





Product Information
- Description
- Specifications
- Additional Options
PARAGON CT81722: Reliable, Roomy, and Surprisingly Affordable
Built on the Ceramic Top legacy
The PARAGON CT Series—short for Ceramic Top—delivers professional-grade performance with durability and thoughtful engineering built into every model. These round kilns are trusted by ceramic artists, educators, and studios alike for their consistency and longevity. Every CT model includes:
-
3” thick firebrick throughout for superior insulation
-
Solid state relay (SSR) for quieter, more efficient, and longer-lasting performance
-
AOP (Auxiliary Outlet Plug) and vent-ready design (pre-drilled for kiln vent installation)
-
Dropped, recessed element grooves—no pins required
-
Full-formed galvanized steel base that strengthens and protects the firing chamber
-
Dust-resistant coating on lid, peepholes, and rim to extend component life
Why choose the PARAGON CT81722?
This model is a round, 8-sided kiln with an interior diameter of 17” and a height of 22”, offering a total firing volume of 2.95 cubic feet. Compact yet powerful, it’s the perfect step up from smaller hobby kilns, offering enough space for larger or multiple pieces without demanding major electrical upgrades. It operates on common studio circuits and is a cost-effective option per cubic foot—ideal for ceramics enthusiasts, classrooms, and professional potters producing low-fire ware, porcelain, or stoneware.
Durability meets convenience
The CT81722 includes a top row of grooveless 2” blank bricks, which are less prone to chipping during loading and unloading. The kiln is also fitted with a drop-down switch box, hinged at the bottom for easy forward access during maintenance, supported by a fold-out arm. A reversible brick floor extends the kiln’s lifespan by allowing even wear over time.
Additional Highlights
- Lock-in lid support with positive catch
-
Two wide-view tapered peepholes
-
Fall-away two-stage Prop-R-Vent system
-
Heavy-duty stainless steel case construction
-
Fire directly on the brick bottom for full capacity
-
Certified to CSA and UL Standard 499
Optional Furniture Kit
-
6 C-23H Shelves (20” round x ¾”)
-
1½” square posts, 8 each: 1”, 2”, 3”, 4”, 5”, 6”
-
1 lb. kiln wash
The Kiln Stand
In the Available Options, you can choose choose the Standard Kiln Stand (6" tall with mar-proof plastic feet), or the 12" Deluxe Rolling Kiln Stand (Recommended if you are adding a VentMaster Kiln Vent).
Optional Kiln Vent
The patented Orton Vent Master not only vents fumes but also improves firing results. Read the Add-On section to learn more.
Built with Pride in Mesquite, Texas
Every Paragon kiln is handcrafted in Mesquite, Texas by a dedicated team of skilled craftsmen and craftswomen. With decades of experience behind us, we take pride in building kilns that deliver lasting performance, precision, and peace of mind.
From our engineers to our assembly team, we stand behind every kiln we make—because we know what it means to invest in your craft. When you choose Paragon, you're not just buying a kiln—you're gaining the backing of a company that truly cares about your success.
Specifications for a 240V Single Phase CT81722
Max. Temperature |
2350F |
Amps |
30 |
Phase |
1 |
Watts |
7200 |
Nema |
6-50R |
TUV tested to CSA and UL Standard 499 |
Y |
CE |
N |
IMPORTANT: Some areas such as Canada and Europe require a lid or door safety switch on kilns. | |
Voltage |
240 |
Hertz |
60 |
Nema Details |
|
Kiln Type |
Top Loading Round |
Sides |
8 |
Understanding Chamber Measurements |
|
Chamber Volume |
2.95 CU.FT. |
Chamber Width |
16.50 IN |
Chamber Depth |
22.25 IN |
The Outer Size of the Kiln and the Shipping Size: Width = Left to Right; Depth = Front to Back; Height = Top to Bottom | |
Outer Size |
25.50W x 28.30D x 37.50H Inches The external kiln height includes a 9.5" tall stand. |
Ship Size |
36.00W x 38.00D x 43.00H Inches |
Ship Weight |
262.00 Lbs. |
Doorway Clearance Needed |
26.00 Inches |
Ship Method & Notations |
This Kiln Ships Via Truck |
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.
Get a Kiln Vent: Cleaner Air, Better Firings, and Peace of Mind
The Orton Vent Master is more than a fume extractor—it’s an essential upgrade for serious ceramic artists and studios. By actively drawing fumes from your kiln and replacing them with fresh oxygen, the Vent Master improves both firing results and your working environment.
Pulls in fresh oxygen for brighter glaze colors—especially reds and oranges
Reduces glaze cross-contamination, letting you fire red and green glazes in the same load
Promotes even heat distribution throughout the kiln chamber
Helps eliminate common issues like:
Bloating
Pinholes and pitting
Dark patches
Porcelain mildew
Blisters and bubbles
Removes fumes that contain volatile metals, fluorides, and sulfur compounds
Lets you safely fire lusters, metallics, decals, and pâte de verre without strong odors
Keeps harmful exhaust out of your workspace by venting it outside
Slight increase in firing time: ~5 minutes (cone 04), ~12 minutes (cone 10)
Reduces cooling time by up to 2 hours from 1000°F to room temperature
Minimal power usage—just 132 watts (pennies per firing)
Helps extend the life of your Kiln Sitter tube assembly by keeping fumes away
Remote motor placement means no kiln vibration and cooler, longer-lasting fan operation
Your PARAGON CT kiln comes Kiln Vent ready. This means that it's already pre-drilled for your convenience.
You won't need a separate 120V wall outlet as your PARAGON CT kiln includes an AOP (Auxiliary Outlet Plug) to power the Kiln Vent.
On your PARAGON CT, the Kiln Vent can be installed to the bottom of the kiln
You will need a kiln stand. Remember ordering yours!
The Kiln Vent comes with a 3’ long 2” duct that connects the collection cup to the motor
You should use a standard 4” aluminum dryer duct or 4” PVC pipe to vent outside (do not use vinyl duct)
Remote motor placement means no kiln vibration and cooler, longer-lasting fan operation
Can be used to vent two kilns with the optional Expansion Kit
Certified and approved:
UL and CSA compliant
ETL Listed and CE Certified
Approved in the 1992 Uniform Mechanical Code
Covered by a two-year limited warranty
No manuals available.
No wiring diagram available.
No delivery info available.