A Tabletop Bead Annealer That Doubles as a Fusing Kiln
If you're a lampworker, the kiln matters as much as the torch. Every bead you make needs to go straight from the flame into a kiln at annealing temperature, or it'll crack inside a day. The Jen-Ken AF3P Bead Cube is built around that workflow. It sits on your workbench right next to your torch, the 2" x 9" flip door opens at mandrel height so you can slide hot beads off straight into the chamber, and it holds annealing temperature steady all session long.
The dual-coil layout is what makes it work. The upper coil is set high so it can't touch your mandrels as you load them in. The lower coil sits below the shelf, heating from underneath. Even heat distribution, no contact damage to your work, no overheating the bead while you're trying to anneal it.
Here's the part the spec sheet doesn't tell you: the Bead Cube comes with a brick plug for the bead door. Pop it in and the kiln converts into a small fusing kiln, with an 8" x 8" working surface on the included shelf. Anneal beads on Tuesday, fuse pendants or small dishes on Wednesday, all in the same kiln. Perfect for Moretti or Boro work.
It runs on a standard 120V wall outlet (NEMA 5-15) at 1,560 watts. No dedicated circuit, no electrician. Plug it in and fire. At 45 pounds with a small footprint, it fits on any workbench, paver, or sturdy tabletop next to your existing setup.
Set it on base bricks, not directly on your bench
The Bead Cube is designed to sit on the included base bricks, on top of a steel workbench or a cement paver. The base bricks lift the kiln off your work surface and protect both. Don't set it directly on a wood bench or anything combustible.
Who Is This Kiln For?
The Bead Cube is built for a very specific kind of glass artist. Here's how to tell if that's you.
✓ Lampworkers and bead makers
This is the kiln's whole reason for existing. The flip door at the right height, the mandrel-safe coil placement, and the side-firing layout are all built around the bead-making workflow. If you make lampwork beads, this is the kiln designed for you.
✓ Glass artists doing both lampwork and small fusing
The brick plug conversion means you don't need a second kiln for small fused pieces. Same footprint, two modes. Great for jewelry makers who want versatility without buying two specialized kilns.
✓ Studios where space is tight
A small footprint, a 120V plug, and a hinged lid means this kiln fits where bigger kilns can't. Apartment lampworkers, shared studios, and traveling artists can all set it up wherever they have a sturdy surface and a wall outlet.
✓ Boro and Moretti glass workers
The 1700°F max temperature and steady hold capability handle both soft glass and borosilicate annealing schedules. Whether you're doing soft glass beads or boro pendants, the Bead Cube has you covered.
Included with every order
A kiln shelf, shelf posts, kiln wash, a brick plug to convert the kiln to fusing mode, the Orton AF3P 3-button controller with preset annealing and fusing programs, base bricks for safe tabletop placement, the full operator manual, a 2 year limited warranty through Jen-Ken, and free freight shipping to the US Lower 48.
Two Kilns in One: How the Brick Plug Works
The Bead Cube is unusual because of its flexibility. In annealing mode, the 2" x 9" flip door stays open at the side, giving you easy access to drop beads off mandrels straight from the torch. The dual coils maintain steady annealing temperature with the door closed between additions.
In fusing mode, you insert the brick plug into the door opening, sealing the chamber. Now it's a small fusing kiln with an 8" x 8" working surface on the shelf, capable of full fuse, tack fuse, and slumping work for small pieces. Pendants, small dishes, jewelry components — anything that fits on an 8" square shelf is fair game.
Swapping between modes takes seconds. This is genuinely two kilns in one, which is rare at this size and price point.
Recommended Add-Ons
Metal Stand
Lifts the kiln off your workbench, gives it better airflow, and brings the bead door up to a more comfortable working height. Especially helpful if you're spending long sessions at the torch. Also makes the kiln easier to position next to your torch setup.
Extra Mandrels and Bead Release
If you're new to lampworking, you'll go through more mandrels and bead release than you'd expect. Worth picking up extras with your kiln so you don't run out mid-session.
Key Features
- 2" x 9" flip door at mandrel height for sliding hot beads straight into the chamber from the torch
- Dual coil layout: upper coil set high to protect mandrels, lower coil below the shelf for even heat from underneath
- Brick plug converts to fusing mode with 8" x 8" working surface for pendants, small dishes, and jewelry components
- Max temperature 1700°F, handles both soft glass and boro annealing plus small fusing work
- 9" x 9" x 4.5" chamber with 0.21 cubic feet of capacity, sized for bead-making and small jewelry work
- 120V standard wall outlet (NEMA 5-15), no dedicated circuit or electrician needed
- Compact tabletop footprint, fits on any sturdy workbench, paver, or steel surface next to your torch
- Orton AF3P 3-bu