A “Test Kiln” is a small capacity electric kiln that is usually wired to run off 15-amps or less of standard 110-volt household current. They offer a convenient choice for ceramists whose work is very small (dolls, jewelry, miniatures, etc.) and whose production level is light, or who cannot install the 240-volt power line required for larger kilns. Test kilns are also an indispensable tool for high production studio potters. Their small size makes them perfect for: (1) developing and testing new glaze recipes, (2) testing a new batch of a standard glazes to confirm its performance before applying it to a kiln load of ware, and (3) for firing single pieces when a full load is not ready and the deadline is near.

There are, however, two important things to consider when firing a Test Kiln:

(1) Small firing chambers can heat and cool very rapidly. Because time is as much a part of clay and glaze development as temperature, all tests should be fired at rates similar to those of your larger production kilns. Firing at a different rate can produce significantly different results. Although expensive, a programmable controller is recommended to provide the control over the firing schedule to insure accurate and consistent results. in order for results to be accurate. It may be necessary to remain on lower 

switch settings longer for slower heating rates and to “heat soak” or “fire down” at the end in order to duplicate a larger kiln’s heating and cooling rates. A pyrometer may be helpful to monitor your test kiln firings: a controller is ideal (but expensive).

(2) Even though test kilns run on standard 110-volt household current, they draw relatively high amperage compared to normal appliances. A 14- or 15-amp test kiln requires a 20-amp breaker. Check to see that the outlet you choose to plug your test kiln into is backed by a large enough breaker and that no other appliances are drawing off that same breaker. Also, check the condition of your wiring to be sure it is rated for and capable of handling such extended high-amperage draw.

A Test Kiln may be small, but it is still a kiln and should be treated with the same precautions as a large kiln.

Bailey carries Test Kilns by Paragon Industries & AIM Mfg.: Please review all specifications & descriptions carefully to choose the one that best suits your needs.

The Caldera from Paragon is a compact test kiln with an 7.5” x 7.5” x 6-3/4” deep firing chamber. It features the Sentry Xpress 3 Key Controller for precise control over every firing. The Caldera operates on 120 volt household current and draws 15-amps. Rated to Cone 10 (2350 F), it’s ideal for testing clay & glazes. Other features include:

• 2-1/2"“ insulating refractory firebricks

• dropped, recessed brick grooves

• louvered control box

• Heavy-duty wiring

• Four 2”x2” firebricks are included with each kiln, to be placed under the kiln during firing

The Caldera can also be converted to a bead annealing kiln with the addition of a Bead Collar.

The Caldera Bead Collar is a kiln section that fits between the floor slab & main body of the kiln as shown at the right. A 7-1/2” x 2” door on the side of the collar allows the user to insert and remove glass beads without opening the kiln lid.

Please Note: The Bead Collar adds 4-1/2” to the height of the kiln. Because the collar has no heating elements, the maximum cone rating for the Caldera with the collar in place is reduced to Cone 03 (2000 F).

The Xpress 1193 features an 11” diameter x 9” deep firing chamber and 3” brick walls. It operates on 120 volt household current and draws 18 amps. With a maximum temperature rating of Cone 8, it is ideal for low-fire earthenware and mid-range stoneware & porcelain. The Xpress 1193 is equipped with the Sentry Xpress 3 Key Controller for precise control over every firing. Other features include:

• Large enough to fire a 10” plate

• Lock-in lid support with positive catch

• Coated lid, peepholes & rim of firebrick

• Heavy duty stand with mar-proof feet

• Full-formed galvanized steel base

• Wide-view tapered peephole

• Fall-away Prop-R-Vent

• Heavy duty elements

• Cold rolled stainless jacket

A small, portable, ‘no-frills’ top-loader that fires easily to Cone 10. The interior measures 6.5” x 6.5” x 4.5” deep. The AIM 64K/D has a hinged lid, (1) spy hole with plug and uses (4) half-bricks for a stand. It is equipped with a Bartlett 3-Key Controller featuring both Conefire and RampRate software. Witness Cones can be viewed through the spy hole. The 64K runs on 110V household current and uses a standard 3-prong plug.

The New AIM Model 88/D is the computerized version of their popular Model 88 Test Kiln. The 8”x8”x9” deep chamber fits lots of test tiles or miniatures: even small to medium-sized pieces. It fires easily to Cone 10 on 110V household current. The AIM 88/D features a Bartlett 3-Key Controller with both ConeFire and RampRate software for the greatest programming flexibility. Also includes a hinged lid, metal kiln stand and (1) spy hole with plug. The 88/D has a standard 110V cord with a 3-prong plug.

The AIM 1110/D is a 6-sided top loader with a hinged lid, metal stand and (2) spy holes with plugs. The larger 11" dia. x 10" deep chamber holds more work than the 88/D, but has a lower temperature rating @ Cone 1. The walls are 2.5” brick plus a ½" fiber blanket lining for extra insulation. The AIM 1110/D features the Bartlett 3-Key Controller with both ConeFire and RampRate software for the greatest programming flexibility. The 1110/D has a standard 110V cord with a 3-prong plug.

NOTE: All 3 kilns listed above are also available in a manual version with an infinite switch to input power and a digital pyrometer to monitor the temperature. They all have a spy hole to allow the use of visual cones (which is highly recommended). The kiln switch must be manually turned off when firing is complete. There are (2) choices for the pyrometer – please see below.

Pyrometer Option A: This pyrometer can only read in degrees F and it cannot display values over ‘1999’. (1999 F is approximately C/03 based on a firing rate of 108 per Hr.) Although these kilns are capable of firing hotter than 1999 F, you will not be able to monitor the temperature once it exceeds 1999. If you want this pyrometer, please select Option A from the drop down below when you place your order.

Pyrometer Option B: This pyrometer can only read in degrees C but cannot register over 1200 C. (1200 C is in between C/5 & C/6 based on a firing rate of 108 per Hr.) Although these kilns are capable of firing hotter then 1200 C, will not be able to monitor the temperature once it exceeds 1200. To determine the temperature in degrees F you will need to use a conversion table. If you want this pyrometer, please select Option B from the drop down below when you place your order.

Interior Dimensions

Interior Dimensions