red-hot kiln, even briefly, wear glare-resistant glasses to protect your eyes from IR and UV.

If your day-to-day work depends on your kiln and down-time will be disruptive or expensive, it's a good idea to have spares: extra shelves, a selection of posts, elements, a relay, and a thermocouple.

You can learn about ceramic blocks and cloths, charcoal, dust masks, glare-resistant glasses, glass separator, heat-resistant gloves, kiln vents, kiln wash, programmers, protective glasses, USB interfaces, shelf paper, tools, and other accessories, using the accessories link below the menu bar near the top of the page. And they're all in the on-line shop.

The Paragon Xpress Q11A is a plug-in, table-top kiln, usually used for ceramics, glass work, heat treating, making jewellery, metal clays, and porcelain. It's a 1260°C, four-sided, front-opening, firebrick kiln, with a cone-fire ramp-hold, Sentry Xpress 3-key digital programmer. In regular blue, or special-edition black, pink, purple, or turquoise.

You can make bangles, beads, bowls, bracelets, brooches, charms, dolls, earrings, figurines, fingerprints, garden ornaments, glass-art, jewellery, keepsakes, knives, lampshades, model parts, mugs, necklaces, pendants, porcelain beads, pots, rings, seasonal decorations, souvenirs, and thimbles.

You can try Art Clay metal clay, bronze clay, copper clay, PMC silver clay, glass clay, Accent Gold, Image Transfer Solution, Metal Clay Veneer, SilverEtch, bead annealing, ceramics, china painting, dichroic glass, enamelling, glass art, glass fusing, sagging and slumping, glazes, heat-treating, knife-making, laboratory testing, lampwork, lost-wax casting, making jewellery, melting gold and silver, pâte de verre, porcelain, pottery, raku, and staining glass. And work with many other materials and processes.

The UK kiln is rated at 230V 1440W, so it can use a regular mains socket. To comply with EU safety regulations, it's fitted with an additional door-activated switch that cuts off the power if the kiln is opened: an important safety feature included in the price. However, never get careless: kilns are very hot and connected to the mains.

The outer steel case measures 280mm x 381mm x 457mm high, and is slotted for air circulation: so it keeps cool. There's a peephole-vent in the door. The shipping weight is about 20Kg.

The firebrick firing chamber measures 152mm x 152mm x 159mm high and heats from both sides and the back, with the fast-firing elements elements lying in pinless dropped-recessed grooves in the 64mm thick bricks.

The programmer's digital display prompts for cone numbers, or heating rates, target temperatures, and hold times, making it easy to set up and re-use accurate heating, holding, and cooling sequences. The kiln can be upgraded to run at 1290°C.

There's a recommended kit, included in the price: one durable 127mm x 127mm x 10mm cordierite shelf, four 12mm shelf posts, and 450gm of kiln wash.

There's an extra recommended kit, not included in the price: one square 127mm x 127mm x 10mm shelf and four posts. You can choose 12mm, 25mm, or 50mm posts.

Depending on the material or process, and the sizes of your pieces, stacked shelves will hold more work, free up your time, and reduce the unit firing cost: so you might want more kits. This kiln has room for three.

The Paragon Xpress E-9A is a plug-in, table-top kiln, usually used for dichroics, enamelling, firing metal clays, fusing glass, or making jewellery. It's a 1095°C, four-sided, front-opening, firebrick kiln, with a ramp-hold, Sentry Xpress 3-key digital programmer. In regular blue, or special-edition black, pink, purple, or turquoise.

You can make bangles, beads, bowls, bracelets, brooches, charms, dolls, earrings, figurines, fingerprints, garden ornaments, glass-art, jewellery, keepsakes, knives, lampshades, model parts, mugs, necklaces, pendants, plates, porcelain beads, pots, rings, seasonal decorations, souvenirs, stained glass designs, thimbles, tiaras, tiles, and vases.

You can try Art Clay metal clay, bronze clay, copper clay, PMC silver clay, glass clay, Accent Gold, Image Transfer Solution, Metal Clay Veneer, bead annealing, ceramics, china painting, dichroic glass, enamelling, glass art, glass fusing, sagging and slumping, glazes, heat-treating, knife-making, laboratory testing, lampwork, lost-wax casting, making jewellery, melting gold and silver, pâte de verre, porcelain, pottery, raku, and staining glass. And work with many other materials and processes.

The UK kiln is rated at 230V 1100W, so it can use a regular mains socket. To comply with EU safety regulations, it's fitted with an additional door-activated switch that cuts off the power if the kiln is opened: an important safety feature included in the price. However, never get careless: kilns are very hot and connected to the mains.

The outer steel case measures 356mm x 457mm x 413mm high, and is slotted for air circulation: so it keeps cool. There's a peephole-vent in the door. The shipping weight is about 25Kg.

The firebrick firing chamber measures 216mm x 229mm x 114mm high, and heats from both sides and the back, with the fast-firing elements lying in pinless dropped-recessed grooves in the 64mm thick bricks.

The programmer's digital display prompts for heating rates, target temperatures, and hold times, making it easy to set up and re-use accurate heating, holding, and cooling sequences. It can be upgraded to run at 1230°C and include a cone-fire ramp-hold programmer.

There's a recommended getting-started furniture kit, included in the price: one 178mm x 178mm x 15mm cordierite shelf, four 12mm shelf posts, and 450gm of glass separator.

There's an extra recommended kit, not included in the price: one 178mm x 178mm x 15mm shelf and four posts. You can choose 12mm, 25mm, or 50mm posts.

Depending on the material or process, and the sizes of your pieces, stacked shelves will hold more work, free up your time, and reduce the unit firing cost: so you might want more kits. This kiln has room for three.

The door includes a 50mm x 50mm heat-resistant glass viewing-window. Otherwise, the kiln is exactly the same as the E9A.

The window allows you to take a quick peep at china paintings, enamels, glass, and glazes to check on their progress. And you might find it interesting or reassuring to watch what happens during the firing sequence.

It's widely believed that glass viewing-windows will cloud permanently or crack by about 925°C. The glass used in the Paragon Caldera, FireFly, SC, and Xpress series kilns has been time-tested at 1260°C.

The Paragon Xpress E-10A is a plug-in, table-top kiln, usually used for dichroics, enamelling, firing metal clays, fusing glass, or making jewellery. It's a 1095°C, four-sided, front-opening, firebrick kiln, with a ramp-hold, Sentry Xpress 3-key digital programmer. In regular blue, or special-edition black, pink, purple, or turquoise.

You can make bangles, beads, bowls, bracelets, brooches, charms, dolls, earrings, figurines, fingerprints, garden ornaments, glass-art, jewellery, keepsakes, knives, lampshades, model parts, mugs, necklaces, pendants, plates, porcelain beads, pots, rings, seasonal decorations, souvenirs, stained glass designs, thimbles, tiaras, tiles, and vases.

