Whether you’re working on ceramics, pottery, glasswork, or metals, software-based kiln controllers allow you to easily program and monitor your kiln or heat treat oven.
Compared to manual kiln controllers, which require constant analog adjustment, or the early automatic controllers that had extremely clumsy user interfaces, software-based kiln controllers significantly streamline the firing process.
Below, we’ll be looking at the benefits and features of today’s software-based controllers!
Intuitive Touchscreen User Interface
The most noticeable difference of using a software-based kiln controller is how the controller receives user inputs. Rather than buttons, knobs, or dials, software-based kiln controllers allow you to program your kiln through a responsive touchscreen, similar to what you’re used to on your smartphone.
An intuitive, graphical user interface – with full text displays, alpha-numeric titles, and logical menus – gives you the ability to manage settings, create and name firing schedules, abort firings, and control all kiln functions with just a few presses of your finger.
Kiln controller software takes these inputs and automatically executes firing schedules, minimizing the possibility of user error and ensuring maximum consistency.
Unlimited Schedule Creation
One of the major benefits of software-based kiln controllers is the ability to create, name, modify, save, and access an unlimited number of custom firing schedules (each including an unlimited number of steps!).
This feature is useful for glass artists, ceramicists, and metalworkers who use their kiln or oven for different types of firings. Rather than having to re-create a specific firing schedule from scratch each time or refer to their firing schedule notebook, you can easily save schedules to use again later.
Mobile App Integration
Another major quality-of-life feature that software-based kiln controllers provide artists is the ability to fully integrate their kiln with their mobile device or tablet for almost complete remote control. (For safety reasons, you should never leave your kiln unattended, but let’s be real: Sometimes real life requires you to step away from your project.)
The TAP Kiln Control Mobile app by SDS Industries gives kiln operators the ability to create and modify schedules, monitor their kiln remotely with real-time updates, update settings, skip firing steps, abort firings, and more from their tablet or mobile device.
With premium features like Remote Start available for purchase, the TAP Kiln Control Mobile app gives artists unprecedented control and convenience over their projects.
More In-Depth Kiln Monitoring, Data, and Analytics
Software-based kiln controllers also provide artists with additional insights into the operation of their kiln. With up-to-the-minute visual firing graphs, enhanced data logging, and preventative maintenance alerts, kiln controller software helps kiln operators troubleshoot potential errors and ensure that their kiln is always functioning correctly.
This, combined with the ability to set alerts and alarms, makes kiln management easier and ensures more consistent results.
Kiln controller software also includes onboard diagnostics to track component usage and calculate the cost of electrical usage for each firing schedule.
Real-Time Software Updates
Another benefit of software-based kiln controllers is the ability to download software updates that introduce fixes, new features, and improved functionality. With TAP Kiln Controllers, these updates are downloaded automatically when the controller is connected to WiFi.
SDS Industries is dedicated to continuous innovation. Each TAP Controller is backed by a and industry-leading warranty. We support all of our products with software updates and upgrades to TAP Kiln Control Mobile to ensure optimal performance over the lifetime of your controller.
How to Upgrade Your Kiln to a Software-Based Controllers
Are you looking to upgrade your kiln with a software-based kiln controller? The good news is that doing so is probably a lot less complicated than you’d think.
If you’re currently using a manual kiln, then a standalone kiln controller allows you to upgrade to software-based controls with minimal modifications to your kiln. All you have to do is drill a small hole through your kiln brick to insert the tip of the standalone unit’s thermocouple into the interior of your kiln (or you can find a technician to do it for you!).
If your kiln already uses an automatic controller, then a conversion kit lets you swap out your existing controller for a software-based controller without having to make any mechanical or electrical changes to your kiln.
Explore Software-Based Kiln Controllers by SDS Industries
If you’re in the market for a software-based kiln controller, the TAP II and TAP II Pro Controllers by SDS Industries are the most advanced, precise, and easy-to-use controllers on the market today. With responsive touchscreen controls, an intuitive graphical UI, and cutting-edge kiln controller software, TAP Kiln Controllers can pair with any relay-controlled kiln or oven.
We invite you to explore our selection of software-based kiln controllers, standalones, and conversion kits on our online store. You can also purchase TAP Digital Controllers or TAP-Controlled 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
Software-Based Kiln Controllers FAQ
How do I download software updates for my TAP Controller?
In 2025, we upgraded our entire kiln controller lineup to have integrated WiFi. If your controller is connected to WiFi, it will automatically search for software updates every 24 hours (don’t worry, it will never interrupt an ongoing firing!).
When the controller discovers a software update, you will be prompted by a notification. Just press Install Now, and your controller will automatically update – just make sure not to interrupt its automatic reboot during that process!
You can also check out this video walkthrough for more details and step-by-step screen captures.
If you’re still using the original TAP Kiln Controller (which doesn’t have integrated WiFi), then follow these steps to update your software.
How do TAP Kiln Controllers compare to other kiln controller manufacturers?
Compared to other kiln controller manufacturers, SDS Industries’ software-based kiln controllers have a host of benefits. These include:
- A more intuitive touchscreen interface with logical menus and full-text displays, so you can find and create firing schedules with ease.
- The ability to create, name, and save unlimited firing schedules with unlimited steps so that you never have to recreate a firing schedule again!
- Access to the industry’s highest rated kiln control app (rated almost twice as high as our closest competitors on the App Store and Google Play). TAP Kiln Control Mobile is the only app that offers true remote control.
- Extreme reliability, precision, and industry-leading warranties.
Not only that, we are constantly updating our kiln controller software to provide new features and an even smoother experience. If you’re looking to upgrade your kiln, we strongly recommend checking out TAP!
Do I need to upgrade my kiln controller software?
Yes, we strongly recommend keeping your controller software up to date.
This ensures you always have access to the latest and greatest features your TAP Controller has to offer. We make continual updates to improve controller performance and introduce new features.
Regularly updating your controller is all upside and no downside!
