Steam Oven vs Steam-Assist Oven – Which One Should You Choose?

When it comes to modern cooking trends, the rise of steam ovens and steam-assist ovens has changed the kitchen appliance landscape. Both are celebrated for their ability to enhance flavours, retain nutrients, and offer healthier cooking options, but what are the key differences between the two? And which appliance best suits your culinary needs?

At their core, steam ovens and steam-assist ovens use steam to deliver moist, flavour-packed, and nutritious meals. However, they differ significantly in how they generate steam, the level of steam control they provide, and their ideal use cases. Below, we’ll break down these differences and compare five top-performing ovens currently available in Australia, so you can make an informed decision.

Below: Master the art of roasting with a touch of steam with AEG’s Steamify Function (BSK99733PT)

What is the Difference Between a Steam Oven and a Steam-Assist Oven?

Steam-Assisted Ovens

Steam-assisted ovens add a small amount of steam to cooking, mostly to enhance browning and crispy textures while locking in moisture. They’re great for baking bread with crusty exteriors and for roasting meats that are tender inside and golden outside. However, they do not fully rely on steam for cooking; instead, they combine steam with traditional dry heat.

Full Steam Ovens

Full steam ovens, on the other hand, use steam as their primary cooking method. They’re designed for delicate, oil-free cooking and excel at preserving nutrients. Full steam ovens are ideal for steaming vegetables, poaching fish, and even making desserts like custards. They offer more precision with steam levels and often cater to sous vide cooking.

Benefits of Steam Cooking

Before we dive into the comparison, it’s worth highlighting why steam ovens are garnering so much attention from home cooks and kitchen enthusiasts alike:

• Healthier Cooking: Steam cooking requires little to no oil, and it helps retain vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in your food.
• Moist, Flavourful Results: Steam prevents food from drying out, keeping it juicy and full of flavour.
• Versatile Applications: From baking bread and roasting meats to steaming fish and vegetables, the possibilities are endless.
• Quick Clean-Up: Steam ovens often feature self-cleaning programs, like pyrolytic or steam cleaning, providing easy maintenance.

Now, let’s take a closer look at five standout models to see how they compare.

Above: Achieve crispy roasts with juicy centres as you roast with steam using Westinghouse’s 60cm Pyrolytic Oven (WVEP6918DD)

A Comparison of Steam and Steam-Assist Ovens

A Summary: Steam-Assisted Ovens vs Steam Ovens

When comparing steam-assisted ovens with steam ovens, it is essential to understand their key differences and unique functionalities. Steam-assisted ovens are primarily designed to enhance traditional cooking methods by introducing controlled amounts of steam during the cooking process. This feature ensures improved texture, moisture retention, and consistent baking results, making them ideal for roasting meats or baking bread with a crisp crust.

On the other hand, steam ovens are highly specialised appliances that incorporate pure steam as a primary cooking method. They excel in delivering healthier meals by preserving nutrients, flavours, and colours. These ovens are versatile enough to handle sous-vide cooking, reheating without drying food, and even delicate preparation tasks like steaming fish or vegetables.

Above: Perfect cooking delicate foods like fish using steam in Asko’s 60cm Combi-Steam Oven (OCS8687B)

Should I get a Steam-Assisted Oven or a Steam Oven?

While steam-assisted ovens are great for enhancing conventional cooking, steam ovens offer a comprehensive range of steam-centric cooking capabilities, catering to health-conscious users or those who prioritise precision cooking. The choice ultimately depends on your individual cooking needs and preferences. Why not check out the full line up of steam ovens in the link below to view, compare, read reviews and add your favourite steam oven to your wishlist. 

VIEW STEAM OVENS

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No matter your cooking experience or recipe, find the perfect oven for your kitchen and lifestyle today with our other content on all-things ovens:

• Why Cook with A Steam Oven?
• The Benefits of Steam Oven Cooking
• How to: Choose the Right Oven for Your Needs