You can try Art Clay metal clay, bronze clay, copper clay, PMC silver clay, glass clay, Accent Gold, Image Transfer Solution, Metal Clay Veneer, bead annealing, ceramics, china painting, dichroic glass, enamelling, glass art, glass fusing, sagging and slumping, glazes, heat-treating, knife-making, laboratory testing, lampwork, lost-wax casting, making jewellery, melting gold and silver, pâte de verre, porcelain, pottery, raku, and staining glass. And work with many other materials and processes.

The UK kiln is rated at 230V 1800W, so it can use a regular mains socket. To comply with EU safety regulations, it's fitted with an additional switch that cuts off the power if the kiln is opened: an important safety feature included in the price. However, never get careless: kilns are very hot and connected to the mains.

The outer steel case measures 356mm x 457mm x 521mm high, and is slotted for air circulation: so it keeps cool. There's a peephole-vent in the door. The shipping weight is about 32Kg.

The firebrick firing chamber measures 216mm x 229mm x 222mm high, and heats from both sides and the back, with the fast-firing elements lying in pinless dropped-recessed grooves in the 64mm thick bricks.

The programmer's digital display prompts for heating rates, target temperatures, and hold times, making it easy to set up and re-use accurate heating, holding, and cooling sequences. It can be upgraded to run at 1230°C and include a cone-fire ramp-hold programmer.

There's a recommended kit, included in the price: one durable square 178mm x 178mm x 15mm cordierite shelf, four 12mm shelf posts, and 450gm of glass separator.

There's an extra recommended kit, not included in the price: one square 178mm x 178mm x 15mm shelf and four posts. You can choose 12mm, 25mm, or 50mm posts.

Depending on the material or process, and the sizes of your pieces, stacked shelves will hold more work, free up your time, and reduce the unit firing cost: so you might want more kits. This kiln has room for four.

The door includes a 165mm x 64mm letter-box style bead-anealing door and a separate screw-on bead-mandrel holder. Otherwise, the kiln is exactly the same as the E10A.

The bead door is hinged at the top and opens outwards. Normally, glass beads on bead mandrels, or rods, are pushed through the bead door and rest on the mandrel holder, so that an annealing programme can toughen the glass.

The bead door is often used to take a quick peep at china paintings, enamels, glass, and glazes to check on their progress, or to adjust or move pieces of work. It gives you a wider view than a window, but the kiln will heat unevenly if you keep it open for too long: although not as much as opening the main door.
Purists might tell you not to leave the bead door open but remember, when you're using bead mandrels it's slightly open all the time. As always, it's important to experiment and find the simplest or most successful way of working.

The door includes a 50mm x 50mm heat-resistant glass viewing-window. Otherwise, the kiln is exactly the same as the E10A.

The window allows you to take a quick peep at china paintings, enamels, glass, and glazes to check on their progress. And you might find it interesting or reassuring to watch what happens during the firing sequence.

It's widely believed that glass viewing-windows will cloud permanently or crack by about 925°C. The glass used in the Paragon Caldera, FireFly, SC, and Xpress series kilns has been time-tested at 1260°C.

The door includes a 165mm x 64mm bead-anealing letter-box style door, a separate screw-on bead-mandrel holder, and a 75mm x 25mm heat-resistant glass viewing-window. Otherwise, the kiln is exactly the same as the E10A.

The bead-door and window version make the E10ABW the most versatile of the series, combining the advantages of the E10B and the E10W described above. It's a good choice if you're buying your first kiln and you're not sure what you might want to do with it in the future.

Even if you don't use the bead door and window very often as you gain experience, they do make learning easier and you might find it interesting or reassuring to watch what happens during the firing sequence.

The door includes a 165mm x 64mm letter-box style bead-anealing door and a separate screw-on bead-mandrel holder. Otherwise, the kiln is exactly the same as the E10A.

The Paragon Xpress 12A is a plug-in, table-top kiln, usually used for ceramics, glass work, heat treating, making jewellery, metal clays, and porcelain. It's a 1230°C, four-sided, front-opening, firebrick kiln, with a ramp-hold, Sentry Xpress 3-key digital programmer. In regular blue, or special-edition black, pink, purple, or turquoise. The E12A made for Cherry Heaven is 235°C hotter and 69mm taller than the US-model, making it more versatile.

You can make bangles, beads, bowls, bracelets, brooches, charms, dolls, earrings, figurines, fingerprints, garden ornaments, glass-art, jewellery, keepsakes, knives, lampshades, model parts, mugs, necklaces, pendants, plates, porcelain beads, pots, rings, seasonal decorations, souvenirs, stained glass designs, thimbles, tiaras, tiles, and vases.

You can try Art Clay metal clay, bronze clay, copper clay, PMC silver clay, glass clay, Accent Gold, Image Transfer Solution, Metal Clay Veneer, SilverEtch, bead annealing, ceramics, china painting, dichroic glass, enamelling, glass art, glass fusing, sagging and slumping, glazes, heat-treating, knife-making, laboratory testing, lampwork, lost-wax casting, making jewellery, melting gold and silver, pâte de verre, porcelain, pottery, raku, and staining glass. And work with many other materials and processes.

The UK kiln is rated at 230V 2700W, so it can use a regular mains socket. To comply with EU safety regulations, it's fitted with an additional door-activated switch that cuts off the power if the kiln is opened: an important safety feature included in the price. However, never get careless: kilns are very hot and connected to the mains.

The outer steel case measures 347mm x 521mm x 510mm high, and is slotted for air circulation: so it keeps cool. There's a top vent for lost-wax casting and other processes that might release fumes. The shipping weight is about 38Kg.

The firebrick firing chamber measures 216mm x 305mm x 221mm high, and heats from both sides and the back, with the fast-firing elements lying in pinless dropped-recessed grooves in the 64mm thick bricks.

The programmer's digital display prompts for heating rates, target temperatures, and hold times, making it easy to set up and re-use accurate heating, holding, and cooling sequences. It can be upgraded to run at 1290°C and include a cone-fire ramp-hold programmer.

There's a recommended kit, included in the price: one durable rectangular 190mm x 279mm x 15mm cordierite shelf, four 12mm shelf posts, and 450gm of glass separator.

There's an extra recommended kit, not included in the price: one rectangular 190mm x 279mm x 15mm and four posts. You can choose 12mm, 25mm, 50mm, 75mm, or 100mm posts.

The 1290°C upgraded version has thicker firebricks, so the shelf is slightly smaller at 178mm x 279mm x 15mm.

Depending on the material or process, and the sizes of your pieces, stacked shelves will hold more work, free up your time, and reduce the unit firing cost: so you might want more kits. This kiln has room for four.

The door includes a 165mm x 64mm letter-box style bead-anealing door and a separate screw-on bead-mandrel holder. Otherwise, the kiln is exactly the same as the E12A.

