Hot Shot Oven & Kiln HS-18K Knife Making Oven

Experience the epitome of precision, safety, and reliability with the Hot Shot 18K, an oven crafted in collaboration with esteemed blacksmiths and knife makers. Get your perfect blade and be safe every time you turn on your oven with cool to touch technology, side elements and long chamber (18”). We know most knife makers are hobbyists working out of their own shop or garage so Hot Shot designed an oven that was cool to the touch, a removable door for easy access in and out and all of the essentials built in with no added up charge; solid state relay, cooling fans, alarm and door switch.

The side elements allow for even heat distribution throughout the oven so you never have to worry about hot or cold spots! The icing on the cake…. our oven gets up to temp fast! The 120V option gets up to 2000F in 50 minutes and the 240V option in 25 minutes! Wow! Add on an Argon Gas Kit to help eliminate scaling on the surface of the steel!

Don't forget to add a furniture kit. Includes: (4) 1"x 3" posts and a 6.25"x 17.5" shelf.

Hot Shot ovens and kilns are equipped with Patent Pending Cool-Touch Fan Cooling Technology that provides a safe external temperature to allow for safer operation and protection of its surroundings. Each oven comes with a removable high density kiln floor. This is ideal to assist with project setup or if it needs to be replaced. It features a dual layer air plenum for external heat management and precise temperature control.

When selecting a Hot Shot oven, you can choose between the standard TAP&GO Controller or upgrade to either the Genesis Spark or TAP II controllers. Here’s a breakdown of each option to help you decide.

TAP&GO Controller

The TAP&GO is a minimalist single-setpoint controller—just set your target temperature and let it run the firing for you.

Genesis Spark Controller

The Genesis Spark is a touchscreen controller that efficiently manages kiln temperatures, making it ideal for firing various materials such as metals, ceramics, and jewelry. It comes with industry-specific presets and allows for 30 customizable programs. With Wi-Fi connectivity, the controller supports easy software updates, diagnostics, maintenance tracking, and automatic PID adjustments. The Bartlett KilnAid app provides remote monitoring and real-time alerts to ensure your kiln operates at its best.

TAP II Controller

Available for an upgrade to the next-generation TAP II controller, this model offers a refined interface and greater control precision. Its large, full-color touchscreen simplifies navigation, making it easy to create and manage firing schedules with confidence.

Built-in Wi-Fi provides seamless integration with the SDS online app, allowing you to monitor firings remotely, make on-the-fly adjustments, and access detailed logs from any connected device. The controller also features Special Limits thermocouples for accurate temperature readings and a non-metallic faceplate that enhances Wi-Fi signal strength and resists heat degradation.

Engineered for performance and ease of use, the TAP II is a powerful tool for anyone seeking reliable, consistent results from their kiln.

The HS-18K comes in either a 15amp/120volt or 20amp/240 volt version. The 15 amp is your standard at-home outlet.

For 240V you will need the following outlet:

Therefore when choosing a kiln/oven we highly recommend you check your power requirements first. We recommend making sure you have the proper outlet and, if not, to check with a professional about adding an outlet into your work area. DO NOT use extension cords in any situation!

Argon provides an inert atmosphere and is usually delivered at dew point less than -75°F with an oxygen content below 20 ppm. An atmosphere of Argon can be used for the following heat treatment processes:

• Annealing (non-ferrous metals, stainless steel, and alloy steel)
• Brazing
• Sintering

Hot Shot offers this well designed and easily adaptable Argon kit for all your heat treating needs. Includes flow meter, tubing, fittings and ceramic dispensing needle. (Argon gas not included)

Ready-to-ship. Typically next business. Rarely beyond 3 business days.

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Higher voltage means lower amperage draw and greater efficiency, which can save money long term. 240V and 208V cost the same—most home studios use 240V, while 208V is common in schools or large facilities. Amperage refers to the amount of electrical current a kiln draws—higher amps require heavier wiring and breakers.

Single-phase is what almost all homes have. If your facility has three-phase, you can choose either—but three-phase is typically the better long-term option due to smoother power and improved efficiency.

Mechanical relays are standard and reliable. Solid-state relays (SSR) offer silent operation, faster cycling, greater precision, and longer lifespan—ideal for frequent or high-accuracy firings.

The following controllers are used across kilns sold by Pottery Pulse. Not all models offer every option—available controllers are listed on each product page. Some kilns include only the standard controller, while most allow upgrades for added precision and convenience.

Olympic Kilns

• Infinite Switch – Manual dial control for simple heat adjustments.
• KilnStar – Digital controller with preset and user-defined programs.
• Genesis – Advanced touchscreen interface with Wi-Fi and data logging.

Evenheat Kilns

• Icon – Digital 3-button controller for straightforward firing.
• RampMaster II – Manual digital controller for ceramic kilns; flexible ramp/hold programming.
• RampMaster 3 – Updated version for glass kilns with refined interface.
• Icon+ – Enhanced digital control with expanded profiles and precision.
• TAP II – Smart touchscreen controller with Wi-Fi, data tracking, and remote access.

Hot Shot Kilns

• Novus – “Set & Go” controller: set a target temperature and it does the rest (no segments).
• Spark – Entry-level touchscreen controller with intuitive operation and limited program control.
• TAP II – Smart touchscreen controller with Wi-Fi and real-time monitoring.

Jen-Ken Kilns

• Orton AF3P 3-Button – Reliable and straightforward for basic firing.
• Orton AutoFire 4000 12-Key – Expanded program capacity and fine control.
• Orton AutoFire Slide Touchscreen – Modern, responsive touchscreen interface.
• TAP II Touchscreen Smart Controller – Wi-Fi connectivity and real-time data tracking.

Not all kilns can use a collar, but Olympic’s Hot Box kilns can be ordered with a collar to expand versatility. A blank collar simply adds height to the firing chamber, while a bead collar adds the same height and includes a built-in bead or annealing door for quick-access lampwork projects.

This safety feature automatically cuts power to the heating elements whenever the kiln lid or door is opened. It prevents accidental burns, protects elements, and resumes power only when safely closed. (Also called an automatic lid shutoff on Olympic kilns.)