When it was invented in the 1950s, the kiln sitter revolutionized kiln firing. Although kiln sitters are analog devices, they represented the first step towards automation by ensuring that a kiln would shut off once it reached a specific firing temperature.
In fact, kiln sitters became so prominent that pyrometric cone numbers are still used for temperature reference on kiln firing charts today.
But is it still viable to use a kiln sitter in 2024 – or are they out of date? And are there better alternative kiln control methods?
The Use-Case for Kiln Sitters
The short answer is that kiln sitters are still a workable kiln control solution in 2024 for certain artists. In fact, you can still purchase a new kiln with a kiln sitter. Essentially, a kiln sitter can function as a rudimentary limit controller, using temperature and gravity to power off the kiln at a specified temperature.
However, compared to modern kiln controllers, kiln sitters are far less precise, versatile, and convenient, and they are incapable of executing firing schedules with specific ramp rates, hold times, and multiple setpoints.
However, if you only need to execute simple firing schedules for ceramics, then a kiln sitter offers several advantages over a fully manual kiln controller:
- Kiln sitters and pyrometric cones are inexpensive and widely available.
- Kiln sitters provide automatic kiln safety shutoff once a kiln reaches a specified temperature.
- Kiln sitters can be used to provide safety shutoff if a manual kiln exceeds a certain temperature.
- Kiln sitters use an analog mechanism based on heat and gravity, so they are not subject to electrical failure (although mechanical failure or user error is definitely a possibility).
Disadvantages of Kiln Sitters
Kilns have evolved massively in the last 80 years. In the last 40 or so years, kiln controllers have gotten increasingly advanced. Starting with the invention of programmable digital controllers in the 1980s and culminating with the easy-to-use touchscreen and remote kiln control of TAP Kiln Controllers, today’s artists have options for flexibility, precision, and convenience that simply aren’t possible with a kiln sitter.
Below are significant drawbacks of using a kiln sitter in 2024:
- Kiln sitters are incapable of executing complex firings with precise ramp rates or multiple setpoints.
- Kiln sitters offer more opportunity for user error – improperly positioning the sitter cone can cause the kiln to heat for too long (posing a risk to kiln safety) or not long enough, resulting in failed firings.
- Kiln sitters do not provide any diagnostic information or insight into failed firings.
- Kiln sitters require the kiln operator to manually check the status of their kiln – opposed to automatic controllers that execute the complete firing schedule automatically or include mobile apps like TAP Kiln Control Mobile that allow artists to remotely control and monitor their kilns.
From this standpoint, in 2024 a kiln sitter is extremely outdated compared to modern kiln controllers.
Using TAP Monitor Digital Pyrometer & Limit Controller to Modernize Your Kiln Sitter
Today, most artists will probably be better off seeking a more modern alternative to a kiln sitter, which we’ll be covering in the section below. But if you’re already using a kiln sitter and aren’t ready to commit to an upgrade, one of our newest controller releases is designed to modernize your experience and to provide you with greater flexibility, convenience, and safety.
The TAP Monitor Limit Controller & Digital Pyrometer, available as a standalone controller that can be installed in minutes, isn’t designed to replace your kiln sitter – but it’s designed to give you affordable access to truly modern kiln firing features. With TAP Monitor, you’re able to receive precise, real-time temperature monitoring remotely to your smartphone so that you’re able to verify that your firing is progressing correctly without being married to your kiln during the whole duration.
Furthermore, TAP Monitor can be wired to a redundant safety relay to ensure that your kiln safely shuts off in case of relay failure or if there are any issues with your sitter cone.
How Easy Is It to Upgrade a Kiln Sitter?
The good news is that upgrading your kiln sitter is probably easier than you’d think. With a standalone kiln controller, you don’t need to uninstall your kiln sitter or modify your kiln to accommodate new controller housing. Standalone kiln controllers include everything you need for plug-and-play installation. All you have to do is run the standalone’s thermocouple to your kiln’s interior, plug in your standalone to a suitable power outlet, and plug your kiln into your standalone controller’s housing.
A standalone kiln controller totally bypasses your kiln sitter and allows you to easily upgrade to the advanced features of the TAP Ecosystem and TAP Kiln Control Mobile. Available in tabletop or wall mount configurations, standalone kiln controllers can fit any workspace to upgrade your manual kiln to an automatic kiln controller with easy-to-use touchscreen controls, logical menus, large full-text displays, remote control and monitoring, and the ability to save and name an unlimited number of firing schedules.
More Modern Alternatives to a Kiln Sitter
Additionally, the TAP Ecosystem contains a range of kiln controllers, all of which are significantly more advanced than kiln sitters, at a variety of price points. A couple of them can even be had for less than the price of a new kiln sitter – and all of our controllers include remote kiln control and temperature monitoring through the TAP Kiln Control Mobile app.
- TAP&Go Single Setpoint Controller: TAP&Go is a single setpoint controller that replicates all of the functionality of a kiln sitter (other than providing automatic shutoff) with way more precision and convenience. With TAP&Go you just set the temperature you want the kiln to heat up to and the controller does the work. With remote monitoring and the ability to set alerts and alarms, all you have to do is turn off your kiln when the hold time has been reached.
- TAP Micro Kiln Controller: The soon-to-be-released TAP Micro is an entry-level programmable controller that can precisely execute even the most complex firing schedules from beginning to end.
- TAP II Kiln Controller: The TAP II Controller is the industry’s most advanced single zone kiln controller, with built-in WiFi, intuitive touchscreen controls, PID-driven precision, and the ability to name, save, and execute an infinite number of firing schedules, each with an unlimited number of steps.
- Original TAP Kiln Controller: The original TAP Controller offers the same functionality as TAP II but also provides multi-zone kiln control for up to three different temperature zones. While the original TAP requires a WiFi Dongle to connect to WiFi, as the flagship controller in the TAP Ecosystem, the original TAP Controller includes all of the premium features of TAP Kiln Control Mobile for free – other than Remote Start.
Upgrade Your Kiln Sitter with TAP by SDS Industries
Are you looking for the best possible kiln firing experience? TAP by SDS Industries has you covered!
The TAP and TAP II Controllers by SDS Industries provide advanced, precise, and easy-to-use multi-setpoint controls for kilns with responsive controls and an intuitive graphical UI on a large, easy-to-read touchscreen that allows you to specify ramp rates and hold times for each step for maximum convenience.
The soon-to-be-released TAP&Go is a single setpoint controller designed specifically for heat treat. With simplified controls and a more affordable price point, TAP&Go provides the fundamental functionality you need!
All of the TAP Controllers are compatible with any relay-controlled kiln or oven and integrate with the TAP Kiln Control Mobile app to maximize your productivity while always keeping you informed on the status of your project.
We invite you to explore our selection of programmable kiln controllers, standalones, and conversion kits on our online store. You can also purchase TAP Digital Controllers or TAP Controlled Kilns and Heat Treat Ovens through one of the following distributors:
- Evenheat
- Hot Shot Oven & Kiln
- Mobile Glassblowing Studios, LLC
- Jen-Ken Kilns
- Kiln Frog
- Sheffield Pottery
- Delphi Glass
