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Hello, all!

I am new to working with kilns. I do a bit of fusing, not jewellery. Pretty large items. But I also do painting, so I need a kiln for firing too. I am looking for a kiln with at least 17'' space inside and preferably square. I was wondering if anyone can offer opinion. I have several options. I am being offered an EVENHEAT and I have never encountered them before. Does anyone know how they compare to Paragons and Olympics? Below are the few options I am looking at with links to their more detailed descriptions. My budget is $2000 total (kiln, shipping, shelf and 240 outlet installation) I will be thankful for any opinion anyone can offer.

Ken Leap, I took classes with recommended a Paragon
PEARL. The smallerst I can get is 18'' http://www.paragonweb.com/PEARL18.cfm

My supplier is offering me an EVEN GT4050, which is the same size,
just not as deep
http://www.sunshineglass.com/rcol/b_fus ... gt4050.htm

Then there is a 120 amp Olympic of the same size and dimension.
http://www.clay-king.com/kilns/olympic_ ... quare.html

And there is a 240 amp Olympic, same size
http://www.clay-king.com/itemokgf2etlc.html

Whatever you end up with you will learn, and adapt to it. I have personal experience with the Paragon Pearl series, had an 18" and a 22". Loved them both. All I would say is, don't go for 120.

I have the Olympic GF314ETLC. I like it. Being a clam shell makes it easy to load, but it also opens from the top which is handy.

I've had an Evenheat 23" for several years. It's very reliable and I've been very satisfied. I really l iike their Rampmaster controller, also; much easier to program than the Bartlett that came with my other kiln, IMO.

I have 2 Evenheats - an 18-9 with a Set-Pro Controller and a bathtub with an old Rampmaster. I have no complaints and they both work fine. Digital controller is a must.

All are good kilns. Pick the one that is the size/has the features you want, fits within your budget, and go from there.

I agree with Brock's comment about the 120 V. With a kiln that size it will heat slowly and it will be difficult to bring it up to pot melt temps if that is something you plan to do (or, that is my limited experience with the three kilns I have -- the 14" 120V is a pretty slow beast).

Dana W.

Few years ago I read here, when someone asked the same question - people told him [her?] what do you think you will be doing 5 years from now. Buy a kiln that will accomodate that too.
My 2 penny - if you want to do casting - buy a deep kiln - consider the size of the mold you will have to put inside the kiln.

I have a 'deep' [16"] Jen Ken, and the size is 24" by 24". I am very happy with it, as I am not working commercially - do not need series, and do not want to think twice before I use the kiln for fear of waisting .

I think that the bell / clam shell kiln are very comfortable, though, I personally am sorry I do not own one. So much easier when you have the shelf facing you.

Good luck


Havi