Best Kiln to buy

[Indivijewelistic]

Can anyone tell me what they think is the best type of kiln? I am getting ready to make a purchase but the range on offer is mind boggling - Any suggestions?

[ErikaPrice]

Try a Paragon SC2!

Depends what you want to use it for, but I make art clay silver jewellery, fuse glass and also anneal lampwork glass beads. I use a Paragon SC2 with a bead window, and as far as I'm concerned it's the bees knees!
Hope that helps,
Erika
x

[julesie]

Aye, me too Paragon SC2 for silver and glass. Loving the new aqua coloured one they have now

[rosiepinkStudio]

Crystal ball needed for this decision!

When my daughter and I bought a kiln, we were delighted with it (we bought it new from Warm Glass) to make jewellery, but after a bit we realised that it was too small because once you start messing around with fusing glass it's tempting to try to make bigger items.

Therefore, you have to think very hard about what you might want to make and then you can decide on what size and kind of kiln to go for.

[Indivijewelistic]

I am going to use it for enamelling - it has to be big enough to fit in a class of 5 enamelling projects and I might use if for silver clay as well if the price comes down a little bit.

[Indivijewelistic]

I love the pink paragon, but I do think that we might need something a bit bigger and I may as well outlay for it now because I think it will broaden the range of classes we can do. - Does anyone know what they mean by a 'Bead' door? Sorry to sound so dim but I have always used a hand held torch for all my bead and silver making - this is a new thing on me?
Regards,
Trish

[CountryLoveCrafts]

There is a great desktop kiln used by enamellers and silver fingerprint businesses called PROMETHEUS PRO 1. Click here if you want more information. Remarkably, this kiln has the same energy consumption as a standard hair dryer! CE approved. From memory I think it costs about £290. Good luck with your research.

[Indivijewelistic]

That looks really cool, thank you for that.

[Indivijewelistic]

I have signed up for an account - I like the look of the starter kit. Many thanks for your help, it is much appreciated.
Trish

[julesie]

The SC2 is bigger than the Prometheus model and you can fit in two shelves on supports too. Big enough for more than a class of 5!

[Indivijewelistic]

Many thanks for that - I will take a look at it.
Regards,
Trish

[Indivijewelistic]

Heather and I are going to prompt for the SC2, thanks to everyone who responded and emailed.
Trish

[Indivijewelistic]

OMG - They've got one in pink!

[Carl Martin]

For me my choice would be the paragon caldera ( with bead collar if you anneal beads straight from the flame ).. awesome kiln and in my opinion the best all rounder ... pot melts are great fun ... you can do all the clays, fuse perfectly as the elements are all the way around, enamel and even do porcelain and ceramics .. and it doesn't have the temperature overshooting issues the SC2 .... hope that helps

[julesie]

My SC2 doesn't overshoot on temperature Carl, if anything it is slightly under.