What are the benefits of a combi steam oven?

 

You may be curious as to the benefits of a steam combination oven but unsure if you would find value in the technology at home. Would it be a compromise? What functionality would it offer beyond that of a Microwave? What is the point? 

In this article, we will talk you through how they work and the benefits that a steam combination oven can offer. By the end, you will hopefully have a better understanding and be able to decide whether it could be the right appliance for you. 

BUT WHAT IS A STEAM-COMBI OVEN?

A steam combination oven combines a fan-assisted convection oven with steam cooking technology. While steam ovens have a limited temperature range, which restricts their ability to be used for roasting and other high-temperature cooking methods, combi-steam ovens allow for this type of cooking while retaining the benefits of steam cooking.

 

So how do they work?

Steam-combination ovens work by extracting water from a reservoir based either in the front or interior of the oven, or via a directly plumbed-in water supply, and transferring it to a boiler. The boiler creates steam which is released into the oven cavity and circulated.

Depending on what you are cooking, the level of steam is adjusted and injected into the oven cavity at the right time to give the desired cooking results.

 

Are they easy to use?

The principle of combination steam cooking is the same regardless of the model you choose. However, the user interface will differ, depending on the design and controls of the appliance.

For example, Gaggenau ovens have two control knobs, which some people made find more user-friendly than relying on a touchscreen. To get more of an idea of how a user interacts with Gaggenau appliances, click on the video link.

 

What are the benefIts of a steam combination oven?

  • Versatility - A combi steam oven combines the functions of a convection oven, a steam oven, and sometimes a microwave oven, which means it can perform a wide range of cooking methods.

  • Healthier cooking - Combi steam ovens can help you cook healthier meals by using the power of steam to cook food more gently and retain more nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

  • Improved taste and texture - The combination of dry heat and steam in a combi steam oven can help to create a crisp and golden crust while keeping the interior moist and tender. It can also cook delicate foods more evenly and precisely, resulting in better texture and flavour.

  • Regenerating Leftovers - Rather than dry out further last night’s leftovers in a microwave, regenerate the plated dish in the steam-combi. The resultant plate of food will be as if it had been freshly made, moist, hot and tasty.

  • Time-saving: Combi steam ovens can cook food faster than traditional ovens by using steam to speed up the cooking process. They can also cook multiple dishes at once, for example, convenient ready-meals, meaning everyone is served at the same time.

  • Easy to clean: Combi steam ovens often have self-cleaning features, which means they require less maintenance than traditional ovens.

 

Wouldn’t a Microwave do the same thing?

Here are 5 things that a combi steam oven can do that a microwave can’t:

  • Produce a crispy crust: A combi-steam oven can create a crispy crust on foods like bread, pizza, and roasted meats.

  • Cook delicate foods: A combi-steam oven can cook delicate foods like fish and vegetables more gently and precisely, resulting in better texture and flavour.

  • Brown and caramelize: A combi-steam oven can brown and caramelize foods like onions, cheese, and desserts.

  • Sous-vide cooking: A combi-steam oven can perform sous-vide cooking, resulting in perfectly cooked and tender meat, poultry, and fish.

  • Combine cooking methods: A combi-steam oven can combine multiple cooking methods like steam and convection to achieve more complex cooking results

 

What are the compromises of a Steam Combi oven?

  1. Cost: Combi steam ovens can be more expensive than traditional ovens or microwave ovens, so they may not be a feasible option for those on a tight budget.

  2. Learning curve: Using a combi steam oven can require a bit of a learning curve, especially if you're used to cooking with a traditional oven or a microwave oven. The various cooking modes and settings can be overwhelming for some users.

  3. Maintenance: Combi steam ovens can require more maintenance than microwave ovens, as they have additional components like water reservoirs and steam generators that need to be regularly cleaned and descaled (however some models are self-cleaning).

 

SO, IS A STEAM-COMBI OVEN RIGHT FOR ME?

To be honest, it depends. Combination steam ovens have many benefits and can be integrated into any kitchen. For some clients, the combi-steam oven has taken the place of the standard oven in everyday use. For others, the learning curve has prevented them from making the most of the appliance technology.

In our opinion, steam-combi ovens are a worthwhile investment in your new kitchen project. The technology offers you the perfect blend of ‘traditional’ baking capabilities with the option to explore new techniques.

The best way to find out more is to visit one of our showrooms and talk to a member of the team.