Paragon Kiln - Bluebird XL

Improved Ceramic Fiber Firing Chamber

The Paragon BlueBird XL kiln features new sinusoidal “wavy” elements, which are embedded close to the inner surface of the high-tech, vacuum-formed ceramic fiber top. This is an improvement over our earlier embedded coiled elements because the “wavy” elements are mounted closer to the surface. This enables the elements to radiate heat faster for longer element life. The ceramic fiber top reduces dust inside the kiln.

Improved Double Doors with Gaskets

Both doors are 3 1/2” x 10” and mounted in a 4 1/4” high opening. The 3/4” gap under the doors is filled by flexible, high-temperature door gaskets, which help to hold in heat. The 2” thick ceramic fiber doors are twice the thickness of our original doors. The hinges are continuous across the top for extra longevity.

Bead Mandrel Holders

The kiln comes with a single and a double mandrel holder. The single holder supports rods or mandrels from one point; the double cradles the rods at two points. The holders are held by magnets. They are sturdy and heavy for stability.

Rare-Earth Magnets Hold Doors Open or Closed

Rare-earth magnets hold the doors closed while the kiln is heating to the annealing temperature. Phenolic knobs on the door handle stay cool to the touch. Use the switch on the front panel to turn off power to the controller when the kiln is not in use. We have added a glass rod warmer on top of the kiln. Pre-heating glass rods saves production time.

The Paragon BlueBird XL kiln has durable 2 1/2” thick insulating firebrick walls and floor. The steel base supports the kiln in two layers. The upper steel base supports and strengthens the firebrick floor; the lower steel base covers the entire kiln bottom where it rests on your worktable. Electrical components are mounted to the lower base, away from the heat of the firing chamber.

Heavy-Duty Construction

The steel base supports the kiln in two layers. The upper steel base supports and strengthens the firing chamber; the lower steel base covers the entire kiln bottom where it rests on your worktable. Electrical components are mounted to the lower base, away from the heat of the firing chamber.

The Genesis Mini Touch Screen Controller is mounted under the kiln in an ergonomically sloped panel for easy operation. The design saves table space over kilns with a side switch box. The built-in base stays cool even during extended hold times for the long life of the electrical system. It is slotted to dissipate heat and comes with mar-proof plastic feet.

Why Upgrade from Mechanical Relays to Solid-State Relays?      

Mechanical Relays, which come standard on most kilns have internal moving parts which over time wear out and need to be replaced.  Kiln manufacturers recommend you replace your mechanical relays approximately every 2 years.  Solid-state relays have no moving parts and last far longer than standard mechanical relays and offer far better temperature control during hold times.  Since solid-state relays also have no moving parts to wear out, they NEVER need to be replaced.  You will notice that solid-state relays are silent.  The only sound you will hear is just the reassuring hum of the heating elements.  So, this factory upgrade saves you potential down time from having to wait for new relays to arrive, potential over-fires from relays sticking in the closed position, potential aggravation from having to learn how to remove and replace the mechanical relays yourself.  We think this upgrade is well worth the cost and will save you time and aggravation over the life of your kiln.