Paragon CT81722 Ceramic and Pottery Kiln

The Paragon CT81722 brings together craftsmanship, efficiency, and reliability in a compact 8-sided design that’s perfect for studios, classrooms, and professional potters alike. With a 17″ interior diameter and 22″ depth (2.95 cu ft), it’s large enough for most ceramic projects yet efficient enough to run on standard studio circuits. Built on the legacy of the Paragon “Ceramic Top” line, this model delivers excellent performance per cubic foot and the longevity ceramic artists expect from Paragon.

This kiln includes 3″ firebrick for superior insulation, solid-state relays (SSR) for silent, long-lasting control, and a pre-drilled, vent-ready base featuring an AOP (Auxiliary Outlet Plug) for easy integration with an optional Orton VentMaster system. Its recessed element grooves eliminate pins, while the top row of grooveless blank bricks reduces chipping during loading. A drop-down, hinged switch box allows easy front access for maintenance, and a reversible floor extends service life.

Controller

The CT81722 comes equipped with the Sentinel SmartTouch Controller, offering modern touchscreen operation, intuitive menus, firing cost calculation, and advanced diagnostics for consistent results from bisque to glaze firing.

Optional Add-Ons

• Optional Kiln Stand
  Select the standard 6" stand with protective, mar-resistant feet, or upgrade to a 12" or 18" Deluxe Rolling Stand — ideal if adding a VentMaster vent system.
• Optional Kiln Vent
  Pre-drilled and AOP-ready for the Orton Vent Master, designed to enhance firing consistency and keep your studio air cleaner.

What’s Included

• Sentinel SmartTouch Controller

• Solid State Relays (SSR)

• 3″ Firebrick Insulation

• Pre-Drilled Vent-Ready Base with AOP

• Two Wide-View Tapered Peepholes

• Drop-Down Hinged Switch Box

• Instruction Manual

• 2-Year Limited Warranty

Hand-built in Mesquite, Texas, the Paragon CT81722 delivers dependable cone-10 performance, even heat distribution, and long-term durability—all in a kiln that’s efficient, accessible, and ready for professional results.

These specs apply to the 240V, single-phase configuration. Also available in 3-phase and 208V options.

For 240V 3-phase or 208V (single or 3-phase), contact us for full electrical details.

• Model: CT81722, 8-sided
  
• Inside Chamber Dimensions: 16.5" W x 22.25" H
• Cubic Feet: 2.95
• Overall Dimensions (Footprint & Height): 25.5” W x 28.5" D x 28" H
• Maximum Temperature: 2350°F (Cone 10) / 1287°C
• Est. ship weight: 265 pounds
  
• Volts: 240 (single phase) - call or email for electrical details on other configurations
• Amperage: 30A
  
• Watts: 7,200
  
• Plug configuration: NEMA 6-50
• Breaker: 40A
  

Optional furniture kit contents:

• (3) 15” round shelves
• (1) 15" round half-shelf
• (4) each of 1/2”, 1", 2", 3”, 4”, 5" and 6” tall 1”-square posts
• (1) 1# bag of kiln wash

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

Please contact us to reach out to the manufacturer for an estimated lead time.

There is currently a firebrick supply constraint affecting several kiln manufacturers, including this model. Because of that, lead times have been extended and can fluctuate.

Rather than guess, we can confirm the current production timeline with the factory before you place your order so you know exactly what to expect.

We get it. You've got a lot of choices when it comes to online retailers. Here's why we think you should shop with us at Pottery Pulse.

• Best Price Guarantee. Better price elsewhere? We'll beat it.
• Risk-Free Shopping. 30-day returns. No restocking fees. No return shipping fees. No transaction fees.
• Hassle-Free Cancellations. That's good for your heart. Cancel any time before shipping with no penalties or hidden fees!
• 5-Star Support. Read our verified reviews. Our customers know we put everything into their shopping experience.

If this specific product has already been reviewed, you will find it below all the product information tabs, and above the "You may also like..." section.

If it has not, you can still find all reviews left from Pottery Pulse customers at this Reviews page on our site. Please click that link and read what other customers are saying as you consider whether or not to provide your business to Pottery Pulse.

We are confident we sell outstanding products from outstanding manufacturers, and that we'll top the best customer experience you can find anywhere. We are devoted to our customers because we simply are out of business without them.

Simply put, you could say that makes you the center of our universe.

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.)