A ceramic kiln controller is as essential as a rudder for a ship. Without this crucial component, you may be able to move forward, but whether you will reach the desired destination remains in question. It is the same with a regulator or kiln controller: a ceramic kiln simply cannot do without a control, certainly not the current generation of kilns.

Modern ceramic kilns do not have an on or off switch, only a plug input (connector). Selecting a new ceramic kiln is a challenge in itself, let alone finding the right controller. This is especially true if you deviate from the standard controllers that come with the kiln.

Personally, I’ve always chosen a kiln controller that suited better my specific needs than the standard option. More than twenty years ago I chose the Bentrup TC 507, which I am still very satisfied with. However, the new generation of controllers offers significant advantages, such as SmoothPOWER for solar energy and Superwise for logging and an online firing livestream.

Is it time for an upgrade?