A kiln is an important part of a potter’s journey. While there are some prototypes that can be crafted without a kiln, using a kiln adds a sense of permanency to it. However, purchasing a kiln can be an expensive affair. So, you need to invest your money wisely into features that you need as opposed to the ones that you don’t need.
To make things easy for you, here we have reviewed a reliable and budget-friendly kiln to help make shopping for a kiln easy.
But, if you are unaware of the basics of a kiln, let us help you understand more about it before we get to the review.
Kiln: What is it and how to use it?
Modern-day kilns are very convenient to use. It is used for firing porcelain, clay, or ceramic objects. Kilns are thermally-insulated chambers that mimic an oven but produce a higher temperature. This temperature is high enough to dry, harden, and wick the moisture away from the piece.
There are 3 kiln variants that include gas, electric, and wood. Today, electric kilns are popular in the market as compared to wood and gas variants. They tend to be inexpensive & come in a range of sizes that can be plugged into your home’s 120V sockets.
Now that you know the basics of a kiln, let us learn more about the Paragon SC-2 Kiln.
Features of Paragon SC-2 Kiln
The Paragon SC-2 is a big part of the company that has been popular among users since 1997. The machine features a futuristic design that has been refined through the years. This artist-choice kiln is the industry standard preferred for Precious Metal Clay or PMC work. Its sleek design is popular for colleges, art centers, engineering laboratories, & craft classes.
This high-tech firing chamber has a ceramic fiber design wrapped in an inner case made of steel. The machine’s outer steel casing stays cool given the air layer between the chamber and its inner case. Additionally, this case promotes air circulation to keep the outer layers cool and the inner layers well-insulated. The kiln’s electrical components are added to the base and stay cool for an extended time frame.
Portability
The SC-2 is designed to be large yet highly portable at the same time. It can easily hold 3 silver clay shelves and allows mobility to help you carry it anywhere in the house or even to the pottery class sessions. You do not have to deal with the preset programs. Post completion of the firing process, the programmer tends to turn off by itself.
Specifications of Paragon SC-2 Kiln
| Kiln Variant | Front Loading & Square Shaped |
| Maximum Temperature | 1093oC |
| Phase | 1 |
| Ampere | 12 |
| Sides | 4 |
| Kiln Chamber Volume | 5.95 Litres/ 0.21 FT3 |
| Doorway Clearance Required | 336.55 mm/13.25 Inches |
| Nema | 5-15R |
| Watts | 1440 W |
| Chamber Width | 203mm/8.00 IN |
| Chamber Height | 146mm/5.75 IN |
| Chamber Depth | 197mm/7.75 IN |
| Voltage | 120V |
| Outer Size | 337X356X394 mm |
| Hertz | 60Hz |
| Shipping Weight | 16.33 kg |
This kiln is available in a range of colors and can be ordered as it fits your bill. The Paragon Kiln is ideal for metal clay and studio jewelry artists. It can be used in techniques such as glaze and fire bisque, decals, reticulating metals, metal heat treatment, and so on.
Paragon SC-2 is controlled digitally. So, it is ideal for pottery artists that tend to work in bulk. You can easily set it & forget it. You can use one of the 4 customizable options for heating. Simply hold the buttons to set or stop the programs. You can create firings that are as long as 8 segments.
These firing boxes measure about 8 inches wide and run about 73/4 inches deep. The kiln is about 53/4 inches high. In one go, you can fire about 2 shelves. You can easily opt for ceramic firing or stainless steel vessels for the carbon firing process that fits the kiln. SC-2 can easily be plugged into the standard household outlet and draws very little energy as compared to generic hair dryers.
Paragon SC-2 draws in 1440 watts of power which is less than a hairdryer. So, you won’t have to worry about high energy bills. So, the overall operational cost comes down massively.
Placing the Kiln
You can easily place the Paragon SC-2 kiln on a table or countertop without having to worry about the surface heating up. The machine features a raised firing box that doesn’t heat the base it is kept on. The kiln’s double-walled construct helps keep the case cool while something is being fired inside. This is applicable even during extended firing sessions.
Maintenance Requirements
The Paragon SC-2 kiln gives its users years of service if it is well-maintained. However, the machine doesn’t require a lot of attention from the user’s end. However, there are certain aspects you need to keep in mind and follow through. The key is to keep the machine clean after each firing process. This is especially applicable to the interior. Make sure you refrain from gouging the machine’s fiber walls. Also, keep in mind that the firing process shouldn’t occur directly on your floor. The machine’s ceramic fiber insides are embedded & protected with heating elements within its shell. The lifespan of the kiln’s heating elements is use-dependent. However, in most cases, it lasts for years.
Manufacturer Warranty
The Paragon SC-2 kiln also warranties defect-free workmanship for 1 year by the manufacturer. Within this specified time period, the manufacturer will replace or repair any part that becomes defective or breaks down.
Conclusion
With enhanced heat distribution features, the Paragon SC-2 Kiln is perfect for daily firing necessities. The machine also has an easy loading design with a door that opens 180o. This machine makes the firing process easy for beginners, given the LED lights that help determine the function modes that include review, program, & firing mode. In case you have any doubts, the machine comes with an instruction manual to help you determine the right way to use it.
