Steam Ovens: How They Work And Why You Need One

Steam ovens are a type of oven that cooks food using steam instead of hot air. They have a reservoir of water that is converted to steam and circulated around the food. This method of cooking locks in more nutrients and vitamins than traditional ovens, and it also cooks food faster. Steam ovens are more expensive than traditional ovens, but they offer a range of benefits, including healthier cooking, moisture retention, faster cooking times, versatility, and energy efficiency.

Steam ovens cook food using steam, not hot air

Steam ovens are a relatively new kitchen appliance that cooks food using steam rather than hot air. They have a reservoir of water within the appliance that is converted to steam during the cooking process. This is circulated around the food, cooking it from the outside in.

This is different from a standard convection oven, which uses dry heat. Using steam has many advantages, including locking in essential vitamins and nutrients that are lost when browning or roasting food in a conventional oven. Steam ovens are also said to be more energy efficient, with most models having an A+ energy rating or above.

Steam ovens are great for cooking vegetables, but you can also cook meat, fish, bread, rice, pasta, and desserts. The steam keeps food moist, locking in nutrients and flavour, and eliminating the need for extra fats and oils. Steam ovens also cut down cooking time and are more efficient when it comes to reheating leftovers.

Most steam ovens have a small tank that you fill with water, which is then heated and dispersed as steam to cook your food. Some high-end models can be directly hooked up to a water line, removing the need for manual refills.

They are healthier than standard ovens

Steam ovens are considered healthier than standard ovens for several reasons. Firstly, they help retain the food's natural moisture, preventing it from drying out. This results in food that is juicier and tastier without the need for additional oil, fat, or seasoning. Steam cooking is also a more efficient way to lock in essential vitamins and minerals, ensuring meals are more nutritious. For example, steamed foods contain more nutrients like Vitamin C, antioxidants, and folic acid.

Steam ovens are also gentler on food, preserving its natural textures, colours, and nutritional value. This is especially beneficial for cooking vegetables, as they are steamed to perfection while retaining their nutrients. Additionally, the high heat of traditional ovens can destroy certain nutrients like Vitamin C and folate, whereas steam cooking helps preserve them.

Steam ovens are also faster than conventional ovens, reducing cooking time significantly, especially when preparing large quantities of food. This speed is due to steam being a more efficient heat conductor than air, resulting in quicker and more even cooking. For instance, salmon may take 20 minutes to cook in a traditional oven but only five to eight minutes in a steam oven.

Another health benefit of steam ovens is that they require less added fat during cooking. The moist cooking environment of a steam oven means that foods like roasted vegetables can be cooked without coating them in oil to prevent them from drying out. Similarly, chicken, fish, and meat can be steamed to juicy perfection without the need for added fat.

Lastly, steam ovens are excellent for defrosting food safely and quickly. Unlike a microwave, food won't start to cook partially, and it's much faster than defrosting in the fridge. This makes steam ovens a versatile and healthy option for cooking and preparing meals.

Steam ovens can be used to reheat food

Steam ovens are a relatively new appliance that cooks food using steam. They have a reservoir of water within the appliance that is converted to steam during the cooking process. This steam is then circulated around the food.

Steam ovens are great for reheating food. They can be used to reheat anything from steak to a whole roast chicken, and the steam function preserves moisture, colour and nutrients, as well as taste and texture. The reheat function is great for foods that would otherwise dry out when reheated, such as chicken, beef, pork, fish, pasta and bread.

To reheat a typical single-serve meal, put the food in the dish or bowl you'll eat from (not plastic, as it could melt) and place it in a cold oven. Use the reheat program if your oven has one, or set the oven to 250°F/120°C on a combi steam setting. If your oven requires you to select a steam level, choose around 50% (or medium) steam. You'll need to use your common sense to know when your food is warmed through—generally, this will take about 10 minutes for a regular adult-sized meal.

For delicate foods or meats that are cooked to less than well-done, heat lower and slower. Use a temperature of around 175°F/80°C. Some steam ovens will allow you to go this low and still use a combi setting—if yours does, choose this and use 50% (medium) steam. Otherwise, use the steam setting, but be aware that your food will be very moist, and you may wish to cover it loosely to avoid drips. This low and slow reheat takes longer—allow about 20 minutes once the oven reaches temperature.

