Price (USD)
RiO edgeRiO
$150
Tempest
$247
RiO is typically around $97 lower.
Vaporizer Comparison
RiO vs Tempest
Side-by-side specs, pricing context, and clear decision guidance.
RiO
Stache $150
VS
Tempest
Mad Heaters $247
Editorial Summary
RiO and Tempest are both portable / analog vaporizers, but they target different priorities. RiO is usually the lower-cost pick at $150, around $97 below Tempest. Session style, airflow, and extraction behavior will matter more than raw spec sheet numbers here.
Specs Compared
20
Different Specs
16
Shared Specs
4
Overall Overlap
20%
Shared Traits
Portable Analog
Head-to-Head Highlights
A quick snapshot of the specs people usually care about first.
Heating Style
Close callRiO
Conduction
Tempest
Convection-heavy with some conduction
Heating style differs, which can impact flavor and extraction behavior.
Key Differences at a Glance
Top specs where these two devices diverge.
Price (USD)
RiO
$150
Tempest
$247
Heating Type
RiO
Conduction
Tempest
Convection-heavy with some conduction
Chamber Capacity
RiO
N/A
Tempest
0.075g - 0.15g
Battery Type
RiO
N/A
Tempest
None
Chamber Material
RiO
Glass
Tempest
Titanium
Brand
RiO
Stache
Tempest
Mad Heaters
Choose RiO if...
- You want the lower listed entry price ($150 vs $247).
- You prefer a conduction heating profile.
- Your usage leans toward concentrates and conduction sessions.
Choose Tempest if...
- You prefer a convection-heavy with some conduction heating profile.
- Your usage leans toward premium and hybrid sessions.
- You prefer Tempest's overall feature mix and form factor.
Spec Comparison Table
Direct comparison of every spec from each device profile.
16 differ 4 shared
| Specification | RiO | Tempest |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $150 | $247 |
| Device Type | Portable | Portable |
| Heating Type | Conduction | Convection-heavy with some conduction |
| Temperature Range | N/A | N/A |
| Chamber Capacity | N/A | 0.075g - 0.15g |
| Battery Type | N/A | None |
| Battery Capacity | — | N/A |
| Battery Life | — | N/A |
| Charging | N/A | N/A |
| Charge Time | — | N/A |
| Height | 14 inches | — |
| Weight | ~522g | — |
| Power Adjustment | Manual | Manual |
| Chamber Material | Glass | Titanium |
| Concentrate Support | Yes | — |
| Brand | Stache | Mad Heaters |
| Adjustable Airflow | — | Yes |
| Ball Size | — | 2.5mm Zirconia |
| Country of Manufacture | — | Made in China, Assembled in the UK |
| Warranty | 1 year | — |
Comparison FAQs
What is the biggest difference between the RiO and the Tempest?
The biggest practical difference is heating approach: RiO runs conduction while Tempest runs convection-heavy with some conduction. That changes flavor delivery, vapor density, and how the device responds to slow versus fast draws.
Which is cheaper, the RiO or the Tempest?
RiO is the cheaper option at $150 compared with $247 for the Tempest, about $97 less. Live retailer pricing can shift, so confirm before buying.
What's the difference in heating between the RiO and the Tempest?
RiO uses conduction heating, while the Tempest uses convection-heavy with some conduction. Heating style influences flavor profile, vapor density, and how forgiving the device is to draw technique.
How much flower do the RiO and Tempest hold?
RiO lists a chamber capacity of N/A; the Tempest lists 0.075g - 0.15g.
Is the RiO or the Tempest better for microdosing?
RiO is the better fit for microdosing in our database, typically thanks to a smaller chamber, finer temperature control, or both.
How similar are the RiO and the Tempest?
Across the 20 specs we line up, they share 4 and differ on 16, an overlap of about 20%. The differences are concentrated in the areas the spec table highlights with a marker.
Need a different matchup?
Jump into the comparison hub to pick any two devices and open a canonical side-by-side page.