Steam Cooking: Worth The Hype?

Steam cooking has become increasingly popular in recent years, with health-conscious consumers recognising its benefits. But is it worth investing in a steam oven?

Steam ovens are a relatively new kitchen appliance that cooks food using steam. They are different from standard and convection ovens, which use dry heat. Steam ovens have a reservoir of water that is converted to steam during the cooking process. This moist heat surrounds the food and cooks it thoroughly. Steam ovens can be standalone or combination appliances. Combination steam ovens combine the functions of a traditional convection oven with steam to produce dry heat, wet heat, or a combination of the two.

There are several advantages to steam cooking. Firstly, it is a healthier option as it retains more nutrients and vitamins than conventional cooking methods. Steam cooking also improves flavour and texture, as food is able to retain its moisture. Additionally, steam ovens cook food faster and more evenly than standard ovens. They are also excellent for reheating food without drying it out.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Steam ovens typically have a higher price tag than standard or convection ovens. They also have limited temperature range and browning capabilities, making them less suitable for cooking certain types of food. Steam ovens require constant refilling and can be labour-intensive to clean.

So, is steam cooking worth it? The answer depends on individual needs and preferences. While steam ovens offer health and convenience benefits, they also come with a higher cost and some limitations. Ultimately, the decision to invest in a steam oven should be based on personal cooking requirements and budget constraints.

Health benefits

Steam cooking has been recognised for producing tasty, healthy, and profitable food. This method of cooking has been passed down from generation to generation since its discovery in ancient China.

Lower Cholesterol Levels

Steam cooking helps remove fat from meats like pork or lamb, which can then be easily removed after cooking. Other cooking methods like frying and grilling tend to cook excess fat into the meat itself, increasing its total fat content. Once the fat is removed, the meat consumed has a lower cholesterol level, providing fewer calories and reduced overall fat.

Preserve Food Quality

Steam cooking helps preserve the natural raw properties of foods, such as vegetables, including their texture, taste, colour, flavour, and overall freshness. Other methods of cooking vegetables often result in a complete loss of their firmness and crispiness, leading to overcooked, mushy, and unappetising food.

Maintain Vitamins and Nutrients

Steaming retains about 50% more important minerals like zinc, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium than other methods of cooking. It also allows for the retention of essential vitamins such as the water-soluble vitamins B and C, vitamin B-12, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, biotin, and pantothenic acid.

Steaming is especially beneficial for vegetables that are best served al dente, such as broccoli and asparagus. It is a gentler way to cook, helping vegetables retain more of their flavour and vitamins.

Reduced Fat and Sodium

Steam cooking does not require the use of oil, immediately reducing the saturated fat or any additional fat in your food. It also draws out sodium from the food, resulting in a healthier, lower-calorie, and lower-sodium dish.

Faster Cooking Times

Steam cooking is a faster and more energy-efficient way of cooking than traditional methods such as boiling and broiling. Steam transfers energy more efficiently than water, resulting in quicker cooking times and lower energy usage.

Cost

The cost of steam ovens varies widely, with prices influenced by factors such as size, functionality, and brand. Basic steam-only ovens can cost anywhere from $1,600 to $7,000, while combination steam ovens, which offer the functions of a traditional oven in addition to steam cooking, can range from $2,200 to a staggering $14,000. These prices are significantly higher than those of standard or even convection ovens, which typically fall in the $1,500 to $5,000 range.

The high cost of steam ovens is due to their additional features and the complexity of their cooking systems. They are often equipped with internal water reservoirs or plumbed water connections, which require regular maintenance to prevent limescale and grime build-up. This increased maintenance can be costly if something goes wrong.

For those on a tighter budget, countertop steam ovens are a more affordable option, ranging from $400 to $600. However, even these smaller models can be a significant investment as an addition to a main oven.

Despite the high upfront cost, some users claim that the combi steam oven is used a lot more than the regular oven, and it pays off in the long run. The combi steam oven's versatility, energy efficiency, and ability to produce tastier and healthier food may justify the expense for those who frequently cook at home.

Pros and cons

Steam Cooking: Pros and Cons

Pros

Steam cooking has gained popularity in recent years, with people becoming more conscious about health and nutrition. Here are some advantages of steam cooking:

• Nutrition Retention: Steam cooking is a healthier option as it retains up to 25% more vitamin content compared to conventional cooking methods. It locks in essential vitamins, nutrients, and moisture, resulting in more flavourful and nutritious food.
• Versatility: While it is commonly associated with cooking vegetables, steam cooking can also be used for meat, fish, bread, cakes, rice, and desserts.
• Energy Efficiency: Steam ovens are highly energy efficient, often rated A+ or above. They cook food faster, reducing energy usage and lowering energy bills.
• No Added Fats: Steam cooking eliminates the need for adding butter or oil to food, promoting healthier eating without compromising taste and texture.
• Reheating and Defrosting: Steam is ideal for reheating food without drying it out, and it is excellent for defrosting as it eliminates hot spots.
• Cleanliness: Steam cooking is a clean method as it does not require the use of oil, and it produces no smoke.
• Simultaneous Cooking: Steam ovens can cook multiple dishes simultaneously without transferring flavours, keeping flavours and textures intact.

