Paragon Kiln Caldera XL Digital Kiln

Paragon CALDERA XL Kiln

Note: All Paragon Kilns with 3 key Controller now Include Free Upgrade to the Bartlett Genesis Mini Touch Screen Controller!

Genesis Mini have a modern and intuitive user platform with touch-screen technology for an effortless user interface. It can store up to 12 custom user programs with up to 32 segments per program and has the ability to make adjustments during a firing such as add segments, add temperature, and skip segments. Additionally, the easy-to-follow screen descriptions and graphical display of the firing process, allow the Genesis kiln controller to make firing kilns extremely straightforward.

This controller will make firing kilns just a little bit easier in these ways:
*touch-screen technology for the user interface
*easy-to-follow screen descriptions
*different user-interface levels, which can be set to match the user’s firing knowledge
*graphical display of the firing process right at the controller
*Store up to 30 custom user programs
*Up to 32 segments per program
*Ability to make adjustment during a firing such as add segments, add temperature, and skip segments
*Built in diagnostics testing for use with a current sensor
*Alarm
*Error Codes
*WiFi enabled for easy software updating
*Register your Genesis on our web site or mobile app for remote monitoring of your kiln

Paragon Caldera XL Kiln

Fire porcelain, stoneware, china, ceramics, and decals in the Paragon Caldera XL kiln. Test glazes and glaze application ideas before running production quantities in a large studio kiln.

You will not outgrow this small digital test kiln even if you acquire a larger kiln later. Continue to use the Caldera XL for testing or for small projects. Carry it with you to seminars or on vacation; convenient hand lifts on the sides aid in moving the kiln.

The Caldera XL in the Classroom

A Caldera XL is a nice addition to school programs. This digital test kiln is relatively inexpensive. With the Caldera XL, students can make gifts in time for a birthday or holiday instead of waiting until the school’s large kiln is fired. A test kiln creates enthusiasm for a clay program. Students can test glazes while they feel the momentum instead of waiting to fire them in the large kiln.

New teachers inherit bags of unlabeled clay in their classrooms. Many loads of clay have been ruined because they were fired to the wrong temperature. With a Caldera XL kiln, you can easily test unlabeled clay.

Built to Last

The firebrick corners are fitted together with L-shaped notches for extra strength. This type of joint lasts longer than the butted joint and the "picture frame" mitered joint found on competitive brands.

The Type-K thermocouple, which reads the firing chamber temperature, is protected in a high-nickel stainless steel sheath for long life. A steel base supports the brick bottom. The Paragon Caldera XL kiln comes with a built-in steel stand; no extra stand is needed. Use the switch on the front panel to turn off power to the controller when the digital test kiln is idle.

Both sides of the lid and top rim of sidewall firebricks are hardened and sealed with a refractory coating to protect the ware from dust. The firing chamber, including the lid and bottom, is made of 3” thick firebricks, 20% thicker than standard 2 1/2” bricks.

The Paragon Caldera XL kiln has dual mechanical relays for extra reliability. They turn on power to the elements after receiving a signal from the digital controller. Two relays last longer than the single relay of competitive kilns because of the reduced amperage going through each relay.

Heating elements are made from the finest high-temperature wire available. Paragon uses heat-dissipating element connectors refined and proven over many years in our kilns. The stainless steel case and lid band include case tighteners for easy maintenance of the digital test kiln.

Water-Base Paint

The Paragon Caldera XL kiln control box is painted with a durable high temperature, water-base finish. We use water-base paint because of the low emissions during spraying. This creates a safer working environment for our employees and cuts down on pollution.

UPS Shipping

The Paragon Caldera XL kiln can ship by UPS. Enjoy a lower shipping cost and faster service. Specially designed cartons and foam padding assure that the digital test kiln will arrive safely.

The Convenience of Digital Firing

The reliable solid-state Sentry Xpress controller continually monitors the firing so you do not need to watch it closely. (Please remember, however, to check the kiln occasionally during firing and to monitor it near the expected shutoff time.)

Paragon’s innovative controller will help you achieve consistent firing results. The user-friendly controller has powerful features that you will enjoy.

The Sentry Xpress controller fires in either Ramp-Hold or Cone-Fire mode. Control both heating and cooling with simple 3-key operation.

Features of the Sentry Xpress 3-key Controller for Ceramic Kilns

Fire to a pyrometric cone by merely entering cone number and slow, medium, or fast speed.

Use Program Review to check the accuracy of the program you are about to fire.

Set a temperature alarm to remind yourself to close a vented lid or check the kiln at a certain temperature.

Design Ramp-Hold programs with up to 8 segments (steps).

Skip a segment in Ramp-Hold during firing.

Hold (soak) the temperature in both Cone-Fire and Ramp-Hold.

Control both heating and cooling in Ramp-Hold.

Add hold time in Ramp-Hold during firing.

Change the target temperature in Ramp-Hold during firing.

Temperature Display throughout firing and cooling in your choice of °F or °C

Thermocouple Offset adjusts the thermocouple readout.

Set the Delay to turn on the kiln later to suit your busy schedule.

Error Messages report mechanical problems such as a disconnected thermocouple, stuck relay or broken element.

LED Lights show whether you are in program, review, or firing mode.

Colorful, illustrated instruction manual. Download it from the “Additional Information” section below to review these features in more detail.

Creative Satisfaction

The heat of the kiln offers wonderful surprises. Glazes undergo a complete transformation in the kiln. Opening a kiln to view your masterpieces is a joy you will never outgrow. Get your family involved and create priceless memories using your kiln.

The OPTIONAL Furniture Kit

The furniture kit consists of carefully selected fireclay shelves and posts for the Caldera XL or Caldera XL-KS. When estimating the price of the kiln, include the cost of furniture. The furniture allows you to stack multiple layers of ware. Without it, you could fire only the ware that would fit on the kiln bottom.

Made in the USA

The Caldera XL is proudly made in Mesquite, Texas by master craftspeople. Half of our factory employees have been at Paragon for at least 10 years. Phone calls during business hours are answered by a live person at the Mesquite factory. We are open from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Standard Time Monday through Thursday. These expanded hours allow us to serve customers in differing time zones. Call us—we would enjoy hearing from you. Our customer service representatives will be glad to help you after the sale, even long after the kiln is out of warranty, and at no charge.

Specifications