Deep Enough for Casting, Wide Enough for Big Glass
The standard 28-E is built for fusing and slumping. The Jen-Ken AF3P 28-E 15" is its deeper sibling, and it adds something significant: a 2150°F casting mode alongside the 1700°F glass mode. That extra 4 inches of height and the higher temperature ceiling open up an entirely different category of work — pâte de verre, kiln casting, lost wax glass, deep slumping, and tall vessels.
In glass mode at 1700°F, the top elements deliver radiant heat straight down for fusing and slumping, with side coils bringing the chamber up evenly. Same heating pattern as the standard 28-E. In casting mode at 2150°F, the kiln reaches the temperatures you need to melt billet into molds, hold for long soaks, and anneal large castings slowly and evenly.
The 28" wide x 15" tall chamber gives you 1.61 cubic feet of working space. You can fit a 26" round bowl or about 18.3" square table top, plus the headroom for taller molds, casting dams, and vertical work that won't fit in a shallower kiln. It runs on a standard 240V / 36 amp NEMA 6-50 outlet, so most studio electrical setups can handle it.
Glass and casting, not ceramics
The 2150°F casting mode is designed for glass casting, not ceramic firings. While the temperature ceiling overlaps with mid-fire stoneware, this kiln's element configuration is tuned for glass work. If you need a true ceramic + glass hybrid, ask us about the Ceram-A-Glass instead.
Who Is This Kiln For?
The 28-E 15" is built for a specific kind of glass artist. Here's how to tell if that's you.
✓ Kiln casters working with billet, pâte de verre, or lost wax
The 2150°F casting mode and 15" depth let you run real casting schedules with tall molds, deep reservoirs, and the slow anneal cycles that big castings need.
✓ Fusers and slumpers working on large pieces
Same 26" round shelf capacity as the standard 28-E, but with extra headroom for tall slumps, deep bowl forms, and pieces that wouldn't fit in an 11" deep chamber.
✓ Production studios that do both fusing and casting
One kiln covers both disciplines. Fuse plates and platters one week, run a casting series the next, without swapping kilns or compromising on either workflow.
✓ Artists scaling up from a smaller casting kiln
If you've outgrown a tabletop casting kiln and need real chamber size for sculptural castings, deep molds, or multi-piece firings, the 28-E 15" is a serious step up.
Included with every order
A heavy duty stand sized for this kiln, the full operator manual, the Orton AutoFire 12-Key controller standard (TAP Smart upgrade available), a 2 year limited warranty through Jen-Ken on the kiln and controller, and free freight shipping to the US Lower 48.
You'll pick your digital controller at checkout. The standard Orton AutoFire 12-Key supports up to 4 custom firing programs and uses P-I-D control algorithms to keep your firings dialed in without temperature cycling, which matters even more for the long anneal cycles casting work requires. The AutoFire Slide adds a touchscreen interface and storage for 35 separate firing schedules with 20 user-defined ramp and hold steps. The TAP Smart Controller with Wi-Fi is the top of the line, letting you run firings from your phone, tablet, or computer with virtually unlimited program storage and automatic software updates.
Recommended Add-Ons
Solid State Relay (SSR) Upgrade
Hands down the best investment you can make. The SSR replaces the standard mechanical relay, giving you faster power cycling, tighter temperature control, longer element life, and lower electrical costs. Especially valuable for casting schedules where temperature accuracy during long anneals is critical.
Lid Lifter
The 15" deep version has a heavier lid than the standard 28-E. The lid lifter takes the work out of opening and closing, with no negative effect on the kiln itself. If you'll be using this kiln daily, it pays for itself in shoulders saved.
Furniture Kit
Includes one 26" round shelf, an assortment of shelf posts, and kiln wash. Sized for both 28-E models. Note: shelves may have minor surface imperfections like scratches, discoloration, or rough edges.
Orton Vent Master Downdraft Vent System
Vents fumes outside through a duct or window. Especially important for casting work, which can release more fumes than fusing. Improves airflow and temperature uniformity, helps colors develop accurately, and extends element life.
Stand with Caster Wheels
The standard stand is stationary. Adding caster wheels makes moving the kiln around the studio simple and safe. Tuck it in a corner when you're not working, or roll it where you need it. Detach any vent system before moving.
Power Interrupt Switch / Automatic Lid Shutoff
Cuts power to the heating elements when the lid is opened and restores it when closed. Highly recommended if you'll be peeking, raking, or opening the kiln during firing.