For newer artists, figuring out what type of kiln controller you need for your kiln or oven build can be an intimidating prospect. Do you need a conversion kit? A standalone kiln controller? A tabletop kiln controller? Don’t worry, below is a simple cheat sheet for understanding kiln controller categories:
- Digital Controllers: For new kilns or oven build or competent DIYers. Digital controllers include the controller, the faceplate, and a wiring harness pigtail.
- Conversion Kits: For upgrading automatic kiln controllers that are already installed on your kiln or oven. Conversion kits include the controller, the conversion box, a wiring harness adapter, and mounting hardware to facilitate seamless installation.
- Standalone Kiln Controllers: For easily upgrading manual kilns to automatic controllers. Standalone kiln controllers include the controller, standalone controller housing, a power cord, and a thermocouple for plug-and-play installation.
This article covers the different configurations for standalone kiln controllers – by far the fastest, easiest option for upgrading your manual kiln!
Configurations of Standalone Kiln Controllers
For easily upgrading a manual kiln, a standalone kiln controller is the go-to choice. With standalone kiln controllers you can completely transform your kiln firing experience. In just a few minutes for DIY installation, you can go from having to constantly monitor and manually adjust the temperature of your kiln to automatically executing your firing schedules with a precise, easy-to-use touchscreen controller that offer features like remote kiln control and temperature monitoring.
SDS Industries offers TAP Standalone Controllers in two different configurations: wall mount kiln controllers and tabletop kiln controllers.
The Difference Between Wall Mount Kiln Controllers and Tabletop Kiln Controllers
From a feature and functionality standpoint, TAP Wall Mount Kiln Controllers and TAP Tabletop Kiln Controllers are exactly the same. In either configuration, you have the option to choose between a TAP II or a TAP II Pro, both of which give artists the most precise, easy-to-use kiln control experience available.
TAP Standalone Controllers give artists the ability to:
- Seamlessly upgrade their manual kiln to the most advanced digital kiln controller on the market.
- Easily manage and execute your firing schedules with an intuitive touchscreen and logical menus that allow you to immediately begin programming and operating your kiln.
- Enjoy the ability to create, save, edit, and name an unlimited number of firing schedules – each with an infinite number of custom steps. That way, you never have to recreate a schedule again!
- Find the schedule you need when you need it with full alpha-numeric text displays.
- Save time and maximize peace of mind with remote kiln control and real-time monitoring through the TAP Kiln Control Mobile app.
- Ensure maximum consistency and stay fully informed with PID-driven precision, advanced diagnostics, error reports, graphical firing logs, push notification alerts, and more!
The only real difference between wall mount and tabletop kiln controllers is which setup fits your workspace or studio better.
Pros and Cons Wall Mount Kiln Controllers
For smaller workspaces, or ones where flat surface space is at a premium, a wall mount kiln controller allows for a compact, semi-permanent installation. With wall mount kiln controllers, there is minimal risk that the controller gets damaged by gravity or other environmental exposure. Additionally, it’s easy to mount the controller close to the kiln for clean installs, with the wiring to the power outlet and the thermocouple out of the way.
However, a wall mount kiln controller does require a little more legwork in terms of installation – and will require a surface that you can mount the controller to.
Pros and Cons of Tabletop Kiln Controllers
While standalone kiln controllers are designed for easy installation, installing tabletop kiln controllers is as simple as it gets. All you need is a flat surface in proximity to the kiln to set down the controller housing! However, there is the risk that you accidentally knock over your controller, or the controller gets damaged by setting down another item on its tabletop.
Additionally, tabletop kiln controllers may require modifications to your workspace for a clean installation depending on where the tabletop is in relation to your kiln.
Explore TAP Standalone Kiln Controllers
Whether you’re looking for a wall mount kiln controller or a tabletop kiln controller, SDS Industries has got you covered! The TAP II and TAP II Pro Controllers are available as standalone kiln controllers in both configurations! With responsive touchscreen controls, an intuitive graphical UI, and integration with the TAP Kiln Control Mobile app, TAP Standalone controllers make the perfect upgrade to your manual kiln or heat treat oven.
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
- Paragon Kilns
- Mobile Glassblowing Studios, LLC
- Jen-Ken Kilns
- Kiln Frog
- Sheffield Pottery
- Delphi Glass
Standalone Kiln Controllers FAQ
What is the difference between the TAP II and the TAP II Pro Kiln Controllers?
Our standalone wall mount and tabletop kiln controllers are available for the TAP II and the TAP II Pro. So, which model is right for you?
If you’re upgrading from a manual kiln controller or a kiln sitter (or even an automatic controller from another kiln controller manufacturer), both models will completely revolutionize your kiln firing experience with easy-to-use touchscreen controls, unlimited firing schedules, and remote kiln control functionality. But, while both controllers are built on the same platform with similar UIs, there are some key differences to keep in mind:
- Multi-Zone vs Single Zone: TAP II is a single zone kiln controller that heats the chamber of your kiln to a uniform temperature. TAP II Pro is a multi-zone controller with independent temperature control for 3 different zones, making it a better fit for more complex projects or larger kilns.
- Thermocouple Compatibility: TAP II is compatible with Type K thermocouples. TAP II Pro is compatible with Type K, Type R, and Type S thermocouples.
- Free App Functionality: As our flagship controller, all of the premium features of TAP Kiln Control Mobile – other than Remote Start – are completely free for TAP II Pro.
- Exclusive Cone Fire Mode: TAP II Pro has an exclusive Cone Fire Mode that makes programming bisque firing schedules faster than ever. With complete ceramic firing chart data built into the controller, TAP II Pro lets you select your pyrometric cone, adjust a few settings, and it will automatically generate and execute the perfect firing schedule.
Really, it’s just a matter of choosing the functionality you need – but both digital kiln controllers are capable of automatically executing precise firing schedules with ease.
If I already have an automatic kiln controller, should I use a standalone kiln controller to upgrade my kiln?
While you could technically use a standalone kiln controller for bypassing an automatic controller, there is a better alternative. If you’re already using an automatic controller, a conversion kit will be a much more seamless choice for upgrading your controller.
With a conversion kit, all you have to do is select the model of the controller you want to upgrade. Then, we’ll send a matching wiring harness, a faceplate, and the TAP Controller of your choice for a 1:1 replacement. All you have to do is unscrew your old controller and install TAP. Usually, all you need is a few minutes and a Phillips head screwdriver!
What tools do I need to install a standalone kiln controller?
For a tabletop kiln controller, all you need is:
- A flat surface nearby your kiln to place your new standalone kiln controller.
- Access to your kiln chamber to run your thermocouple. Most kilns already have peepholes you can use, but you may need to drill a new hole into your kiln, which would require an electric drill.
For a wall mount kiln controller, you will need:
- Access to your kiln chamber to run your thermocouple. Most kilns already have peepholes you can use, but you may need to drill a new hole into your kiln, which would require an electric drill.
- An electric drill, as well as screws, for mounting your wall mount kiln controller to a wall nearby your kiln.
With just those tools, our standalone kiln controllers have everything else you need for a fast, seamless install.
