Price (USD)
RiO edgeRiO
$150
Tempest 2
$179
RiO is typically around $29 lower.
Vaporizer Comparison
RiO vs Tempest 2
Side-by-side specs, pricing context, and clear decision guidance.
RiO
Stache $150
VS
Tempest 2
Mad Heaters $179
Editorial Summary
RiO and Tempest 2 are both portable / analog vaporizers, but they target different priorities. RiO is usually the lower-cost pick at $150, around $29 below Tempest 2. Session style, airflow, and extraction behavior will matter more than raw spec sheet numbers here.
Specs Compared
22
Different Specs
18
Shared Specs
4
Overall Overlap
18%
Shared Traits
Portable Analog
Head-to-Head Highlights
A quick snapshot of the specs people usually care about first.
Weight
Tempest 2 edgeRiO
~522g
Tempest 2
46g
Tempest 2 is the lighter listed unit.
Heating Style
Close callRiO
Conduction
Tempest 2
Convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix
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 2
$179
Heating Type
RiO
Conduction
Tempest 2
Convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix
Chamber Capacity
RiO
N/A
Tempest 2
0.1g - 0.2g (adjustable)
Battery Type
RiO
N/A
Tempest 2
None
Weight
RiO
~522g
Tempest 2
46g
Power Adjustment
RiO
Manual
Tempest 2
Visual gauge with click indicators
Chamber Material
RiO
Glass
Tempest 2
Titanium
Brand
RiO
Stache
Tempest 2
Mad Heaters
Choose RiO if...
- You want the lower listed entry price ($150 vs $179).
- You prefer a conduction heating profile.
- Your usage leans toward concentrates and conduction sessions.
Choose Tempest 2 if...
- You want the lighter unit for carrying and travel.
- You prefer a convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix heating profile.
- Your usage leans toward premium and hybrid sessions.
Spec Comparison Table
Direct comparison of every spec from each device profile.
18 differ 4 shared
| Specification | RiO | Tempest 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $150 | $179 |
| Device Type | Portable | Portable |
| Heating Type | Conduction | Convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix |
| Heat Up Time | — | ~30-45 seconds with torch |
| Temperature Range | N/A | N/A |
| Chamber Capacity | N/A | 0.1g - 0.2g (adjustable) |
| Battery Type | N/A | None |
| Battery Capacity | — | N/A |
| Battery Life | — | N/A |
| Charging | N/A | N/A |
| Charge Time | — | N/A |
| Dimensions | — | 122mm x 18.5mm |
| Height | 14 inches | — |
| Weight | ~522g | 46g |
| Power Adjustment | Manual | Visual gauge with click indicators |
| Chamber Material | Glass | Titanium |
| Concentrate Support | Yes | — |
| Brand | Stache | Mad Heaters |
| Adjustable Airflow | — | Yes |
| Body Material | — | Grade 5 titanium, aluminum heat shield, stainless steel |
| Country of Manufacture | — | Made in China, Assembled in the UK |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
Comparison FAQs
What is the biggest difference between the RiO and the Tempest 2?
The biggest practical difference is heating approach: RiO runs conduction while Tempest 2 runs convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix. That changes flavor delivery, vapor density, and how the device responds to slow versus fast draws.
Which is cheaper, the RiO or the Tempest 2?
RiO is the cheaper option at $150 compared with $179 for the Tempest 2, about $29 less. Live retailer pricing can shift, so confirm before buying.
What's the difference in heating between the RiO and the Tempest 2?
RiO uses conduction heating, while the Tempest 2 uses convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix. Heating style influences flavor profile, vapor density, and how forgiving the device is to draw technique.
Which is lighter, the RiO or the Tempest 2?
Tempest 2 is the lighter unit at 46g, around 476g less than the RiO at ~522g. The lighter device is easier to carry and pocket day-to-day.
How much flower do the RiO and Tempest 2 hold?
RiO lists a chamber capacity of N/A; the Tempest 2 lists 0.1g - 0.2g (adjustable).
Is the RiO or the Tempest 2 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 2?
Across the 22 specs we line up, they share 4 and differ on 18, an overlap of about 18%. 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.