What Is a Steam Dishwasher and Is It Worth Buying?

Steam dishwashers use steam injection to pre-treat dishes before the main wash cycle. The idea is that steam loosens dried-on food more effectively than water alone, improving cleaning performance on heavily soiled items. Here's how they work and whether they're worth the extra cost.

How a Steam Dishwasher Works

A standard dishwasher sprays hot water from rotating spray arms, loosens food with detergent and rinses everything clean. A steam dishwasher adds a steam-generation element that injects steam at the beginning of the cycle, typically at around 70°C–90°C.

The steam penetrates baked-on food, egg and cheese residue more deeply than a cold or lukewarm spray. By the time the main wash begins, the food is already softened, reducing the amount of water pressure and detergent needed to clean it properly.

What Are the Benefits?

• Better results on baked-on food: Cheese, egg, pasta and dried sauce are significantly easier to clean with steam pre-treatment
• Hygiene: The high temperature of steam kills more bacteria and allergens than a standard wash
• Baby bottle sterilisation: Some models include a dedicated baby bottle sterilise cycle that uses steam to hygienically clean bottles without chemicals
• Less scrubbing: You may be able to skip pre-rinsing more items
• Potential for shorter wash times: Some models combine steam with faster main cycles

Drawbacks of Steam Dishwashers

• Higher price: Steam models cost $200–$500 more than comparable non-steam models
• Longer cycle time: The steam phase adds time before the main wash
• Added complexity: An additional element and water supply for steam means one more component that could fail
• Not all items benefit: Lightly soiled everyday dishes clean just as well in a standard model

Who Benefits Most From a Steam Dishwasher?

Steam dishwashers make the most sense if you:

• Regularly cook casseroles, pasta bakes or roasts that leave baked-on residue
• Have young children requiring bottle sterilisation
• Prefer not to pre-rinse anything before loading
• Have someone in the household with allergies or compromised immunity who needs high-hygiene cleaning

Find Steam Dishwashers at Oceania Appliances

We occasionally stock Bosch, Miele and Electrolux steam dishwashers in excellent second-hand condition. These premium models offer outstanding cleaning results at a fraction of retail pricing. Free delivery across Sydney and 3–6 month warranty. Contact us to check current availability.