We believe that artists should have more flexibility when it comes to firing their kilns.
That includes having kiln temp controller options that fit their lifestyle, their artistic needs, and their kiln or oven build!
Over the past few years, we’ve refined expanded the TAP Kiln Control Ecosystem to include innovative temperature control solutions for any type of kiln or oven.
The Evolution of the TAP Ecosystem
In addition to our tried-and-tested TAP II Kiln Controller (released in 2022), we’ve updated and expanded our product lineup.
Between 2024 and 2025, we released four new kiln temp controller options. TAP Monitor, TAP&Go, and TAP Micro are all designed to be primarily controlled through the TAP Kiln Control Mobile app (although they do include a 2.4″ capacitive touchscreen. This allows us to offer these products at significantly more accessible price points without sacrificing core functionality or ease-of-use.
Meanwhile, TAP II Pro is an uncompromising evolution of our original TAP Controller – with a more responsive touchscreen, multi-zone temperature control, and an exclusive Cone Fire Mode for faster ceramic firings.
Over the course of this article, we’ll be covering these kiln temp controller options to help you find the kiln control method that’s right for you!
Overview of New TAP Kiln Temp Controller Options
Below is a quick overview of our four new kiln temp controller options:
- TAP Monitor: TAP Monitor is a digital pyrometer that pairs with any relay-controlled kiln or oven to provide precise remote temperature monitoring. You can also use TAP Monitor to add redundancy to your existing controller’s safety shutoff.
- TAP&Go: Our most simplified control option yet, the TAP&Go is a single setpoint controller, making it ideal for heat treat, knifemaking, or for users who don’t need to execute complex firings.
- TAP Micro: Enjoy the robust capabilities of TAP at a lower price point! TAP Micro offers a limited feature set and is controlled almost entirely through the TAP Kiln Control Mobile app, making it the perfect entry-level controller.
- TAP II Pro: TAP II Pro is the ultimate kiln controller for multi-zone kilns and heat treat ovens. With an upgraded touchscreen interface and an exclusive Cone Fire Mode, TAP II Pro is easier than ever for new artists – with robust features to handle even the most complex artistic or industrial projects with unrivalled precision
TAP Monitor: A Precise Digital Pyrometer and Safety Device
Available as a set of configurable components for DIY install, or as a plug-and-play standalone digital pyrometer, TAP Monitor is the most advanced digital pyrometer on the market today. TAP Monitor is a limit controller that adds precise temperature readings, remote monitoring, push notification alerts, and safety redundancy to any kiln or oven. The TAP Monitor allows you to:
- Precisely monitor the temperature of your kiln, oven, or forge via the TAP Kiln Control Mobile app or on the included 2.4” touchscreen display.
- View digital pyrometric readouts from any manually controlled kiln, including remote readouts via TAP Kiln Control Mobile when TAP Monitor is connected to your local network.
- Easily add precise, real-time digital temperature readings to your manual kiln or oven.
- Add remote monitoring to your existing automatically controlled kiln.
- Use TAP Monitor as a limit controller and kiln safety device to add redundant max temperature shutoff (the configurable components can also interface with solid state relays or mechanical relays (with the output adapter) to add relay redundancy).
The TAP Monitor Standalone includes a TAP Monitor Pyrometer (with a 2.4” Capacitive Touchscreen), a USB Power Cable and a Type K Thermocouple, making it a plug-and-play solution.
Use-Cases for TAP Monitor
The TAP Monitor isn’t intended to replace your current kiln temp controller. However, you can pair TAP Monitor with any existing kiln controller option on any type of kiln to provide remote monitoring, safety redundancy, and additional peace of mind.
TAP&Go: A Straightforward Single Setpoint Kiln Temp Controller
Not every kiln operator needs to ability to create and execute complex firing schedules with multiple steps, setpoints, or ramp rates. TAP&Go is a simplified, single setpoint controller. You just enter the temperature you want the kiln or oven to heat to and let the controller do the work, making it ideal for heat treat, knifemaking, or for users who don’t need to execute complex firings. With built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, TAP&Go can be used with the TAP Kiln Control Mobile app whether a local internet connection is available or not.
TAP&Go gives kiln operators the ability to:
- Heat your kiln to hold indefinitely at a single setpoint.
- Remotely monitor the temperature of your kiln and abort firings through the TAP Kiln Control Mobile app.
- Enjoy complete remote monitoring and control of your kiln or oven with a premium subscription to the TAP Kiln Control Mobile app.
TAP&Go includes a simplified 2.4” Capacitive Touchscreen with available options for a 24VAC Power Input Adapter and a 12VDC Relay Output Adapter.
Use-Cases for TAP&Go
TAP&Go has a straightforward feature set for users who need straightforward functionality from their kiln or heat treat oven controller. Since it’s incapable of multiple setpoints, hold times, or ramp rate, TAP&Go won’t be suitable for most users working with ceramics or glass. However, for users who are making blades, knives, or doing other heat treat processes, or for glassblowers and flameworkers who are using pick up ovens, the TAP&Go may be an extremely cost-effective kiln temp controller option!
TAP Micro: The Perfect Entry-Level Kiln Temp Controller
TAP Micro is a minimalist kiln temp controller that allows you to operate your kiln with a precise, easy-to-use user interface from your mobile device or tablet. TAP Micro allows you to use the TAP Kiln Control Mobile app to:
- Manage temperature for single-zone kilns, ovens, or heat treat furnaces.
- Create, edit, label, save, and execute an unlimited number of firing schedules and steps.
