Between prepping sides, baking desserts, and keeping the turkey juicy, holiday cooking can be as stressful as it is joyful. Every year, home chefs search for ways to streamline their process without sacrificing the taste and texture of their favorite recipes. That’s where the advantages of a steam oven truly shine.
As we head into the busiest cooking season of the year, discovering why a steam oven just may be your secret weapon that changes the way you prepare every holiday meal from here on out. Steam ovens bring a new level of precision, flavor, and health benefits to meal prep that can even be applied during the indulgence of holiday meals. Our experts take a deeper look at this cooking method, revealing why we think it’s worth it (and which brands do it best).
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Shop Steam OvensWhat Is a Steam Oven (And Why It Matters)?
A steam oven is exactly what it sounds like: An oven that cooks food with steam alongside traditional radiant heating. While a conventional oven relies on hot air to bake or roast, a steam oven injects water vapor into the cavity. The moisture helps maintain even cooking temperatures and prevents food from drying out, leading to tender meats, crisp-on-the-outside pastries, and vibrant vegetables.
Here’s how it works:
- Inside every oven with steam function is a water reservoir or a water line that connects directly to the oven.
- The oven heats water in the reservoir or through the water line to produce steam, which fills the chamber and envelopes your food.
- Depending on the model, a steam oven water reservoir can usually hold enough water for 90 minutes to four hours of continuous steam cooking—perfect for long, slow roasts or multiple baking rounds during the holidays.
When comparing price, standard wall ovens typically cost between $800 and $3,200, while steam ovens typically range from $1,500 to $9,000+, depending on size, brand, and features. While this is a splurge for everyday home cooks, for advanced home culinarians and food aficionados, the technology is worth it.
You Have Options
Not all steam ovens are created equal, and that’s a good thing. Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen or upgrading a single appliance, there’s a model designed to fit your lifestyle.
Plumbed vs Non-Plumbed Steam Ovens
Comparing plumbed vs non-plumbed steam oven options comes down to convenience. Plumbed models are directly connected to your home’s water line, offering unlimited steam for continuous cooking. Non-plumbed options use refillable water tanks, giving you installation flexibility and mobility.
Steam Convection Ovens
For maximum flexibility, many homeowners choose a convection oven with steam, which combines traditional convection cooking with gentle steam. This combination creates the best of both worlds—crispy, caramelized exteriors and moist, flavorful interiors. For that reason, steam convection oven models are quickly becoming the go-to for serious bakers and holiday hosts alike.
Learn More: Top Features to Look for in a Wall Oven Microwave Combo
5 Steam Oven Advantages You’ll Love for Holiday Meals
Whichever style you choose, steam oven benefits go far beyond moisture control. From health perks to cooking efficiency, these appliances transform the entire experience of preparing festive meals.
That’s why exploring the advantages of a steam oven is worthwhile. If you’re wondering why use a steam oven, check out these five standout benefits that make these ovens a game-changer when the holiday rush begins (CLICK THE ➕TO LEARN MORE):
➕Steam Ovens Provide Juicy Results
Few things ruin a holiday dinner faster than an overcooked roast. Steam naturally prevents this by surrounding food with moisture, locking in juices and flavor. When preparing large cuts of meat like ham, turkey, or roast beef, the advantages of a steam oven are undeniable. It keeps the exterior crisp while maintaining tenderness throughout. The result? Perfectly cooked proteins that need no rescuing with gravy.
➕Whip Up Large Batches of Veggies with a Steam Oven
Running out of stovetop space is a common holiday cooking struggle. A built in steam oven gives you the luxury of freeing up burners by cooking trays of vegetables all at once. From glazed carrots to roasted Brussels sprouts, steam cooking ensures even doneness while preserving color and nutrients. This makes it an essential tool for stress-free side dish prep.
➕Steam Can Help Cut Down on Needed Fat
Steam cooking adds natural moisture, reducing the need for added butter or oil. While we’re all for indulgence during the holidays, small swaps like this can make a noticeable difference. The advantages of a steam oven include helping you create lighter, healthier versions of traditional dishes without sacrificing the flavors you love.
➕Steam Baking Can Be Quicker
Steam conducts heat faster than air, which means your meals can cook up to 30% quicker. This is especially handy when juggling multiple dishes or last-minute dessert requests. During a busy day of entertaining, the steam oven benefits can help you save time to become the true holiday hero you are.
➕Refresh Sides & Entrees with a Steam Oven
Reheating leftovers is another unsung advantage. With a convection oven with steam, yesterday’s stuffing, rolls, or casseroles can be revived without drying out. Steam gently restores moisture, texture, and flavor—perfect for day-two feasts or keeping dishes warm between courses.
Holiday-Inspired Steam Oven Recipes
Everyone loves the holiday classics, but they’re not always the easiest dishes to make. Thankfully, adding steam will help you execute and elevate popular seasonal meals using a steam oven.
Check out our holiday cooking tips and recommended steam oven recipes:
Holiday Christmas Pudding (Figgy Pudding)
Traditional figgy pudding can be tricky to get right, but the humid environment of a steam oven ensures it stays dense yet moist. The consistent temperature means no burnt edges, just rich, evenly cooked dessert perfection.
Steam-Baked Ham
A steam convection oven caramelizes glazes beautifully while keeping a ham juicy inside. Steam also helps infuse flavors deeper into the meat, cutting the risk of dryness during long bakes.
Steamed Holiday Tamales
For families that celebrate with tamales made in the oven, a steam oven can make all the difference. The steam guarantees perfectly tender masa every time without needing a large pot or stovetop setup.
Steam-Roasted Turkey
Your turkey will emerge from your steam oven with golden skin and succulent meat. Steam provides even cooking throughout the bird, while convection heat gives it that essential crispy finish.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
A holiday dessert favorite, pumpkin cheesecake benefits greatly from gentle steam. The added moisture prevents cracks and creates an ultra-smooth, creamy texture just like a professional bakery.
