Have you ever heard of a steam oven? As of last year, they are quickly making traction as a very popular addition to kitchens across the country. But what's different about it compared to a standard oven? Well, it cooks food by utilizing hot steam rather than hot air, as opposed to a conventional oven.
How Does a Steam Oven Work?
Steam ovens work by pulling water from a compact reservoir and channeling it into an incorporated boiler, which will then heat the water to 212° Fahrenheit and expels steam into the oven compartment. The cooking outcomes achieved with steam are as effective as those achieved with hot hair in a customary convection oven. As such, steam ovens are more efficient in cooking food at a quicker rate.
While steam ovens do not operate as pressure cookers, they utilize an identical method of cooking with heat and moisture. This results in an average cooking time that’s reduced by 30% compared to a standard oven.
How Does a Steam Oven Work?
Steam ovens work by pulling water from a compact reservoir and channeling it into an incorporated boiler, which will then heat the water to 212° Fahrenheit and expels steam into the oven compartment. The cooking outcomes achieved with steam are as effective as those achieved with hot hair in a customary convection oven. As such, steam ovens are more efficient in cooking food at a quicker rate.While steam ovens do not operate as pressure cookers, they utilize an identical method of cooking with heat and moisture. This results in an average cooking time that’s reduced by 30% compared to a standard oven.
Other cooking benefits for a steam oven include:
- Juicer Proteins: By keeping natural moisture, steam ensures meats like pork chops, chicken breasts, and other steaks remain succulent and juicy.
- Faster Cooking Times: Water is a more efficient heat conductor than air. This leads to quicker cooking times overall.
- Reduced Risk of Burns: Because the use of moist heat decreases, the likelihood of burning food is extinguished.
- Efficient Reheating: Steam will effectively warm up food without drying it out or altering its texture. This then makes the steam oven a better replacement for a microwave. Reheating pizza has never been better!
- Faster Defrosting: Steam defrosts food quickly, evenly, and gently compared to defrost at room temperature.
- Multi-food Cooking: Steam ovens have the capability to cook a range of different foods simultaneously.
Cooking in a Steam Oven
Cooking in a steam oven is an excellent way to cook a diverse range of foods such as fish, chicken, and pork, as well as vegetables and grains like rice, pasta, and quinoa. Steam ovens are also capable of cooking in large batches! For example, Thermador’s Steam Ovens can cook a batch of 72 hard-boiled eggs at once. Imagine how easy making breakfast for a family could be!
Steam ovens are particularly useful for creating desserts such as cheesecakes since the moisture helps prevent them from cracking. Additionally, you can use the steam oven to defrost your frozen vegetables and foods or gently reheat leftovers as mentioned without worrying about uneven cooking, drying out, or compromising the texture of the dish. It’s important to remember that a standard steam oven does not brown food unless a combination steam and convection oven, or Combi Oven as commonly named, is in use. As a result, a steam oven may not be suitable for searing meat or baking casseroles.
However, depending on your steam oven model and brand, it may have the capability to broil and brown.
Can a Steam Oven Replace a Standard Oven?
In short, yes! A steam oven is suitable for performing all the functions of a conventional oven, with the added benefits of the steam function. When used as a secondary oven, a steam oven can take your cooking to the next step of cooking. You will make food in ways you never thought possible when compared to your normal oven!
Plus, with a smart steam oven, you can do so much more around the house while still delivering a delicious dish. You can preheat, access curated recipes, and keep track of your cooking all through your phone! Plus, there’s bound to be various features and tricks on the mobile smart app depending on the appliance brand you chose.
Final Thoughts
Steam ovens can be a learning experience, though adjustments need to be made, there’s no doubt that they are definitely worth considering as their advantages outweigh the disadvantages by a long shot. It’sa healthier cooking method as it actually reduces the need for oil-heavy frying methods and nutrient leaching boiling as well as shorter and dryer baking times. Moreover, steam is now being used to enhance the flavor and preserve the nutrients of meals. In turn, vegetables are sweeter and more colorful, while meat is more tender and succulent.
So, whenever you make the switch to Steam, head over to your local Airport Home Appliance and browse over 80+ brands! Our vast selection only opens the doors to the best appliances on the market. Plus, shop now and take advantage of Free Next-Day Delivery on eligible items, 0% APR Financing, and Exclusive Rebates today!
Visit us at any of our showrooms or online any time.