- Quickly check the status of your kilns with easy-to-read indicators, simple graphs of your schedules and current firings, and push notifications.
- Fully control and monitor your projects remotely, with the option for extra features like Remote Start via in-app purchases.
TAP Micro also include a standard 2.4” Capacitive Touchscreen, with available upgrades for a 24VAC Power Adapter and a 12VDC Output Adapter.
Use-Cases for TAP Micro
It’s important to note that the TAP Micro is only intended for new kiln and oven builds. Due to its dimensions and wiring, TAP Micro isn’t intended as a drop-in replacement for your current automatic controller (to upgrade your existing automatic controller, check out TAP Standalone Kiln Temp Controllers and Conversion Kits!).
However, TAP Micro is the perfect solution for:
- Accessing the simplicity, precision, and reliability of TAP at a significantly lower price point.
- Adding remote control functionality to your kiln, oven, or furnace to enjoy all the benefits of software-based kiln controllers.
- Confident DIYers, who don’t mind doing their own installs or making modifications to their kiln.
Additionally, TAP Micro is be available on new kiln and oven build from select distributors and manufacturers.
TAP II Pro: The Most Advanced Multi-Zone Kiln Controller Ever
Are you looking to upgrade to the most advanced, fully featured multi-zone kiln controller ever? TAP II Pro is the culmination of everything we’ve learned through 10 years of kiln temp controller development. We designed to TAP II Pro to be easier than ever for new artists, while being fully equipped to handle even the most complex artistic or industrial control processes with unrivalled precision:
- Enjoy precise, PID-driven control for up to 3 independent temperature zones.
- Easily create, name, save, and access unlimited firing schedules with an unlimited number of steps.
- Execute bisque firing schedules with ease with TAP II Pro’s exclusive Cone Fire Mode.
- Reduce eye strain with an upgraded capacitive touchscreen with better viewing angles.
- Integrate TAP II Pro with Type K, Type R, and Type S thermocouples, or control your vents or fans with auxiliary outputs.
- Enjoy all of the premium features for TAP Kiln Control Mobile (excluding Remote Start) for free.
TAP II Pro is also available as a conversion kit to provide a fast, plug-and-play upgrade to your automatic kiln controller.
Use-Cases for TAP II Pro
TAP II Pro is designed to execute even the most complex firing schedule with ease. It’s the perfect control solution for glass art, ceramics, or industrial processes. Controllers from other temperature control manufacturers don’t even come close!
TAP II Pro is the perfect solution for any artist or craftsperson who wants an intuitive, precise kiln temp controller that enhances efficiency, convenience, and flexibility – without making any compromises! No matter which direction your artistic growth takes down the road, TAP II Pro is equipped to tackle any project.
Choose TAP for Your Kiln Temp Controller Options
We’re super excited for these additions to our TAP Ecosystem of Products that make the convenience of TAP more accessible for more users, no matter their budget or the level of control they need.
However, if you’re looking for the absolute most advanced kiln temp controller options, we encourage you to check out TAP II and TAP II Pro Controllers by SDS Industries. These remain the most versatile, precise, and easy-to-use automatic kiln controllers on the market for single zone and multi-zone kilns, respectively. With responsive touchscreen controls, an intuitive graphical UI, and integration with the TAP Kiln Control Mobile app, TAP Kiln Controllers can pair with any relay-controlled kiln or oven.
We invite you to explore our selection of automatic 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
- Paragon Kilns
- Mobile Glassblowing Studios, LLC
- Jen-Ken Kilns
- Kiln Frog
- Sheffield Pottery
- Delphi Glass
Kiln Temp Controllers FAQ
How can I decide which type of kiln temp controller is right for me?
With our expanded lineup, it might be tough to decide which of our kiln temp controllers is right for you. Really, it depends on your budget and the types of projects you work on.
Below is a quick breakdown:
- You need a robust, fully featured automatic controller for a single zone kiln: TAP II
- You need an extremely advanced automatic controller for multi-zone kilns – or you want to be able to program ceramic firing schedules more quickly: TAP II Pro
- You need an automatic kiln controller on a budget and don’t mind using your cellphone to control your kiln: TAP Micro
- You need a simplified single setpoint controller for knifemaking, bladesmithing, or heat treat: TAP&Go
- You want to add remote temperature monitoring and enhanced kiln safety without having to swap out your controller: TAP Monitor
If you have any questions or need help picking the right kiln temp controller, just reach out!
What options do I have for adding TAP Monitor Digital Pyrometer to my kiln or oven?
TAP Monitor works with any type of kiln or oven (with any type of controller) to add precise remote temperature monitoring. However, it comes in two configurations for adding it to your kiln:
- TAP Monitor Standalone: Plug-and-play option that’s perfect for installing your new pyrometer in minutes.
- TAP Monitor DIY Components: Designed for new kilns or oven builds and DIY install, giving you the option to wire TAP Monitor to a redundant safety relay for added protection against relay failure.
Check out this video to see how easy it can be to add TAP Monitor to your kiln or oven build!
How does TAP II Pro make ceramic firing schedules easier?
TAP II Pro makes creating bisque firing schedules faster and easier than ever before with its exclusive Cone Fire Mode.
All you have to do is tap the cone you want to fire to (Cone 06, Cone 10, etc.), adjust a few settings like firing speed, and let the controller take care of the rest!
See how it works in the video below:
Check out this kiln firing chart to learn more about pyrometric cones. And, to enjoy the easiest, most consistent pottery firings possible, shop for the TAP II Pro!
