KeepSmelting
by M4CK4L3N
KeepSmelting lets furnaces keep working while the player is offline, by tracking real-world time and catching up missed smelting batches on log-in.
What it does
When a chunk unloads, the game exits or the game is paused, a furnace normally stops. KeepSmelting instead records the real time that passed and, when the player logs back in, completes the smelting batches that would have finished in the meantime. The mod covers vanilla furnaces, smokers and blast furnaces, and its real-time modes keep working through chunk unloading and the exit or pause menu.
The mod also simulates hoppers. It can pull inputs and fuel from adjacent containers and push outputs through a full hopper, so an automated line keeps running. It requires nothing on the player side, because it is server-side only, and the server alone decides how it behaves. Iron Furnaces is an optional dependency: installing it adds extra furnace types, and KeepSmelting supports it with full coverage of its 13 tiers and 3 modes. KeepSmelting is published for Forge only, for 1.20.1, and is open source under the MIT License.
Key features
Offline smelting
Furnaces continue smelting while the player is away, and missed batches are completed on log-in.
Real-time modes
The real-time options keep progress through chunk unloading, game exit and the pause menu.
Hopper pipeline simulation
Inputs and fuel are pulled from adjacent containers, and outputs are pushed through a full hopper.
Status and settings view
The keepsmelting command shows the current settings, and the available options can be changed on the server.
Gallery
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Requirements
Dependencies declared by the latest file for each loader.
Optional 1
Use cases
Automated smelting lines
Hoppers feeding furnaces keep producing output on a server while players are logged out.
Iron Furnaces setups
Servers running Iron Furnaces get its extra furnace types covered, including the Furnace Factory Generator with its augment slot.
Who it’s for: Server owners who want smelting to continue during player absence, and players running Iron Furnaces on a Forge server for 1.20.1.
How it compares
Craft hoppers out of barrels is server-side only, under the MIT License, and built for 1.20.1, so it changes hopper behaviour without touching furnaces. Stack Furnace is a client and server mod under the MIT License for 1.20.1, and both sides need it. Better Time Warp covers 1.20.1 – 1.20.6, is client and server, and is released under All rights reserved, so its range is wider but its licence is not open.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KeepSmelting | Forge | 1.20.1 | Server-side only | 2026-06-21 |
| Craft hoppers out of barrels | Forge | 1.20.1 | Server-side only | 2026-07-02 |
| Stack Furnace | Forge | 1.20.1 | Client and server | 2024-02-24 |
| Better Time Warp | Forge | 1.20.1 – 1.20.6 | Client and server | 2026-06-05 |
Questions
Does KeepSmelting need Iron Furnaces?
Which side does KeepSmelting run on?
Which loader and version are supported?
In the catalog
KeepSmelting is one of 29,952 Game mechanics mods on ModsFinder, and one of 13,316 Game mechanics mods for Forge. 34,764 mods support Minecraft 1.20.1.
Similar mods
What the author says
KeepSmelting — a Minecraft Forge mod that makes furnaces continue smelting while you're offline. Instead of halting progress when you exit the game or unload a chunk, KeepSmelting tracks real‑world time and catches up all missed smelting in batches when you log back in.
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/keepsmelting
- Owner
- M4CK4L3N
- Published
- 2026-06-20
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-06-21
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15