Learn More: Best Kitchen Appliances for Gifts: Holiday Wins
Explore Steam Ovens for Holiday Cooking
The best way to experience the advantages of a steam oven is to try one yourself. To save you time, we’ve compared today’s leading models with the best performance. Thes steam oven reviews from top steam oven brands that will make your holiday meal prep easier, faster, and more flavorful.
Thermador Professional 30” Stainless Steel Steam Oven
This Thermador steam oven leads the pack with its impressive 17 heating modes, including Steam, Convection Roast, Air Fry, and Speed Convection. Its 2.8 cu. ft. capacity—the largest on the market—lets you cook multiple holiday dishes at once without flavor transfer. The Multi-Point Temperature Meat Probe ensures your roast or turkey reaches the perfect doneness. With Wi-Fi-enabled Home Connect controls, SoftClose doors, and Star-K Sabbath certification, the PODS301B is built for both luxury and performance.
Miele 30” Clean Touch Steel Steam Oven
If precision and ease of cleaning are priorities, this Miele combi steam oven is an excellent choice. Its PerfectClean stainless steel interior resists residue, and the network-enabled Miele@home system allows you to control cooking remotely. The Mix & Match feature pairs foods and functions automatically, ensuring ideal results with minimal effort. Miele’s included trays, racks, and descaling tablets make maintenance simple, keeping your oven ready for every holiday feast, making the DGC 7585 CTS a real upgrade you’ll appreciate during the holidays.
Wolf M Series Contemporary 32” Black Single Electric Wall Oven
The CSOP3050CM/B Wolf steam oven brings unmatched flexibility with both plumbed and non-plumbed configurations. Its 40-ounce water tank provides up to four hours of continuous steam, perfect for large roasts or baking marathons. The touchscreen interface allows for 50 personalized recipe presets and modes like Sous Vide, Steam Convection, and Wellness. Dual convection fans guarantee even heat distribution, while the temperature probe offers precise control—an invaluable feature for big holiday meals.
Monogram Minimalist Collection 30” Stainless Steel Steam Oven
The ZMB9031SNSS Monogram steam oven combines healthy steam cooking with the power of True European convection. Pre-programmed recipes simplify the process of cooking vegetables, grains, and meats, while an advanced recirculating system ensures consistent steam levels throughout. With a stainless-steel pan set included, you can easily prepare multiple sides or reheat dishes at once, which is ideal for big family gatherings.
Fisher & Paykel Series 7 24" Stainless Steel Steam Oven
Shop This Fisher & Paykel Oven
Stylish and functional, this Fisher and Paykel steam oven offers a variety of different oven functions, including Steam, Sous Vide, and Air Fry cooking capabilities. Its guided touchscreen makes it easy to select recipes or functions, so you can focus on entertaining rather than multitasking. The OS24NDLX1 is also designed to pair seamlessly with companion products like vacuum seal drawers, which are perfect for sous vide preparation or long-term holiday meal planning.
Gaggenau 300 Series 24” Stainless Steel Built In Electric Single Steam Oven
Luxury meets precision in this built in steam oven from Gaggenau. With adjustable humidity levels from 0% to 100%, you can tailor every dish to perfection. Its TFT touch display and rotary knob make operation intuitive, while the 1.3-liter removable tank provides ample steam capacity. Features like automatic descaling, multiple safety functions, and 50 recipe memory slots round out this professional-grade appliance. For those serious about culinary artistry, the BSP251610 is one of the best steam oven choices available.
Learn More: Don’t Let Your Oven’s Self Clean Feature Ruin the Holidays
Holiday traditions aren’t made to be broken, but finding new cooking methods that simplify and improve holiday meals is a new tradition we stand behind. If you’re still curious about the advantages of steam ovens and whether it’s time for an upgrade, our experts are happy to answer your questions. Visit us today to learn more!
Frequently Asked Questions
A steam oven heats water from an internal tank (or plumbing line) to create vapor that circulates around your food. This steam transfers heat efficiently, resulting in faster cooking and moister outcomes.
Yes! Steam ovens are excellent for baking bread, cakes, and pastries because the moisture helps create a soft crumb and golden crust. Many models also combine convection and steam for added versatility.
Not always. Some models are plumbed directly into your water line, while others have refillable tanks. Whether plumbed or non-plumbed, both types offer exceptional performance suited to your kitchen setup.
Absolutely. When you consider the steam oven reviews, most users praise the moisture retention, even cooking, and versatility. The steam oven vs conventional oven debate often comes down to results: Steam ovens deliver impressive restaurant-quality texture and flavor right at home.
Learn More: Bosch Stove Guide: Features That Set Them Apart
Why Trust Albert Lee?
Since 1939, Albert Lee Appliance, a three-generation, family-owned business, continues to grow and serve the greater Pacific Northwest with quality products you can count on and service you can trust. We are proud to have served this community for so long and wouldn’t be here without our loyal customers. There is a reason why we are Washington’s largest independent appliance dealer, and it’s not a secret. Simply put: We have the experience. We have been the original appliance experts for over eight decades (and counting).
Shop Steam Ovens at Albert Lee
At Albert Lee Appliance, we provide quality name-brand appliances for great prices. Shop cooking appliances online or visit us today at one of our six locations in the Pacific Northwest. In the meantime, browse our website to shop Albert Lee appliance sales and check out Albert Lee appliance reviews online to ensure every purchase is an informed one. More available than ever, our experts at Albert Lee Appliance are always happy to help you explore the advantages of a steam oven, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Contact us today!
Learn More: 3 Benefits of Cooking in a Steam Oven