Mr. Steam Controls Compared: iTempo, TempoTouch, TempoFlex and iSteamX

Mr. Steam sells four main steam shower controls, and the right one comes down to how much you want to touch, tap or link to a phone. The iTempo is the classic keypad control, the TempoTouch is a one-touch slider, the TempoFlex is wireless and the iSteamX is a 7 inch touchscreen. All four work with the generators in our Mr. Steam collection, which you can pair with any of the steam shower generators we carry.

Short answer

Choose the TempoTouch for the simplest control at the lowest price, the iTempo for a digital display and programmable temperature, the TempoFlex when you cannot run a control cable, and the iSteamX when you want a touchscreen, user profiles, and the option to add lighting, audio and the SpaH2O valve. We sell Mr. Steam, and every figure here comes from our product pages and Mr. Steam's specifications.

Side by side

Each listing includes a matching steamhead. A Mr. Steam generator is required and sold separately, and Mr. Steam's supplier data lists all four as compatible with its generators.

TempoTouch: the one-touch control

The TempoTouch is the simplest of the four. Press the center button to start or stop the steam and slide a finger along the lit arc to set the temperature, with a color gradient from cool to hot. It is 3.02 by 3.02 inches and about 1 inch deep, with a cast aluminum bezel in 13 finishes. If you want steam on and off without a menu, it is the value pick.

iTempo: the classic digital control

The iTempo has a solid brass cover, a digital display of about 2 inches and a soft touch keypad. You turn the steam on and set a programmable temperature with no learning curve. It mounts nearly flush through a small wall opening, which has to be cut during rough-in, and you choose a round or square cover in 13 finishes.

TempoFlex: the wireless option

The TempoFlex talks to the generator by RF, up to 60 feet away, so there is no control cable to run. A built-in rechargeable battery lasts up to 6 months per charge, or you can wire it to 120V for constant power. That makes it a strong fit for remodels where opening walls is the expensive part. It also controls AromaTherapy on and off and ChromaTherapy color cycling, with those systems sold separately.

iSteamX: the touchscreen

The iSteamX is Mr. Steam's top control: a 7 inch waterproof touchscreen with temperature and time settings, autostart pre-heat, a passcode lock, 8 user profiles with 8 presets each, plus Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AUX and radio. Sound needs the Mr. Steam AudioX system or a suitable Bluetooth speaker. The iSteamX is also the control you need if you want the SpaH2O electronic shower valve or the SpaNet Hub, and it supports ChromaSteam lighting and aromatherapy, all sold separately.

What SteamLinx adds

The SteamLinx Wi-Fi module ($420) adds phone and tablet control of start, stop, temperature and session time, and works with Alexa through the SteamLinx skill. It does not replace the control in the steam room. Mr. Steam lists compatibility with MS generators serial number 1174000 and higher, and says SteamLinx is included in its Dream and Butler packages except Basic Butler, so check your package before buying a second one.

Placement and the remote probe

For all four, Mr. Steam says to mount the control inside the steam room 4 to 5 feet above the floor on a vertical wall, away from the steamhead. If you mount it outside the room, the remote temperature probe is required. Install by a licensed plumber and electrician. Our steam shower installation guide and our article on steam generator electrical requirements cover the rest of the rough-in.

Warranty and what to read first

The listings state a Mr. Steam 2-year limited warranty on controls and components. Installed items are handled as manufacturer warranty claims, so confirm fit before you install. If you are still deciding on the generator itself, our guide to the ThermaSol steam packages shows a second brand we carry.

Which control for which buyer

A guest bath or a budget remodel usually points to the TempoTouch or the iTempo. A retrofit where the wall cannot be opened points to the TempoFlex. A primary suite where you want profiles, lighting, music and the SpaH2O valve points to the iSteamX. Whichever you choose, add SteamLinx only if your generator serial number qualifies and your package does not already include it.

Related reading: ThermaSol SignaTouch vs ThermaTouch: Which Steam Shower Control? · What are the different types of steam generators?

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Mr. Steam iTempo and iSteamX?

The iTempo has a small digital display and a soft touch keypad with programmable temperature. The iSteamX has a 7 inch color touchscreen, 8 user profiles, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and is the control needed for the SpaH2O valve and SpaNet Hub.

Which Mr. Steam control is wireless?

The TempoFlex connects to the generator by RF up to 60 feet away, with a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 6 months per charge or an optional wired 120V connection.

Does the TempoTouch work with a phone app?

Not by itself. Mr. Steam lists the TempoTouch as compatible with the SteamLinx module, which adds phone, tablet and Alexa control. SteamLinx is sold separately unless your package includes it.

Do I need a separate generator?

Yes. A Mr. Steam steam generator is required and sold separately with each control. Supplier data lists all four controls as compatible with Mr. Steam generators.

Where should I mount a steam shower control?

Mr. Steam says to mount it 4 to 5 feet above the floor on a vertical wall inside the steam room, away from the steamhead. A remote temperature probe is required if you mount it outside.

What warranty do Mr. Steam controls have?

The listings state a Mr. Steam 2-year limited warranty on controls and components. Read the current product page before you order.