The bead door is hinged at the top and opens outwards. Normally, glass beads on bead mandrels, or rods, are pushed through the bead door and rest on the mandrel holder, so that an annealing programme can toughen the glass.

The bead door is often used to take a quick peep at china paintings, enamels, glass, and glazes to check on their progress, or to adjust or move pieces of work. It gives you a wider view than a window, but the kiln will heat unevenly if you keep it open for too long: although not as much as opening the main door.
Purists might tell you not to leave the bead door open but remember, when you're using bead mandrels it's slightly open all the time. As always, it's important to experiment and find the simplest or most successful way of working.

The door includes a 50mm x 50mm heat-resistant glass viewing-window. Otherwise, the kiln is exactly the same as the E12A.

The window allows you to take a quick peep at china paintings, enamels, glass, and glazes to check on their progress. And you might find it interesting or reassuring to watch what happens during the firing sequence.

It's widely believed that glass viewing-windows will cloud permanently or crack by about 925°C. The glass used in the Paragon Caldera, FireFly, SC, and Xpress series kilns has been time-tested at 1260°C.

The door includes a 165mm x 64mm bead-anealing letter-box style door, a separate screw-on bead-mandrel holder, and a 75mm x 25mm heat-resistant glass viewing-window. Otherwise, the kiln is exactly the same as the E12A.

The bead-door and window version make the E14ABW the most versatile of the series, combining the advantages of the E12B and the E12W described above. It's a good choice if you're buying your first kiln and you're not sure what you might want to do with it in the future.

Even if you don't use the bead door and window very often as you gain experience, they do make learning easier and you might find it interesting or reassuring to watch what happens during the firing sequence.

The Paragon Xpress E-14A is a plug-in, table-top kiln, usually used for dichroics, enamelling, firing metal clays, fusing glass, or making jewellery. It's a 1095°C, four-sided, front-opening, firebrick kiln, with a ramp-hold, Sentry Xpress 3-key digital programmer. In regular blue, or special-edition black, pink, purple, or turquoise. It can be upgraded to include a ramp-hold cone-fire programmer.

It's ideal for classrooms, course venues, schools, and commercial jewellery studios: it's over four times larger inside than the SC2 and will hold four 305mm x 305mm shelves, yet it still heats up quickly. You can fire lots of metal clay at one go, use jewellery moulds, cast glass, paint china figures, and make lampshades and tiaras.

You can make bangles, beads, bowls, bracelets, brooches, charms, dolls, earrings, figurines, fingerprints, garden ornaments, glass-art, jewellery, keepsakes, knives, lampshades, model parts, mugs, necklaces, pendants, plates, porcelain beads, pots, rings, seasonal decorations, souvenirs, stained glass designs, thimbles, tiaras, tiles, and vases.

You can try Art Clay metal clay, bronze clay, copper clay, PMC silver clay, glass clay, Accent Gold, Image Transfer Solution, Metal Clay Veneer, SilverEtch, bead annealing, ceramics, china painting, dichroic glass, enamelling, glass art, glass fusing, sagging and slumping, glazes, heat-treating, knife-making, laboratory testing, lampwork, lost-wax casting, making jewellery, melting gold and silver, pâte de verre, porcelain, pottery, and staining glass. And work with many other materials and processes.

The UK kiln is rated at 230V 3120W, so it can use a regular mains socket. To comply with EU safety regulations, it's fitted with an additional door-activated switch that cuts off the power if the kiln is opened: an important safety feature included in the price. However, never get careless: kilns are very hot and connected to the mains.

The outer steel case measures 464mm x 572mm x 571mm high, and is slotted for air circulation: so it keeps cool. There's a peephole-vent in the door. The shipping weight is about 52Kg.

The firebrick firing chamber measures 330mm x 343mm x 223mm high, and heats from both sides and the back, with the fast-firing elements lying in pinless dropped-recessed grooves in the 64mm thick bricks. The Xpress E14A is the largest 1095°C kiln that can use a regular mains socket.

The programmer's digital display prompts for heating rates, target temperatures, and hold times, making it easy to set up and re-use accurate heating, holding, and cooling sequences.

If you have a busy classroom or a professional ceramics, glass, or porcelain studio, an upgrade to a Sentry 12-key cone-fire ramp-hold programmer will offer a lot of useful and time-saving features.

There's a recommended kit, included in the price: one durable rectangular 305mm x 305mm x 15mm cordierite shelf, four 12mm shelf posts, and 450gm of glass separator.

There's an extra recommended kit, not included in the price: one rectangular 305mm x 305mm x 15mm and four posts. You can choose 12mm, 25mm, 50mm, 75mm, or 100mm posts.

Depending on the material or process, and the sizes of your pieces, stacked shelves will hold more work, free up your time, and reduce the unit firing cost: so you might want more kits. This kiln has room for four.

The door includes a 165mm x 64mm letter-box style bead-anealing door and a separate screw-on bead-mandrel holder. Otherwise, the kiln is exactly the same as the E14A.

The bead door is hinged at the top and opens outwards. Normally, glass beads on bead mandrels, or rods, are pushed through the bead door and rest on the mandrel holder, so that an annealing programme can toughen the glass.

The bead door is often used to take a quick peep at china paintings, enamels, glass, and glazes to check on their progress, or to adjust or move pieces of work. It gives you a wider view than a window, but the kiln will heat unevenly if you keep it open for too long: although not as much as opening the main door.
Purists might tell you not to leave the bead door open but remember, when you're using bead mandrels it's slightly open all the time. As always, it's important to experiment and find the simplest or most successful way of working.

The door includes a 50mm x 50mm heat-resistant glass viewing-window. Otherwise, the kiln is exactly the same as the E14A.

The window allows you to take a quick peep at china paintings, enamels, glass, and glazes to check on their progress. And you might find it interesting or reassuring to watch what happens during the firing sequence.

It's widely believed that glass viewing-windows will cloud permanently or crack by about 925°C. The glass used in the Paragon Caldera, FireFly, SC, and Xpress series kilns has been time-tested at 1260°C.

The door includes a 165mm x 64mm bead-anealing letter-box style door, a separate screw-on bead-mandrel holder, and a 75mm x 25mm heat-resistant glass viewing-window. Otherwise, the kiln is exactly the same as the E14A.

The bead-door and window version make the E14ABW the most versatile of the series, combining the advantages of the E14B and the E14W described above. It's a good choice if you're buying your first kiln and you're not sure what you might want to do with it in the future.

Even if you don't use the bead door and window very often as you gain experience, they do make learning easier and you might find it interesting or reassuring to watch what happens during the firing sequence.

The Paragon J-14A is a plug-in, table-top kiln, usually used for dichroics, enamelling, firing metal clays, fusing glass, or making jewellery. It's a 925°C, four-sided, front-opening, ceramic-fibre kiln, with a ramp-hold, Sentry Xpress 3-key digital programmer. In regular blue, or special-edition black, pink, purple, or turquoise.

