Isculpt Posted March 11, 2011 Report Share Posted March 11, 2011 I'm using an old 18" kiln, and I'm ready for a larger one (27x28 at least). It looks like L&L is out of my price range, so I'm looking at Skutt and Paragon. The Paragons seems considerably cheaper than the Skutts, which makes me wonder if I'm comparing apples to oranges in terms of quality. I would only fire it a couple of times a month, since I would use it for larger sculptures, so I don't need a heavy duty production model. I'd like something that can be added to with additional rings, but I'm also considering an oval kiln. I haven't yet seen an oval that can be added to with additional rings. I'd like to go for the Paragon's price, but don't want to ignore my mother's frequent admonition that "you get what you pay for"! Any advice is appreciated.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arnold Howard Posted March 11, 2011 Report Share Posted March 11, 2011 It looks like L&L is out of my price range, so I'm looking at Skutt and Paragon. The Paragons seems considerably cheaper than the Skutts, which makes me wonder if I'm comparing apples to oranges in terms of quality. The price for a particular size kiln also varies depending on the kiln series rather than only the brand. Paragon offers several 10.57 cubic foot (28" x 29" interior) kilns: among them the Viking-28 and TnF-28-3. The Viking is more expensive than the TnF-28-3 because the Viking has mercury relays, built-in 30 amp CC fuses, and is a 60 amp kiln while the TnF-28-3 is a 48 amp kiln. You are right about the price difference. Currently the TnF-28-3 is $21 lower than the equivalent Skutt and $28 lower than the L&L. Skutt has usually been the price leader. Sincerely, Arnold Howard Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isculpt Posted March 13, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 13, 2011 It looks like L&L is out of my price range, so I'm looking at Skutt and Paragon. The Paragons seems considerably cheaper than the Skutts, which makes me wonder if I'm comparing apples to oranges in terms of quality. The price for a particular size kiln also varies depending on the kiln series rather than only the brand. Paragon offers several 10.57 cubic foot (28" x 29" interior) kilns: among them the Viking-28 and TnF-28-3. The Viking is more expensive than the TnF-28-3 because the Viking has mercury relays, built-in 30 amp CC fuses, and is a 60 amp kiln while the TnF-28-3 is a 48 amp kiln. You are right about the price difference. Currently the TnF-28-3 is $21 lower than the equivalent Skutt and $28 lower than the L&L. Skutt has usually been the price leader. Sincerely, Arnold Howard Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com Thanks for the insight into the different features that need to be considered. I was seeing larger price differences because I was actually comparing an Olympic (which does seem to be much cheaper) to the Paragon and the Skutt. Can you suggest a source or sources for information about the different features and their function in electric kilns? It's clear that I need to consider a lot more than the interior measurements of a kiln in making a purchase. Thanks, Jayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arnold Howard Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 Can you suggest a source or sources for information about the different features and their function in electric kilns? It's clear that I need to consider a lot more than the interior measurements of a kiln in making a purchase. Thanks, Jayne Here is an article on how to choose an electric kiln: http://www.paragonwe...oose_a_Kiln.cfm Sincerely, Arnold Howard Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrisK Posted March 16, 2011 Report Share Posted March 16, 2011 What exactly is the difference and why would one choose a 1 phase or a 3 phase kiln? I am not sure what this is all about. Kris Can you suggest a source or sources for information about the different features and their function in electric kilns? It's clear that I need to consider a lot more than the interior measurements of a kiln in making a purchase. Thanks, Jayne Here is an article on how to choose an electric kiln: http://www.paragonwe...oose_a_Kiln.cfm Sincerely, Arnold Howard Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arnold Howard Posted March 16, 2011 Report Share Posted March 16, 2011 What exactly is the difference and why would one choose a 1 phase or a 3 phase kiln? I am not sure what this is all about. A 3 phase circuit is more efficient to wire than single phase. It takes smaller breakers and thinner circuit wires. For this reason, industrial buildings are often wired in 3 phase. And some electric companies charge less for 3 phase power than single phase, because of reduced distribution costs. The main consideration is whether your kiln room is wired for 3 phase power or single phase. Sincerely, Arnold Howard Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isculpt Posted March 19, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 19, 2011 What exactly is the difference and why would one choose a 1 phase or a 3 phase kiln? I am not sure what this is all about. A 3 phase circuit is more efficient to wire than single phase. It takes smaller breakers and thinner circuit wires. For this reason, industrial buildings are often wired in 3 phase. And some electric companies charge less for 3 phase power than single phase, because of reduced distribution costs. The main consideration is whether your kiln room is wired for 3 phase power or single phase. Sincerely, Arnold Howard Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com Thanks for the link and the general information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Firemountaion Studios Posted April 16, 2011 Report Share Posted April 16, 2011 My Skutt is still going after 30+ years of use, I've had to change out the elements and wiring a few times though. Its not fancy, I bought it in 1979. I still like it. But my question is why not go for a gas kiln, it costs about the same to fire my 9 cubic foot skutt as my 25 cubic foot gas kiln. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David James Posted April 22, 2011 Report Share Posted April 22, 2011 My Skutt is still going after 30+ years of use, I've had to change out the elements and wiring a few times though. Its not fancy, I bought it in 1979. I still like it. But my question is why not go for a gas kiln, it costs about the same to fire my 9 cubic foot skutt as my 25 cubic foot gas kiln. I looked at a variety of kilns and opted for a paragon and have had absolutely no issues with it and just about everyone I know who does pottery has a Paragon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Campbell Posted April 23, 2011 Report Share Posted April 23, 2011 Just to muddy the waters more .... I don't think I have ever heard anyone say anything bad about either of the brands. What I would really love is a front loader ... But still way out of my price range! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brrwobig Posted April 23, 2011 Report Share Posted April 23, 2011 I have both a Skutt and a Paragon. The Skutt has been firing since 1974, have never changed elements in it. I only go up to cone 5 in it. I've had the Paragon about 25 years now, I suppose. I do need to change out some elements in it as they are sagging pretty bad in places. I used to fire to cone 9 in it, now I am firing at cone 6. They both have manual kiln sitters. The Paragon's doesn't drop anymore. In fact it started "sticking" not long after I purchased it. I replaced it a couple years ago and it worked for a couple firings and then it began to stick again. So I just use large witness cones viewable via the peep hole to fire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earthfan Posted June 18, 2014 Report Share Posted June 18, 2014 To Chris Campbell, I am using a front loader and my heart yearns for a top loader. I had a gas kiln that top loaded and it was much easier to position the shelves because I didn't have to hold the shelf out in front of me. It did have brick walls on which I could rest my weight. Another disadvantage of the front loader is that you can only see the setting from one direction. On a top loader you can see it 300°. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilestrick Posted June 18, 2014 Report Share Posted June 18, 2014 I just checked some pricing on various web sites. Most of the L&L, Paragon and Skutt kilns are priced within about $100 of each other. So if you want an L&L, it's possible. Feel free to PM or call me if you have specific questions about repair costs on the various brands, or have L&L questions. There are sectional models made for loading sculpture, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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