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Paragon Xpress 1193 The Little Kiln That Can
List Price $835.00 Dogwood Ceramic Supply's Discounted Price $580.00 Ever read the story about the little caboose that thought it could? Well the Paragon Xpress 1193 is the little kiln that thinks it is a big kiln and actually does deliver just like a big kiln. Capable of firing to Cone 8 with adequate interior volume for many hobby clay projects the Paragon Xpress 1193 is the ideal kiln for potter and ceramist apartment dwellers than are unable to wire their home for a larger kiln requiring 240v electrical service.
The Paragon Xpress 1193 is the best all around 120v, small kiln on the market for firing clay and ceramic projects. But like all 120v kilns the Paragon Xpress 1193 does have several draw backs: The first big drawback is size. How cute, the big drawback is size. Seriously, the model number refers to the interior size of the kiln: 11" wide and 9" depth combined with 3" wall bricks for improved energy efficiency. The 11" width is measured from side wall to side wall which is the narrowest point within the kiln. There is a wee bit of extra room that can be found in the corners where the side wall bricks join together, however the 11" really should be considered 10" of width as one must allow for the expansion of the objects being fired in the kiln. The same 1" loss in the vertical height should also be considered for the same reason. So, from a practical perspective, the Paragon Xpress 1193 should only be used to fire clay objects smaller than 10" x 8".... and that assumes one is firing directly upon the brick bottom of the kiln without stilting the piece or using a kiln shelf as a false bottom. And one last thing, that 10" of width is also limited by the thermocouple sticks into the kiln chamber approximately 1". While the thermocouple can be worked around for most pieces it could prevent a 10" piece from having adequate space for firing. Bottom line, the Xpress 1193 may sound like it has a big chamber but in reality the chamber size may be rather limited. Secondly the Paragon Xpress 1193 draws 18 amps of electricity. The typical 120v domestic electrical service is limited to 20 amp circuit breakers. While the Paragon Xpress 1193 will work on the typical household circuit breaker it is impossible to have another electrical appliance on that circuit operating at the same time as this kiln. And lastly the Paragon Xpress 1193 requires a NEMA 5-20R dedicated electrical outlet. Outlets are fairly inexpensive (typically $5), however changing the outlet to accommodate the Xpress 1193 will limit what other appliances can use that outlet.
Are there alternatives to the Paragon Xpress 1193? To be blunt, yes and no. Dedicated glass artists should seriously consider the Paragon Fusion 7 as the chamber size is larger and the kiln is slightly less expensive. And there are a number of small front loading kilns what would be better for jewelry or metal clay. In additional there are several other small kilns capable of firing clay projects, but, with the exception of the Paragon Home Artist, all have a smaller chamber size than the Paragon Xpress 1193. As previously noted a small chamber size is not ideal for clay projects and the Home Artist has a different set of limitations. Thus, with the exception of the needs of specific customers, the Paragon Xpress 1193 really is the best all around 120v kiln available. So who buys the Paragon Xpress 1193? Apartment dwellers! And mobile home owners and Condo owners. Basically anybody doing clay projects that does not have the luxury of wiring for a much larger kiln. Because of the popularity of this kiln with Apartment dwellers, Dogwood Ceramic Supply actually sells many of these kilns every year We use an earlier model of this size kiln in our business as an overflow kiln or to handle odd ball firing temperatures needed by customers. Like we have said the Paragon Xpress 1193 is the best all around 120v, small kiln on the market. But size is important. If you limit the size of the wares that you want to fire this kiln can be ideal kiln for use in an apartment / condo / mobile home.
Paragon Xpress 1193 Kiln:
Paragon Xpress 1193 Options:
Prices valid until December 31, 2008.
Prices: All options have appropriate discounts applied from the MSRP. Freight charges are based upon the customer's location. This kiln can be shipped via UPS. The standard UPS charges are based upon delivery to schools and commercial locations. Residential deliveries are slightly higher. The Xpress 1193 is stocked by Dogwood Ceramic Supply for over the counter purchase by local and regional customers. The shipping box is approximately 26"w x 26"d x 23"h. The kiln will fit into every SUV or vans. The in-store price ($625.00) is slightly higher than the drop shipped price due to warehouse and handling costs, however there are no freight charges for over the counter purchases from The Showroom inventory. The price of the accessories remain the same as the drop ship prices.
Published UPS rates and surcharges are rounded up for ease of customer use and to cover insurance charges and the variable Fuel Surcharge. $1.50 per box surcharge for rural deliveries. $5.00 per box surcharge for residential deliveries.
The Deluxe Stand and Orton Vent Master ship at the same rate
as the furniture kit when purchased with the kiln.
Explanation of Options for Round Kilns
Showroom Business Hours: Closed Wednesday and Sunday Web Page Last Updated: Dogwood Ceramic Supply, the complete source of ceramic and pottery equipment and supplies for professional and hobby ceramist and potter.
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