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Comparison of Small Paragon Kilns to Sierra Brand Kilns for Glass & Silver
Clay
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Both series of kilns were originally designed by the same
engineer who left Paragon to work at Sierra. Paragon has been a leader in
the kiln industry for ceramics and glass for many years. Sierra
is a newer, smaller company dedicated to creating kilns for the Silver Clay
industry. Sierra Kilns are now manufactured by EvenHeat Kilns. We are
feeling more inclined to purchase the Sierra kilns now that Evenheat is
manufacturing them because they have been redesigned while the Paragon's are
an older design. I'll update this page with current info as I run tests on
the New Sierra's. |
| Paragon |
Sierra Series |
| Color: Blue - both painted metal |
Color: White - painted metal |
| 3 models available. 2 ceramic fiber, 1 kiln
brick. My kiln brick model has had element failure 3 times in the past 6
months..... hmmmmmmmmmmmm... |
4 models available. All ceramic fiber. |
| Both are front loading kilns.
Not suitable for hot glass manipulation or making glass bangle bracelets.
For those applications think about a HotBox. |
| Both come with preset programs
and one user programmable setting. Both are about the same to use but have
slightly different computers on board. |
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Both have ceramic fiber firing chambers in which the
elements are embedded (except for one model of Paragon.) Repair requires you
to replace the entire chamber except for the Paragon fire brick model. |
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Both kiln styles have key pad controls and on/off switches
on the front. Very similar. Easy to use once you get the hang of it. I would
be happy to walk you thru it over the phone the first time you use it. |
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Maximum firing temp. 2000°F |
Maximum firing temperature 2012°F |
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There will be very little reason to go over 1700°F for
glass and PMC |
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Both Run on standard household current (Paragon 120 Volts,
12 and 15 amps// Sierra 120 volts, 6,12 & 15 amps based on size) |
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Both kilns heat rapidly for fast firing but can be
controlled for projects needing a slower ramp speed. |
| SC3 has a top vent. All models have a slotted case for
better air circulation. |
Has vents in the door and in the top of the kiln.
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| SC2 has no peep hole but SC2-Vista comes with a glass
peephole. SC3 has a door vent that can be used as a peephole with care.
Newer SC2's have a top vent now. |
Some models have door vents that can be used as
peepholes with care. All but the E91
now have glass peepholes in the front. Also have top vents. |
| Sizes:
Paragon SC2: H 5 1/2", W 8", D 7 3/4"
Paragon SC2: Vista Same as SC2
Paragon SC3: H 7 3/4", W 7 3/4", D 7 1/2"
Paragon Front Loader: H 6", W 8 1/2", D 12" |
Sizes:
Sierra 91F: H 4 1/2", W 4 1/2", D 4 1/2"
Sierra 360F: H 6, W 8", D 8"
Sierra 450F: H 8", W 8", D 8"
Sierra 1100F: H 8", W 12", D 12"
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| Prices range from $625.00 - $2020.00* |
Prices range from $595.00 - $1195.00 |
| Both should
give you years of constant use. We use Paragon kilns in our studio as well
as the Sierras; we are now only purchasing the Sierra kiln and are very
happy with them. |
| From some distributors comes with fiber shelf and kiln
posts. Fiber shelf suitable for PMC but not ideal for glass. |
Includes fiber shelf and kiln posts. Fiber shelf suitable
for PMC but not ideal for glass. |
| Both types of kilns are suitable for
silver clay, glass, ceramics, enameling etc.... both types have their
oddities as do all kilns. They are affordable, easy to use and readily
available from UGotGlass and other sources (we now only carry the Sierra
line). UGotGlass is a distributor for the Sierra Series kilns as well as for Jen
Ken and other Evenheat kilns. We no longer carry the Paragon SC2 line.
Feel free to call or email to discuss your kiln needs; we'll be happy to
help you select the best kiln for your requirements, future plans and
budget.
*There is no similar kiln to the Sierra 1100 but the F120 is 10.75" x 11"
and costs $1165; the GL18ADTSD is 18" x 18" and is $2020.00
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