I was set on a Jen Ken, with a digital controller and bead door, and then I read a thread on Wet Canvas about ceramic and porcelain beads. I had been admiring these beads a while back and thinking they might be an option for when it's just too cold to torch. I'd like to give them a go for sure.
That has made me second guess my kiln choice. There are some kilns out there that'll do glass and ceramic (ceramics need a higher firing temp than glass annealing). I've narrowed it down to two possibilities, a Paragon Caldera or Olympic kiln with bead door. The down side - neither of these two kilns are very big and they are both more expensive than the Jen Ken I'd been looking at. I heard from someone who's got a Paragon that they were not happy with after sales service - is this a one off? or are they just not good at looking after problems? I've read a lot of people are happy with their Paragon's so I'm not sure which way to go. I'll think on it for a while - if anyone has any experience or advice on any of these kilns I'd love to hear it!
Jen Ken, chamber is 11" wide by 4.5" high
Olympic 8" X 8" X 1o.5" with the bead collar
Paragon Caldera chamber 8" X 8" X 6 3/4" without bead collar