For a family meal with multiple components, it's best to put each component into a separate pan. Start from cold and set the oven to 250°F/120°C on a combi steam setting. If your oven requires you to select a steam level, use 50% (medium) steam.

To reheat a whole frozen dish, such as lasagne or enchiladas, make sure the food is thawed first. Reheat using combi steam (50%/medium steam) at a higher temperature, around 320°F/160°C. The higher temperature will heat faster, but you'll still get the moisture benefits of combi or convection steam cooking.

For larger quantities of cooked meat, it's recommended to reheat at a lower temperature so that the meat doesn't dry out. The temperature and time will depend on the temperature the meat was cooked at initially. Whatever you're reheating, make sure it's heated through fully, and straight from the fridge, to avoid food safety issues.

The advantage of using a combi steam oven to reheat food is the balance between the steam and the heat from the element. The steam helps to add moisture back into the food, which is lost when food is stored in the fridge after cooking.

Reheating in a combi steam oven takes longer than using a microwave, but the results make it worthwhile. When you use a microwave, you turn the moisture in the food into heat, which dries out the food and can cause a rubbery texture, especially in meat. It can also overcook your food, leaving a compromised texture. Using a combi steam oven ensures an even heat, as the steam can penetrate more evenly throughout the food while it heats.

Steam ovens are more expensive than other ovens

Secondly, steam ovens often come with a range of advanced features and functions that contribute to their higher price tag. For example, some models offer guided cooking and recipes, while others have features such as MultiSteam technology, which generates and distributes steam through multiple jets for uniform cooking results. The most high-end models can even be connected to a water line, eliminating the need for manual refills.

In addition to the initial purchase cost, steam ovens may also require a higher installation cost, especially if you opt for a plumbed version. This is because of the additional work involved in connecting the oven to the water supply and installing the necessary pipes.

Furthermore, steam ovens are often part of a premium brand's appliance selection, which means that the overall cost of outfitting an entire kitchen with matching appliances can be significant. This is particularly true if you are doing a full kitchen renovation or overhaul, as you will need to allocate a substantial budget for the appliances.

Lastly, the build quality and cooking performance of steam ovens are generally superior to those of standard ovens. This is reflected in the price, as higher-quality materials and craftsmanship are used in their construction. As the saying goes, "you get what you pay for", and this certainly applies to steam ovens.

They require more cleaning

Steam ovens are a relatively new kitchen appliance that cooks food using steam. They have a reservoir of water that is converted to steam during the cooking process. This steam is then circulated around the food, cooking it.

While steam ovens offer many benefits, such as locking in essential vitamins and nutrients, they do require more cleaning than traditional ovens. Here's why:

Moisture Build-Up

Steam ovens, by their very nature, produce a lot of moisture. This moisture can build up inside the oven if not properly ventilated or wiped down after each use. This build-up can lead to a bad odour and potential damage to the oven.

Manual Cleaning

To avoid moisture build-up, it is recommended to wipe down the oven cavity with a damp cloth after each use. Mild dish soap can be used for particularly messy cooks. The oven should then be dried with a clean cloth. This manual cleaning process can be time-consuming, especially compared to traditional ovens, which may only require a deep clean every few months.

Descaling

In addition to regular wiping down, steam ovens also need to be descaled after a certain number of uses. This process is similar to descaling a coffee maker and helps to remove any mineral build-up from the water.

Refilling the Reservoir

Most steam ovens have a manual reservoir that needs to be refilled regularly. This can be an inconvenience, especially if you have to refill it in the middle of cooking. Some high-end models can be plumbed directly into a water line, but these tend to be more expensive.

Bulky Design

Countertop steam ovens can be bulky and take up precious counter space. Built-in steam ovens, on the other hand, can be seamlessly integrated into your kitchen but may require a kitchen remodel.

While steam ovens offer many benefits in terms of cooking, they do require more frequent and thorough cleaning to maintain optimal performance. This is something to consider when deciding whether to invest in a steam oven for your kitchen.

Frequently asked questions