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LCD thermostat that’s NOT a Nest?

Doing some renovating and broke the housing on the ol’ Honeywell thermostat.
This is one pipe steam so the “features” of the old thermostat were perfect for me. But especially after the reno, that grungy old thermostat wasn’t going to look so hot, anyway.
I have no use for the many (some dubious) features of the “Nest” thermostat - nor do I want to PAY for them- but I’ll readily admit that I think they look sharp

Any recommendations for a really attractive thermostat? I like the clear, minimalist look of the Nest- not crazy about the thermostats that look like a control panel from the Death Star. I don’t need anything more than a steam-friendly anticipator so I’m looking for cheap but sleek. :)

Thanks
PATRICK

Comments

  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,592

    Doing some renovating and broke the housing on the ol’ Honeywell thermostat.

    This is one pipe steam so the “features” of the old thermostat were perfect for me. But especially after the reno, that grungy old thermostat wasn’t going to look so hot, anyway.

    I have no use for the many (some dubious) features of the “Nest” thermostat - nor do I want to PAY for them- but I’ll readily admit that I think they look sharp



    Any recommendations for a really attractive thermostat? I like the clear, minimalist look of the Nest- not crazy about the thermostats that look like a control panel from the Death Star. I don’t need anything more than a steam-friendly anticipator so I’m looking for cheap but sleek. :)



    Thanks

    PATRICK

    So essentially you want it to look like an expensive thermostat, but you don't want to actually buy an expensive thermostat?

    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • PatrickNorth
    PatrickNorth Member Posts: 26
    Lol, yep!
    From a features standpoint I’d be well served by a $25 thermostat, so buying a $250 thermostat for looks alone is a little extreme for me.
    The current (and best) location for the thermostat is pretty conspicuous so I’m looking for something attractive if possible.
    Thanks,
    Patrick
  • Precaud
    Precaud Member Posts: 370
    I got two of these a couple months ago:
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/254554998783

    These are recent (2-3 years old) pulls from a housing project "upgrade" to an Alexa-based system. The seller was very helpful. Mine arrived in like-new condition and work fine. He said he has a bunch of 'em. Ask him to pick a later-production unit for you - he knows how to do it now.
    1950's Bryant boiler in a 1-pipe steam system at 7,000 ft in northern NM, where basements are rare.
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 9,576
    If you hadn't broken the honewyell, you can take the ring off and paint it and clean the dial with somethign liek dow bathroom cleaner and it will be good for another 50 years. Could just but the trim ring or subbase, whichever you broke off of e-bay.
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,592
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • Jakek
    Jakek Member Posts: 55
    I got a Radio Thermostat ct50 ($100?) because I wanted a Wifi thermostat which didn't need to depend on a "cloud" service to work. I keep it programmed to 52 for safety use my phone to raise the temp when someone is heading home.

    I had an Ecobee but got creeped out by the amount of the data that gets sent back to the company. The ecobee looked better but the ct50 is fine.
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796
    Hi @PatrickNorth , good to hear from you! We like these:

    https://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-TH8110R1008-Vision-Thermostat-Technology/dp/B00DGSISU2/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=honeywell+vision+pro+8000&qid=1594437361&s=hi&sr=1-4

    They do have the cycles-per-hour adjustment you need. However, they rely on batteries or a C wire to operate. If your thermostat cable has 3 or more wires as many older ones do, the C wire is the way to go.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • PatrickNorth
    PatrickNorth Member Posts: 26
    Thanks all for the suggestions! Lots of great options here.
    Frank- I'm hoping to have a pair of unusual radiators refinished and in place by fall- I'll be sure to post pix!
    Best, Patrick