Satellite J-100 Manual Electric Kiln Rated
- Heating Speed
- Durability
- Versatility
- Ease of Use
- Value for Money
Craft Schmaft Verdict
The Satellite J-100 Manual Electric Kiln is a great tool for beginners who have a bit of expertise to back them up.
It’s smaller, modest design is durable and easy to use, appealing to those who want to practice their skills or teach others.
The Satellite J-100 Electric Kiln is a manual kiln with a professional look to it. Thanks to its medium size, you’ll have the choice to craft a wide array of different accessories.
The colour of the machine is professional and sleek, making it look right at home in your craft space, and since the price is accessible, it’s suitable for those who want a no-nonsense machine.
That makes it great for those just getting into making their own jewelry, beads, and other crafts.
As can be glanced from the exterior, this kiln was built with durability in mind.
But if you’re considering this machine for its professional or hobby use, does it offer what you need?
Where does it fall flat?
Here we break down all the features, assets, and disadvantages, so before you make the buy, you can be certain if it’s right for you.
Contents
Satellite J-100 Manual Electric Kiln Review: The Details
Specs
- Dimensions: 13 1/2” x 14” x 18”
- Maximum Heat: 2000 Fahrenheit
- Size of Heating Chamber: 8 1/2” x 9” x 6 1/4”
- Power Wattage: 110 Volts, 14 Amps or 1680 Watts
How Does it Work
Kilns are several millennia old, and have been used for a variety of purposes over the years.
They are thermally insulated chambers of various sizes, capable of producing and containing extremely high temperatures.
In the past, they were often used for the making of pottery or other clay objects, and to this day, they’re often used in large companies who need to strengthen or melt down a variety of materials.
The smaller kilns that are available for hobbyists, work on the same principles as both the ancient and the industrial variants.
Of course, the ones you keep in your home have been designed to work on electricity, which means you don’t need to keep adding coals, wood, or other flammable materials to the fire.
Most of the modern hobby kilns can work with more than glass or ceramics; have you ever considered making something out of silver metal clay? Enamelling beads is another interesting and frequent use of a kiln.
The heating process inside your home kiln is what makes all crafting you do possible; the heat makes your materials malleable or stronger, depending on the process used.
With electric kilns, you can bring the heat to a lower or higher temperature at will, a luxury that was impossible before kilns became more revolutionized.
The heat is generated by forcing electricity through the coils, and maintains an even temperature throughout your work process. This means no more bumpy patches in your projects.
Because of the way electricity creates friction in the coils, continuous work on extremely high temperatures does wear them out faster, but for most people this is most likely not an issue.
Features
High Heat – 2000 degrees Fahrenheit
The maximum temperature on the Satellite J-100 Kiln reaches 2000 degrees Fahrenheit, a level of heat that’s high enough to allow you to work with most crafting materials, including glass, silver clay metal, gold, and more.
Always make sure you know your materials well when crafting, since it can save you a lot of headaches.
High Durability
Electric components can be fragile and easily disturbed by things such as extreme heat or cold.
By placing these as far away from the heat generators as possible, the Satellite J-100 ensures that this machine will need fewer repairs and perform better over a long period of time.
It’s also easier to access the pyrometer and the electric components should the need arise.
Door Handle
Maybe you’re not impressed by a door handle. Few people are. But when that door handle is placed on something that gets insanely hot, it’s nice to know you won’t burn your hands off the second you touch it.
The door latch is placed in the same way, making accidents less likely to happen.
The first few times it’s still advisable to wear heat-resistant gloves, just to check if you can handle this heat.
Safety should always be placed first.
Medium Size
The Satellite J-100 isn’t a giant that takes up your crafting space, nor is it extremely tiny.
With the oven capacity somewhere in the middle, crafters can create a variety of projects and test out new materials.
Top Vent
This kiln includes a top vent to let out any moisture or wax that can accumulate when using the machine.
Optional Alarm
Although we don’t recommend leaving this kiln unattended (we really don’t recommend leaving any super hot thing unattended), an alarm is included that tells you when you’ve reached your desired temperature.
This is good for those cases when you’re working on other things near your kiln, or getting your supplies together while you wait for it to heat up.
This also takes some guesswork out of the equation by alerting you when it’s good to go so you won’t have to frequently check.