It's ideal for classrooms, course venues, schools, and commercial jewellery studios: it's over four times larger inside than the SC2 and will hold four 305mm x 305mm shelves, yet it still heats up quickly. You can fire lots of metal clay at one go, use jewellery moulds, cast glass, paint china figures, and make lampshades and tiaras.

You can make bangles, beads, bowls, bracelets, brooches, charms, dolls, earrings, figurines, fingerprints, garden ornaments, glass-art, jewellery, keepsakes, knives, lampshades, model parts, mugs, necklaces, pendants, plates, porcelain beads, pots, rings, seasonal decorations, souvenirs, stained glass designs, thimbles, tiaras, tiles, and vases.

You can try Art Clay metal clay, bronze clay, copper clay, PMC silver clay, glass clay, Accent Gold, Image Transfer Solution, Metal Clay Veneer, SilverEtch, bead annealing, china painting, dichroic glass, enamelling, glass art, glass fusing, sagging and slumping, heat-treating, laboratory testing, lampwork, lost-wax casting, making jewellery, and staining glass. And work with many other materials and processes.

The UK kiln is rated at 230V 2400W, so it can use a regular mains socket. It's ideal for commercial glass-fusing studios and course venues: it heats up quickly, it's fully programmable, and it's large enough to hold four shelves of work.

The outer steel case measures 457mm x 546mm x 521mm high, and is slotted for air circulation: so it keeps cool. And there's a removable stopper in the top vent for lost-wax casting and other processes that might release fumes. The shipping weight is about 54kg.

The ceramic-fibre firing chamber, enclosed in an inner steel case, measures 330mm x 330mm x 229mm high, and heats from both sides and the back, with the fast-firing elements safely embedded in the fibre: an important and legally necessary safety feature. However, never get careless: kilns are very hot and connected to the mains.

The programmer's digital display prompts for heating rates, target temperatures, and hold times, making it easy to set up and re-use accurate heating, holding, and cooling sequences.

There's a recommended kit, included in the price: one durable 305mm x 305mm x 15mm cordierite shelf, four 12mm shelf posts, and 450gm of glass separator.

There's an extra recommended kit, not included in the price: one 305mm x 305mm x 15mm and four posts. You can choose 12mm, 25mm, 50mm, 75mm, or 100mm posts.

Depending on the material or process, and the sizes of your pieces, stacked shelves will hold more work, free up your time, and reduce the unit firing cost: so you might want more kits. This kiln has room for four.

The Paragon Xpress 1193 is a plug-in, floor-standing kiln, usually used for ceramics, glass work, heat treating, metal clays, and porcelain. It's a 1260°C, six-sided, top-opening, firebrick kiln, with a cone-fire ramp-hold, Sentry Xpress 3-key digital programmer. It's a tough robust kiln made for years of continual firing, so ideal for a commercial ceramics studio.

You can make bangles, beads, bowls, bracelets, brooches, charms, dolls, earrings, figurines, fingerprints, garden ornaments, glass-art, jewellery, keepsakes, knives, lampshades, model parts, mugs, necklaces, pendants, plates, porcelain beads, pots, rings, seasonal decorations, souvenirs, stained glass designs, thimbles, tiaras, tiles, and vases.

You can try Art Clay metal clay, bronze clay, copper clay, PMC silver clay, glass clay, Accent Gold, Image Transfer Solution, Metal Clay Veneer, SilverEtch, bead annealing, ceramics, china painting, dichroic glass, enamelling, glass art, glass fusing, sagging and slumping, glazes, heat-treating, knife-making, laboratory testing, lampwork, lost-wax casting, making jewellery, melting gold and silver, pâte de verre, porcelain, pottery, raku, and staining glass. And work with many other materials and processes.

The UK kiln is rated at 230V 2160W, so it can use a regular mains socket. To comply with EU safety regulations, it's fitted with an additional lid-activated switch that cuts off the power if the kiln is opened: an important safety feature included in the price. However, never get careless: kilns are very hot and connected to the mains.

The outer steel case measures 458mm x 508mm x 326mm high, including the programmer housing but excluding the 241mm high legs. The case has two handles, the lid has a stay-open support, and there's a wide-view peephole-vent in one side. The shipping weight is about 50Kg.

The firebrick firing chamber measures 280mm x 229mm high, and heats from all sides, with the fast-firing elements lying in pinless dropped-recessed grooves in the 76mm thick bricks. It's large enough for 250mm bowls and plates.

The programmer's digital display prompts for cone numbers, or heating rates, target temperatures, and hold times, making it easy to set up and re-use accurate heating, holding, and cooling sequences.

If you have a professional ceramics, glass, or porcelain studio, an upgrade to a 12-key cone-fire ramp-hold programmer will offer a lot of useful and time-saving features. And, although 1260°C is enough for most materials and processes, the kiln can be re-engineered to run at 1290°C.

There's a recommended kit, included in the price: one durable hexagonal 254mm x 15mm cordierite shelf, three 12mm shelf posts, and 450gm of kiln wash. So you can start work straight away.

There are two extra recommended kits, not included in the price: one hexagonal 254mm x 15mm shelf and three posts, or two half-hexagonal 254mm x 15mm shelves and six posts. You can choose 12mm, 25mm, 50mm, 75mm, or 100mm posts.

Depending on the material or process, and the sizes of your pieces, stacked shelves will hold more work, free up your time, and reduce the unit firing cost: so you might want more kits. This kiln has room for three.

The Paragon Xpress 66-3 is a wired-in, floor-standing kiln, usually used for ceramics, glass work, heat treating, metal clays, and porcelain. It's a 1260°C, seven-sided, top-opening, firebrick kiln, with a cone-fire ramp-hold, Sentry Xpress 3-key digital programmer. It's a tough robust kiln made for years of continual firing, so ideal for a commercial ceramics studio.

You can make bangles, beads, bowls, bracelets, brooches, charms, dolls, earrings, figurines, fingerprints, garden ornaments, glass-art, jewellery, keepsakes, knives, lampshades, model parts, mugs, necklaces, pendants, plates, porcelain beads, pots, rings, seasonal decorations, souvenirs, stained glass designs, thimbles, tiaras, tiles, and vases.

You can try Art Clay metal clay, bronze clay, copper clay, PMC silver clay, glass clay, Accent Gold, Image Transfer Solution, Metal Clay Veneer, SilverEtch, bead annealing, ceramics, china painting, dichroic glass, enamelling, glass art, glass fusing, sagging and slumping, glazes, heat-treating, knife-making, laboratory testing, lampwork, lost-wax casting, making jewellery, melting gold and silver, pâte de verre, porcelain, pottery, raku, and staining glass. And work with many other materials and processes.

