Paragon CS16D Kiln

Paragon CS16D - Dual-Access Power for Bigger, Bolder Glasswork

The Paragon CS Series was designed with glass artists in mind—those who need full access to their kiln shelf for assembling delicate designs, layering glass, or arranging intricate frit patterns. The "CS" stands for Clamshell, and every model in the series opens from the bottom up, giving you total visibility and control over your setup before firing begins.

Available in multiple sizes and two distinct versions, the CS Series adapts to your studio needs:

- S models (Single Opening): The lid and chamber lift as one unit, classic clamshell style.

- D models (Dual Opening): The lid opens independently from the base, allowing for top-loading as well as full clamshell access.

With reliable heat distribution, fast heat-up times, and the intuitive Sentinel Touch Xpress controller, the CS Series offers exceptional performance for glass fusing, slumping, casting, and more.

Paragon CS16D: Full Access, Maximum Flexibility
The Paragon CS16D expands your creative workspace with a spacious 16" x 16" square interior and a dual-opening design that gives you the best of both worlds. Lift the entire chamber for full clamshell access, or open just the lid for convenient top-loading—ideal for stacking shelves, making quick adjustments, or placing pre-assembled projects inside.

The larger firing surface is perfect for artists working with bigger pieces or small-scale production. Whether you're slumping bowls, layering panels, or making batches of fused jewelry, the CS16D delivers the space and control to do it all—without switching kilns.

Top Performance with Smart, Clean Heat
The kiln’s top-mounted heating elements are installed in pinless grooves, eliminating the need for element pins and keeping the interior cleaner—especially important when firing iridescent or dichroic glass. Even heat distribution across the shelf ensures consistent results across the entire surface.

Three counterweight springs assist the smooth opening motion, while the extended rear base adds support and balance when the kiln is in the open position. A cool-touch wooden handle makes operation comfortable and secure.

Built for Durability, Backed by Craftsmanship
Like every Paragon kiln, the CS16D is built for daily studio use. The painted steel case encloses a heavy-duty base and 3" thick firebrick insulation for efficient, long-lasting performance. The reversible firebrick floor extends the life of your kiln, while the dual mechanical relays share electrical load for greater reliability. A special-limit thermocouple, protected in a stainless-steel sheath, provides precise, long-term temperature sensing.

Powering it all is the Sentinel Touch Xpress controller—a responsive, modern touchscreen interface that gives you total control over ramp rates, hold times, and custom schedules. Preloaded glass programs make it easy to get started, while advanced users can fine-tune every aspect of the firing cycle.

Options to Expand Your Creative Possibilities
- Glass Viewing Window (1” x 3”) – See your work as it evolves inside the kiln and adjust your program in real time. Always wear firing safety glasses.
- Double Bead Doors (2” x 6 3/8” openings) – Anneal large or complex glass beads with ease and accuracy.
- Furniture Kit – Includes 1 shelf (14” x 15” x 5/8”), 4 square posts (1” x ½”), and 1 lb. of glass separator.
- Custom Colors – Choose from 8 bold finishes like berry, black, navy, hot pink, jade, purple, or turquoise—at no extra cost.

Perfect For:
- Glass artists creating larger tiles, slumped bowls, trays, or multilayered panels
- Studios or schools needing a versatile top-loading and clamshell kiln in one
- Production artists firing daily with confidence
- Jewelry makers who want a reliable, expandable kiln with bead-annealing options

Standard Features:
- Sentinel Touch Xpress digital touchscreen controller
- Dual-opening design (independent lid + full clamshell)
- Top-mounted elements in pinless grooves
- Heavy-duty steel case and base
- Reversible firebrick floor
- Special-limit thermocouple in stainless-steel sheath
- Cool-to-the-touch wooden handle
- Operates on standard 120V / 20 amp circuit

Built with Pride in Mesquite, Texas
Each Paragon CS16D is carefully assembled by hand in our Texas facility by expert craftsmen who know kilns inside and out. We design every unit to meet the demands of real studios, with materials and components that stand the test of time. Our two-year limited warranty covers daily use—even in production settings—because we believe you should never have to hold back your creativity.

All Paragon Kilns now come standard with a Sentinel/Sentinel Xpress Touchscreen controller.

Paragon CS-16D Glass Fusing Kiln
Paragon’s square CS-16D digital glass clamshell kiln is easy to load, because the top lifts out of the way. The 16” x 16” interior costs only a little more than a standard 14” x 14” clamshell kiln, yet the CS-16D is 20 percent larger—and it fires on a 120 volt, 20 amp outlet.

Explore the wonderful world of fusing by making glass murals, small glass bowls, pendants, earrings, cufflinks, and even bracelets. Try out the newest glass techniques that you see in magazines or classes. Enjoy glittering dichroic glass. Make gifts that your friends will treasure. When you own an innovative Paragon CS-16D clamshell, you can experiment with glass fusing to your heart’s content. The possibilities are endless. Find rejuvenation at the end of a long work by creating artwork in your own kiln.

The CS-16D heats from the top for even heat distribution across the glass surface. The lid elements are mounted in pinless element grooves. Element pins are no longer needed because the element coils are wider than the groove opening. This innovation idea helps eliminate dust inside the kiln.

Kiln lifts out of the way for hassle-free loading
The kiln lifts up and out of the way so you can assemble glass pieces inside the kiln directly onto a shelf. Add stringers and frit to delicate designs. When the kiln is full, lower the kiln over the shelf. Imagine how easy that is.

The kiln is easy to open because of three counter-weight springs mounted under the kiln. The kiln base extends 4” in the back to support the weight of the kiln when in the open position. The base comes with mar-proof rubber feet.

The CS-16D is dual-opening: You can open the kiln by lifting the kiln body or by lifting only the lid. Lift the kiln body out of the way to assemble glass directly on the shelf; open the lid to load glass over a slumping mold.

The CS-16D can be opened by lifting the kiln body or the kiln lid, but never both at the same time. The kiln is equipped with safety latches on the side. The gravity-operated top latch holds the lid closed; the lever-operated bottom latch holds the kiln body closed.

Protective steel lid cover
The top of the lid is protected with a painted sheetmetal cover. The sheetmetal is bent to cover the sides of the lid and then welded at the corners. You will be amazed at the sturdy construction that has made Paragon kilns renowned among glass fusers. The self-adjusting lid floats at fusing temperatures.

Reliability at the heart of the kiln
The CS-16D has a two-year warranty. A heavy steel base supports the reversible brick bottom completely. These features are extra assurance that your Paragon kiln is built to last. No extra stand is needed.

For your convenience, flip the switch on the front panel to turn off power to the controller when the kiln is not in use. The large, comfortable wooden lid and kiln handles stay cool.

Thermocouple with “special limit” wire
The thermocouple senses temperature inside the kiln. It is the small rod that extends into the firing chamber. The ¼” wide Type-K, 14-gauge, exposed-tip thermocouple is made with special-limit wire for superior accuracy. The exposed tip gives the controller a fast response time for even temperatures during holds. The thermocouple is made in America to our exacting standards.

Designed for production
Paragon’s warranty is not affected by frequency of use. Fire your new kiln every day if you want, even in commercial settings. That will have no effect on the warranty period.

Optional colors at no extra charge
Brighten your studio with color! Order your kiln in one of our standard colors at no extra charge . . . berry, black, blue, hot pink, jade, navy, purple, or turquoise. Scroll down to see color samples in the options section.


Please note that free shipping is only valid for the contiguous United States.