Satellite J-100 Manual Electric Kiln Review
The Positives
Versatile – So You Won’t Be Limited
Nothing is worse than buying a kiln that limits you.
If you’re interested in creating a variety of accessories, jewelry, plates, enamelling beads, and so on, you can be sure this one is built to take on diversity.
The larger size gives you room for larger products, but is simple enough for small ones.
What if your creative mood changes and you want to work with new materials? The high heat levels mean you can work with the materials you want, rather than having to settle for more easily melted materials.
Great for Instructors!
The size of the Satellite J-100 is intended to be used for smaller projects, though it has more room than some other kilns on the market.
Because of the basic approach, you will have to make sure you know your materials well.
Ideally speaking, this kiln is suited for either instructors in crafting with kilns, or experienced users who don’t feel like investing in new, more advanced kilns.
Simplistic and Easy to Use
The Satellite J-100 has subscribed to the less-is-more school. It is built to be basic and easy to use, and it has succeeded in this.
The only thing you really need to keep an eye on is your temperature displayed on the analog pyrometer.
Adjusting the temperature is simply done by turning the knob.
Easy Set-Up
With the Satellite J-100 its as easy as plugging and playing.
Since this smaller kiln is electric, it makes it easier to get going. Once its plugged in, set the heat (and the timer as well if you want) and off you go.
A bonus that will make any beginner happier.
Durability
Because of the design, you can be certain that your kiln will last for a longer time.
The kiln is made of heavy duty steel with a double coating of protection to extend the life of the machine.
Everything from the handle to the meter spells quality so you can worry less about any hard maintenance or repairs.
None of the electric components are exposed to extreme heat more or longer than they should be, so once you buy this model, you’ll have it for life, making it a great investment for instructors or even daring beginners.
Replacement Parts
It’s always a pain when we need to replace or repair a piece on any machine that we may own. It’s even more of a pain when these parts are super hard to find.
You won’t have to play too long of a game of treasure hunt with the Satellite J-100 as replacement parts seem to be common and easily found.
Even a quick Google search should give you a number of results in the USA alone. And if all else fails, you can go right to the source as they have replacements in-store and knowledgable staff to help you.
Just Right in Size
The Satellite J-100 comes in a size that isn’t too small and neither is it too big. It’s ‘just right’ size would make any Goldilocks approve.
Its smaller size makes it easier to fit into your crafting space without taking over and makes it easier to move than bigger more industrial kilns.
This gives you a little more freedom in where it can be placed.
When it comes to cleaning or maintenance, its smaller size also makes it easier to maneuver without worry of not being able to reach tighter spots as you would with a smaller kiln.
The Negatives
Cannot Be Left Unattended
Kilns get extremely hot, and should not be left unattended. This home kiln is no different.
When using a kiln, make sure pets and children cannot enter the room, or at least stay away from the kiln when possible.
Since this is a manual kiln, this is advice that should not be forgotten.
Basic
For people who want a more advanced kiln, with automated options and the like, the Satellite J-100 won’t be up to scratch.
This kiln is geared toward people who want to exercise full control on their own, instead of leaving it up to a machine.
Overall Verdict
The Satellite J-100 Manual Electric Kiln isn’t out to impress with high-tech extras, but rather to show how durable a design can be.
Capable of reaching high temperatures and with a modest but practical design, the Satellite J-100 is geared toward the hands-on crafter.
It’s main appeal is the materials that can be used, the medium-sized furnace space and the convenient design that allows you to reach the electrical components with ease.
This kiln is recommended for people who already have experience, who want an additional low-tech kiln, or for those who teach classes and want to get down to basics with their students.
Beginners are advised to use this machine when they have a more experienced person available who can guide them along the way.
Where to Buy The Satellite J-100 Manual Electric Kiln
The Satellite J-100 is becoming a popular item in the world of crafting and can be found in-store or online.
We should note its usually better to inquire at specialty shops to find this kiln quicker.
Check out the following online retailers to start.
- Satellite Manufacturing Co. (from $710)
- Finding King (from $710)
- American Jewelry Supply (from $715)
And of course, its also available on Amazon.
That’s it for our review on the Satellite J-100 Manual Electric Kiln. Curious to give it a try?
