You can use any type of heater with a controller. Most use a variable "rheostat" adjustable heater with a controller. There are also heaters available that require a controller and not adjustable themselves, but most dont use that kind.
When using a controller with an adjustable heater there are two basic way to program it.
#1. Set the heater Just a degree or two over the desired temp, then set the controller AT the desired temp. The controller will control the heater. If the controller "sticks on", the heater itself will turn off at the "degree or two" above the controller set point.
Good way to control a heater, but a little hard on the relay in the controller in the on-off cycles.
#2. Set the heater AT the desired set point, then set the controller a degree or two over the heater set point. This way the heater does the work, not the relay in the controller. The controller "heater outlet" will think the heater has not reached temp, and will indefinitely keep that outlet "on" unless the heater "sticks on", in which case the controller will shut the heater outlet off when it reaches "a degree or two" over the set point of the heater.
Better way to control a heater, because you are letting the cheap heater do the on-off cycle work, and the controller relay will last much longer, because in essence it will not be switching all that much.
I personally use #2 option, but thats just my opinion. :bigeyes:
HTH,
Herbie