Mr.Steam eSeries MS90EC1 Steam Shower Generator vs Steamist SM Plus SMP-7 Steam Shower Generator
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Quick take: The Mr.Steam eSeries MS90EC1 Steam Shower Generator costs $801 less; the Steamist SM Plus SMP-7 Steam Shower Generator has the stronger heater (7.5kW).
| Spec | Mr.Steam eSeries MS90EC1 Steam Shower Generator | Steamist SM Plus SMP-7 Steam Shower Generator |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,799 | $2,600 |
| Rating | 4.5★ (300) | 4.5★ (150) |
| Type | Steam | Steam |
| Capacity | — | — |
| Heater | 5kW residential steam generator | 7.5kW residential steam generator, stainless tank |
| Heater Power | 5kW | 7.5kW |
| Max Temp | — | — |
| Wood / Material | — | — |
| Dimensions | Compact generator (closet/vanity mount); for enclosures to 71 adjusted ft3 | Compact generator (remote mount); sized for mid-size tiled enclosures |
| EMF Rating | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Install | Licensed plumber + electrician: 240V circuit, water line, steam line to a fully tiled, vapor-sealed shower; controls extra | Licensed plumber + electrician: 240V circuit, water and steam lines into a vapor-sealed tiled enclosure; TotalSense controls extra |
| Warranty | Limited residential warranty from Mr.Steam; register on install | Limited residential warranty; stainless tank carries the longest coverage |
Pros & cons
Mr.Steam eSeries MS90EC1 Steam Shower Generator
- ✓Category-defining brand with deep parts and dealer support
- ✓Right-sized 5kW for typical residential shower conversions
- ✓Package options add aromatherapy, autoflush, and app controls
- ✓Daily-use reliability records from decades of installs
- ✓Compact generator hides in a vanity or closet nearby
- ✓Steam at 110-120°F suits people who find saunas punishing
- ✗Generator is a fraction of true cost — enclosures run $5,000-$15,000
- ✗Requires plumber, electrician, and a vapor-sealed tiled shower
- ✗Controls and steam head cost extra unless bundled
- ✗Hard water demands flush discipline or scale kills it
- ✗It is not a sauna, and cross-shoppers must internalize that
Steamist SM Plus SMP-7 Steam Shower Generator
- ✓SteadySteam modulation holds temperature smoother than rivals' cycling
- ✓Stainless tank with the brand's longest warranty coverage
- ✓Uses under a gallon of water per 20-minute session
- ✓7.5kW handles larger enclosures than entry 5kW units
- ✓Delta acquisition secures long-term parts availability
- ✓Reliability reputation on par with Mr.Steam among installers
- ✗Enclosure construction dwarfs the generator price
- ✗TotalSense controls are a required separate purchase
- ✗Dual branding (Steamist/SteamScape) confuses listing comparisons
- ✗Scale management is mandatory in hard-water regions
- ✗Steam ≠ sauna; expectations must be set accordingly