Little Dipper crucible kiln

PARAGON LITTLE DIPPER: Small crucible kiln with serious melting power

Custom color melts, casting prep, and glassblowing starts here

The PARAGON LITTLE DIPPER is a purpose-built crucible kiln for glass artists who want to melt, ladle, and experiment with confidence—without needing a large studio space. Whether you're mixing custom colors, preparing molten glass for paperweights or blown vessels, or even pulling your own neon tubing, this compact but powerful kiln is built to handle the heat.

Why own a kiln like this?

Having a personal crucible kiln gives you full control over your melt process. You can achieve the exact viscosity you need, test color batches, and keep molten glass ready for pouring or pulling. It’s perfect for glass casters, hot shop support, neon artists, and anyone looking to take their process further with predictable, repeatable results.

Why choose the PARAGON LITTLE DIPPER?

The LITTLE DIPPER features a 7.5" x 7.5" x 8.87" firing chamber lined with 3” thick K-25 high-temperature firebricks—20% thicker than standard firebricks—for reliable insulation during long heat soaks. A ceramic fiber blanket behind the firebrick walls adds extra thermal efficiency. The recessed element grooves are dropped deep into the firebrick walls to protect the heating coils and increase durability.

The kiln includes a 6” crucible access hole in the lid, covered by a removable firebrick plug with a stainless steel band and wooden handle. The firebrick top is secured with two spring latches for a tight seal and quick removal. The built-in base includes mar-proof plastic feet and a full sheet metal support layer under the brick floor for added strength.

All models come with the SENTINEL digital controller, offering touch-screen programming, real-time graphical firing displays, and up to 30 customizable programs with 32 segments each. Adjust temperature, add segments mid-firing, or skip ahead in a cycle with just a tap.

This kiln also includes a deluxe S-Type platinum thermocouple—typically found only in high-end kilns—for longer lifespan and more accurate high-temp readings. Electrical options include mechanical or solid-state relays depending on your preferred switching system.

Who is this kiln for?

The LITTLE DIPPER is ideal for artists melting small batches of glass for ladling, casting, or glassblowing. It's also popular in neon studios and classrooms, where size, performance, and portability matter. Whether you're doing test melts, filling molds, or pulling tubing, this kiln offers top-tier functionality in a manageable footprint.

Durable, smart construction

• 7.5" x 7.5" x 8.87" firing chamber

• 3” K-25 high-temp firebrick insulation (walls, top, and floor)

• Ceramic fiber blanket behind firebrick walls

• 6” crucible access hole with firebrick lid and stainless steel band

• Recessed, dropped element grooves for extended coil life

• Deluxe S-Type platinum thermocouple with ceramic sheath

• SENTINEL Touch Xpress controller with touch-screen operation

• Store 30 custom programs with up to 32 segments each

• Real-time graphical display and mid-fire adjustments

• Built-in metal base with plastic feet (no separate stand required)

• Optional SSR or MDR relay systems

Built with pride in Mesquite, Texas

Each PARAGON LITTLE DIPPER is handcrafted in Mesquite, Texas, using durable, high-performance components that meet the demands of serious glass artists. Whether you’re firing all day or running precise melt tests, it’s a kiln that keeps up—and keeps you in control.