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Greetings, I am looking for a new controller for my small Aims 84J kiln (8" x 8" shelf). The existing 20 yr. old controller is, well, out of control. Not sure where to shop for a new affordable and reliable controller. Amazon has several, but want one that is kiln-friendly.
Any suggestions? Thanks!
Happy Mother's day!

Bartlett and Orton are the two main manufacturers of controllers for kilns.

https://www.bartlettinstrument.com/kiln

https://www.ortonceramic.com/autofire-controllers

I will look at these.
I do not need anything fancy.. I will be adjusting the firing as it happens. So, hoping there is an affordable off-brand unit.

Bonnie Rubinstein wrote: ↑Sun May 11, 2025 2:50 pm I do not need anything fancy.. I will be adjusting the firing as it happens. So, hoping there is an affordable off-brand unit.

If you're going to be beside the kiln during the firing, you might just need a pyrometer, instead of a full-fledged controller. That would give you the temperature in the kiln and you can adjust as needed. A pyrometer can be had for $100 or less. Just do a web search for "analog pyrometer" and you should find a few for sale.

I have a pyrometer that works. But nothing to turn on the kiln and then adjust the temperature. It got a little crazy, I would turn it on and then theb elements would shoot up in temp very quickly. Not controllable. To me, that requires a new controller.

I do want something that monitors the temperatures .

Hi Bonnie,
I have had a DIGITRY GB4 controller that will run five kilns for thirty plus years. I've never used that many kilns but search this board and you'll probably find lots of references to them. I like it very much.

Thanks for the feedback. Spoke with the Aims manufacturer and a distributor. Turns out I need to replace the infinite switch. I will also replace the power cord and wires to the elements.
So, fellow fusers, if things go south with your controller, it may be an easy fix, and not necessary to replace the controller..
I'll keep you posted..

Update.
We replaced the infinite switch, wiring, and electric cord to outlet all with Aims parts, and as per specs.

Here is my concern. just did a test run and on the very lowest setting (below 1). kiln went up 350 degrees in 30 minutes. So, ramping up at 700 per hour on Lo - is that strange? I never ramp that fast. It is a small test kiln, but I don't want to risk thermal shock on even test pieces.

I am wondering if the elements are faulty? darn, just paid up for all these Aims parts, and i replaced the elements a few years back.

Thoughts?

Thanks!!

Wondering about the infinite switch. When it's on low, do you see the elements clicking on an off infrequently, or are they mostly on all the time?

Is there a difference between the switch on low and the switch on high?

Manufacturer says the new analog switches are not as well made as before, so they may heat up faster.( Great.) they are not selling these kilns with those switches any more.
I did not hear clicking and will run tomorrow and see what it does at upper temps.