All-In-One Ovens

Find out why steam ovens are becoming increasingly popular for cooking and baking. Learn about the benefits of steam ovens, how they work, and what types of food they are best suited for. 

Steam ovens are a popular appliance that has become increasingly common in modern kitchens. These innovative ovens are designed to cook food with steam instead of dry heat, offering a range of benefits that traditional ovens cannot match. 

Difference Between Steam Ovens and Other Ovens

To understand the benefits of steam ovens, it's essential to know how they differ from other types of ovens. Conventional ovens use dry heat to cook food, while steam ovens use moist heat. The primary difference between these two types of ovens is that steam ovens cook food more gently, with lower temperatures and higher humidity.

Steam ovens also offer the option of combining steam and dry heat. This means that you can use the oven to cook food with a combination of moist and dry heat, which is perfect for roasting meats, baking bread, and other dishes that require both types of heat.

Benefits of Having a Steam Oven

There are numerous benefits to having a steam oven in your kitchen. Here are just a few of the reasons why more and more people are choosing to cook with steam ovens:

• Healthier Cooking: One of the most significant benefits of steam ovens is that they cook food more healthily than traditional ovens. Because steam ovens use moist heat, they do not require additional fats or oils to cook food. This means that meals cooked in a steam oven are often lower in calories, fat, and cholesterol than those cooked in a conventional oven.

• Retains Nutrients and Flavor: Another benefit of steam ovens is that they help retain the nutrients and flavors in food. The moist heat in a steam oven keeps the food moist, preventing it from drying out and losing its nutrients. Additionally, the steam helps to infuse the food with flavor, resulting in a richer, more flavorful dish.

• Versatility: Steam ovens are incredibly versatile appliances. They can be used to cook a wide range of foods, including meats, fish, vegetables, and baked goods. They are also excellent for reheating leftovers, as the moist heat helps to prevent the food from drying out.

• Energy Efficiency: Steam ovens are more energy-efficient than conventional ovens. Because they use lower temperatures and less energy to cook food, they consume less power and are more environmentally friendly.

4 Best Practices for Using a Steam Oven

To get the most out of your steam oven, there are a few best practices that you should follow:

1. Use the Right Cookware

When using a steam oven, it's essential to use the right cookware. You should use oven-safe dishes that are designed for use with steam ovens. Avoid using plastic or other materials that can melt or warp in high temperatures.

1. Don't Overcrowd the Oven

To ensure that your food cooks evenly, it's crucial not to overcrowd the oven. Leave enough space between dishes to allow the steam to circulate freely. If you need to cook multiple dishes at once, use the oven's multiple racks to create more space.

1. Use the Correct Temperature and Time

When cooking with a steam oven, it's essential to use the correct temperature and time settings. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, and adjust the settings as necessary for the type of food you are cooking.

1. Preheat the Oven

Just like a conventional oven, it's essential to preheat your steam oven before cooking. This helps to ensure that the oven is at the correct temperature when you start cooking, resulting in more even and consistent cooking.

Best Steam Ovens to Consider for Your Kitchen

Steam ovens have taken the world of cooking by storm. These versatile appliances provide a range of functions, from steaming to baking to air frying, all in one compact unit. Here we take a look at some of the top steam ovens on the market.

• Stream 52 is a multi-function steam oven that brings a range of dishes to your repertoire. It's an all-in-one cooking appliance that allows you to steam, bake, air fry, or do a combination of all three. With an intuitive touch control panel, you can easily access a variety of cooking styles. The oven has a power of 120V 60Hz 1500W and a temperature range of 100.4° - 446° F (38° - 230° C). Its dimensions are 18.1 x 15.9 x 13.2 in (46 x 40.5 x 33.5 cm), with interior dimensions of 15.5 x 11 x 7.7 in (38.4 x 28.0 x 19.6 cm). The Stream 52 is priced at $349.00.

• Fisher & Paykel's Combination Steam Oven is a 30" oven that has a total capacity of 1.3 cu ft. This oven provides nine different functions, including five steam functions, broil, and convection, allowing you to cook a variety of dishes with ease. Designed to match aesthetically with professional-style companion products, this oven can be installed almost anywhere, with the ability to be placed at a convenient height to suit your kitchen design and preference. The stainless steel styling matches with Fisher & Paykel's professional-style cooking products, and the CoolTouch door is safe to touch from the outside, protecting your hands and the surrounding cabinetry. The Fisher & Paykel Combination Steam Oven is priced at $3,191.

• Miele's ContourLine M-Touch Series is a 24 Inch Single Steam Oven with 1.7 cu. ft. true European convection cooking, MultiSteam Technology, M Touch Controls, MasterChef Menu Programs, and Remote Vision Capability that connects to home plumbing. This 3-in-1 appliance is designed with innovative and revolutionary controls that are easy to operate and navigate, making it a great choice for any home. The oven uses MultiSteam to generate powerful, external steam, distributing it across six (6) inlet ports, allowing for a more even and efficient cooking process. Cleaning the oven is a breeze, thanks to the CleanGlass door and high-quality anti-stick surface coating. With two (2) lights, the sophisticated illumination provides exceptionally bright lighting conditions throughout the oven cavity. Connected via Wi-Fi, Miele's customer service center can help remotely maintain the oven's great performance. The Miele ContourLine M-Touch Series is priced at $5,199.00.

• Joydeem's JD-S40T 8-in-1 Household Multifunctional Desktop Steaming Oven is a 38L countertop convection steam oven that provides eight major functions, including quick steaming, baking, air frying, steaming, yogurt, sterilization, thawing, and warm preservation. It also has auxiliary functions, such as sterilization, fermentation, descaling, and reheating. This versatile machine can finish different dishes in one unit, saving you time and labor. The low-pressure steam feature steams quickly to retain the original flavor of the food and lock in nutrients. The hot air cycle roast feature, matched with a 360° rotating spit, heats food evenly, making it tender with a crispy crust. The low temperature and slow roasting function assists in steam moisturization, making the meat more tender and tastier. The Joydeem JD-S40T costs $519.00.

• Cuisinart Convection Toaster Oven Broiler is a modern countertop appliance that is revolutionizing the world of cooking. The industrial stainless-steel styling of this innovative oven combines impressive power with convenient one-touch cooking options that are perfect for busy individuals who want to create delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. The oven's tinted glass door allows you to keep an eye on your food without interrupting the cooking process. With its multitasking features, the oven can bake, broil, toast, convection bake, convection broil, and keep food warm. It can accommodate everything from a 12" pizza to six slices of toast, making it a versatile appliance for any household. At a cost of $129.95, the Cuisinart Convection Toaster Oven Broiler is an affordable and convenient option for anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine. With its sleek design and powerful features, it's no wonder that this innovative appliance is quickly becoming a popular choice for home chefs everywhere.

Steam ovens offer a unique and versatile way to cook food. They provide numerous benefits compared to traditional ovens, such as retaining nutrients and vitamins in the food, preserving the natural flavors, and making dishes healthier. Steam ovens also provide a faster and more efficient way of cooking, and the ability to cook multiple dishes at once. With a steam oven, you can cook a wide range of dishes, from vegetables and fish to bread and desserts. So, if you're looking to improve your cooking skills and take your culinary creations to the next level, a steam oven may be just what you need.