Home > Kilns & Firing >

Paragon Caldera Digital Kiln
Paragon Caldera Digital Kiln


 
Additional Photos:
This kiln ships free to destinations in the U.S.
The Paragon Caldera kiln by Paragon was designed especially for the studio jeweler focusing on glass, metal clay, and enamels. The Caldera offers the multi-media jewelry artist with the ability to do anything you can imagine:

fire silver & gold metal clays
fire copper, bronze, brass, sterling, steel clays in carbon
fuse dichroic glass
fire and glaze porcelain
slump glass
enamel silver and copper
fire and glaze bisque
co-fire gemstones, glass, and other inclusions
co-fire sterling silver
anneal glass beads
fire glass decals
create reticulated metals
heat treat metal
lost wax burnout
...and more

The Caldera is digitally controlled, so you can set it and forget it. Use one of 4 customizable heat, hold and stop programs, or build and save 4 customized firing programs up to 8 segments long in Fahrenheit or Cone firing modes.

The firing box measures 8" x 8" x 6-3/4" deep. A maximum of 2 kiln shelves can be fired at once. Any of the stainless steel and ceramic firing vessels we carry for carbon firing will fit this kiln.

The Caldera plugs into a standard 110V household outlet (3-prong) and draws less energy than most hair dryers.

In place of the kiln brick risers, the Caldera now ships with a sturdy 2 1/2" high x 14" x 12 3/4" steel stand, complete with mar-proof rubber feet. With a separate top and bottom, the Caldera is stackable and completely portable.

Be sure to add a kiln furniture kit that includes the essentials you'll need for metal clay firing. Technical specifications can be found below as well as a video on programming and firing the kiln, and an explanation of the kiln door and furniture options.

Don't miss the product reviews to see what others think about this kiln.

Lid and Base Options
Order your kiln with the options you'll need for the techniques and materials you'll be working with. The Caldera base model is shipped with a standard lid.
  • The Bead Collar allows beadmakers to insert hot glass mandrels into the kiln for annealing while preserving the interior temperature. Includes mandrel rest. Note that the maximum internal temperature with the bead collar in place is 2000F.
  • The Viewport option allows you to monitor the progress of things like enamels and glass. The 2"x2" ceramic window is rated to 2300F, so there is no limitation in temperature or performance with the Viewport.
  • The combination Bead Collar and Viewport option includes both the Bead Collar and the viewing window in the lid.
Kiln Furniture Option
The props used to hold items during firing are called kiln furniture. Kiln shelves and kiln posts are the basic kiln furniture that every kiln owner should have. This kit includes one shelf to cover all the items you are likely to fire as a metal clay artist.
  • 7" x 7" x 5/8" hard ceramic kiln shelf used when firing glass, ceramics, metal clay, and enamels
  • Set of 4 1/2" high kiln posts. Used to elevate a kiln shelf or firing vessel for even heating and to separate kiln shelves during firing.
  • 1lb bag of kiln wash. Used to prepare a kiln shelf for an enamel or glass firing.
Power Consumption
The Caldera plugs into a 3-prong household outlet and draws 1800 watts. Hourly cost to operate on average: 17 cents.

Kiln Location
The Calderas ship with a sturdy 2 1/2" high x 14" x 12 3/4" steel stand, complete with mar-proof rubber feet. The surface will not heat during firing thanks to the elevated firing box and insulating properties of the fire brick construction.

Maintenance
Your kiln will give you years of trouble-free service as long as you are good to it. Keep the inside clean and follow proper firing procedures. The heating elements have a lifespan that is use-dependent, and for most people, will last for years. When it is time to replace the heating elements, they are easily unpinned and replaced.

Warranty
The kiln is warrantied to be free of defects in workmanship for a period of 1 year from date of shipment. Manufacturer will repair or replace any parts that become defective under normal and proper use during the specified period.
Entire warranty can be read here.

Delivery
Standard door and colors normally ship 1 week from order, but can take up to 2 weeks during promotions and holidays. Please allow at least 2 weeks time for your customized kiln to be built and shipped. When your kiln arrives, call us at 888-478-5060 for setup assistance if you need it. We'll have you up and running in minutes.

International Voltages
This model can be ordered in different voltages for destinations outside the United States. Please contact us to place a special order.

View our video (below) to learn how easy it is to operate the Paragon Caldera kiln using the 3-button digital controller. Our example shows and SC2 kiln, however the controller is exactly the same.

Not sure what kiln you want?
We can help! Check out our resources for helping you choose the right kiln for your studio.
Price: $664.00

FREE SHIPPING US only
Made in USA


Availability: Usually Ships in 2 to 3 Weeks
Product Code: KLN-300-P

Choose a Kiln
Click to view another Kiln

 Paragon Caldera Digital Kiln - Basic
Paragon Caldera Digital Kiln - Viewport [Add $38.00]
Paragon Caldera Digital Kiln - Bead Collar [Add $140.00]
Paragon Caldera Digital Kiln - Viewport & Bead Collar [Add $178.00]
Furniture Kit
Click to view another Furniture Kit

 Furniture Kit - Caldera [Add $25.00]
No Furniture Kit

Qty:  
Details TechSpecs Product Tips
 

Paragon Caldera Digital Kiln


The Caldera in the Classroom
A Caldera is a nice addition to school programs. A test kiln is relatively inexpensive. With the Caldera, students can make gifts in time for a birthday or holiday instead of waiting until the school’s large kiln is fired. A test kiln creates enthusiasm for a clay program. Students can test glazes while they feel the momentum instead of waiting to fire them in the large kiln.
New teachers inherit bags of unlabeled clay in their classrooms. Many loads of clay have been ruined because they were fired to the wrong temperature. With a Caldera kiln, you can easily test unlabeled clay.
Strong Lap Joints
To strengthen the firing chamber, the firebrick corners are fitted together with L-shaped notches. This type of joint lasts longer than the butted joint and the "picture frame" mitered joint found on competitive brands. Rugged construction makes this kiln a little workhorse. The base is versatile and can be flipped if one side is damaged. The lid and base are interchangeable unless you order the lid with a glass window.
Reliable Construction
This kiln is built to last. Elements are coiled from the finest high-temperature wire available. They use heat-dissipating element connectors refined and proven over many years in Paragon kilns. The thermocouple, which senses temperature in the kiln, is protected with a high-nickel stainless steel sheath for long life.
The Caldera switchbox is coated with a durable high temperature, water-base finish. We chose this type of paint because of the low emissions during spraying. This creates a safer working environment for our employees and cuts down on pollution. The Caldera is proudly made in America to exacting standards.
  • 2 ½” insulating refractory firebricks
  • Dropped, recessed brick grooves protect the element for long life.
  • Vented switch box, heavy duty wiring for years of reliable service.
  • The Caldera, even with a collar, still fires to 2000°F/1093°C
  • A heavy-duty steel stand (complete with rubber feet) is included with each kiln.
    •