Cons

Despite the benefits, there are some drawbacks to steam cooking and steam ovens:

• Cost: Steam ovens carry a significant price tag, with wall units ranging from $1,500 to $5,000, and countertop models costing around $400 to $600.
• Limited Temperature and Browning: Steam ovens have limitations in browning capabilities and cannot fully cook foods that require high temperatures, such as large meats, bread, cakes, and pies.
• Refilling: Steam ovens without a direct water connection need to be refilled before each use, and for foods with longer cooking times, refilling may be necessary during the cooking process.
• Cleaning: Steam ovens require regular cleaning to prevent condensation buildup and the formation of mould and mildew. The boiler tank also needs to be descaled periodically.
• Learning Curve: Steam cooking involves a learning curve, and users may need time to familiarise themselves with the appliance and its various functions.
• Space Constraints: Countertop steam ovens can be bulky and may not be suitable for smaller kitchens.

What can you cook?

Steam cooking is a great way to prepare a wide variety of dishes, from savoury to sweet.

You can steam just about anything, but the most popular options include vegetables, meat, fish, bread, rice, and desserts.

Steaming is a fantastic way to cook vegetables, keeping them crunchy and flavourful. It's also a brilliant way to prepare fish and meat, ensuring they stay moist and juicy without the need for added fats or oils.

For bakers, steam ovens are ideal for bread, cakes, and pastries, creating a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and fluffy interior.

Steaming is also a healthy cooking option, as it retains more vitamin content than conventional cooking methods. It's also a clean and energy-efficient way to prepare food, as no oil is required and there is no smoke produced.

• Salmon with lemon, asparagus, and potatoes
• Chinese dumplings
• Individual steamed cheesecakes
• Sticky date and spiced pear puddings with spiked cognac caramel sauce
• Meatloaf with baked potatoes and buttery beans
• Fruit bread with cinnamon and nuts

Steam oven vs microwave

Steam cooking has gained popularity in recent years as people become more health-conscious. Steam ovens are a relatively new appliance that cooks food using steam, which is produced by heating up a reservoir of water within the appliance. This moist heat method of cooking is different from the dry heat of a conventional oven. Steam ovens are known to retain more nutrients and vitamins in food compared to traditional cooking methods. They are also energy-efficient, clean, and versatile, allowing you to cook a wide variety of dishes, from vegetables to meat, fish, bread, and desserts.

On the other hand, microwave ovens have been a staple in kitchens for decades due to their convenience, versatility, and affordability. Microwaves use high-powered radio waves to cook food through radiation, and they are known for their speed and ease of use. You can defrost, heat, reheat, and cook a complete meal with the touch of a button.

Now, let's compare the two:

Speed: Microwaves are known for their speed and can reduce cooking time by 50-75%. Steam ovens are faster than conventional ovens but slower than microwaves. They can cut your cooking time by about a third, which is still a significant time-saver.

Taste and Texture: Steam ovens offer better taste and texture than microwaves. Microwaved food tends to dry out, while steam ovens add moisture, resulting in food that is moist on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Nutrient Retention: Steam ovens are superior when it comes to retaining nutrients. While microwaving doesn't destroy nutrients, overcooking your food in a microwave can lead to nutrient loss. Steam ovens provide more even heating, reducing the chances of overcooking and helping retain more vitamins and minerals.

Versatility: Both appliances offer a wide range of functions. Steam ovens can toast, grill, broil, bake, and reheat, while microwaves can defrost, cook, and reheat. However, steam ovens have the added benefit of being able to cook almost anything well, while microwaves have more limited cooking capabilities.

Maintenance: Microwaves are generally easier to maintain as they only require occasional wiping after use. Steam ovens require a bit more maintenance, as you'll need to wipe up moisture after cooking and clean the oven after messier tasks like roasting a chicken.

Cost: Microwaves are typically more affordable, with basic models costing less than $100, while high-end models can go over $1,000. Steam ovens are more expensive, with wall units ranging from $2,000 to over $7,000, and countertop models starting at around $400.

In conclusion, both appliances have their strengths and weaknesses. If speed and convenience are your top priorities, a microwave might be your preferred choice. However, if you prioritize taste, texture, nutrient retention, and versatility, a steam oven could be a worthwhile investment, despite the higher cost and slightly longer cooking times.

Frequently asked questions