Paragon BlueBird XL Glass Bead Annealing Kiln
by Paragon
Save $536.00
Original Price
$3,560.00
Current Price
$3,024.00
Free Freight Delivery Included
✓ No sales tax outside GA
✓ Liftgate included free
✓ Authorized dealer
Made to Order: Smaller models typically ship in 2–4 weeks. Larger kilns may take up to 12 weeks. We confirm your estimate after ordering.
Questions? Call or text us at (470) 264-3563
- 1 We submit your kiln order for production with the manufacturer.
- 2 We confirm the current estimated lead time and keep you updated.
- 3 Your kiln is built to your specifications and prepared for freight shipment.
- 4 We send tracking and delivery instructions once your kiln ships.
Paragon · Glass Kiln · Front-Loading Bead Annealer
BlueBird XL Glass Bead Annealing Kiln
The BlueBird XL features a 20-inch wide chamber with double 10-inch front-loading doors, providing exceptional access for annealing multiple bead rods simultaneously—ideal for seminar teachers and production beadmakers. An 8-inch deep ceramic fiber chamber safely anneals glass beads to prevent stress fractures and breakage during cooling, eliminating the risk of losing hours of delicate work. The Sentry Xpress controller provides precise temperature management with programmable ramp and hold cycles for consistent annealing results.
Max temperature1700°F
Chamber width20" with double 10" doors
Voltage options120V or 240V
ConstructionCeramic fiber insulation
What’s included
Sentry Xpress Controller
Digital programmable controller with ramp and hold capabilities for precise annealing cycles
Double 10" Front Doors
20-inch total width provides exceptional access for loading multiple bead rods simultaneously
Ceramic Fiber Construction
Lightweight, energy-efficient insulation in roof and firing chamber with fast heat-up and cool-down
8" Deep Chamber
Spacious depth safely accommodates bead rods and ensures even heat distribution during annealing
Technical specifications
ModelBlueBird XL
Chamber dimensions20"W × 8"D
Door configurationDouble 10" front-loading doors
Insulation typeCeramic fiber
Maximum temperature1700°F
Voltage options120V or 240V
ControllerSentry Xpress programmable
ApplicationGlass bead annealing
CapacityMultiple bead rods simultaneously
Made inUSA
Optional accessories
Kiln Shelf Set
Custom-sized shelves for expanded workspace and multi-level annealing setups
Fiber Blanket Kit
Replacement ceramic fiber insulation for roof and chamber maintenance
Bead Rod Holder Rack
Organizes multiple bead rods during annealing for efficient production workflow
Type K Thermocouple Replacement
Precision temperature sensor replacement for accurate annealing control
Emergency Parts Kit
Backup heating elements, thermocouple, and essential components to minimize downtime
Rolling Stand
Heavy-duty mobile base with locking casters for studio portability
Controller upgrade
Genesis Touchscreen — Bartlett InstrumentsRecommended
The Genesis is Bartlett's flagship touchscreen controller with Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to monitor and adjust annealing cycles remotely from your smartphone or tablet. Features a 7-inch color display with intuitive interface and cloud-based program storage for seamless operation across multiple kilns.
- 7-inch full-color touchscreen with modern, intuitive interface
- Wi-Fi enabled for remote monitoring and control via smartphone app
- Store unlimited custom annealing programs in cloud-based library
- Real-time kiln status notifications and firing completion alerts
- Advanced diagnostics with detailed error reporting and troubleshooting
- Automatic firmware updates ensure latest features and improvements
Common questions
What glass bead annealing cycles can I run in the BlueBird XL?
The BlueBird XL's Sentry Xpress controller allows you to program custom annealing cycles with multiple ramp and hold segments. Typical borosilicate bead annealing involves ramping from working temperature (1450-1500°F) to annealing temperature (960-1050°F), holding for 1-2 hours, then slow cooling at controlled rates to room temperature. The controller stores multiple programs, so you can save different cycles for various bead sizes and glass types (soft glass, borosilicate, dichroic work). The 8-inch chamber depth and even heat distribution ensure consistent annealing across all bead rods.
Do I need an electrician, or does this plug into a standard outlet?
The BlueBird XL is available in both 120V and 240V configurations. The 120V model plugs into a standard household outlet, making it ideal for home studios and portability. The 240V model requires a dedicated circuit and electrician installation but offers faster heat-up times and more efficient operation for high-production environments. Specify your voltage preference when ordering to ensure you receive the correct model for your electrical setup.
How many bead rods can I anneal at once?
The 20-inch wide chamber with double 10-inch doors provides exceptional capacity for production beadmakers. The exact number depends on your rod length and spacing preferences, but the wide opening allows you to easily fit 8-12 standard bead mandrels simultaneously with proper spacing for even heat distribution. The double-door design eliminates the awkward maneuvering of single-door units and provides clear visibility of all rods during loading. This makes the BlueBird XL particularly valuable for seminar teachers who need to anneal students' work in batches or production artists working on multiple pieces.
What color options are available for the BlueBird XL?
Paragon kilns typically come in a standard powder-coated steel finish. Contact Peach State Pottery to confirm current color availability and any custom color options that may be available for the BlueBird XL model. Custom colors may require additional lead time and cost.
Is the warranty valid if I buy from any seller?
No. Paragon's one-year limited warranty is only valid when purchased through authorized dealers like Peach State Pottery. Kilns purchased from unauthorized resellers, auction sites, or classified ads are not covered under manufacturer warranty and may not be eligible for technical support. You must register your kiln within 30 days of delivery to activate warranty coverage. As an authorized Paragon dealer, Peach State Pottery ensures your warranty is valid and provides expert support throughout the kiln's lifetime.
Not sure if the BlueBird XL is the right kiln for your glass studio?
Our team can help you compare bead annealing kilns and determine the best capacity for your production needs.
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