Steam Ovens Buying Guide

Steam ovens are a popular kitchen appliance that have been gaining in popularity in recent years. These ovens use steam to cook food, which can help to retain nutrients and flavor. In this buying guide, we will discuss the factors you should consider when choosing a steam oven.

Types of Steam Ovens

There are two main types of steam ovens: built-in and countertop. Built-in steam ovens are designed to be installed into your kitchen cabinets as part of your overall kitchen design. Countertop steam ovens are smaller and designed to sit on your kitchen counter. Both types of steam ovens have their advantages and disadvantages, and which one you choose will depend on your specific needs.

Capacity

The capacity of a steam oven is an important consideration when choosing an oven. If you have a large family or entertain frequently, you may want to choose an oven with a larger capacity. A larger oven will allow you to cook larger dishes and multiple dishes at once. On the other hand, if you have a small kitchen or a small family, a smaller oven may be a better choice.

Features

Steam ovens come with a variety of features, each designed to provide a different cooking experience. Here are some features to look for when choosing a steam oven:

• Convection cooking: Some steam ovens come with a convection cooking option, which uses a fan to circulate hot air around the food. This can help to speed up cooking times and create a crispy exterior on the food.
• Broil: Some steam ovens have a broiling option, which is great for cooking meats and vegetables that need to be seared quickly.
• Auto-reheat: This feature is great for busy households. With auto-reheat, you can simply place your leftover food in the oven and the oven will automatically select the appropriate cooking time and temperature to reheat the food.
• Delay start: This feature allows you to set the oven to start cooking at a later time. This is great for busy families who want to have a meal ready when they arrive home from work or school.
• Multi-level cooking: Some steam ovens come with multiple cooking racks, allowing you to cook multiple dishes at once.
• Cleaning: Look for steam ovens with self-cleaning features, such as a steam cleaning cycle or a pyrolytic cleaning cycle. These features make it easy to keep your oven clean and free from grease and other residues.

Price

The price of a steam oven can vary greatly depending on the brand, model, and features. Countertop models tend to be less expensive than built-in models. Steam ovens with more features and larger capacities will also be more expensive. It is important to determine your budget before shopping for a steam oven.

Brand

The brand of steam oven you choose can have a big impact on your overall experience. Some of the top brands of steam ovens include Miele, Bosch, Thermador, and Wolf. These brands have a reputation for producing high-quality steam ovens with advanced features and reliable performance. It is important to do your research and read reviews before choosing a brand.

Installation

If you choose a built-in steam oven, you will need to have it installed by a professional. Installation can be expensive, so it is important to include this cost in your overall budget. You will also need to ensure that your kitchen has the proper electrical and plumbing connections for the oven.

Conclusion

Steam ovens are a great addition to any kitchen. They offer a healthy and convenient way to cook a variety of foods, and they come with a range of features to suit your cooking needs. When choosing a steam oven, consider the type, capacity, features, price, brand, and installation requirements. With these factors in mind, you can choose the perfect steam oven for your home.

Advantages of Steam Ovens

Steam ovens offer several advantages over traditional ovens:

• Healthier cooking: Steam cooking is a healthy cooking method that helps to preserve the nutrients and flavors of the food. This method of cooking also requires little or no oil, which can reduce the fat content of your food.
• Faster cooking: Steam cooking is faster than traditional cooking methods, which means you can have a meal ready in less time.
• Multifunctional: Many steam ovens come with a variety of cooking functions, such as baking, broiling, and roasting, giving you the ability to cook a variety of dishes in one oven.
• Even heating: Steam ovens provide even heating, which means your food will cook evenly and you won’t have to worry about hot spots or undercooked areas.
• Easier cleaning: Steam ovens are easy to clean and require less cleaning than traditional ovens. Many steam ovens come with self-cleaning features, such as pyrolytic cleaning or a steam cleaning cycle, which makes cleaning a breeze.

Disadvantages of Steam Ovens

While steam ovens have several advantages, they also have some disadvantages:

• Price: Steam ovens can be expensive, with some models costing thousands of dollars.
• Installation: If you choose a built-in steam oven, you will need to have it installed by a professional, which can be costly.
• No browning: Steam ovens do not brown food as well as traditional ovens, which means you may need to finish browning your food in a separate appliance.

Considerations for Built-in Steam Ovens

If you are considering a built-in steam oven, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind:

• Size: Built-in steam ovens come in various sizes, so it’s important to choose a size that will fit in your cabinet space.
• Compatibility: If you are replacing an existing oven with a steam oven, make sure the new oven is compatible with your kitchen’s electrical and plumbing connections.
• Noise: Some steam ovens can be noisy when in use, so it’s important to choose a model that is quiet.
• Appearance: Built-in steam ovens come in various finishes, so make sure to choose one that will match your kitchen’s design.

Conclusion

Steam ovens offer a healthy and convenient cooking method that can help you prepare delicious meals in less time. When choosing a steam oven, consider factors such as capacity, features, price, brand, and installation requirements. Additionally, consider the advantages and disadvantages of steam ovens and whether a built-in or countertop model is right for your kitchen. With these factors in mind, you can find the perfect steam oven for your needs and start enjoying healthier, tastier meals right in your own home.