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Steam ovens, once a secret weapon in professional kitchens, are now becoming a must-have appliance for home chefs seeking healthier, more flavorful meals. In this article, we dive into the top five cooking benefits of steam ovens. From preserving nutrients to offering unparalleled versatility, we'll explore how these innovative ovens can transform your cooking experience. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just beginning your culinary journey, understanding the advantages of steam cooking is essential in today's health-conscious and flavor-focused world.
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Shop Built In Steam OvensWhat Is a Steam Oven?
A steam oven, also called a combi oven, is a kitchen appliance that cooks food using hot steam, preserving more nutrients and flavors compared to traditional baking or roasting methods. Some ovens are dedicated steam ovens, while others are conventional ovens equipped with steam settings, offering both traditional and steam cooking options in one appliance.
What Is the Difference Between a Steam Oven and a Convection Oven?
A steam oven and a convection oven differ primarily in their cooking methods. A combi oven uses hot steam to cook food, locking in moisture and nutrients, making it ideal for vegetables, fish, and delicate dishes. It gently cooks food at low temperatures, preserving texture and flavor.
On the other hand, a convection oven circulates hot air using a fan, cooking food faster and more evenly. This method is great for baking, roasting, and browning, giving a crispy exterior to meats and pastries. While steam ovens excel in healthy cooking, convection ovens are versatile for a range of cooking styles, from baking to roasting.
Can a Steam Oven Replace a Regular Oven?
A steam oven can replace a regular oven for many cooking tasks, particularly those where moisture retention is key, like cooking vegetables, baked goods, and certain meats. However, it might not completely replace a conventional oven in all aspects. Steam ovens are less effective for tasks that require dry heat, like achieving a crispy crust on breads or browning meats.
What Is a Steam Oven Good For?
A steam oven excels in cooking methods where retaining moisture, nutrients, and flavor is crucial. It's particularly effective for steaming vegetables, ensuring they stay vibrant and crisp while maximizing their nutritional value. Seafood and delicate proteins like chicken and fish are cooked gently, preserving their texture and taste. Steam ovens are also ideal for reheating leftovers, as the steam prevents drying out, keeping meals moist and flavorful.
5 Benefits of Steam Ovens
Steam ovens offer a unique combination of benefits that cater to those who are more health-conscious, as well as those who are culinary enthusiasts. Here are five notable benefits of steam ovens:
1. Healthier Cooking
One of the primary benefits of steam ovens is their ability to cook food in a healthier way. Steam cooking preserves more vitamins and minerals than traditional boiling or roasting, which can often lead to nutrient loss. Additionally, because steam cooking requires less oil or fat, it supports a lower-calorie, heart-healthy diet. This method of cooking not only maintains the nutritional integrity of food but also retains its natural flavors, colors, and textures, making dishes more appealing and tastier.
2. Gentle on Delicate Foods
Steam ovens are exceptionally gentle on delicate foods, making them ideal for cooking vegetables, fish, and tender cuts of meat. Unlike traditional ovens, which can easily overcook or dry out sensitive ingredients, steam ovens maintain a consistent and controlled moist environment. This ensures that foods like fish remain moist and flaky, vegetables keep their crispness and color, and poultry stays juicy and tender.
3. Cooking Versatility
Despite their name, steam ovens are not limited to just steaming. Many models offer a range of cooking modes, including conventional baking and roasting, making them a versatile addition to any kitchen. This versatility means you can steam fish, bake bread, and roast a chicken all with the same appliance. Additionally, some steam ovens come with advanced features like sous-vide, proofing dough, or defrosting, adding even more culinary possibilities.
4. Improved Reheating
Reheating food in a combi oven can vastly improve the taste and texture compared to a microwave. Microwaves often unevenly heat food and can make certain items rubbery or dry. A steam oven, however, reheats food gently, evenly distributing moisture and heat. This means leftovers, from pizza to casseroles, retain more of their original flavor and texture.
5. Efficient Cooking
Steam ovens can often cook food faster than conventional ovens. The reason for this efficiency is the steam’s ability to transfer heat more effectively than dry air. This can significantly reduce cooking times, especially for foods like vegetables and smaller cuts of meat. Moreover, the ability to cook at lower temperatures with steam means there's less risk of burning or overcooking, ensuring consistently excellent results.
