If you’re looking for a way to create quick and healthy meals, you may be thinking of adding a convection or steam oven to your kitchen wares. These devices can save you time and money and offer a great alternative method to cooking.
If you are in the market for this appliance, you will soon find that there are many options to choose from, all with their own features, pros, and cons, so how do you know which one is the right one for you?
We have crafted this buyer’s guide to help you in this process, so let’s get into our in-depth look at some of the best steam ovens on the market, as well as the information you need to make your decision.
Steam Oven Reviews
Whynter TSO-488GB Grande
- extra large capacity: 40 liter / 1.4 cu. ft. capacity big enough to fit a whole turkey; large water tank capacity: 1.4 liter / 47 oz allows the longest steaming program.
- multi-functional: ferment - preheat - yogurt - air fry - dehydrate - steam - roast - bake - diy ((steam+ bake +convection)- descaling; heating modes: steam - top heater - bottom heater - back heater convection; child lock for added safety
- adjustable temperature: 85°f – 450°f ; preset time: up to 24 hours ; stylish tempered double-pane mirror glass door & black stainless steel handle; interior light control
- dynamic heating and steaming convection system creates optimal circulation of heat within the oven. the internal fan distributes hot air and steam evenly to ensure food is perfectly cooked on all sides.
- accessories: fork assembly, fork handle, broiling/steaming rack, baking pan, oven mitt, and recipe guide; product dimensions: 20.7″ w x 19.68″ d x 17.32″ h; internal dimensions: 15.32″ w x 13.40″ d x 10.83″ h
Last update on 2024-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The first steam oven we’re going to look at is a high-capacity intelligent convection steam oven that is fitted with many great features to help make your meal preparation more successful. This model is designed to sit comfortably on your countertop, and with its multifunctionality, it is a great choice for almost any home.
Product Highlights
You can expect the following features with this oven:
- Black stainless steel
- 40-liter capacity
- Water tank capacity: 1.4 liters
- Multifunctionality
- Built-in child lock
- Temperature range: 80˚F – 450˚F
- Preset time: up to 24 hours
- Double-pane mirror glass door
- Interior light control
- Accessories included: fork assembly, steaming rack, baking pan, oven mitt, and recipe book
- Dimensions (overall): 20.7” x 19.68″ x 17.32″
- Dimensions (interior): 15.32” x 13.4” x 10.83″
- Weight: 59.3 pounds
The Good
There is a lot that we like about this steam oven, and it starts with the high-quality materials used in its construction. The beautiful black stainless steel and double-pane mirror glass door give it an aesthetically pleasing look and help it stand out performance-wise amongst the crowd of great contenders. It is fitted with multiple cooking settings for height and versatility, and the user interface is simple to operate.
The Bad
On top of all that, the size of the machine is a great benefit to almost everybody. We say “almost everybody” because the large 40-liter capacity makes for a large footprint, which will not work for those dealing with small kitchens or those who live by themselves.
Pros
- Capable of multiple cooking methods for enhanced versatility
- Easy-to-use interface improves usability
- Fitted with a self-clean function that helps save time
- Large capacity for big families
Cons
- May be too big for small spaces
F.BLUMLEIN Countertop Steam Oven
- 👨🍳【Customized Cooking】 The top and bottom heating elements can independently be set to different temperatures. If you're cooking several dishes at once, this will help each dish cook at an even temperature.
- 👨🍳【Better Than A Toaster Oven】 Steam heating locks in the freshness of your bread and prevents it from drying out. Reheating food in a steam oven works better because the steam does not allow your food to dry out while reheating.
- 👨🍳【Healthier Meals】 Steam cooking preserves nutrients in food that are destroyed by frying, boiling, or microwaving. Great helper for weight loss, steam cooking doesn't require oil or cooking sprays so you can cut back on calories.
- 👨🍳【Large Capacity】 You can cook a whole 6 pound chicken, 10 inch pizza, 6 slices of toast, or 2 dozen chicken wings in the 0.9 cu. ft. cooking cavity. For reference, it's about as big as a microwave.
- 👨🍳【User Friendly】 The control panel is responsive to each press of your finger and each oven function has a separate button to start that mode. it's so easy to use, you don't even need to read the user manual.
Last update on 2024-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The next oven we’re looking at is from F.BLUMLEIN and is a smaller model than the one we looked at previously. Even with the smaller capacity, it still is fitted with many of the same features and capabilities, which is why we added it to this list.
