Buyers’ Guide: Which Type of Steam Oven Is Right for You!
Everyone who loves to cook needs the right appliances to make preparing tasty meals simple. And if you’re one of those people, a steam oven may be just what you need to create some fun and healthy new dishes. To make things simple, we’ve created a buyers’ guide to help you choose which type of steam oven is right for you!
What Is a Steam Oven?
Although a steam oven may look like a typical oven, it uses steam to work, making it more eco-friendly. Not only that, but since these ovens have a high wattage, steam ovens also cook food much faster than other oven types. While some are fairly expensive, this isn’t always the case, as the price depends heavily on the brand and model of the steam oven.
You may wonder how an oven could work this way. Most steam ovens pump water through a boiler, and as things heat up, the water becomes steam. Depending on the model you purchase, you can either add water manually or automatically. An automatic steam oven will connect to your plumbing system.
An Added Bonus
Many homeowners love this appliance because it makes healthier meals without changing the flavor. The steam will ensure whatever you cook remains moist without the need for excess oil since it utilizes “wet heat,” unlike gas, electric, and convection ovens.
The Types of Steam Ovens
There are three main types of steam ovens you should look into as you consider making this purchase. First, you’ll need to decide between a steam-only oven, a combi-steam oven, or an added moisture steam oven, then review the pros and cons of each.
Steam-Only Oven
Steam-only ovens are often the first type that comes to people’s minds when discussing steam ovens, as they rely solely on steam to function. Depending on what you need yours for, this type could be the perfect fit. Keep in mind that a steam-only oven exclusively performs steam cooking, hence the name.
The good news is that most steam-only ovens are affordable, so you can purchase one without making other sacrifices to your budget.
Combi-Steam Oven
A combi-steam oven, or combination steam oven, can use either steam or convection, depending on how you set it. For example, you can select the oven to function only with steam features, solely convection, or the perfect blend of both.
Many gravitate toward this option because it gives them more flexibility in the kitchen, as they can steam meals while also getting them nice and crispy! Because of this, the combi-steam oven may be the perfect option if you do a lot of various types of cooking.
Where To Buy One
If a combination convection steam oven sounds like the right addition for your kitchen, shop at ROBAM! We’ve got countertop combi-steam ovens so that you can cook just about anything your heart desires without taking up too much space. When you buy your steam oven at ROBAM, you’re getting one with optimal power to ensure meals cook in no time!
Added Moisture Steam Oven
Finally, we have the added moisture steam oven. Unlike the other options, this one works like the standard oven but can add moisture while cooking. In other words, you can set it to release bits of steam throughout the cooking process.
Countertop Steam Ovens
If you like your current oven but want to add a steam oven to your kitchen, purchase a countertop steam oven. These units are small enough to be portable, so buyers can keep their conventional ovens and still use a countertop steam oven if they so choose.
Browse the Brands
Like any other kitchen appliance, there are various steam oven brands to choose from as you search for the ideal model. Some of the most popular brands include:
- Miele
- Thermador
- Wolf
It’s always a good idea to evaluate the pros and cons of various brands before making your purchase. Make the research process easy by checking product details and customer reviews on multiple websites. A little extra research will ensure you feel happy with the investment you make.
Steam Oven Features
Now that we’ve covered the three main types of steam ovens, let’s dive into the features. Steam ovens have:
- A water tank: If you have to fill the tank manually, this is detachable.
- An oven compartment: Each size has a different capacity.
- Cooking programs: You can adjust the temperature and time to suit any particular dish.
Except for the water tank, these are the same features you’d see on the conventional oven. Keep in mind that maintaining the water tank is important, especially if it’s detachable. This piece could crack or otherwise leak if you don’t care for it, but most brands offer replacement parts.
Is It Worth It?
Many ask when investigating new appliances whether it’s worth the money or just some glorified trend. A steam oven is definitely worth the money since it keeps your dishes healthy without forsaking flavor.
You can also use the steam oven to reheat your leftovers so that they taste as good as the day you made them. And due to their smaller size, these gadgets heat up in no time and cook most food faster than your conventional oven will.
What Can You Cook in It?
As previously discussed, steam ovens make healthier meals than your conventional oven, especially because there’s little to no need for cooking oils. Although things may vary a bit, depending on your models’ settings, you can generally cook just about anything in a steam oven, ranging from meats to baked goods to vegetables!
Shop at ROBAM
As you remodel your kitchen, make upgrades to your run-of-the-mill appliances. Now that you know why steam ovens have become all the rage, you may find yourself wondering where to start shopping. Shop for steam ovens and other must-have kitchen appliances at ROBAM to transform your kitchen into the perfect chef’s environment!
In this buyers’ guide, we covered the vital details so that you can decide which type of steam oven is right for you. If you constantly cook for large groups and want variety, shop for a large combination oven, but if you want something small, opt for a countertop appliance. The perfect addition depends on how much flexibility you want as you cook up some delicious meals!