Steam ovens have been growing in popularity in recent years. As more home cooks prioritize healthy cooking methods, the versatile steam oven presents an appealing option. However, with the higher price point and learning curve associated with steam ovens, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if one is right for your kitchen.
This comprehensive guide examines the benefits and limitations of steam ovens to help you make an informed decision. We’ll cover topics such as:
- What is a steam oven and how does it work?
- Benefits of steam cooking
- Drawbacks to consider
- Steam oven features to look for
- Do you need a steam oven?
By the end, you’ll have all the details you need to determine if a steam oven is a smart addition to your kitchen or if you’re better off saving the cost and counter space.
What is a Steam Oven and How Does It Work?
Before weighing the pros and cons, let’s start with the basics – what exactly is a steam oven and how does it work?
Steam Oven Definition
A steam oven is a special type of oven that uses steam heat for cooking instead of the dry heat used in conventional ovens. It produces steam internally rather than requiring an external steam generator.
Cooking with Steam
Steam ovens cook food using boiling water to produce hot, moist steam. The steam is able to transfer heat very efficiently, cooking food through direct contact rather than relying solely on hot air.
Many steam ovens today are combination ovens. This means they have settings for using steam cooking, conventional cooking, or a combination of steam and convection heat.
Advantages Over Steaming
While you can steam foods using a basic steamer or pot on your stovetop, using an actual steam oven provides advantages:
- More consistent steam temperature/density
- Enclosed cavity allows steam to surround food
- No need to worry about pans boiling dry
- Often programmable with cooking presets
- Can switch to dry heat as needed
Now that you understand the basics of what a steam oven is and how it functions, let’s examine the benefits and drawbacks of this appliance.
Read More: How to descale a Thermador steam oven
Benefits of Steam Ovens
Steam ovens provide a number of compelling benefits when compared to both standard ovens and other cooking methods.
Healthier Cooking
One of the biggest advantages of using steam for cooking is that it’s a very healthy preparation method. Steam ovens highlight moisture and gentle heat rather than oil and intense dry baking.
Some of the health perks include:
- Retains more nutrients and vitamins compared to boiling or microwaving
- Natural flavors and colors are preserved better
- Low-fat and low-calorie substitute for frying or breading meats
- Can cook healthier recipes not possible in standard ovens
Steaming is one of the best cooking methods for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. It gives you the benefit of gentle moist heat without stripping food of all its goodness in the way that boiling or microwaving can.
If you follow a diet that emphasizes natural, minimally processed ingredients, you’ll appreciate how subtly a steam oven can infuse foods with flavor while retaining more of their nutrients. This gives you deliciously healthy meals rather than the bland “diet food” some people expect when eating healthy.
Faster Cooking Times
Thanks to steam’s outstanding conductivity, it can cook foods significantly faster than standard dry oven heat. On average, steam ovens cook about 25-50% faster than traditional ovens.
This super fast cooking makes steam ovens convenient for quick weeknight meals. It also uses less energy for the shorter cooking duration.
Here are some estimates for common dishes:
- Boneless chicken breasts – 15 minutes
- Salmon fillets – 10 minutes
- Frozen lasagna – 45 minutes
- Baked potatoes – 30-40 minutes
- Hard boiled eggs – 13-16 minutes
- Steamed vegetables – 5-15 minutes
Exact durations depend on the quantity and doneness preference, but you can expect notably speedier results.
More Moisture = Better Texture
The moist heat environment in a steam oven gives you much better control over texture of foods prone to drying out. The constant circulation of steam keeps everything tender.
Foods like meat, fish, and leftovers reheat without losing moisture and becoming tough or chewy. The gentle steam heat brings leftover roasts, chicken, casseroles, and more back to juicy, delicious life.
Bread reheats to taste freshly baked thanks to the revitalizing steam moisture. You can also proof dough and bake artisanal bread using steam.
For dishes with sauce, the steam keeps everything cohesive, so pasta sauces cling while risottos and paella cook up creamy.
Juicier Meat & Seafood
Steaming is especially beneficial for leaner cuts of meat like chicken or pork tenderloin. It infuses meats with moisture, so they turn out succulent despite low fat content.
With juicier results, you can use healthier cuts while still achieving tender textures. Marinades and seasonings also penetrate efficiently to give bolder, more balanced flavors.
