What Is a Combi Steam Oven and Is It Worth It?
Combi steam ovens are growing in popularity for Australian kitchen renovations. They combine conventional fan-forced cooking with steam injection in a single oven, offering more cooking versatility than a standard oven. This guide explains what a combi steam oven is, what it can do, and whether it is worth the investment.
What Is a Combi Steam Oven?
A combi steam oven (also called a combination steam oven) is a built-in oven that can cook using:
- Conventional modes: Fan-forced, bottom heat, top heat, grill — like a standard oven
- Steam only: Cooks food using 100% steam — like a steamer, preserving moisture, nutrients and colour
- Combi (steam + conventional): Combines steam and conventional heat simultaneously — the unique feature of this type of oven
It is different from a standard oven that has a steam inject function (which injects a small burst of steam) — a true combi steam oven provides full steam cooking capability.
What Can a Combi Steam Oven Do Better Than a Standard Oven?
Bread and Pastry
Steam injection in the early phase of baking causes the dough to rise faster and develop a crispier, shinier crust. Bakers highly value combi steam for bread. SteamBake on AEG ovens and similar functions on Electrolux and Bosch ovens provide a simplified version of this.
Fish and Vegetables
Full steam cooking preserves moisture and nutrients far better than conventional heat. Fish cooked in pure steam retains its texture and flavour; vegetables keep their colour and nutrition.
Reheating
Reheating with steam produces results far superior to a microwave — food comes back to its original texture rather than becoming dry or rubbery.
Chicken and Meat
Combi cooking (steam + heat simultaneously) keeps meat moist inside while developing a browned, crispy exterior. Roast chicken from a combi steam oven is notably superior to a conventional oven.
Combi Steam Oven vs Standard Oven with Steam Inject
| Feature | Full Combi Steam Oven | Standard Oven with Steam Inject |
|---|---|---|
| Pure steam cooking | Yes | No (burst only) |
| Full steam for fish/veg | Yes | No |
| Steam for reheating | Yes | No |
| Price premium | $2,000–$5,000+ | $200–$500 extra over base model |
| Water reservoir | Built in; must be filled | Built in; must be filled |
Who Is It Worth It For?
A full combi steam oven is worth the investment if:
- You cook bread, pastry or baked goods regularly
- You value healthy cooking methods (steaming, low-moisture cooking)
- You cook meat and poultry frequently and want better results
- You are doing a premium kitchen renovation and want best-in-class cooking results
It may not be worth it if:
- You rarely cook from scratch and use the oven mainly for reheating
- Budget is a primary concern — a standard oven with a SteamBake function (AEG, Electrolux) provides some steam benefits at a much lower price
Top Combi Steam Oven Brands
- Bosch Serie 8: Excellent range with full steam functionality
- AEG SteamPro: High-performance combi steam with intuitive controls
- Electrolux SteamBoost: Mid-premium option with solid steam performance
Shop Combi Steam Ovens at Oceania Appliances
Oceania Appliances stocks Bosch, AEG and Electrolux built-in ovens including combi steam models. We regularly have ex-display models. Visit our Wetherill Park showroom or contact us at support@oceaniaappliances.com.au. Open 7 days 10am–8pm.