Best Steam Ovens for Cooking
Here are some of the best built in steam ovens on the market that are perfect for cooking:
Café 30” Stainless Steel Steam Oven
With this Café steam oven, not only do you get powerful steam cooking, but you also get a range of other features to improve your cooking experience. That includes the option for true European convection baking, pre-programmed selections to create easy steamed recipes, and a recirculating water system to provide continuous steam to your recipes as you cook.
This oven also comes with a 1.3 cubic foot capacity, fitting most larger roasting pans. Lastly, thanks to its steam cleaning option, your entire oven can be cleaned in just 30-minutes with no harmful chemicals or odors.
Model #: CMB903P2NS1
Bertazzoni Professional Series 30” Stainless Steel Convection Steam Oven
Shop this Bertazzoni Professional Series Steam Oven
This Bertazzoni steam oven includes a number of similar features that the Café model offers, including combination cooking modes and a stainless steel finish. However, where it differs is in its size and warranty coverage.
Compared to the previous model, this steam oven comes with a 1.4 cubic foot capacity and two usable shelf levels. That means you have more versatility to fit different sized pans and recipes. And with its 2-years parts and labor warranty, you can rest easy knowing that your oven is well taken care of. That ensures your steam oven will continue working flawlessly for years to come.
Model #: PROF40CSEX
Bosch Benchmark Series 30” Stainless Steel Steam Convection Oven
Shop this Bosch Benchmark Steam Oven
This Bosch steam oven is perfect for those who like more efficiency in their kitchen. That’s thanks to its powerful features, like the Perfect Reheating technology, and the vegetable and chicken programs, which automatically set the temperature and humidity of the oven for you.
Next to that, this oven also includes extra convenience features, including a steam assist clean, and a delay start function, so you can time out your meals perfectly. Lastly, with its 1.4 qt water tank, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll have steam ready to be used for an entire cooking cycle.
Model #: HSLP451UC
Fisher & Paykel Series 9 24” Black Glass Combination Steam Oven
Shop this Fisher & Paykel Combi Oven
If you’re searching for a versatile oven that looks great in almost any kitchen, look no further than this Fisher & Paykel steam oven. With its sleek black glass finish, this oven has a contemporary style which works in a variety of kitchen designs. But it also comes with a ton of awesome features that benefit every kitchen it’s placed in.
That includes a vacuum seal drawer, which helps you effortlessly prepare sous vide creations. It also includes combination cooking, allowing you to cook with convection, steam, or a combination of the two. Lastly, with its touchscreen interface, this oven can guide you through different recipes and change the temperature and heat type for you automatically.
Model #: OS24NDTDB1
Fulgor Milano 700 Series 30” Stainless Steel Steam Oven
Shop this Fulgor Milano Steam Oven
This Fulgor Milano steam oven is an excellent addition to any kitchen thanks to its professional features, such as the cool touch door, the stainless interior with a broiler, and the quick access menu on the oven’s control panel for quick and efficient decision making.
Besides that though, it also comes with additional features, including a steam limescale filter, which helps product your oven appliance from limescale buildup. Lastly, with its meat probe, you can monitor your recipes as they cook to ensure you pull them out at the perfect temperature.
Model #: F7DSCO30S1
JennAir RISE 24” Stainless Steel Electric Built In Single Steam Oven
Shop this JennAir RISE Steam Oven
Not only does this JennAir steam oven come with steam cooking capabilities, but it also comes with a steam tray, a perforated pan, that lets you cook dishes with steam more easily. This pan helps to bring out the flavor and cook your meals and recipes more evenly.
For other types of cooking and recipes, like baking, this oven also comes with a drip tray to make clean up easy. Besides that, this oven also comes with features you might find in other steam ovens, including a stainless steel interior and a temperature probe so you can monitor your recipes easily while they cook.
Model #: JJW6024HL
Monogram Statement Collection 30” Stainless Steel Steam Oven
Shop this Monogram Statement Collection Steam Oven
This Monogram steam oven not only comes with powerful features found in other steam ovens, like combination cooking, it also comes with six stainless steel pans that are ideal for using the steam oven and reheating multiple food items simultaneously.
Next to that, this oven comes with a large number of built-in recipes. That means you can perfectly prepare vegetables, rice, grains, and meat with just the push of a button. Lastly, thanks to its innovate recirculating water system, this oven provides continuous steam throughout the cooking process.
Model #: ZMB9031SNSS
Sharp 24” Stainless Steel Built-In Steam Oven
With this Sharp steam oven, you get a number of features that make your cooking a lot easier. That includes different cooking options, such as Superheated Steam at Browning Temperatures, Gentle and Regular Steam, and Radiant Heat & Convection. Besides that, it’s also built-in ready, meaning it can be installed in a wall, under-the-counter, or in a kitchen island.
