Remember the oil shortage of 1979? Long lines formed at gas stations; people traded their big cars for small ones. Fearful neighbors even hoarded gasoline in backyard garden sheds.

In 1980, while people were still concerned about saving energy, Paragon introduced kilns with 3" thick firebrick walls. (Standard thickness is 2 1/2".)

More important than saving energy, the 3" walls also save on heating elements. Because of the extra brick insulation, elements do not have to work as hard.

The greatest energy savings are in the high temperature range. To reach porcelain temperature, the 2 1/2" wall kiln works harder than the 3" wall kiln at the last stages of firing. The longer the elements remain at these high temperatures, the shorter their life. This is why the 3" wall kiln should be considered a must for porcelain firing.

Copyright 2002, by Paragon Industries, Inc.