The UK kiln is rated at 230V 3600W, so it needs a 20A wired-in power supply. To comply with EU safety regulations, it's fitted with an additional lid-activated switch that cuts off the power if the kiln is opened: an important safety feature included in the price. However, never get careless: kilns are very hot and connected to the mains.

The outer steel case measures 559mm x 648mm x 470mm high, including the programmer housing but excluding the 241mm high legs. The case has two handles, the lid has a stay-open support, and there are two wide-view peephole-vents in the sides. The shipping weight is about 67Kg.

The firebrick firing chamber measures 343mm x 337mm high, and heats from all sides, with the fast-firing elements lying in pinless dropped-recessed grooves in the 76mm thick bricks. It's large enough for 300mm bowls and plates.

The programmer's digital display prompts for cone numbers, or heating rates, target temperatures, and hold times, making it easy to set up and re-use accurate heating, holding, and cooling sequences.

If you have a professional ceramics, glass, or porcelain studio, an upgrade to a 12-key cone-fire ramp-hold programmer will offer a lot of useful and time-saving features. And, although 1260°C is enough for most materials and processes, the kiln can be re-engineered to run at 1290°C.

There's a recommended kit, included in the price: one durable round 305mm x 15mm cordierite shelf, four 12mm shelf posts, and 450gm of kiln wash. So you can start work straight away.

There are two extra recommended kits, not included in the price: one round 305mm x 15mm shelf and four posts, or two half-round 305mm x 15mm shelves and six posts. You can choose 12mm, 25mm, 50mm, 75mm, or 100mm posts.

Depending on the material or process, and the sizes of your pieces, stacked shelves will hold more work, free up your time, and reduce the unit firing cost: so you might want more kits. This kiln has room for four.

The Paragon Xpress 1613 is a wired-in, floor-standing kiln, usually used for ceramics, glass work, heat treating, metal clays, and porcelain. It's a 1290°C, eight-sided, top-opening, firebrick kiln, with a cone-fire ramp-hold, Sentry Xpress 3-key digital programmer. It's a tough robust kiln made for years of continual firing, so ideal for a commercial ceramics studio.

You can make bangles, beads, bowls, bracelets, brooches, charms, dolls, earrings, figurines, fingerprints, garden ornaments, glass-art, jewellery, keepsakes, knives, lampshades, model parts, mugs, necklaces, pendants, plates, porcelain beads, pots, rings, seasonal decorations, souvenirs, stained glass designs, thimbles, tiaras, tiles, and vases.

You can try Art Clay metal clay, bronze clay, copper clay, PMC silver clay, glass clay, Accent Gold, Image Transfer Solution, Metal Clay Veneer, SilverEtch, bead annealing, ceramics, china painting, dichroic glass, enamelling, glass art, glass fusing, sagging and slumping, glazes, heat-treating, knife-making, laboratory testing, lampwork, lost-wax casting, making jewellery, melting gold and silver, pâte de verre, porcelain, pottery, raku, and staining glass. And work with many other materials and processes.

The UK kiln is rated at 230V 6400W, so it needs a 30A wired-in power supply. To comply with EU safety regulations, it's fitted with an additional lid-activated switch that cuts off the power if the kiln is opened: an important safety feature included in the price. However, never get careless: kilns are very hot and connected to the mains.

The outer steel case measures 648mm x 724mm x 496mm high, including the programmer housing but excluding the 241mm high legs. The case has two handles, the lid has a stay-open support, and there are two wide-view peephole-vents in the sides. The shipping weight is about 78Kg.

The firebrick firing chamber measures 419mm x 337mm high, and heats from all sides, with the fast-firing elements lying in pinless dropped-recessed grooves in the 76mm thick bricks. It's large enough for 380mm bowls and plates.

The programmer's digital display prompts for cone numbers, or heating rates, target temperatures, and hold times, making it easy to set up and re-use accurate heating, holding, and cooling sequences.

If you have a professional ceramics, glass, or porcelain studio, an upgrade to a 12-key cone-fire ramp-hold programmer will offer a lot of useful and time-saving features.

There's a recommended kit, included in the price: one durable round 380mm x 15mm cordierite shelf, four 12mm shelf posts, and 450gm of kiln wash. So you can start work straight away.

There are two extra recommended kits, not included in the price: one round 380mm x 15mm shelf and four posts, or one half-round 380mm x 15mm shelf and three posts. You can choose 12mm, 25mm, 50mm, 75mm, or 100mm posts.

Depending on the material or process, and the sizes of your pieces, stacked shelves will hold more work, free up your time, and reduce the unit firing cost: so you might want more kits. This kiln has room for five.

The internet is packed full with inaccuracies: accidental or intentional. There are unsubstantiated claims that whatever is being sold is the best, the newest, or the cheapest, and it's being sold by the largest dealer or the premier distributor.

This comprehensive internet resource helps you choose the right kiln, and avoid an expensive mistake if, several weeks later, you discover new materials or processes, want to make larger pieces, or find a promising business niche.

So, why buy a Paragon Xpress from Cherry Heaven?

The Orton Sentry digital programmers allow you to set up multiple sequences, each one with multiple heating, holding, or cooling segments: so you can choose the heating and cooling rates, target temperatures, and hold times, save the sequences, and re-use them. There are no restrictive features such as single-sequence use or pre-set programmes.

Pre-set fixed programmes might seem to be an advantage. However, having experimented and diversified, many people fire materials, or combinations of materials, at different temperatures and for different times than are recommended. So pre-sets would soon become a serious limitation.

The heavy-gauge nickel-plated copper wiring has high-temperature glass-braided insulation. The thermocouple, which senses temperature inside the kiln, is protected with a high-nickel stainless-steel sheath for long life.

The Xpress series elements lie in pinless dropped-recessed grooves in the firebrick, and are quick, easy, and inexpensive to replace should they eventually fail.

It's widely believed that glass viewing-windows will cloud permanently or crack by about 925°C. The glass used in the Paragon Caldera, FireFly, SC, and Xpress series kilns has been time-tested at 1260°C.

Kilns from competing manufacturers typically don't have built-in programmers, don't come with professional shelf kits, have out-dated features, use restrictive pre-set programmes, aren't in stock, or there are no spares. They're generally more expensive, but smaller and don't get as hot, so less versatile. Misleading first-sight prices often exclude delivery and VAT.

Compared to broadly similar Paragon kilns, other kilns have a simpler programmer or no programmer, are smaller inside, don't get as hot, don't come with a shelf kit, or are considerably more expensive.

And, generally, there aren't any options and upgrades: left or right-hand doors, thicker firebricks, ceramic-fibre interiors, bead-annealing doors, viewing windows, extra peepholes or vents, 12-key programmers, mercury switches, electric kiln vents, auxilliary power outputs, RS232 or USB computer interfaces, and different shelf kits.

With some retailers, there wasn't a price list. With others, the same kilns were a lot more expensive. With some on-line order-forms, VAT and delivery were only evident after submitting all the personal and card details.

