Steam ovens can be full steam, convection, or a combination.
Learn how this handy kitchen appliance works.
This jot down of oven uses water vapor to bake, steam, or reheat food.
Credit:Getty Images / LightFieldStudios
Unlike traditional ovens and microwaves, steam ovens retain food moisture and nutrients.
Billed as a gentler andhealthier cooking method, it is enjoying an uptick in popularity.
Learn more about the different types of steam ovens, how they work, and their pros and cons.
What Is a Steam Oven?
As the name suggests, a steam oven cooks using hot steam (wet heat).
It combines baking with steaming in one appliance.
it’s possible for you to bake, brown, roast, andreheat leftoversin a steam oven.
Steam ovens are either plumbed or not plumbed.
Plumbed units connect to a water line; you need a professional plumber for the installation.
Non-plumbed ovens must be filled manually before use.
Steam ovens use gas or electricity to heat the water to the required temperature.
The ideal choice depends on your needs, preferences, and budget.
Expect to spend even more for top-of-the-line or custom models.
These ovens work similarly to stovetop steaming baskets but with greater ease, efficiency, and control.
Water is drawn from the tank through a pump into a built-in boiler.
Water is then heated to 212F to produce steam, which is released into the oven to facilitate cooking.
The humidity is adjustable between 30 and 100%.
Since moisture is kept at optimum levels, cooked food needs less oil and seasoning.
Convection and combination steam ovens have the dual functionality of a traditional oven and a full steam oven.
These appliances can reach the same temperatures and moisture levels as a full steam oven.
Steam Ovens vs.
Compared to traditional ovens, steam ovens cook faster and use less energy.
They reduce the cooking time significantly, particularly when preparing large quantities of food.
However, steam ovens tend to be smaller than regular ovens.
Full steam ovens are excellent replacements for a standardmicrowave oven.
They function as both standard ovens and steamers.
Note that some conventional oven models can add humidity or moisture, but they dont reach 100% humidity.
These are not true combi or convection steam ovens.
Instead, they are called added moisture or added humidity ovens.
They shine when it comes to cooking vegetable dishes.
The vegetables are steamed to tender-crisp perfection while retaining their nutrients.
Tips for Using a Steam Oven Effectively
Keep the water container filled to ensure it works properly.
A steam oven relies on moisture to cook the food.
Failure to refill the water canister affects the cooking process and the outcome; food may not cook properly.
It may also damage your oven.
For plumbed full steam ovens, ensure the plumbing is done correctly.
Otherwise, water leaking can become a safety hazard.
Take note of the different steam levels.
They might include full steam and high, medium, or low humidity.
Full steam is ideal for cooking vegetables, rice, andseafood.
Clean your oven after use.
Avoid harsh chemicals and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions for the best results.
Reasons to Buy a Steam Oven
A steam oven is a good choice forhealth-conscious individuals.
It rarely needs additional oil and seasoning to make meals enjoyable.
It retains moisture and nutrients, leaving food fresher and more flavorful with fewer calories.
A full steam oven also cooks quickly and is excellent for batch cooking.
Although it’s more costly than standard ovens, its energy efficiency and health benefits offset the cost.
