Steam Tables by Carmel Software is a legacy thermodynamic calculation tool for HVAC professionals and students, distinguished by its formula-based engine and interactive slider UI. It currently holds a #87 Paid ranking in the US Business category but faces stiff competition from free industrial-grade apps. The app's 15-year history and integration with an HVAC Equipment Locator provide a unique professional utility that justifies its premium pricing on iOS.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
For HVAC technicians, engineers, and installers who require precise, on-the-go thermodynamic calculations and equipment management tools.
What does it look like?
Key features
Calculates saturated and superheated steam properties using actual steam-table formulas rather than static lookups.
Adjust input parameters via sliders for real-time calculation updates.
Bonus utility included within the app for tracking equipment and service records.
How much does it cost?
The developer uses a split strategy: a premium $5.99 entry on iOS for professionals and a freemium model on Android to capture the student and high-volume market, though the latter suffers from paywall-related sentiment issues.
Velocity
Steady developmentUX improvementsplatform expansionShow more...
The app maintains a steady development pace, shipping major updates approximately every 3 to 4 months across platforms. Recent efforts focused on a complete Kotlin rewrite for Android and enhanced reporting capabilities for iOS. Development themes prioritize UX improvements and platform-specific optimizations, such as iOS 26 support.
Who built it?
Carmel Software
13+ apps tracked · Business
HVAC Psychrometric Plus
HVAC Residential Load Calcs
HVAC PT Chart
HVAC Duct Sizer
HVAC Equipment Locator
HVAC Quick Load
HVAC Load Plus
HVAC Psychrometric LT
HVAC Residential Load Calcs HD
HVAC Toolkit
HVAC ResLoad-J
HVAC Toolkit UltimateUser Sentiment
What do users think recently?
Review voice lately leans excited. Users appreciate utility for engineering students and ease of use and speed, but report aggressive paywall/premium model.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- Utility for Engineering Students
- Ease of Use and Speed
Unlock 1 more frustration theme, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for Steam Tables
How's the Business market?
The rivals identified
By Danfoss A/S
Both apps target HVAC professionals with field-ready calculation tools, forcing Steam Tables to compete against a free, high-volume alternative from a major industry manufacturer.
- Steam Tables uses a formula-based engine for thermodynamic calculations, while Ref Tools relies on standard industry sliders.
- Steam Tables integrates a specific HVAC Equipment Locator, whereas Ref Tools focuses on broader field diagnostics and troubleshooting.
ChemE CalculatorContender
Steam ToolsContender
Chemical Engineering AppSuite HDContender
CalcEngineerContender
Steam Tables LiteContender
Thermodynamics CalculatorContender
Steam: Tables & PropertiesContender
International Steam TablesContender
Unlock the head-to-head verdict: where this rival wins, and where it loses.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for Steam Tables
Where is it heading?
- Android version refactored to Kotlin (v6.2.1) — indicates active technical debt management and platform investment.
- Rankings dropped 16 positions to #87 Paid — suggests loss of momentum against newer or free competitors.
- Recent iOS updates focused on OS compatibility and basic sharing — maintenance mode rather than feature expansion.
The SWOT
- Formula-based calculation engine (not static lookups)
- Interactive slider UI for rapid 'what-if' analysis
- 15-year developer track record and HVAC suite integration
- Modernize UI with dark mode and gesture navigation
- Add steam pipe sizing to match industrial competitors
- Improve data export/reporting features
Next best moves
Fix scientific notation and exponent readability
+ 2 more prioritized movesFeature gaps
Steam Pipe Sizing tool (available in Spirax-Sarco) +2
Bottom line
Steam Tables is a robust legacy tool with a superior calculation engine, but it is resting on its laurels. To defend its #87 ranking against free industrial rivals like TLV, the PM must immediately resolve technical accuracy reports and modernize the output formatting to meet professional standards.
Unlock 3 critical frictions, 3 market threats, 2 more prioritized moves and the analyst’s take.
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