Here are a few facts that you can easily check for yourself, based on net-shop specifications and prices in June 2011 for Efco, Evenheat, and KilnCare kilns. However, buy a Paragon and, with the saving, you can treat yourself to a luxury five-star weekend break.

The Efco 110, 135, 150, and 180 kilns don't have rotary controllers or digital programmers: unattended, they'll just heat up and burn out. The KilnCare EN1, EN2, and EN3 kilns have built-in manual rotary controllers, not digital programmers.

So they're usually sold with a KilnCare KCR-1 programmer, which adds about £300 to the basic kiln price. It's a separate box, with a separate thermocouple on a wire, a separate mains cable, and a stand: more stuff on your worktop.

The Paragon Xpress series kilns have built-in, comprehensive, automatic, digital programmers, with just three keys: you set the ramps and holds in sequence: you're not stuck with pre-sets that will restrict you sooner or later. So remember this when someone tells you that some programmers have confusing menus and masses of buttons.

The Paragon Xpress E9A, one of the smaller kilns in the Xpress series, is over five times larger and 280°C hotter than the Efco 110, nearly three times larger and 130°C hotter than the Efco 135, over two times larger and 130°C hotter than the Efco 150, and a little larger and 130°C hotter than the Efco 180.

The Paragon Xpress E9A is nearly four times larger, 230°C hotter, and costs about £230 less than the KilnCare EN1. The Paragon Xpress E10A is 230°C hotter and costs about £430 less than the KilnCare EN2. The Paragon Xpress E12A is over two times larger, 230°C hotter, and costs about £700 less than the KilnCare EN3.

The Paragon Xpress J14A is about 210% larger than the KilnCare EN2, and costs about £40 less. It's about 380% larger than the KilnCare EN3, and costs about £400 less.

The Paragon Xpress E12A is a bit larger than the KilnCare KC 55/04 and costs about £540 less. It includes a shelf kit, whereas the kit for the KC is an extra £45. It's a bit larger than the Corby WB6, 230°C hotter, and costs about £175 less. It includes a programmer whereas the WB6 just has a rotaray controller and no temperature display.

Some bronze and copper clays are fired in activated charcoal granules in a stainless steel container. The SC2, SC3, E9A. E10A, 1193, and Caldera hold a one-litre container: the E12A, E14A, and J14A hold a three-litre.

Particulates represent a health risk if they're breathed in, so wear a HEPA mask when cleaning out your kiln, mixing kiln wash, and working with charcoals, ceramic-fibre blocks, cloths, and papers. And, ideally, use protective glasses.

If you want to touch anything hot or move your kiln before it's cooled off, it's important to wear heat-resistant gloves. And, if you want to look into a red-hot kiln, wear glare-resistant glasses which protect your eyes from IR and UV.

If your day-to-day work depends on your kiln and down-time will be expensive, it's a good idea to have spares: extra shelves, a selection of posts, elements, a relay, and a thermocouple.

Owners call them Art Clay kilns, beading kilns, Bronze-Clay kilns, clay kilns, Copper-Clay kilns, dichroic-glass kilns, enamel kilns, enamelling kilns, glass kilns, glass-fusing kilns, heat-treating kilns, home-hobby kilns, jewelry kilns, jewellery kilns, lampwork kilns, metal clay kilns, mixed-media kilns, PMC kilns, porcelain kilns, pottery kilns, silverclay kilns, small kilns, or studio kilns. This diversity is a good reflection of their popularity.

When a kiln is described as being larger, it means it has a larger firing-chamber volume. A wider bead kiln has space for more bead rods. A taller kiln allows you to stack up more shelves and make better use of your time.

A higher maximum temperature allows you to work with more materials and processes in the future. And an automatic programmer will run a complicated programme by itself and then turn the kiln off.

Running costs are low, as firebrick is an effective insulator. In any comparison, the wattage is not the only cost-indicator: it depends on the heat-up time during a ramp, the number and duration of off-periods during a hold, and the interior useable volume of the kiln.

It should be self-evident that there are more kilns, and more variations of those kilns, here at Electric Kilns and Paragon Kilns than on any other UK, and probably EU, internet resource. And, if you want a 1230°C version of a 1095°C kiln, we'll often be able to get one made for you.

In the unlikely event that your kiln develops a fault, it's reassuring to know that basic checks, adjustments, and repairs are quick and easy and need little more than a screwdriver and a pair of pliers. And you can watch on-line service videos: use the main-menu link below the menu bar near the top of the page, then choose tee-vee, then choose from the guide. If you need help, an engineer can guide you on the phone. Alternatively, we can repair the kiln in our workshop at Cherry Heaven.

If you need help choosing or have a specific project, mail or call. However, all the kilns are described on their own pages: use the links below the menu bar near the top of the page.

Generally, programmable kilns work like this: as soon as the programmer's sequence starts, the kiln begins to heat up. The thermocouple tells the programmer the current internal temperature and, depending on the sequence you've chosen, the programmer turns the elements on or off to control the heating rate, maintain the target temperature, or control the cooling rate. When the sequence is complete, the kiln beeps, and the programme stops.

For safety, the programmer doesn't switch the full mains voltage. Instead it drives a relay, an electro-mechanical switch. The programmer uses a low voltage to activate the switch which turns the high voltage elements on or off.

When the target temperature is reached, the programmer switches the elements off. However, residual heat in the firing chamber allows the internal temperature to overshoot the target temperature briefly before starting to fall back.

This overshoot is more evident at low temperatures than at high temperatures. For example: 300°C will probably overshoot to 330°C whereas 800°C will probably only overshoot to 805°C before starting to fall back.

During the hold-time, with the elements still off, the temperature falls. When the programmer switches the elements back on, the firing chamber will initially absorb some of the new heat before the temperature recovers. The continual switching of the elements on and off causes the internal temperature to cycle around the target temperature.

Regardless of the thermocouple temperature, the actual temperature of your work will be slightly different, depending on its position on the kiln shelf, the vertical spacing of any stacked shelves, and its nearness to the elements, a lid, a door, a bead door, or a window. Learn to take it into account if you're working with temperature-critical materials or processes.

Remember that glass needs radiant heat and will fuse, sag, or slump better on one shelf at the bottom than between closely stacked shelves.

Kiln doors and lids are not meant to be a perfect fit otherwise, at high temperatures, there'd be no room for expansion and movement, and the door could stick and the ceramic-fibre or firebricks could crack.

All kilns smell a bit during the first few firings, just like a toaster or a fan heater. If you're worried about fumes, open a window.

Eventually, with normal use, kilns discolour slightly, inside and outside, and some firebricks might develop hairline cracks. Your kiln is a versatile, robust, red-hot tool: not an ornament.

