Jen-Ken AF3C 11/9 High-Fire Ceramic Kiln

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.)