Once positioned and installed, it fits in seamlessly with your kitchen cabinetry. Next to those features, it also has a Water Bath, which is a virtual Bain-Marie for slow-baking custards, cheesecakes, and puddings. And with its different preset cleaning modes, you can clean the entire oven, or sterilize different utensils, like canning jars and lids.
Model #: SSC2489GS
Smeg Linea 24” Mystic Gray Electric Steam Oven
This Smeg steam oven comes with everything you need in a kitchen appliance. From 14 different cooking modes to 50 automatic cooking programs that guide you through recipes step-by-step, this oven is a perfect addition to your meal preparation.
It also comes with other features, like true European convection, 10 customizable recipes, rapid-preheating, and a child lock to ensure your cooking area stays safe and secure.
Model #: SFU4104VCS
How To Choose a Steam Oven
When choosing a steam oven, consider these three key steps:
- Assess Your Cooking Needs: Reflect on your cooking habits and preferences. If you often cook vegetables, fish, or prefer moist cooking methods, a steam oven is a great choice. For those who bake frequently, it’s helpful to look for models that combine steam and convection cooking.
- Size and Capacity: Consider the available space in your kitchen and your typical portion sizes. Steam ovens come in various sizes, so choose one that fits your kitchen layout and meets your cooking volume needs.
- Features and Budget: Examine different features like programmable settings, temperature control, and additional cooking modes. Set a budget and compare models within that range, balancing desired features with affordability. Remember, higher price doesn't always mean better performance for your specific needs.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about steam ovens:
What is a steam oven?
A steam oven is a kitchen appliance that uses steam to cook food. Unlike traditional ovens that cook with dry heat, steam and combi ovens inject or generate steam into the cooking chamber, gently cooking food at lower temperatures. This method retains more nutrients and flavors, making it ideal for health-conscious cooking. These ovens can vary from dedicated steam-only models to combination ovens that offer both steam and conventional cooking methods.
How to use a steam oven
Using a steam oven involves filling the water reservoir, selecting the appropriate steam setting or temperature, and placing your food inside. For vegetables or fish, choose a pure steam setting. For bread or pastries, a combination of steam and convection might be ideal. Preheat the oven if required, set the timer, and allow the steam to cook the food. After cooking, empty the water reservoir and wipe the interior to prevent limescale buildup.
Are steam ovens worth it?
Steam ovens are worth it for those prioritizing healthy cooking and flavor retention. They excel in cooking vegetables, fish, and lean meats while preserving nutrients and moisture. Steam ovens are also versatile, suitable for a range of dishes from steamed puddings to sous-vide meats. However, they can be pricier than traditional ovens and may not replace all conventional oven functions, like achieving a crisp crust. Consider your cooking style and budget when deciding.
How does a steam oven work?
A steam oven works by heating water from a built-in reservoir or direct water line to create steam. This steam is then released into the sealed cooking chamber, surrounding and penetrating the food. This cooking method allows for even heat distribution, gentle cooking, and moisture retention. Some steam ovens also combine convection heating, using a fan to circulate hot air and steam, offering more versatility in cooking techniques and achieving different textures in food.
Where to find a steam oven near me?
If you’re looking for a steam oven near South Daytona, Florida, look no further than John’s Appliance & Bedding. We have a large selection of steam ovens that are sure to meet the needs of your kitchen. Stop in today and let our team of appliance experts help you find the perfect steam oven for your home.
Why Trust John’s Appliance & Bedding?
Our family-owned and operated store started with a pick-up truck and a dream. When John Hinton Jr. first opened his storefront in 1972, he never envisioned that over the next 50 years, he would outgrow his flagship location and need to open several other locations. However, that’s just what he did.
Thanks to John and his team, John’s Appliance & Bedding has been able to provide our customers with the best appliances, mattresses, and cabinet solutions in South Florida. We view our customers as an extension of our family and seek to provide the best service and expertise that we always have.
Shop Steam Ovens at John’s Appliance & Bedding
At John’s Appliance & Bedding, we provide high-quality, name-brand products for the best possible price. Shop steam ovens online or visit one of our four South Florida showrooms and experience world-class customer service. Our friendly product experts are always happy to help you find the best steam oven for your home — whether you call us, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
Learn more: What Is a Convection Microwave, and Are They Worth It?