Using your kiln successfully needs critical research and frequent tests, especially as things that work for your friends or teachers might not work in the same way for you. It's also very important to learn how to creatively use unexpected effects. So, keep a firing log:

Buy a durable notebook. Use a new page for every firing, and draw diagrams of the shelves, their vertical spacing, and the position of your work on the shelves. Along with your work, put a few scraps at different places on the shelves to learn how things change. Describe the material, the shape of your work, the firing cycle, and the end result.

A kiln log is vital if you're experimenting with temperature-sensitive materials, or working with coloured dichroic glasses, enamels, glazes, or paints, and a skilled artist will use the kiln log to advantage to re-create effects.

It'll be particularly useful if you have to repeat a commission, or you have a long holiday before returning to your studio.

If the kiln has a Sentry 12-key digital programmer, it can connect to your computer using a factory-fitted USB interface. ControlMaster software, included in the price, allows you to control and monitor the firing, and organise, analyse, print out, and save the data. If you want this option, make sure you order the USB interface.

There are two popular makes of silver clay: Art Clay made by Aida Chemical Industries and PMC made by Mitsubishi Materials Corporation, in Japan. They're both clay-like materials made of fine silver powder and water-soluble organic binders.

Art Clay Silver and PMC Silver, sometimes just called silver clay, metal clay, or precious-metal clay, are easy to fire: put your dried work on a kiln shelf and programme the temperature and hold-time.

As they're fired, the binders vapourise, releasing very small amounts of non-toxic carbon dioxide and water, and the metal powder sinters, leaving solid 999 silver: real metal, not something that just looks like metal.

Although Paragon kilns include a durable shelf kit so that you can start work straight away, several shelves can be stacked to make better use of your time and reduce the unit-cost of firing: so you might want more than one.

Although we chose to work with, sell, and provide classes in Art Clay, both makes fire in a similar way. So any kiln suitable for Art Clay will be just as good for PMC.

If you're currently using PMC, try Art Clay. There are differences in the feel, the shrinkage, the strength, the surface lustre, the product range, the pricing, and the general commercial setup if you're running a serious business.

Currently, in January 2012, 50 gms of PMC+ Silver Clay from the UK distributor costs about 37% more than Art Clay Silver Clay. If anyone would like to comment on this, let me know and provide a reference.

To learn more, use the links below the menu bar near the top of the page. You can buy ArtClay, bronzeclay, copperclay, glassclay, goldclay, and related products in the on-line shop.

There are three popular makes of bronze clay: Bronze Clay made by ClayMania, BronzClay made by Metal Adventures, and Prometheus Bronze ProClay made by Odak. They're all clay-like materials made of fine bronze powder and water-soluble organic binders. However, they're fired in different ways:

Prometheus Bronze Clay is easy to fire: wrap your dried work in kitchen tissue or ceramic cloth, put it on a kiln shelf, and programme the temperature and hold time. It can also be fired in charcoal.

Clay Mania Bronze Clay and MetalAdventures BronzClay fire in a special way. Fired normally, the surface would oxidise so, to minimize this, they're embedded in activated charcoal granules in a covered stainless steel container. Charcoal made from coconut shells produces a natural bronze colour, and charcoal made from coal produces a colourful range of patinas.

As they're fired, the binders vapourise, releasing very small amounts of non-toxic carbon dioxide and water, and the metal powder sinters, leaving solid bronze, an alloy of 89% copper and 11% tin: real metal, not something that just looks like metal.

The stainless steel container for the Paragon SC-2 measures 162mm x 176mm x 100mm, and holds 1 litre of charcoal. To fire larger pieces, or more pieces at the same time, you'll need a larger kiln, such as the Paragon Xpress E-12A. The container for the E-12A measures 265mm x 162mm x 152mm and holds 3 litres of charcoal.

The 1230°C firebrick E12A costs more than the 1095°C ceramic-fibre SC2. However, it's two and a half times larger than the SC-2 and is a versatile mixed-media kiln suited to continual high temperatures.

Particulates represent a health risk if they're breathed in, so wear a HEPA mask when cleaning out your kiln, mixing kiln wash, and working with charcoals, ceramic-fibre blocks, cloths, and papers. And, ideally, use protective glasses.

Although Paragon kilns include a durable shelf kit so that you can start work straight away, several shelves can be stacked to make better use of your time and reduce the unit-cost of firing: so you might want more than one.

I can't recommend one clay as being the best. There are differences in the feel, the firing, the shrinkage, the strength, and the surface patinas, so try them and experiment: they're not expensive.
However, as Prometheus Bronze Clay is easy to fire and costs less than the others, try it first? It comes as 100gm of soft clay in a packet, or 10gm of creamy clay in a syringe with three tips that you can cut or shape.

There's also Creative Bronze, which is almost certainly Prometheus Bronze Clay renamed. I'll leave it you to work out why ProBronze is £19.75 for 100gm with no delivery charge and Creative Bronze is £24.95 plus £4.95 shipping.

Currently, in January 2012, 100gms of Art Clay Silver Clay costs about 1100% more than Prometheus Bronze Clay and PMC+ Silver Clay costs at least 1370% more. If anyone would like to comment on this, let me know and provide a reference.

So, if you're still in the learning phase, you can try out ideas before possibly wasting your expensive silver clay. However, bronze is a beautiful metal so, as with many materials, you need to exploit its qualities and try to produce beautiful original pieces.

To learn more, use the links below the menu bar near the top of the page. You can buy ArtClay, bronzeclay, copperclay, glassclay, goldclay, and related products in the on-line shop.

There are four popular makes of copper clay: Art Clay Copper made by Aida Chemical Industries, Copper Clay made by ClayMania, CopprClay made by Metal Adventures, and Prometheus Copper ProClay made by Odak. They're all clay-like materials made of fine copper powder and water-soluble organic binders. However, they're fired in different ways:

Clay Mania Copper Clay and MetalAdventures CopprClay fire in a special way. Fired normally, the surface would oxidise so, to minimize this, they're embedded in activated charcoal granules in a covered stainless steel container. Charcoal made from coconut shells produces a natural copper colour.

Art Clay Copper is easy to fire: put your dried work on a kiln shelf, and programme the temperature and hold time. In most kilns, several shelves can be stacked to make better use of your time: so you might want more than one.

Prometheus Copper Clay is easy to fire: wrap your dried work in kitchen tissue or ceramic cloth, put it on a kiln shelf, and programme the temperature and hold time. It can also be fired in charcoal.

As they're fired, the binders vapourise, releasing very small amounts of non-toxic carbon dioxide and water, and the metal powder sinters, leaving solid copper: real metal, not something that just looks like metal.

The stainless steel container for the Paragon SC-2 measures 162mm x 176mm x 100mm, and holds 1 litre of charcoal. To fire larger pieces, or more pieces at the same time, you'll need a larger kiln, such as the Paragon Xpress E-12A. The container for the E-12A measures 265mm x 162mm x 152mm and holds 3 litres of charcoal.

