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[January 2005]
Paragon's Iguana Kiln
Paragon Industries (Mesquite, USA) has introduced the Iguana kiln which, the company says, has power to spare; this results in long element life because the elements do not struggle to reach high temperatures. Power of 10.8kW heats the 46cm wide by 46cm deep by 56cm high interior to a full cone 10 (around 1285°C). The 240V Iguana plugs into a US standard 6-50R outlet so can be fired on the outlet that most studio kilns already use.
Paragon says that the Iguana is also easy on the back muscles; with the optional 56cm stand, the interior floor height is a comfortable 88cm. Dropped, recessed grooves seat industrial-gauge elements. The elements are easy to replace, because the user can comfortably reach into the kiln.
The company added that potters/ceramists who struggle with top-loading kilns will enjoy the Iguana. The kiln door swings open wide on a heavy 125mm steel rod with sealed bearings. A spring-loaded latch presses the door tightly closed. A recessed firebrick lip around the door seals in the heat.
The kiln's Sentry digital controller is manufactured by Orton Ceramic Foundation. It is unsurpassed, says Paragon, in reliability for a controller in its price range. It includes a programmed cool-down, Cone-Fire and Ramp-Hold modes and is capable of accepting types K, R or S thermocouples. A type K thermocouple with an Inconel(r) sheath comes as standard. There is a switch that shuts off power to the controller when not in use.
www.paragonweb.com
ENDS