Paragon Kiln - Pearl 4426

Assemble glass inside the firing chamber

The Paragon Pearl-4426 top lifts away to give convenient access to the shelf area. Heavy-duty air pistons lighten the top. The lid handle is 50” long for a convenient opening. Assemble glass pieces directly on the 42” x 24” CoreLite shelf that you have already positioned inside the kiln. A woven rope seal mounted on all four sides of the lid acts as a gasket and cushions the top. The mating surfaces between the lid and sidewalls are hardened and sealed with a special refractory coating.

Quartz element tubes

The lid elements are protected in six quartz tubes for a cleaner kiln interior. There is less dust in the kiln because there are no element grooves; the firebrick top is one continuous, smooth surface. The quartz tubes protect the elements from contamination with foreign materials that could shorten the life of the elements. The quartz tubes absorb very little heat, allowing the elements to heat the firing chamber efficiently. Quartz tubes protect the user from contact with the elements.

Elements in the top and sides

For even heat distribution, the Pearl-4426 includes two rows of sidewall elements, which are mounted in the top section that lifts up with the lid when the kiln is opened. The sidewall element coils are protected in dropped, recessed grooves.

Power ratio technology

The kiln uses advanced power ratio technology, pioneered by Paragon, to balance the heat between the top and side elements. Program the digital controller to balance the heat between the top and sides in increments of 10%. (i.e., 100% top heat - 0% side heat, 50% top - 50% sides, 80% top – 20% sides, etc.) Set the heat balance for any combination desired between the top and sides so that the total heat output equals 100%. Imagine the precise control you will have in adjusting the kiln to slump glass or to improve heat distribution over large fused panels.

The two pilot lights on the control panel indicate which elements are firing. The top pilot light glows for the lid elements; the bottom pilot light glows for the sidewall elements.

Long-lasting mercury relays

Mercury relays are standard on this kiln. Industrial-grade mercury relays found in the Pearl-4426 far outlast mechanical relays. The life of the quiet, reliable mercury relay has been measured in millions of on/off cycles.

Heavy-duty kiln

The Paragon Pearl-4426 has 3” thick firebrick sidewalls, bottom, and top. (This is 1/2” thicker than the firebricks in some competitive kilns on the market.) For long life, the kiln has a 1/2” ceramic fiber expansion joint in the center of the firebrick top and bottom. The heavy tubular frame gives the firing chamber rock-steady support.

To keep the electrical components cool, they are mounted inside a ventilated switch box with a double heat shield and the air gap between the kiln and box. Costly heavy-gauge nickel-plated copper wiring is covered with high temperature glass-braided insulation.

Easy maintenance

The beautiful Pearl-4426 is designed for easy maintenance. You can quickly remove the top and front sections of the control panel for easy access to the electrical components. The electrical parts are thoughtfully laid out for quick maintenance inside the large control panel. The ventilation slots keep the control panel cool. The control panel includes an on/off switch and two pilot lights.

Special limit thermocouple for greater accuracy

The thermocouple, which is the rod that extends into the firing chamber, senses the temperature, so it is critically important to your firings. The Pearl-4426 comes with a ¼” wide Type-K made with special limit wire for accuracy. The tip of the thermocouple is exposed, which results in rapid temperature response time. 

***This kiln is very large and will not fit on a liftgate. The CUSTOMER will be responsible for getting the kiln off of the truck with a forklift. KF can only cover the cost of the delivery of the kiln to your location. We cannot be responsible for getting it off the truck. WE RECOMMEND... contacting a local mover to see if they have a forklift, are willing to assist, and at what price.