Steam Ovens: Are They Worth The Hype?

Steam ovens are a relatively new kitchen appliance that uses steam to cook food. They offer a healthier way to cook, as they retain more nutrients than regular cooking methods. However, they also come with some downsides. One of the main disadvantages is the cost, as steam ovens tend to be more expensive than traditional ovens. Additionally, steam ovens require more maintenance and cleaning due to the build-up of condensation. They also have a limited temperature range and browning capabilities, making them less suitable for cooking certain types of food such as baked goods that require a classic golden-brown finish. Furthermore, there is a steep learning curve associated with using a steam oven, as cooking times and techniques differ from those of a conventional oven. Despite these drawbacks, steam ovens are highly versatile and efficient, making them a popular choice for health-conscious individuals.

Steam ovens are more expensive than traditional ovens

Steam ovens are a relatively new appliance that can be a great addition to your kitchen. However, one of the most significant downsides is that they are more expensive than traditional ovens. Here are some reasons why steam ovens carry a higher price tag:

Additional Features and Complexity

Steam ovens have a unique way of cooking food using steam instead of traditional heating elements. This involves a more complex system, including a water reservoir, a boiler, and a steam release mechanism. The additional features and complexity of the cooking system contribute to the higher cost of steam ovens.

Higher-End Materials and Build Quality

The materials and build quality of steam ovens also play a role in their pricing. To ensure effective steam cooking, these ovens often require high-quality materials and construction. This includes stainless steel coatings on the interior, which facilitate easy cleaning and maintenance. The overall build quality of steam ovens tends to be higher to accommodate the steam-generating components and maintain optimal performance.

Energy Efficiency

While steam ovens are known for their energy efficiency, the technology and design required to achieve this efficiency come at a cost. Most steam ovens on the market have an A+ energy rating or higher, which contributes to their higher price compared to traditional ovens.

Installation and Maintenance

The installation process for steam ovens can also impact their cost. Plumbed steam ovens, which connect directly to the water supply, typically require professional installation by a plumber. This adds to the overall expense. Additionally, steam ovens may require more maintenance due to the potential for limescale and grime build-up, especially in models with internal water reservoirs.

Versatility and Performance

Steam ovens offer a wide range of cooking options and are highly versatile. They can cook a variety of dishes, from meats and vegetables to bread, pasta, and desserts. This versatility and their superior performance in retaining moisture, flavour, and nutrients justify their higher price compared to traditional ovens.

They require more cleaning due to condensation

Steam ovens are a relatively new kitchen appliance that uses steam to cook food. While they have many benefits, such as locking in flavour and nutrients, they also have some downsides. One of these is that they require more cleaning than traditional ovens due to the build-up of condensation.

Condensation and Cleaning

Condensation is an inevitable result of cooking with steam, and this can lead to a build-up of residue on the walls of the oven. This residue needs to be wiped down and dried after each use to prevent the accumulation of condensation, which can result in a bad odour and even potential damage to the oven.

Descaling

In addition to regular wiping down, the boiler tank of a steam oven also needs to be regularly descaled to prevent the growth of mould, mildew and hard water stains. This is an important step to ensure the proper functioning of the oven and to maintain good hygiene.

Self-Cleaning Models

Some higher-end steam oven models come with a self-cleaning function, which can be run regularly to reduce the amount of manual cleaning required. However, it is still recommended to give the oven a quick wipe down after each use, as the self-cleaning function does not completely eliminate the need for cleaning.

Cleaning Equipment

The specialised cleaning requirements of steam ovens also mean that additional cleaning equipment may need to be purchased, which can add to the overall cost of owning and maintaining this type of oven.

They take up more space in the kitchen

One of the main disadvantages of steam ovens is that they take up a lot of space in the kitchen. Even the countertop models take up more space than a traditional microwave. If you're considering a steam oven, you'll need to ensure you have the workspace for it, especially if you're thinking of buying a large countertop model or a built-in version.

If you don't have the space for a huge combination steam oven alongside your regular oven, you may need to replace your traditional oven with a combination steam oven, which can be an expensive purchase. Steam ovens are generally the more expensive option when buying an oven, with prices ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 for higher-end models.

Low-end steam ovens are still costly, and while they may be cheaper than a high-end gas oven, they can't efficiently cook everything a gas oven can. For example, steam ovens are not ideal for cooking foods that need to be crispy or browned, such as baked goods, meats, cookies, bread, cakes, and pies.

If you're looking for a steam oven to replace your regular oven, you'll need to consider the size and whether it will fit in the space you have available. You may also need to factor in the cost of any building work required to install a built-in steam oven.

Overall, while steam ovens offer many benefits, such as faster and healthier cooking, their large size and high cost are significant drawbacks that may make them impractical for some homeowners.

They can't brown or grill food like conventional ovens

Steam ovens are a relatively new cooking appliance that uses steam to cook food. While steam ovens have many benefits, they also have some downsides when compared to conventional ovens. One of the main disadvantages is that they cannot brown or grill food like conventional ovens.

Steam ovens use hot steam to cook food, which is created by heating water to 212°F. This steam circulates around the food, cooking it thoroughly. While this method has many advantages, such as retaining moisture and nutrients, it does not create the same browning or grilling effect as a conventional oven.

Browning and grilling are essential for developing flavour and texture in many dishes. For example, larger meats, cookies, bread, cakes, and pies benefit from browning and grilling, which gives them a crispy, golden-brown finish. Steam ovens, on the other hand, cannot reach the same high temperatures as conventional ovens, so they do not produce the same results.

Additionally, steam ovens cannot sear meat or bake casseroles effectively. The browning and grilling capabilities of conventional ovens come from the use of dry heat, which creates a different type of flavour and texture than steam ovens.

For this reason, many people choose to have both a steam oven and a conventional oven in their kitchen. This allows them to take advantage of the benefits of steam cooking while still being able to brown and grill food when needed.

In summary, while steam ovens offer a healthy and efficient way to cook food, they lack the browning and grilling capabilities of conventional ovens. This is something to consider when deciding if a steam oven is the right choice for your kitchen.

They need to be refilled with water regularly

One of the downsides of cooking with a steam oven is that they need to be refilled with water regularly. Steam ovens use steam to cook food, and this steam is generated by heating water in a reservoir inside the oven. Non-plumbed steam ovens, which are not connected to a water line, need to be manually filled with water before each use. This can be an inconvenience, especially for foods with longer cooking times, as they may require refilling during cooking.

The frequency of refilling depends on the size of the water reservoir and the cooking time and temperature required for the dish being prepared. For example, dishes that require high humidity and longer cooking times will use more water and may need to be refilled during the cooking process. On the other hand, dishes that are cooked at lower temperatures and with less humidity will use less water and may only need to be refilled between cooking sessions.

To ensure optimal performance and avoid potential damage to the oven, it is important to keep the water reservoir filled to the appropriate level. Allowing the reservoir to run dry can affect the cooking process and may lead to uneven cooking or undercooked food. Additionally, a lack of water can cause damage to the oven, as the heating element may overheat without sufficient water to generate steam.

For those who opt for a plumbed steam oven, which is connected to the home's water supply, manual refilling is not necessary. However, this option requires professional installation and may be more costly.

Frequently asked questions