For fish fillets or shellfish, the gentle poaching action firms up delicate proteins perfectly without overcooking. It cuts down on eating dried out seafood.
More Energy Efficient
Thanks to faster preheating and shorter cooking times, steam ovens use less energy than conventional ovens. They only need to reach 100°C / 212°F compared to standard oven temperatures of at least 175°C / 350°F.
Steam ovens are also well-insulated, so steam and heat stay inside instead of escaping each time you open the door. Their water reservoirs recycle hot steam for improved efficiency while lowering your electricity and water utility bills.
Compact Size
Since steam ovens utilize moist heat very effectively, they can cook faster in a smaller cavity than dry ovens. Many models have internal capacities under 4 cubic feet.
The compact size makes them convenient options in small kitchens, summer homes, or recreational vehicles where you’re limited on space. Some stackable steam oven models are installed neatly into tall column units.
Do keep in mind that steam ovens are often deeper than standard ovens to accommodate water reservoirs and plumbing components. They take up more depth while sacrificing some width.
Versatile Functions
High-end combination steam ovens give you exceptional cooking flexibility. They allow you to not only steam foods but also:
- Roast meats and veggies using convection fans
- Bake breads, pastries, casseroles
- Broil steaks, chops, etc.
- Cook pizzas with crispy crusts
- Warm plates and dishes
- Proof dough
- Slow cook convenience foods
Many models have specialty features like cook-and-hold, Sabbath modes, and preset cooking functions for simplified meal preparation.
You can cook an incredible array of dishes, from steamed Asian dumplings to paella to casseroles to crème brûlée – all in one appliance!
Easy to Clean
A common concern with any oven is keeping it clean, especially if you cook regularly. However, steam ovens are much simpler to clean and maintain.
Steam naturally loosens any grime or splatters inside the oven cavity so you can quickly wipe them away. The moist environment also cuts down significantly on smoking, burnt food, and stubborn grease buildup.
Most steam ovens have self-cleaning cycles too. They use very high heat steam to dissolve any remaining bits after wiping up the easy stuff.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
While steam ovens excel in many ways, they do come with some downsides to factor into your decision. Consider these potential cons:
High Upfront Cost
Without question, steam ovens carry steep price tags. Combi steam models range anywhere from $2,000 up to $7,000+ depending on the brand, size, and features. That’s 4-10 times the cost of many standard ovens!
Make sure to account for additional installation expenses, too, if your kitchen requires electrical upgrades to handle a high-voltage appliance.
Additionally, steam ovens have higher operating costs in the form of:
- Increased water usage
- Potential drain pump/water filtration system
- More electricity usage than basic ovens
- Costly repairs from complicated electrical components
While deemed an investment, the cumulative costs make steam ovens impractical for many budgets. Do your homework to calculate total affordability.
Size and Installation Limitations
In addition to the premium cost, installation presents challenges due to large sizes and extensive ventilation needs.
Steam ovens need ample clearance on all sides, along the bottom, and especially overhead. Models are often 30-36 inches tall yet require another 6+ inches of headspace for steaming systems. Many kitchens can’t accommodate the height.
The width also limits installation between standard cabinet spacing. You usually need professional installation help due to the weight and electrical requirements too.
Make sure to measure your available space thoroughly before purchasing. Never make any assumptions a model will fit without verifying.
Longer Preheating Times
Preheating takes significantly longer than a standard oven due to the water reservoir needing to boil to create steam. It can take up to 15 minutes to fully preheat which reduces convenience for quick heating tasks.
Learning Curve
Mastering the functions of a steam oven takes some adjustment from what you’re used to with a regular stove or oven. Be prepared for a learning curve as you adapt to an entirely steam based environment.
You’ll need to learn specifics like timing, arrangement, proper vessels, water management, ideal heat settings, and more through trial and error. Thankfully many combo steam ovens provide presets, conversions, guides, and auto-sensors to offset the initial challenges.
Moisture Drawbacks
While moisture provides plenty of benefits, some drawbacks come with it too.
The constant steam means many foods won’t achieve crispy textures and browned surfaces. Pastries and bread appear pale rather than toasty brown unless you finish off items by quickly broiling or torching them.
