What Does a Kiln Controller Do?

Let’s talk about the single most important tool when it comes to pottery, glass art, or heat treat: Kiln controllers.

Kiln controllers come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and offer varying degrees of capability – from simple control knobs to sleek user interfaces. But what does a kiln controller do?

Below, you’ll learn about manual kiln controllers and digital kiln controllers, what they do, and the pros and cons of each.

What is a Kiln? 

Wait, I thought this was an article about kiln controllers. Why are you talking to me about kilns? 

Don’t worry: We’ll get to that. But before we can define the role of a kiln controller, we first need to understand what a kiln is. A kiln, in its simplest form, is an insulated chamber that can be heated to very high temperatures. However, in their more complex forms, a kiln is a scientific piece of equipment responsible for delivering a precise amount of heat for a precise amount of time.

Whether you’re working with pottery, glass art, ceramics, metals, or other materials that require heat treatment, you’re likely familiar with kilns. After all, they’ve only been around for 10,000 years!

But you’re probably more interested in learning how to control the intense heat they emit. This is where kiln controllers come into play.

What is a Kiln Controller?

A kiln controller is the device that’s responsible for managing the kiln’s temperature and tempo according to your inputs. Ultimately, it allows the artist to take a break while it conducts the firing orchestra.

The controller precisely calculates what the temperature should be and constantly monitors the inputs and cycles the outputs to make sure that your firing schedule is adhered to from start to finish.  During that process, kiln controllers also provide you with feedback on your kiln’s operation.

Why Do I Need a Kiln Controller?

If you’re using an electric kiln, you have to use some type of controller. So, it’s a matter of finding the right one for your needs.

The best digital controllers expand the creative range of what you’re able to work on. While ceramic firings or heat treatment don’t necessarily require an advanced controller, you will need an advanced automatic controller to have the flexibility to work on glass art.

But regardless of your medium, an advanced kiln controller gives you more precision and accuracy in firing. Think of a kiln controller as a trusted companion to the kiln: It knows the temperature, it knows when the heating elements are on or off, and it knows exactly what you want it to do.

What Types of Controllers Exist?

There are two main types of kiln controllers: manual and automatic. Below are short descriptions of each:

Manual Kiln Controllers

Manual kiln controllers, also known as analog controllers, are generally knobs and switches that enable the constant application of power for as long as they’re on. Temperature control is performed manually with the help of external tools, like a kiln sitter or high temperature thermometers.

It’s up to you to monitor temperature and fine-tune knobs for temperature adjustment. As you can imagine, this requires constant attention and may not allow the user to achieve a specified temperature for any prolonged duration.

Digital Kiln Controllers

Digital controllers harness current technology and build on the advances in computing over the last few decades. These controllers are fine-tuned, intuitive, and provide constant communication and feedback to users.

Some electric kiln controllers use a push button interface, while others use a touchscreen. Many of the newer controllers are connected controllers, which provide an app for control from your mobile device and offer push notification updates on your firings.

Connected controllers also offer the ability to easily receive software updates, which keep you up to date with the latest features and capabilities that your kiln controller offers.

What’s It Like Working with a Kiln Controller?

Working with analog controllers is quite cumbersome, but working with digital controllers can be surprisingly simple and intuitive. Today’s touchscreen controllers offer an interface much like your mobile phone, with crisp, clear data displays that provide just the right information to help you make informed decisions.

Compare TAP Controllers by SDS Industries against kiln controllers from other manufacturers at “Temperature Controller Manufacturers Side-by-Side Comparison.”

How Can a TAP Controller Help Control Your Kiln?

We created the original TAP Kiln Controller in response to our own frustrations with using the digital controllers on the market at the time. Fed up with pouring over user manuals, we decided to design a controller that was responsive, intuitive, and easy to use – while giving you complete control over each phase of the firing process.

And we’ve been working on improving our platform ever since!

Unique quality-of-life features of the TAP Kiln Controller include:

• Responsive touchscreen controls, an intuitive graphical UI, and logical, easy-to-navigate menus.
• The ability to create (and name!) an unlimited amount of firing schedules.
• Integrated WiFi and mobile integration to allow you to remotely manage and monitor your kiln firing from your phone or tablet.
• Diagnostic reports and preventative maintenance alerts to help you anticipate and avoid component failure.
• Automatic safety shut-off if the kiln surpasses its intended temperature.
• Continuous software updates and improvements that are automatically downloaded to your controller.

We provide options for all different types of artists. From advanced multi-zone controllers like TAP II Pro (with support for up to three thermocouple types to streamlined single zone controllers like TAP II, we’ve got you covered. We even provide single setpoint controllers and digital pyrometers!

Upgrade Your Kiln Controller

Whether you’re working on a new build or looking to upgrade your manual or electronic kiln, we have products that allow you to tap into the world of streamlined, user-friendly kiln controllers. Check out our website to learn more about our TAP Ecosystem –  or shop our online store for kiln controllers, conversion kits, and standalone controllers.

All of our controllers integrate with TAP Kiln Control Mobile to give you more flexibility, convenience, and peace of mind.

If you’re looking for kilns or heat treat ovens that already have TAP included, you can shop for kilns through our partners below:

• Evenheat
• Hot Shot Oven & Kiln
• Paragon Kilns
• Mobile Glassblowing Studios, LLC
• Jen-Ken Kilns
• Kiln Frog
• Sheffield Pottery
• Delphi Glass