VIKING28

Crystalline Glazes    Decals    Fast Firings    Low-Fire Ceramics    Porcelain and Stoneware   

Features

The Giant Paragon Viking-28

The Viking-28 is designed for extra heavy duty firing. This 12-sided kiln easily reaches stoneware temperatures. During busy seasons when orders are backlogged, you will be grateful you own a dependable Paragon Viking work horse.

Plenty of Power

All Vikings are digital. As with our standard TnF top-loading studio kilns, they feature the Sentry 12-key digital temperature controller, easy-access switch box, pinless elements, and the LiteLid counter-balance spring system. But in addition, they come with built-in high amperage fuses, and heavy-duty mercury relays instead of our standard mechanical relays. Industrial mercury relays far outlast the standard mechanical relays and are also quieter.

The Viking-28 has power to spare. Their extra wattage helps compensate for aging elements or low voltage. They have ample power to reach cone 10 and, if you ever need it, to fire rapidly. Elements last longer, because the extra wattage and thicker 3" firebricks help the elements reach porcelain and stoneware temperatures without strain. Since the kiln can fire stoneware, it can naturally handle low-fire ceramics with ease.

Sectional Construction

You can separate the Viking-28 kiln bottom and sections to repair bricks, to change elements, or to move the kiln down narrow stairwells or through narrow doorways. Heavy-duty twist-lock spring latches securely hold the assembled kiln sections. Sectional kilns are ideal for older buildings in areas such as New York City or in homes with basements. The kiln is easy to maintain—the stainless steel case of each kiln section includes case tighteners.

Why the Top Wall Bricks Resist Wear

The top row of bricks in the Viking-28 is 2” high and without element grooves. Since the brick row is solid, it is less susceptible to damage during loading than a grooved brick. And should you ever need to replace a top brick, just loosen the stainless steel case tighteners of the top section and slide the brick out.

The top row of firebricks not only lasts longer than the top row in competitive kilns, but the extra row also gives you a bonus of two inches of firing chamber depth. Compare the 29” deep Viking-28 with the depth of 12-sided competitive brands.

The Viking-28 uses deluxe 3” thick firebricks throughout in the sidewalls, the reversible brick bottom, and the 3” thick lid. The peepholes, both sides of the lid and top rim of sidewall firebrick are hardened and sealed with a special refractory coating that reduces dusting.

Even Heat Distribution

Enjoy even heat distribution for consistent firing results. The elements are “tuned,” which means hotter elements are placed in the top and bottom of the firing chamber, where extra heat is needed. This results in superior heat distribution without the need for 3-zone temperature control. (However, you can order 3-zone if you want it.)

Heavy Duty Throughout

Wires are fastened to the elements with heat-dissipating connectors refined and proven for many years in Paragon kilns. Long-lasting, thick elements are seated in dropped, recessed brick grooves, which eliminate the need for element pins. (Since the elements are not pinned, they are faster to replace than the elements of some competitive models.) Costly heavy-gauge nickel-plated copper wiring is covered with high temperature glass-braided insulation.

UL / CUL / NEC-compliant high-amperage fuses protect the kiln and circuit wiring. These fuses are built into the kiln switch box—just one more thoughtful touch that you will find in a Paragon Viking.

A heavy galvanized steel base completely covers the reversible brick bottom. It folds up under the stainless steel case on all 12 sides to strengthen the firing chamber and protect the bottom. Unlike competitive brands, you can move your Paragon without worrying about the stand digging into the firebrick bottom. This is one more assurance that your Paragon kiln is built to last.

The Ease of Digital Firing

You will be amazed at the convenience of a digital temperature controller. The reliable, solid-state Sentry controller continually monitors the firing so you can spend your time making pottery or working in your studio without closely watching the kiln. (Please remember, however, to check the kiln during firing and to monitor it near the expected shutoff time.) The attractive sealed touch pad keeps out dust and wipes clean in seconds.

You will discover, to your delight, that the controller has powerful features. Yet we have also worked hard to make the controller as simple as possible to use.

