At a Glance:
Things to Know Before Purchasing a Steam Oven
Cooking today can be an art form or a necessary evil. Some people love to cook, while some people would rather have others cook for them. However, one thing is generally agreed upon: we like to eat good food. Steam ovens are the perfect way to easily cook incredible-tasting food. Read more below about what a steam oven is, how it works, and the numerous benefits it offers. Plus, learn more about some of the top steam ovens on the market today.
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Upgrade your kitchen with a steam oven today and unlock a world of flavors and convenience.
Steam OvensWhat is a Steam Oven?
A steam oven looks exactly like a conventional oven and will cook your food just as any oven would. The difference lies in how it operates to cook your food. As you might have guessed, steam ovens work to use steam to heat and cook food.
Steam ovens are built to include a small water tank, typically above the oven cavity. A small pipe connects to this water tank, where the water slowly heats to at least 212 degrees Fahrenheit (so that it gets so hot that it produces steam). Then, the steam is pushed through the pipe into the oven cavity, where it works to cook your food.
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Advantages of Steam Ovens
Steam ovens are preferred by many due to the numerous benefits they bring to the cooking process. Once you have experienced cooking with a steam oven, you will see why so many people love this method of cooking.
✅ Health Benefits
Steam ovens are known not only for cooking food well, but this method of cooking is a healthier option as well. Cooking with steam helps preserve the healthiest aspects of the food you are cooking. Oftentimes, the extreme heat other ovens use to cook can destroy the nutrients in your food; thus, the vitamins and minerals you want to benefit your health are eliminated.
However, cooking your food with steam helps preserve the nutrients in the food, making it a far healthier option. Cooking with steam also makes the food you are cooking moister and more flavorful, negating the need for cooking oils or butter. By eliminating these high-calorie cooking additives, your food can be prepared in a way that makes it lower in calories and higher in nutrients- another health benefit! Plus, when food is so flavorful and moist, it will keep you cooking in this manner. Thus, you may eliminate less healthy methods of cooking your food, such as microwaving or frying.
✅ Better Tasting Food
Steam is an excellent way to cook your food because, unlike hot air, which can dry out your food, steam adds moisture. Thus, when cooking, the steam brings out the natural flavor of your food and enriches the taste. You will not have to worry about food being stringy or dry; rather, a steam oven helps your food turn out like a dream.
✅ Faster Cook Time
Many ovens take a long time to preheat, and an even longer time fully cooking your food. However, steam ovens are known for their speedy cooking times. The direct heat brought by the steam helps food cook more quickly. Also, because the steam is pushed throughout your oven cavity, it can cook multiple trays of food more evenly at one time. Rather than constantly switching trays from one rack to the other, you can leave your food be and it will cook to perfection due to the steam’s even distribution.
Who Steam Ovens Are For
Steam ovens are unique in that every type of cook can benefit from one. Steam ovens are perfect for any and every household because everyone loves better-tasting food, and this is the greatest benefit of steam ovens. Plus, they cook your food faster, another plus that everyone can appreciate.
However, more specifically, steam ovens are a perfect option for people who are focused on eating a healthy, nutritional diet. Because steam ovens help preserve the vitamins and minerals in your food rather than destroying them (as is the case with other cooking methods), they are the perfect choice for those who are working to eat healthy food.
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Things to Know Before Purchasing a Steam Oven
Steam ovens are incredible, offering many features as well as ways to cook your food that other ovens do not. However, their benefits do indeed come with a steeper price tag than other conventional ovens. The average price range of steam ovens depends on the size, included features, and brand of steam ovens you choose to purchase. You can expect to pay anywhere from $2,500- $8,300 for a steam oven.
Where to Place Steam Oven in the Kitchen
Steam ovens are typically installed above your larger oven if you have one. If your steam oven is the sole oven in your home, install it in a location where it can be a focal point of your kitchen, as they are beautifully designed and will add to your kitchen’s overall appeal.
Steam ovens are specifically designed on the smaller side, so they pair well with another oven to sit beneath it, or another small or medium-sized appliance. However, you can also install a steam oven below the counter if you desire. You could also place it above a microwave drawer if you have one.
Standard Steam Ovens
A standard steam oven does exactly what you would expect of a basic, conventional model. This standard style does everything a steam oven is known for; it cooks your food using steam, producing healthier, nutrient-rich foods. It also infuses your food with moisture while cooking, keeping it from getting dry and bringing out a richer, fuller taste. Plus, it will cook your food faster than many other conventional ovens.
Fisher & Paykel Series 7 24" Stainless Steel Steam Oven
Shop Fisher & Paykel's Series 7 24" Stainless Steel Steam Oven
This model from Fisher & Paykel boasts eighteen different functions, making it an exceptional choice for your kitchen. This oven has a helpful self-cleaning function for a hands-off approach to a tidy oven. It is also Wi-Fi capable, so you can preheat or turn off your oven with the ease of your smartphone at any location. This model’s convenient size aids in a simple installation and seamless addition to any kitchen, and its classy, modern appearance will be an immediate upgrade to your kitchen’s aesthetic.
- Model: OS24NDLX1
- Dimensions: (H) 18” x (W) 23.44” x (D) 22.25”
- Total Capacity: 1.9 Cu. Ft.
➝ Learn More: 6 Best Fisher and Paykel Kitchen Appliances on the Market
Convection Steam Ovens
Convection steam ovens are incredibly useful as they combine two highly praised cooking methods into one appliance. The steam aspect of the oven provides the moisture in the oven cavity that cooks food so superbly. The convection aspect then uses its fan to move the steam and heat around the oven cavity, helping to cook your food more evenly.
