Built for artists, educators, and studios needing maximum flexibility in a compact tabletop kiln, the Paragon Caldera delivers fast heat-up times, precise digital control, and reliable high-temperature performance for metal clay, fused glass, enameling, ceramics, glaze testing, and specialty mixed-media applications. Firing up to 2350°F, the Caldera combines professional capability with modular expandability, making it one of the most versatile small kilns available for creative studios, classrooms, and workshops.
The Paragon Caldera is designed for artists who work across multiple disciplines and want one kiln capable of handling an exceptional range of firing techniques. Whether creating fused glass jewelry, firing silver or bronze clay, testing ceramic glazes, enameling copper, or experimenting with small stoneware projects, the Caldera provides the thermal performance, durability, and flexibility needed for professional-quality results in a remarkably compact footprint.
Its compact design makes it ideal for personal studios, classrooms, workshops, demonstrations, and shared creative spaces where space efficiency and accessible 120V operation are essential. Despite its small size, the Caldera offers the same dependable construction and advanced control systems found in much larger studio kilns.
The Caldera’s 2.5" insulating firebrick chamber stores heat efficiently while supporting stable firing conditions and controlled cooling cycles. Dropped, recessed element grooves help protect the heating elements and simplify future maintenance. Heavy-duty element connectors, durable wiring, and a vented switch box are engineered to withstand years of regular studio and classroom use.
Unlike most compact kilns, the Caldera is fully modular and expandable through Paragon’s optional collar system. Artists can customize the kiln’s vertical firing capacity depending on the application, making it adaptable for bead annealing, taller enameling projects, glass work, and specialized firing setups.
Optional collar configurations include:
- Caldera-BC Bead Collar – Adds 4.5" of height and includes a bead door for annealing mandrels
- Caldera-X Collar – Adds 4.5" of vertical firing space without a bead door
- Caldera-E Enameling Collar – Adds 6.75" of height for taller workpieces and enameling applications
These expansion collars transform the Caldera from a compact tabletop kiln into a customizable firing system capable of evolving alongside an artist’s creative needs.
The kiln is equipped with the Sentinel TouchXpress touchscreen controller, providing advanced Ramp-Hold programming, customizable firing schedules, hold times, and real-time temperature monitoring. Easily switch between glass, ceramic, enameling, and metal clay firing programs while maintaining precise control over every stage of the firing cycle.
For glass artists, an optional high-temperature viewing window is available for monitoring glass fusing progress during firing. The viewing window remains suitable for most glass and enameling applications while slightly reducing the kiln’s maximum firing temperature.
The Caldera is especially well-suited for jewelry artists, glass fusers, enamelists, ceramic artists, educators, and experimental mixed-media creators seeking a compact kiln capable of firing an unusually broad range of materials and techniques. Its modular flexibility, high firing range, and professional digital controls make it equally valuable for beginners, advanced hobbyists, and professional studios alike.
Controller
The Paragon Caldera features the Sentinel TouchXpress touchscreen controller with advanced Ramp-Hold programming capabilities for precise firing control across multiple applications. Create and store custom firing schedules, manage ramp rates and hold times, and monitor real-time temperature information with an intuitive touchscreen interface designed for both beginners and experienced artists.
Standard Features
- Sentinel TouchXpress Touchscreen Controller
- Firing Range up to 2350°F (1287°C)
- 2.5" Insulating Firebrick Chamber
- Dropped Recessed Element Grooves
- Reversible Firebrick Base
- Rugged Steel Stand with Mar-Proof Feet
- Heavy-Duty Wiring and Element Connectors
- Vented Switch Box
- Modular Collar Expansion System
- Operates on Standard 120V Power
- Instruction Manual
- 2-Year Limited Warranty
Ideal for studios, classrooms, jewelry artists, glass fusers, and mixed-media creators, the Paragon Caldera offers an exceptional balance of versatility, compact size, and advanced firing capability. Its modular expansion system and broad firing range make it one of the most adaptable tabletop kilns available for artists working across multiple disciplines.
Handcrafted in Mesquite, Texas, the Paragon Caldera reflects Paragon’s longstanding commitment to quality craftsmanship, dependable kiln engineering, and long-term reliability. Built using premium materials and time-tested construction methods, the Caldera is designed to support years of creative experimentation, technical growth, and professional-level production work.
Specifications
These specs apply to the 120V, single-phase configuration. Also available in a 240V, single-phase configuration
For 240V / single-phase, contact us for full electrical details.
- Model: Caldera
- Inside Chamber Dimensions: 8" W x 8" D x 6.7" H
- Cubic Feet: 0.25
- Overall Dimensions (Footprint & Height): 13” W x 19.5" D x 13.8" H
- Maximum Temperature: 2350°F / 1287°C
- Est. ship weight: 50 pounds
- Volts: 120 (single phase)
- Amperage: 14A
- Watts: 1,680
- Plug configuration: NEMA 5-15
- Breaker: 20A
Disclaimer: The specifications above assume that the kiln will be plugged into a dedicated circuit. Local electric codes supersede these recommendations.
The pricing and electrical specifications for the above product reflect its design for use in the United States. The International versions of most models will have variations in electrical specifications and price due to consumer safety requirements or electrical regulations.
Current lead times
Please contact us to reach out to the manufacturer for an estimated lead time.
There is currently a firebrick supply constraint affecting several kiln manufacturers, including this model. Because of that, lead times have been extended and can fluctuate.
Rather than guess, we can confirm the current production timeline with the factory before you place your order so you know exactly what to expect.