Opening and closing the door frequently lets moisture escape which can prevent desirable crisping. Avoiding soggy results requires monitoring cooking progress.
The wet environment also makes the interior prone to contamination from yeasts, mold, and bacteria. Proper venting and consistent cleaning are essential.
Lastly, without sufficient ventilation, all the steam can make your kitchen unpleasantly hot, humid, and wet.
Maintenance and Repairs
More components mean more things that could require repair down the road. From heating elements and fans to gaskets, pumps, reservoirs, and motherboards – fixes get complicated and costly.
Water filtration systems and descaling requirements also add recurring maintenance responsibilities. Review expected reliability ratings and lifespans carefully rather than assuming a uniform level of durability.
Key Features to Evaluate
If you decide the benefits outweigh the limitations for your needs, here are some key features to evaluate when selecting a steam oven:
- Total Capacity – Consider both overall oven capacity and internal vessel/rack allowances. You need ample room for dishes and pans to fit comfortably.
- Temperature Range – Look for max temperatures of at least 210°F for proper steaming functionality. Many combis reach 475°F+ for added versatility.
- Steam Cycles – Check that steam functions allow adjustments to temperature, density, duration, and injection intervals. The more customization available, the wider array of cooking options you’ll have.
- Combination Cooking – Evaluate what dry heating abilities are available to complement steam cycles. Convection baking and broiling features expand your versatility.
- Presets & Modes – Look for specialty modes tailored to popular dishes like meats, veggies, rice, bread, etc. Consider your likely cooking needs. The more presets available, the easier the learning curve will be.
- Smart Technology – WiFi connectivity, downloadable recipes, and user setting memory all simplify using your steam oven. Auto-sensors for temperature and humidity are also beneficial for perfect results.
- Cleaning & Maintenance – Check that cleaning cycles are high heat and that descaling cycles are readily accessible to maintain performance. Water filters protect components which is vital for longevity.
Use this checklist to compare different models across brands using these criteria relevant to your personal needs. Don’t opt for lots of extra modes and settings that you realistically won’t use regularly. Match special features to your menu priorities.
Do You Need a Steam Oven?
With all of the pros, cons, and key considerations in mind, how do you know if your kitchen would truly benefit from getting a steam oven?
Here are some key indicators that a steam oven aligns well with your lifestyle and cooking priorities:
- You follow a very healthy diet – If you emphasize eating fresh, minimally processed whole foods for health reasons, a steam oven supports nutritious preservation during cooking.
- You cook lean meats frequently – The gentle poaching action keeps lean proteins like poultry, fish, pork, and beef tender without fat to baste them.
- You prepare lots of vegetables – The moist, delicate heat of steaming makes vegetables vibrant, crisp-tender perfection.
- You bake artisanal bread – Steam allows you to proof and bake rustic, chewy, Old-World style bread conveniently.
- You want juicy leftovers – Steam reheating puts the moisture back into leftovers that dry out in the fridge, unlike any microwave.
- You have little free counter space – A compact steam oven maximizes cooking functionality where countertop appliances are impractical.
- You have interest in sous vide cooking – Steaming ovens essentially give you built-in sous vide precision when cooking vacuum-sealed foods.
- You cook ethnic dishes often – Steaming is essential for many Asian or Indian dishes, from dumplings to seafood curries to tamales.
- You want a second oven – Adding a steam oven makes a perfect secondary oven for seasonal demands like holidays without sacrificing daily kitchen space when not needed.
On the other hand, if most of your cooking involves quick convenience foods, family sized casseroles, large roasts, or traditional oven recipes, a steam oven offers less value given its limitations.
The Final Verdict: Is a Steam Oven Worth It for You?
In the end, deciding if you should buy a steam oven comes down to honestly assessing your budget, cooking demands, and willingness to learn the quirks of steam heating.
For those who prioritize healthy cooking and want exceptional versatility in a secondary oven, a quality combination steam model offers incredible value. It certainly classifies as a luxury, but unlocks incredible potential in your kitchen.
However, smaller households lacking spare space or money may struggle to justify a specialized steam oven appliance, given their limitations. Only you can decide if the benefits outweigh the cons for your personal situation.
Hopefully, this guide gave you all details needed to determine if steam ovens deserve the hype or don’t fully align with your cooking needs after all. Best of luck with your purchase decision!