How to Choose the Right Steam Oven

What Is a Steam Oven?

A steam oven uses hot steam, either alone or in combination with conventional convection heat, to cook food. Steam cooking preserves moisture, nutrients, and colour in food more effectively than conventional dry heat cooking. Steam ovens have become increasingly popular in Australian kitchen renovations over the past decade and are available as standalone built-in appliances or as combi-steam ovens that combine steam with fan-forced cooking.

This guide covers the key types of steam oven, what to look for, and whether a steam oven is the right investment for your kitchen. Browse our steam oven range to compare available models.

Types of Steam Ovens

Pure Steam Ovens

A pure steam oven cooks exclusively using steam. It is ideal for cooking vegetables, fish, rice, eggs, and reheating food while preserving moisture and nutrients. Pure steam ovens are not designed for roasting or baking, as they cannot achieve the dry heat needed to brown and crisp food surfaces.

Combi-Steam Ovens

A combi-steam oven (combination steam oven) can operate in steam mode, convection mode, or a combination of both simultaneously. In combination mode, steam prevents food from drying out while convection heat browns the surface. This is the most versatile type of steam oven and is suitable for roasting meats, baking bread, cooking vegetables, reheating, and steaming delicate items. Most home cooks who invest in a steam oven choose a combi-steam model for its versatility.

Key Benefits of Steam Cooking

• Moisture retention: Food cooked in steam retains significantly more moisture than food cooked in a conventional dry oven. Roasts stay juicier, vegetables remain crisper, and fish is less likely to dry out.
• Nutrient preservation: Steam cooking at lower temperatures preserves more vitamins and minerals compared to boiling or high-heat dry cooking.
• Reheating: Steam reheating is far superior to microwave reheating for most foods. Leftover pasta, rice, and roasted meats reheat in a steam oven with their texture and moisture largely restored.
• Bread baking: Injecting steam during the first stage of bread baking allows the crust to expand fully before setting, producing bakery-quality results at home.

Key Features to Look For

Water Tank vs. Plumbed Connection

Steam ovens are either filled manually via a removable water tank or connected directly to your household water supply via a plumbed line. Manual water tanks are easier to install but need to be refilled periodically. Plumbed models are more convenient for heavy use but require a water connection during installation.

Steam Temperature Range

For a combi-steam oven, look for a convection temperature range up to at least 230 degrees Celsius. Steam-only cooking typically operates between 40 and 100 degrees Celsius. A wider temperature range gives you more flexibility for different cooking techniques.

Cavity Size

Steam ovens are typically more compact than conventional ovens, with cavity sizes ranging from around 40 to 65 litres. Consider whether you want to use the steam oven as a primary or secondary cooking appliance when choosing capacity.

Self-Cleaning

Steam can help clean the oven interior. Many steam ovens include a steam-clean function that runs a short cycle to loosen food residue for easy wiping. Some combi-steam ovens also include pyrolytic self-cleaning for a more thorough clean.

Pre-Set Programs

Steam ovens with pre-set cooking programs take the guesswork out of steam cooking for common dishes including fish, vegetables, eggs, rice, bread, and reheating. These are particularly useful for households new to steam cooking.

Installation

Built-in steam ovens require a dedicated cabinet space. Confirm the required cutout dimensions match your cabinetry. Electrical connection must be carried out by a licensed electrician. If you choose a plumbed model, a licensed plumber is also required.

What to Expect at Different Price Points

Mid-Range ($1,500 to $3,000)

Entry-level combi-steam ovens deliver reliable steam and convection cooking, manual water tanks, and standard cooking programs. A worthwhile addition to any kitchen renovation.

Premium ($3,000 and Above)

Premium steam ovens deliver plumbed water connections, larger cavities, more precise temperature control, advanced cooking programs, and pyrolytic self-cleaning. Worth the investment for serious home cooks and high-end kitchen builds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a steam oven replace a conventional oven?

A combi-steam oven can perform all the functions of a conventional fan-forced oven, plus steam cooking. For most households, a combi-steam oven installed alongside a cooktop can serve as a primary oven. Some households install both a combi-steam oven and a conventional oven for maximum flexibility.

Is steam cooking healthier?

Steam cooking preserves more nutrients and requires no added oil or fat for most dishes, which can contribute to a healthier diet. It is particularly beneficial for vegetables, fish, and grains.

How often does the water tank need refilling?

This depends on the model and how long the steam cycle runs. Most tanks hold enough water for several cooking cycles before needing a refill. Plumbed models eliminate this consideration entirely.

Ready to Shop?

Browse our full range of steam ovens. You can also explore our complete built-in ovens range and full kitchen appliance collection.