Opinions on Jen-Ken Kilns Please

[eklecticmoose]

Since it looks like we are getting a little refund from Uncle Sam this year (yipee) I may be able to get a kiln much sooner than I thought!

I've been doing a lot of reading and my brain hurts now, but I think I've narrowed down the choice between two Jen-Ken kilns. I prefer fire brick kilns and want to be able to work with PMC. If you use one of these two Jen Ken kiln for beads and/or PMC I would love to hear your opinions and experiences:

Jen Ken Bead Box Kiln with digital controller (square shaped)

Jen Ken Bead Annealer and Fusing Kiln with digital controller (octagon shaped)

Oh, and if you have had great experiences with a specific dealer, please feel free to add that too!

Thank you!

~ Tru

[kbinkster]

Jen Ken Bead Annealer and Fusing Kiln with digital controller (octagon shaped)
This is the one I have for fusing and annealing. I love it!

I would like to have a taller one, though, to do some draped vases.

[Feldt's Glass]

Hi, I recently looked extensively at many kilns for myself. I only found two that I really liked how they were made. We actually used mike's kiln and a jen ken in three days worth of classes. If you are looking for an annealing kiln, that you can use for fusing and some other stuff you may want to check out Mike's combination bead annealer and fuser kiln. It is a bit more than the Jen Ken's but I really think it is worth the price. I have seen both the single and double door kilns. I like the double door option much better, as it does not let the heat out as much. You can see a pic on www.theglasshive.com
I hope this helps.

[BeadinMarie]

I have one of these also and love it so far! Been using it like crazy since December when I got it for Christmas!! :) Was easy to use and setup! I bought mine on eBay from two-lasses-glass-classes and was happy with them as well!

Good luck!

-Marie

This is the one I have for fusing and annealing. I love it!

I would like to have a taller one, though, to do some draped vases.

[Carolyn M]

I love my Jen Ken Bead annealer. Setting the controller was difficult for me, but I got info from a friend in Toronto. I bought mine from Nortel when I purchased my torch.

[IF-Designs]

I have the octogon shaped one and I love it ! I got the double tall annealer and it came with a element strong enough for fusing too and its just been the best lil kiln!

[PaulaD]

I have been selling Jen-Ken Chili Peppers and Kilns and so far I have nothing but happy buyers! One of out students bought one Sunday night and had it by Thursday!! Paula

[eklecticmoose]

Thank you everyone for your input. I think we're going to go with the annealer/fusing kiln. Now to wait for the check.

How long does it usually take from time of order to delivery?

Paula, could you tell me the avg. shipping rate/weight for the Jen-Ken Annealer/Fuser?

Thanks again!

[PaulaD]

The Annealers are $30 and the Annealer/Fusing kiln (the brick one) is $35.00
They are shipped double boxed from the manufacturer who does include directions on how to program the controller! Paula
Paula

[stargirlmama]

Jen Ken Bead Box Kiln with digital controller (square shaped)


Got it! Love it!

Marianna

[PaulaD]

I think those shipping prices may have gone up by $5.00. I need to check my notes which are at home! Paula