Bosch Benchmark® Series 30" Stainless Steel Steam Convection Oven
Shop Bosch Benchmark's Series 30" Stainless Steel Steam Convection Oven
The sleek, gorgeous exterior of this Bosch steam oven is only the first of its many benefits. Its combination cooking feature allows you to cook with steam and convection heat at the same time, helping your food cook faster while still retaining a delicious flavor. Or use the two independently of one another for the ideal cooking method for each specific dish you cook. The SteelTouch™ Buttons make it easy to operate this oven, and the delay start function allows you to preset when you want your oven to turn on and off. The benefits of this oven are endless, and it is sure to improve your kitchen.
- Model: HSLP451UC
- Dimensions: (H) 19.63” x (W) 29.75” x (D) 21.38”
- Total Capacity: 1.4 Cu. Ft.
➝ Learn More: Bosch Oven Reviews: Which is Best?
Combination Steam Oven
A combination steam oven is incredibly useful, especially if you enjoy cooking all sorts of different food in various ways. Aside from using steam to cook your food, the combination aspect of this oven allows you to cook in other ways as well, such as dehydrate, air fry, and bake. The versatility of the cooking abilities of this type of oven makes it an exceptional option for your kitchen.
Miele PureLine Series 24" Obsidian Black Combi-Steam Oven
Shop Miele's PureLine Series 24" Obsidian Black Combi-Steam Oven
This Miele combi steam oven will not only improve your kitchen’s aesthetic but will greatly aid you in your cooking endeavors. Features like the keep warm function, roast probe, gentle bake, humidity plus, and sous-vide cook capability allow you to cook any type of food you want to perfection. Other helpful functions of this Miele steam oven are safety-related, such as an automatic switch off should you forget to turn your oven off. This model has endless capabilities to make your cooking experience better than ever before.
- Model: DGC6800
- Dimensions: (H) 18” x (W) 23.44” x (D) 22.38”
- Total Capacity: 1.84 Cu. Ft.
➝ Learn More: Miele Appliances: Everything You Need to Know
Conclusion
If you want food that tastes better, cooks faster, and retains its health benefits even after being fully cooked, a steam or steamer oven is the perfect option for you. With so many incredible options on the market and delicious steam oven recipes to try, it is not difficult to find a steam oven for your home. Plus, the benefits truly are worth the price. Steam ovens are an excellent way to improve not only the food you eat but also the entire cooking process.
FAQ: Steam Ovens
Q: How does a steam oven work?
A: Steam ovens work by producing steam, which is then circulated inside the oven cavity. This moist heat cooks the food, resulting in dishes that are more evenly cooked and retain their natural moisture and nutrients.
Q: What are the advantages of using a steam oven?
A: There are several advantages to using a steam oven:
Moisture retention: Steam cooking helps to retain the natural moisture in food, resulting in dishes that are juicier and more succulent.
Nutrient preservation: Steam cooking helps to preserve the nutrients in food, as vitamins and minerals are less likely to be lost in the cooking process.
Even cooking: Steam ovens provide consistent and even heat distribution, ensuring that food is cooked thoroughly and uniformly.
Versatility: Steam ovens can be used for a wide range of cooking techniques, including baking, roasting, grilling, and steaming.
Flavor enhancement: Steam cooking can enhance the natural flavors of food, resulting in delicious and tasty dishes.
Q: Can a steam oven replace a traditional oven?
A: While a steam oven offers many benefits, it may not completely replace a traditional oven. Steam ovens are excellent for cooking certain dishes, particularly those that benefit from moisture and gentle cooking. However, for tasks like browning and crisping, a traditional oven with dry heat may be more suitable.
Q: Are steam ovens easy to use?
A: Steam ovens are generally user-friendly and easy to operate. Most models offer intuitive controls and preset cooking programs for various types of food. However, it's still essential to read the instruction manual and familiarize yourself with the specific features of your steam oven to get the best results.
Q: Are steam ovens energy-efficient?
A: Steam ovens are generally considered to be energy-efficient. The cooking process is faster than in traditional ovens, which can help reduce overall energy consumption. Additionally, steam cooking requires lower temperatures than conventional cooking methods, resulting in potential energy savings.
Q: Can I cook multiple dishes simultaneously in a steam oven?
A: Yes, many steam ovens allow you to cook multiple dishes at the same time, as long as the flavors and aromas of the dishes won't mix and affect each other. Some steam ovens even have separate compartments with individual temperature and steam controls, allowing you to cook different dishes simultaneously.
Q: Can I use a steam oven for baking bread and pastries?
A: Yes, steam ovens are excellent for baking bread and pastries. The moisture from the steam helps create a crisp and golden crust while keeping the interior moist and tender. Some steam ovens also have specialized baking programs specifically designed for bread and pastry baking.
Q: How do I clean a steam oven?
A: Cleaning methods may vary depending on the model, so it's best to consult the instruction manual for specific cleaning instructions. In general, most steam ovens have a self-cleaning function that uses steam and heat to remove residue and grease. Additionally, wiping the interior with a damp cloth and mild detergent can help maintain cleanliness.
Q: Are steam ovens more expensive than traditional ovens?
A: Steam ovens tend to be more expensive than traditional ovens due to their advanced technology and additional features. However, prices can vary depending on the brand, model, and specific features offered. It's important to consider your cooking needs and budget when deciding whether a steam oven is the right choice for you.
Why Trust Albert Lee?
Since 1939, Albert Lee Appliance, a three-generation, family-owned business, continues to grow and serve the greater Seattle area with quality 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 are the original appliance experts for over eight decades (and counting).
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At Albert Lee Appliance, we provide quality name-brand appliances for great prices. Shop wall ovens online or visit us today at one of our six locations in Puget Sound, WA. 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 benefits of steam ovens, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Contact us today!
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