Jen-Ken 28-E 3" Glass Kiln

The 28-E 3″ is a large-capacity glass kiln built for serious fusing and slumping artists. It features a spacious 26″ solid round shelf — accommodating even large 18″ × 18″ square projects or bowls up to 26″ in diameter — while remaining remarkably affordable for its size. With 3″ firebrick walls and lid, it offers 20% more insulation than traditional brick kilns, providing outstanding heat retention and greater energy efficiency. A built-in lid lifter system makes opening and closing smooth and effortless, even during extended studio sessions.

Controller Options

This model comes standard with the Orton AutoFire 4000 12-Key Controller, which delivers precise digital control and reliable performance. Two optional controller upgrades are available:

• Orton AutoFire Slide Touchscreen – a modern touch-interface controller that simplifies program setup and operation.

• TAP II Touchscreen Smart Controller – the most advanced option, offering Wi-Fi connectivity, mobile app access, and detailed data logging for total firing control.

Optional Add-Ons

You can enhance your setup with an SSR (Solid State Relay) for smoother temperature control and quieter operation. A Small Furniture Kit (includes one 26″ shelf and four ½″ posts) is also available for multi-level firing flexibility.

What’s Included

• Orton AutoFire 4000 12-Key Controller (standard)

• Kiln Stand

• Kiln Wash

• Lid Lifter

• Instruction Manual

• 2-Year Limited Warranty (on kiln and controller)

Designed and built in the USA, the 28-E 3″ combines size, insulation efficiency, and user-friendly control — making it one of the most capable and economical round glass kilns in the Jen-Ken lineup.

• Model: 28-E 3" Glass
  
• Inside Chamber Dimensions: 28” W x 11” H
• Cubic Feet: 3.91
• Maximum Temperature: 1700°F
• Elements: Top, Side firing
• Kiln weight: 250 pounds
  
• Volts: 240
• Amperage: 36A
  
• Watts: 8,640
  
• Plug configuration: NEMA 6-50
• Breaker: 50A
• Circuit wire gauge: 6

The furniture kit includes:

• (1) 26" shelf
• (4) 1/2" posts

Jen-Ken's current production timeline is about 6 to 8 weeks.

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Choose the voltage that matches the electrical service where the kiln will be installed. Some kilns are available in only one voltage, while others can be ordered in multiple voltages. If both 120V and 240V are available, 240V is generally the preferred choice because it places less demand on your electrical system, while 120V offers the convenience of operating on a dedicated standard household circuit. If both 208V and 240V are available, select the voltage that matches your building's electrical service—240V is most common in homes, while 208V is common in many commercial, educational, and institutional buildings. If you're unsure which voltage you have, confirm it with your electrician before ordering.

Your kiln must be built to match the electrical service where it will be installed. Choose single-phase if that's what your building has (almost all homes do). Choose three-phase only if your building has three-phase power available. If both are available, three-phase is generally the preferred option. If you're unsure, verify the available electrical service with your electrician before placing your order.

Mechanical relays are standard and reliable. Solid-state relays (SSR) offer silent operation, faster cycling, greater precision, and longer lifespan—ideal for frequent or high-accuracy firings.

The following controllers are used across kilns sold by Pottery Pulse. Not all models offer every option—available controllers are listed on each product page. Some kilns include only the standard controller, while most allow upgrades for added precision and convenience.

Olympic Kilns

• Infinite Switch – Manual dial control for simple heat adjustments.
• KilnStar – Digital controller with preset and user-defined programs.
• Genesis – Advanced touchscreen interface with Wi-Fi and data logging.

Evenheat Kilns

• Icon – Digital 3-button controller for straightforward firing.
• RampMaster II – Manual digital controller for ceramic kilns; flexible ramp/hold programming.
• RampMaster 3 – Updated version for glass kilns with refined interface.
• Icon+ – Enhanced digital control with expanded profiles and precision.
• TAP II – Smart touchscreen controller with Wi-Fi, data tracking, and remote access.

Hot Shot Kilns

• Novus – “Set & Go” controller: set a target temperature and it does the rest (no segments).
• Spark – Entry-level touchscreen controller with intuitive operation and limited program control.
• TAP II – Smart touchscreen controller with Wi-Fi and real-time monitoring.

Jen-Ken Kilns

• Orton AF3P 3-Button – Reliable and straightforward for basic firing.
• Orton AutoFire 4000 12-Key – Expanded program capacity and fine control.
• Orton AutoFire Slide Touchscreen – Modern, responsive touchscreen interface.
• TAP II Touchscreen Smart Controller – Wi-Fi connectivity and real-time data tracking.

Not all kilns can use a collar, but Olympic’s Hot Box kilns can be ordered with a collar to expand versatility. A blank collar simply adds height to the firing chamber, while a bead collar adds the same height and includes a built-in bead or annealing door for quick-access lampwork projects.

This safety feature automatically cuts power to the heating elements whenever the kiln lid or door is opened. It prevents accidental burns, protects elements, and resumes power only when safely closed. (Also called an automatic lid shutoff on Olympic kilns.)