A steam oven is just like an ordinary oven, except it uses hot pressurised steam to cook food. This method of cooking provides many advantages:
Steam cooking is significantly faster than traditional methods of baking or roasting.
Electric ovens produce a very dry heat, which is why you need to baste your food in fats and oils to keep it moist. A steam oven solves this problem, making it possible to cook chicken, fish, vegetables and more without drowning them in butter and oil.
Furthermore, steaming your food helps to retain valuable vitamins and nutrients. While other cooking methods such as boiling or microwaving tend to leech vitamins out of your food, steaming has been scientifically proven to be one of the healthiest cooking methods.
For years, professional chefs have been using steam ovens to produce incredibly flavoursome food. This is partially thanks to the reduced cooking times. Steam cooking can intensify flavours and negate the need to add heavy sauces or salt to the food.
Steam ovens are also perfect for reheating, as they don't dry the food out as it heats.
In a traditional oven, food residues and grease splashes can become 'baked on' to the oven walls - whereas this isn't possible in a steam oven. To keep your steam oven clean, all you need to do is wipe it out with a damp cloth once you've finished cooking. (No need to use harsh cleaning chemicals!)
Unlike a traditional gas or electric oven, steam ovens are not good for browning or crisping. Which means your roasts won't get that golden, caramelised coating, and your baked goods (such as bread) will be pale and soft. If you want an oven that enables you to cook with steam, but also gives you that golden and crispy effect, what you need is a combination steam oven:
A combination steam ovens combines steam cooking with conventional fan-forced heat. Therefore you can enjoy the health benefits of steam cooking together with that appetising 'golden' effect you get with conventional roasting methods.
The only real drawback is price - a combination steam oven will set you back upwards of around $3,000. But if you love cooking, and if you're looking for a top-class oven that will help you prepare healthy yet delicious food quickly and easily, you really can't go past one of these beauties. They're worth it!
Before you make a decision, think about what kind of cooking you like to do. It's important to choose an oven that matches not just your space and budget requirements, but your needs as a chef.
If you rent your home, you might like to consider a benchtop steam microwave. These compact models can easily be taken with you when you move. They also save space - combining the functions of a microwave and a steam oven all in the one appliance.
Our range of steam ovens (and combination steam ovens) range in capacity from around 20L to 50L. If you have a large family or you often cook for large groups of people, you would be wise to invest in a larger model.
These ovens are designed to be installed into the wall of your kitchen, and they generally have a width of around 60cm. Please remember to measure the available space in your kitchen and make sure it matches the product's dimensions before you buy.
The temperature range of steam ovens can vary. Generally, steam ovens offer a temperature range of 100°C to 300°C. The rules of cooking with steam are completely different to conventional cooking - be sure to read the product manual carefully before you begin.
Most ovens feature double glazing (i.e. two layers of glass in the oven door) as standard. However some offer triple or even quadruple glazing. This has two benefits: it helps to keep heat locked inside the oven (for more efficient cooking), and it helps to keep the outside of the oven door cool while the oven is in use.
Your steam oven will need to be replenished with cold, fresh drinking water before every use. Most models will come with a water tank indicator which will tell you when it's time to refill.
Note: distilled water is not suitable for use with a steam oven, as it is not safe for food use.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our customer service team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us on 1300 000 500.