by Elaine Luther
Choosing a kiln when you’re new to a hobby can be difficult. But it’s not really that complicated. You know when you go shop at Costco (a warehouse club) and let’s say you need a DVD player.
They’ve got three usually. The most expensive, the cheapest, and the in between. They’ve narrowed down the choices for so you don’t have to go to an electronics store and be overwhelmed with choices and features you’ll never use.
I’m going to be Costco for you. I’ll narrow down the choices and keep it simple.
Well, most of us choose based on price and what we need. Here are some choices at different price points:
$555.00 Paragon SC3, computer controlled
$385 list Paragon Firefly, not computer controlled (see for $298.00)
$150.00 Ultra Light Bee Hive Kiln (see previous post)
There are other choces out there as well, I just happen to like Paragon. What can you do with a Paragon SC3? You can fire metal clay, do enamelling, and glass fusing. And you can plug it in, turn it on, and walk away (within reason, don’t leave the house, I just mean you don’t have to babysit the kiln).
The Paragon Firefly is new, a new kiln created to meet that missing price point for kilns. It takes a little more effort to load, since it doesn’t have a door in front that swings open on the front like the SC3. Also, it is not computer controlled, so it will take a little attention. Even so, it’s a big savings over the SC3.
My recommendation? Buy the best you can afford and justify. If you can afford a computer controlled kiln such as the Paragon SC3, then do get it. You’ll love it. It’s easy to use, holds a lot at a time and is a pleasure to use. They’ve improved all the little tiny problems with the SC2; they’ve upgraded the hinges and door catch.
If you don’t have $500.00, but still want a kiln to be able to fire combustible cores and such, I would get the Firefly.
If space is an issue, or you just can’t justify spending $300.00, then get the Ultralight Bee Hive Kiln. It’s terrific and even if you upgrade later, you’ll still want to keep this little kiln.
Why stick with Paragon? Why not? They make quality products, they’ve been around a long time and I expect them to be around in the future. You can buy replacement parts for you kiln, should you need them, and even send your kiln in for a factory repair if needed.
And many jewelry industry/metal clay suppliers carry Paragon, so it’s easy to find and buy.
Want more? Some other folks have written detailed comparisons of the various kilns out there. Here’s a link to the one by Mary Ellin d’Agostino: medacreations
And here’s the one by Tonya at Whole Lotta Whimsey: wholelottawhimsy
If you know of another comparison chart somewhere, or have a kiln to recommend, please post a comment!
Where would I find a ultralite beehive kiln to purchase? Your help is appreciated.
Susan
Hi!
They are widely available. You can get them from Rio Grande, Whole Lotta Whimsey, direct from JEC Products, and more!
Elaine, I’ve been dabbling in precious metal clay for about 2 years, using a torch for firing, I am finding so many things I can’t accomplish with that method that I’ve decided it’s time to buy a kiln. I’ve been doing some research and had decided the Firefly was just about right for my needs when I found your site, and am more assured of my pending decision. I am hoping that you can answer a question for me however, I have found the Firefly listed for PMC, but also for glass work, enamaling, & ceramics, can it (or any kiln) be used for all mediums, or are there gases that absorb into the fire brick that would affect the next medium. I have always wanted to try glass fusing, and I’ve always loved to do ceramincs, but I don’t want to have 3 different kilns. I’m hoping you may have some information on this. Thank you so much, Karen
I’ve been looking for the SC3 at the best price. Where did you find one for $ 555.00
Thanks,
Wolff
Hi Wolf,
This post was written in 2007! Prices have gone up since then!
Elaine
Hi there, I wanted to mention that probably the most important part about buying a kiln is the electric requirements… you have to make sure that what you are buying will work at your house or studio! I am currently looking for my first kiln, and the electric requirement has been the hardest part of buying. With that said, do you know if my house is equipped with 240v and the kiln that I want is 240v, will that work or does it have to be lower than 240v?
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