Do you ever wonder how much electricity your kiln uses? Or how much a slow cooling actually costs per load? Does slow firing cost more than fast firing? The digital controller can figure electrical cost for you with the press of a button. Find out how little a kiln actually costs to fire. Learn to conserve energy by experimenting with firing speed, load density, etc.

Patented, Easy-to-Lift Lid

The massive lid is easy to lift with Paragon's patented LiteLid spring counter-balance. It does away with cumbersome pulleys and cords and reduces lid weight to only several pounds of pressure. Most people can lift the lid with one hand. Unlike pulleys and weights, the LiteLid is self-contained on the kiln. The LiteLid sharply reduces wear between the lid and top rim of firebrick. The truss and floating lid, a patented exclusive, allow expansion of the lid as the firebricks expand. Ask competitors if their lid spring includes a truss and floating lid.

Easy-Access Patented Switch Box

Hinged at the bottom, the switch box on the Viking-28 and most of Paragon’s other top-loading studio kilns opens forward for easy maintenance. It even includes a folding support arm, which holds the box in the open position. The Sentry micro-processor controller is mounted near the top of the switch box within easy reach. Operate the controller from a comfortable height.

Heavy Duty Kiln Stand Included

A kiln stand is included at no extra charge. The 24” wide stand for 10- and 12-sided kilns supports the brick bottom with framing that is 4 ½” wide across the top of each side. The stand is rock-steady, with 16-gauge frame and heavy 12-gauge legs. The stand is complete with mar-proof plastic feet and tall enough to accommodate the optional Orton Vent Master. (Note: The stand requires assembly.)

If you will need to move your kiln out of the way when not in use, order an optional deluxe kiln stand with casters. (See below in the Options section.)

Low Emission Paint

The glistening Viking-28 is proudly made in America to exacting quality standards. The kiln’s switch box has a durable high temperature, water-base finish. We chose water-base paint because of the low emissions during spraying. This creates a safer working environment for our employees in our Mesquite, Texas factory and cuts down on pollution.

Save on Shipping

The cost of shipping a kiln is often less than some of our competitors pay, because we are centrally located along a major shipping route in Mesquite, Texas. We pass the cost savings directly to you. To reduce freight damage, we ship the Viking-28 in a custom-built, carrier-approved wooden crate at no extra charge instead of the cardboard that some of our competitors use.

A Few of the Many Exciting Features

• 2”-high blank bricks in the top row of sidewalls resist wear during loading.
• 2” deeper firing chamber than some competitive models
• Sectional design for easier maintenance and moving through narrow passageways
• Sections secured with deluxe twist-lock spring latches.
• Case tighteners for easy maintenance
• Large, tapered peepholes
• Ventilated, patented switch box is hinged for easy access.
• Convenient hand lifts
• Heavy duty elements
• Dropped, recessed brick grooves eliminate the need to pin elements so you will save time when changing elements.
• Heavy-duty stand with mar-proof plastic feet
• Dust-free coating in the peepholes, both sides of the lid and top rim of firebrick
• Heavy gauge stainless steel case
• Operating instructions silk-screened onto the switch box
• Certified to CSA and UL Standard 499
• Full-formed steel base completely protects the brick bottom.
• Detailed, printed instruction manuals are written for the beginner. (Click below to download the manuals if you want to read them before you buy the kiln.)

The Furniture Kit

The furniture kit consists of carefully selected fireclay cordierite shelves and posts for the Viking-28. 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. (Scroll below to see the furniture kit.)

Customer Care

Call Paragon during business hours, and you will reach the factory directly. You will even find that a real human answers the phone. Since we are open 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST Monday through Thursday, you can likely reach us even from different time zones.

Specifications

Disclaimer: The specifications above assume that the kiln will be plugged into a dedicated circuit. Local electric codes supersede our recommendations.

The pricing and electrical specifications for the above products reflect their design for use in the United States. The International versions of most models will have variations in electrical specifications and price due to consumer safety requirements or electrical regulations.

Usages

Other Phases and Voltages

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