What Is a Steam Oven and Is It Worth the Price?
Steam ovens have moved from professional restaurant kitchens into Australian homes over the past decade, and for good reason. They cook differently, produce better results for many foods, and are genuinely healthier than conventional ovens. But are they worth the significant price premium? This guide breaks it all down.
How a Steam Oven Works
A steam oven injects water vapour (steam) into the cooking chamber, either alone or in combination with conventional heat. Pure steam cooks at 100°C, while combi-steam modes combine steam with fan-forced heat to cook at higher temperatures while keeping moisture in the food.
There are two types of steam ovens:
- Plumbed steam ovens: Connected directly to your water supply. Ideal for frequent use. No tank to refill.
- Tank-based steam ovens: Fill a removable water tank before each use. More flexible for installation — no plumbing required. Most residential models are tank-based.
What Steam Ovens Do Best
Vegetables
Steamed vegetables retain colour, texture and nutrients far better than boiled vegetables. A steam oven cooks a full tray of vegetables perfectly in 10–12 minutes while preserving up to 50% more vitamins compared to boiling.
Fish and Seafood
Steam is the ideal cooking method for delicate proteins. Fish cooked in a steam oven stays moist, flakes perfectly and never dries out.
Rice and Grains
Perfect rice every time — no boil-overs, no sticking, no guesswork. Steam ovens excel at cooking rice, couscous, quinoa and other grains consistently.
Reheating Food
Steam reheating is vastly superior to microwave reheating. Leftover pasta, rice or roast chicken reheats as if freshly cooked — moist, tender and evenly warmed.
Bread and Pastry
Steam during the first phase of baking creates a crispy, blistered crust on bread. Many home bakers upgrade to a combi-steam oven specifically for bread baking.
Limitations of Steam Ovens
Pure steam ovens cannot roast or brown food — that requires dry heat. This is why combi-steam ovens (which combine steam and conventional cooking) are more versatile than dedicated steam-only models. If you want one oven for everything, choose a combi-steam.
Top Steam Oven Brands We Carry
- Miele: Industry leader in steam oven quality. DGC (Combi-Steam) range is exceptional.
- AEG: SteamBake technology. Excellent mid-to-premium range.
- Bosch: VarioSteam built-in ovens — steam assist rather than full steam oven functionality, but at a lower price.
- Electrolux: SteamBoost ovens at accessible prices.
Is a Steam Oven Worth It?
If you cook for a family and prioritise nutrition, yes. If you bake bread, definitely. If you frequently reheat leftovers, the results alone justify the investment. Steam ovens typically cost $1,500–$5,000 depending on brand and specification. See them live in our showroom before deciding.
Showroom: 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park | Open 7 days, 10am–8pm | (02) 9999 9999