What Is a Steam Oven and Is It Worth Buying for Your Kitchen?
Steam ovens have moved from professional kitchens into Australian homes over the past decade. If you are renovating a kitchen or upgrading your cooking appliances, it is worth understanding what a steam oven actually does, how it compares to conventional ovens, and whether the premium price is justified for your cooking habits.
How a Steam Oven Works
A steam oven uses water — either from a built-in tank or plumbed connection — to generate steam inside the oven cavity. This steam cooks food by surrounding it with moist heat, which is fundamentally different from the dry heat of a conventional oven. Many models combine steam with conventional heat in a single oven, giving you the flexibility to use each mode independently or together.
Benefits of Cooking with Steam
- Moisture retention: Fish, chicken and vegetables retain significantly more moisture compared to conventional roasting
- Nutrient preservation: Steaming preserves more vitamins and minerals than boiling or dry-heat cooking
- Reheating: Steam reheating restores food to a close approximation of freshly cooked rather than the dry results you get from a microwave
- Bread and pastry: Steam injection produces professional-quality crusts on bread and croissants
- Faster cooking: Some foods cook faster at lower temperatures in a steam environment
Types of Steam Ovens
Pure Steam Ovens
Cook using steam only. Best for vegetables, fish, grains and reheating. Not suitable for browning or roasting.
Combination Steam Ovens (Combi)
Combine steam with fan-forced or conventional heat. These are the most versatile option — you can use steam only, heat only, or both together. Most popular choice for home kitchens.
Microwave-Steam Combos
Add steam functionality to a microwave format. More compact and lower cost but less powerful than a dedicated steam oven.
Drawbacks to Consider
- Higher purchase price than a standard oven
- Requires regular descaling (particularly in Sydney's hard water areas)
- Built-in tank models need manual refilling
- Not ideal if you mostly cook dry-heat dishes (roasts, baked goods that need a dry crust)
Who Should Buy a Steam Oven?
Steam ovens suit people who cook vegetables and fish regularly, care about healthy eating and nutrient retention, bake bread, or want better reheating results. If your cooking is primarily roasts, pies and baked goods, a high-quality conventional oven will serve you better.
Leading Brands Available in Australia
Miele, Bosch, AEG, Siemens, Smeg and Electrolux all offer steam oven models. Prices range from around $1,500 for entry-level combination models to $5,000+ for full-featured Miele units.
Ask Oceania Appliances
We stock steam ovens and can help you decide whether one fits your cooking style. Visit our Wetherill Park showroom, call 0493 300 490, or browse at oceaniaappliances.com.au. Free delivery across Sydney.