What Is a Combi Steam Oven and Do You Need One?
A combination steam oven (combi steam oven) combines conventional fan-forced baking with steam injection, allowing you to cook with any combination of dry heat and steam in a single appliance. This guide explains how combi steam ovens work, what they excel at, and whether one is worth the premium for your kitchen.
How Does a Combi Steam Oven Work?
A combi steam oven has a water reservoir (or plumbed water connection) that can inject steam into the oven cavity at any point during the cooking process. You can choose:
- 100% steam: Steaming vegetables, fish, dumplings, rice — gentle, nutrient-preserving cooking
- Combi (steam + convection): Bread, pastry, roasts, soufflés — the most versatile mode
- 100% convection: Standard baking and roasting without steam
The combi mode is where the magic is. Adding steam during the first phase of bread baking allows the crust to remain pliable during oven spring, then the steam is reduced and convection finishes the crust to a crisp, deep colour. The result is bread that rivals a professional bakery. The same principle applies to pastry, roasts and many other dishes.
What Combi Steam Ovens Excel At
Bread
The single most compelling reason to buy a combi steam oven. Home bakers who switch to combi steam consistently describe it as a revelation — achieving professional-quality crusts that are impossible in a standard dry-heat oven.
Roast Meats
Combi steam allows larger roasts (whole chicken, beef roast, pork shoulder) to maintain moisture in the initial cooking phase, then switch to dry convection for final crisping. The result is juicier meat with crispier exterior than a standard oven can achieve.
Fish and Vegetables
In pure steam mode, fish and vegetables cook gently without drying, retaining moisture, texture and nutrients better than pan or oven cooking.
Reheating
Low-temperature steam reheating revives leftover bread, pastry and cooked food to near-fresh quality. This alone is a daily quality-of-life improvement in households that cook ahead.
Key Considerations
Water Reservoir vs Plumbed
Most domestic combi steam ovens use a removable water reservoir that you fill before each use. Some higher-end models offer plumbed water connections for uninterrupted steam. The reservoir is more practical for most households.
Cleaning
Steam ovens require descaling of the water system periodically (depending on water hardness). Most models have an automated descale program. The cavity requires cleaning after steaming cycles — wipe-down is usually sufficient as steam loosens residue.
Price
Combi steam ovens start at approximately $1,500 (Electrolux ProSteam) and range to $6,000+ for Miele's DGC range. The mid-range sweet spot for Australian buyers is $1,500–$2,500.
Top Combi Steam Ovens in Australia
Miele (DGC range), Bosch (DesignLine, Vario), Electrolux (ProSteam), AEG (SteamBake), Fisher & Paykel (steam models). We stock these at our Wetherill Park showroom. Free delivery across Sydney. Visit 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park (open 7 days, 10am–8pm), call or WhatsApp 0422 489 492, or email support@oceaniaappliances.com.au.