The 1230°C firebrick E12A costs more than the 1095°C ceramic-fibre SC2. However, it's two and a half times larger than the SC-2 and is a versatile mixed-media kiln suited to continual high temperatures.

Particulates represent a health risk if they're breathed in, so wear a HEPA mask when cleaning out your kiln, mixing kiln wash, and working with charcoals, ceramic-fibre blocks, cloths, and papers. And, ideally, use protective glasses.

Although Paragon kilns include a durable shelf kit so that you can start work straight away, several shelves can be stacked to make better use of your time and reduce the unit-cost of firing: so you might want more than one.

I can't recommend one clay as being the best. There are differences in the feel, the firing, the shrinkage, the strength, and the surface patinas, so try them and experiment: they're not expensive.
However, as Prometheus Copper Clay is easy to fire and costs less than the others, try it first? It comes as 100gm of soft clay in a packet, or 10gm of creamy clay in a syringe with three tips that you can cut or shape.

There's also Creative Copper, which is almost certainly Prometheus Copper Clay renamed. I'll leave it you to work out why ProCopper is £19.75 for 100gm with no delivery charge and Creative Copper is £24.95 plus £4.95 shipping.

Currently, in January 2012, 100gms of Art Clay Silver Clay costs about 1100% more than Prometheus Copper Clay and PMC+ Silver Clay costs at least 1370% more. If anyone would like to comment on this, let me know and provide a reference.

So, if you're still in the learning phase, you can try out ideas before possibly wasting your expensive silver clay. However, bronze is a beautiful metal so, as with many materials, you need to exploit its qualities and try to produce beautiful original pieces.

To learn more, use the links below the menu bar near the top of the page. You can buy ArtClay, bronzeclay, copperclay, glassclay, goldclay, and related products in the on-line shop.

GlasClay is made by ClayMania in vibrant colours, based on glasses from Bullseye and Oruboros. It's a clay-like material made of fine glass powder and water-soluble organic binders. It's sold as a box of twelve colours in 12gm pots.

The colours in the table below are a rough guide, and the clay powder, mixed powders, fused glass, and re-fused glass will not all look the same. They're all COE90: read this pop-up.

As it's fired, the binders vapourise, releasing very small amounts of non-toxic carbon dioxide and water, and the glass powder fuses, leaving solid glass: real glass, not something that just looks like glass.

GlasClay is easy to fire: put your dried pieces on some ceramic shelf-paper on a kiln shelf and programme the temperature and hold time.

GlasClay can be shaped easily. You can make three-dimensional objects and free yourself from the constraint of working with flat glass. The size is only determined by the support you can give it. Perhaps the most exciting opportunity is to make your own beads without a torch.

The firing temperature and time are important: glass clays have to fuse, not melt. There's a difference between fusing and melting: During fusing, the binder in the glass clay vapourises and the glass powder particles bond to make solid glass. During melting, the glass powder particles liquify and lose their original clay-shape.

Particulates represent a health risk if they're breathed in, so wear a HEPA mask when cleaning out your kiln, mixing kiln wash, and working with charcoals, ceramic-fibre blocks, cloths, and papers. And, ideally, use protective glasses.

Although Paragon kilns include a durable shelf kit so that you can start work straight away, several shelves can be stacked to make better use of your time and reduce the unit-cost of firing: so you might want more than one.

To learn more, use the links below the menu bar near the top of the page. You can buy ArtClay, bronzeclay, copperclay, glassclay, goldclay, and related products in the on-line shop.

There are two popular makes of gold clay: Art Clay made by Aida Chemical Industries and PMC made by Mitsubishi Materials Corporation, in Japan. They're both clay-like materials made of fine gold powder and water-soluble organic binders.

Art Clay Gold and PMC Gold, sometimes just called gold clay, metal clay, or precious-metal clay, are easy to fire: put your dried work on a kiln shelf and programme the temperature and hold-time.

As they're fired, the binders vapourise, releasing very small amounts of non-toxic carbon dioxide and water, and the metal powder sinters, leaving solid 22 carat gold: real metal, not something that just looks like metal.

Although Paragon kilns include a durable shelf kit so that you can start work straight away, several shelves can be stacked to make better use of your time and reduce the unit-cost of firing: so you might want more than one.

Although we chose to work with, sell, and provide classes in Art Clay, both makes fire in a similar way. So any kiln suitable for Art Clay will be just as good for PMC.

If you're currently using PMC, try Art Clay. There are differences in the feel, the shrinkage, the strength, the surface lustre, the product range, the pricing, and the general commercial setup if you're running a serious business.

Currently, in January 2012, 50 gms of PMC Gold Clay from the UK distributor costs about 60% more than Art Clay Gold Clay. If anyone would like to comment on this, let me know and provide a reference.

To learn more, use the links below the menu bar near the top of the page. You can buy ArtClay, bronzeclay, copperclay, glassclay, goldclay, and related products in the on-line shop.

This internet resource is provided by Cherry Heaven, an international distributor, on-line shop, and support centre for kilns, materials, tools, and tumblers. It's not a bead, ceramics, crafts, glass, or metal-clay home-business, selling a few things to a market niche.

As it's on-line, there isn't a paper catalogue or a price list. However, you can mail or call a technician about kilns, power supplies, public area safety, a special project, business ideas, home diagnostics, repairs, or reselling opportunities.

Cherry Heaven is a shop in Corfe Castle village, in Dorset, South-West England. The surrounding countryside includes green farmland, dramatic cliffs, pretty cottages, historic buildings, sandy beaches, protected coves, open heathland, hill-top panoramic views, and peaceful villages. And lively seaside resorts. To look at some photos, use the dorset link.

Cherry Heaven is an EU distributor for Paragon Kilns, and has been commended for an outstanding performance as one of Paragon's top-selling distributors over 2007 to : a pleasing outcome since the UK is only one third the area of Texas and one fortieth the area of the US.

Paragon Industries started as a family business in 1948. It's now the world's leading manufacturer of electric kilns and furnaces, and has built over 420,000. The 4,800 square metre site, in Mesquite, Texas, USA, has over 70 full-time staff.

During manufacture, every kiln is checked at every stage by a technician and signed-off before shipping. They're simply but robustly engineered, and you're buying a comprehensive, versatile, safe, low-cost kiln: a kiln with a future.

Paragon kilns conform to the demanding UL 499 standard in the US, and are CE Marked for the EU. Paragon is Greek for Model Of Perfection.

The Kitiki Studio provides a comprehensive Art Clay educational programme, as classes, masterclasses, workshops, and Art Clay Level 1 and Level 2 certification courses. If you're interested, mail or call.

The on-line shop link is below the menu bar near the top of the page, on the right: you won't have to create an account, register, log on, look up your membership number, remember a password, sign up, join a club, or agree to be emailed. And the total won't be more than you expected because VAT and UK-mainland delivery are included.