When a client is building a premium steam shower, the control conversation comes up early — and it should. The Mr. Steam iSteamX and the ThermaSol ThermaTouch2 are the two most specified premium residential steam controls on the market. Both are genuinely excellent. But they are different in ways that affect the rough-in, the installation, and the client experience. This guide covers everything contractors need to know before speccing either one.
PlumbersCrib.com is an authorized dealer of both Mr. Steam and ThermaSol. Contact our team for help speccing the right control for your project.
Side by side: iSteamX vs. ThermaTouch2
| Mr. Steam iSteamX | ThermaSol ThermaTouch2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen sizes | One size — slimline touchscreen | 7", 10", and 15" — largest in-shower control on the market |
| Display type | Full color LCD capacitive touchscreen | Full color Android-powered capacitive touchscreen |
| Wi-Fi | Yes — via SteamLinx module (sold separately) | Yes — built in, automatic software updates |
| Voice control | Amazon Alexa via SteamLinx | Amazon Alexa — built in |
| Streaming apps | Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Prime, Amazon Music, Pandora, ESPN, Audible, Weather | YouTube TV, Netflix, Hulu, Paramount+, Apple Music, SiriusXM, HBO Max, Calm + full Android app store |
| User profiles | Up to 8 | 2 customizable + guest setting |
| Installation location | Inside or just outside the shower | Inside shower only — 60" from floor to center |
| Wall cutout (7") | — | 7.5" W × 5.5" H × 3.5" D |
| Wall cutout (10") | — | 10" W × 6.625" H × 3.5" D |
| Power requirement | Low voltage — 12V DC via generator connection | 110VAC via Power Distribution Module (included) |
| Generator compatibility | Mr. Steam generators only (serial 1174000+) | ThermaSol PRO Series III only |
| Finishes | Black or white glass, 8 designer finishes | 15 finishes |
| Waterproof | Yes — distinguishes between water drops and finger touch | Yes — fully waterproof and steamproof |
What contractors need to know about the iSteamX
Generator compatibility. The iSteamX is compatible with Mr. Steam generators with serial number 1174000 and higher. If a client has an older Mr. Steam generator, confirm the serial number before speccing the iSteamX.
SteamLinx module for Wi-Fi and Alexa. Wi-Fi connectivity and Amazon Alexa integration require the SteamLinx module, which is sold separately. If your client wants app control or voice activation, make sure the SteamLinx is on the order. Without it, the iSteamX operates as a standard touchscreen control without wireless functionality.
Installation flexibility. The iSteamX can be mounted inside or just outside the shower enclosure — giving more flexibility on projects where tile layout or glass placement makes interior mounting difficult. Run control cable in a dedicated 3/4" non-metallic conduit before walls close — do not route with power lines.
SpaNet Hub. The SpaNet Hub is a separate add-on that pairs with the iSteamX to control up to 4 additional bathroom devices — heated floors, fog-free mirrors, towel warmers, and lighting — from the same interface. On high-end builds where the client wants unified bathroom device control, this is worth including on the initial spec.
Eight user profiles. No other residential steam control offers this many. For households with multiple users, this is a meaningful selling point during the client conversation.
Browse the Mr. Steam controls collection at PlumbersCrib.com.
What contractors need to know about the ThermaTouch2
Inside shower installation only. The ThermaTouch2 must be installed inside the shower, mounted at 60" from the floor to the center of the control. It cannot be placed outside the enclosure. Confirm this is feasible before speccing — particularly on retrofit projects where the enclosure is already tiled.
Wall cutout dimensions. The ThermaTouch2 requires a specific wall cutout based on the size selected. The 7" requires 7.5" W × 5.5" H × 3.5" D. The 10" and 15" both require 10" W × 6.625" H × 3.5" D. Allow at least 3.5" of clearance on all sides of the mud ring cutout for cable routing. Use the correct mud ring part number — 04-8544 for the 7", 04-8567 for the 10" and 15".
110VAC power required. The ThermaTouch2 includes a Power Distribution Module (PDM) that requires a 110VAC power connection at the control location inside the shower. This is different from the iSteamX, which runs on low voltage via the generator connection. Confirm a 110VAC circuit is accessible at the control location before walls close.
Generator lock-in. The ThermaTouch2 only works with ThermaSol PRO Series III generators via the CAN Bus communication system. Speccing the ThermaTouch2 locks in the ThermaSol generator — and vice versa. This is not a limitation, just a planning consideration.
Do not install adjacent to the steamhead. ThermaSol's installation manual specifies that the ThermaTouch2 must be installed as far from the steam outlet as possible — not adjacent to the SteamVection steamhead. Plan control placement accordingly during rough-in.
Browse the ThermaSol controls collection at PlumbersCrib.com.
Which one to spec
Spec the iSteamX when: the client wants maximum user profiles, the broadest bathroom device ecosystem via SpaNet Hub, installation flexibility inside or outside the enclosure, or is already running a Mr. Steam generator system.
Spec the ThermaTouch2 when: the client wants the largest available screen, Android-powered app access, a ThermaSol PRO Series III generator, or a fully integrated ThermaSol wellness system with shower valve and rainhead. Also the right call on high-end primary bath projects where the control is a design feature, not just a functional component.
Contractor note: The control and generator must always be from the same brand — iSteamX with Mr. Steam generator, ThermaTouch2 with ThermaSol PRO Series III. Get the generator and control decision locked in before rough-in so the correct control wiring, power requirements, and wall cutout dimensions are confirmed before walls close.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the ThermaTouch2 with a Mr. Steam generator?
No — the ThermaTouch2 only works with ThermaSol PRO Series III generators. The iSteamX only works with Mr. Steam generators. The control and generator must always match brands.
Does the ThermaTouch2 require a separate power circuit?
Yes — the ThermaTouch2 Power Distribution Module requires 110VAC power at the control location inside the shower. The iSteamX runs on low voltage via the generator connection and does not require a separate power circuit at the control.
Does the iSteamX require a separate module for Wi-Fi?
Yes — Wi-Fi and Alexa on the iSteamX require the SteamLinx module, sold separately. The ThermaTouch2 has Wi-Fi and Alexa built in with no additional module required.
Can the ThermaTouch2 be installed outside the shower?
No — the ThermaTouch2 must be installed inside the shower at 60" from the floor. The iSteamX can be installed inside or just outside the enclosure.
What mud ring part number do I need for the ThermaTouch2?
Part number 04-8544 for the 7" size. Part number 04-8567 for the 10" and 15" sizes.
Shop controls at PlumbersCrib.com
- Mr. Steam iSteamX and controls — the full Mr. Steam control lineup
- ThermaSol ThermaTouch2 and controls — 7", 10", and 15" options
- Mr. Steam generators — required for iSteamX
- ThermaSol PRO Series III generators — required for ThermaTouch2
Questions about speccing the right control and generator combination for your project? Contact our team or call 877-881-5501 — we are authorized dealers of both Mr. Steam and ThermaSol and know both systems inside and out.