Product Highlights
You can expect the following features with this oven:
- Independently set bottom and top heating elements
- Responsive control panel
- 26-quart cooking capacity
- Silicone rubber double glass door
- 10 cooking functionalities
- Delayed start capability
- Temperature range: 105˚F – 450˚F
- Timer capability: up to 24 hours
- Dimensions (overall): 19.8″ x 14.3” x 13.7”
- Dimensions (interior): 13.4” x 11.8” x 7”
- Weight: 34.9 pounds
- Accessories included: baking tray, steam tray, grill rack, cleaning sponge, and insulated glove
The Good
The compact design of this steam oven is perfect for limited space, and though it is smaller than other models, it comes packed with plenty of great features.
With 10 separate cooking modes and 20 presets, you will have a versatile menu available to you at all times. Not only that, but the unit heats up quickly, which will save you time and money, which is always a nice advantage.
The Bad
Just because it has all these great features doesn’t mean that it is a perfect product. In fact, there is one major issue that we take with it.
The top vent is a nice addition, but you need to make sure you move it from underneath a cabinet, as it will cause condensation to form on the wood surface. This could damage your cabinets and cost you more money.
Pros
- Fitted with 10 separate cooking modes
- Crafted with a front cooling exhaust for more consistent ventilation
- Programmed with 20 presets for a wide range of recipes
- Heats up fast for improved energy efficiency
Cons
- The top vent creates steam which means you need to keep from placing it underneath cabinets when in use
Cuisinart Convection Steam Oven
- 120 minutes of steady, uninterrupted steam
- Specialized bread proofing technology, bakes & proofs bread better and faster
- Cooks up to 40% quicker than conventional ovens
- Accommodates a whole 4.5 lb. chicken or a 12-Inch pizza
- 0.60 cubic ft, 47 oz. removable water reservoir
Last update on 2024-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our next steam oven comes from one of the biggest names in kitchen appliances – Cuisinart. It is a stainless steel convection steam oven combo. Not only do you get the high-quality performance that all Cuisinart items offer, but you also get a versatility of usage that is vastly disparate from many other ovens on the market.
Product Highlights
You can expect the following features with this oven:
- Stainless steel
- Two-hour steam capability
- Specialized bread proofing technology
- .60 cubic feet capacity
- 47-ounce removable water reservoir
- Nine single and combination functions
- Dimensions: 18″ x 15.5” x 10.75”
- Weight: 23.4 pounds
The Good
Cuisinart has built a reputation for high-quality products, and this steam oven is no different. It is a compact unit that is perfect for small kitchens and it is easy to operate for new users.
The overall design and materials used in its construction make it durable and elevate the usability of the oven. Along with that, it is crafted to be easy to clean, which will save you time.
The Bad
The size is both a positive and a negative when it comes to this unit. Because of the compact size, there is limited cooking space and only one rack. This may work well for the single person in a small apartment, but for those who have a larger family and more space, they may find this unit size constricting.
Pros
- Control panel is easy to read and operate
- Door handle is easy to grasp
- Glass window offers good visibility while cooking
- Easy to access crumb tray for faster clean up
Cons
- Only one oven rack and limited cooking space
Calphalon Performance Oven
- 1800 Watt Rating
- 120 minutes of steady, uninterrupted steam , UC LWH: 22.05" x 17.32" x 13.27" ; MC LWH: 23.15" x 18.03" x 14.49".
- Specialized bread proofing technology, Bakes & proofs bread better and faster. Increases moisture retention
- Accommodates a whole 4.5 lb. chicken or a 12" pizza.UC Cubic feet-2.93
- Steam clean technology. Cooks up to 40% quicker than conventional ovens
Last update on 2024-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Compact and intelligently designed, the next item on our list comes from Calphalon. The steam oven has a small footprint and is designed to be easily used and stored, which makes it a great addition to your kitchen.
Product Highlights
You can expect the following features with this oven:
- Stainless steel
- 11 precision cooking functions
- Quartz heat technology
- Turbo convection
- Dimensions (overall): 18.7” x 15.8″ x 11.6”
- Dimensions (interior): 12.5” x 13” x 4.47”
- Built-in light
- High-contrast LCD screen
- Easy to clean interior
- Weight: 21.7 pounds
- Included accessories: air fry basket, non-stick baking pan, wire rack, and removable crumb tray
The Good
Innovation and a unique design are why this steam oven from Calphalon made it on this list. Everything from the easily read LCD screen to the use of patented quartz technology makes this a great choice.
On top of that, the unit is designed with noise reduction technology, which is nice when using it in a small space, as it won’t be as intrusive. It also is fitted with a durable door that will stand up to anything.
The Bad
Though this oven found itself on this list because of the innovation and unique features included in the design, these two features may also be considered a disadvantage. Like with any product, when you look for innovation and high-quality design, you often find a high price tag that goes with it.
For many, this may be the one thing that causes hesitation when considering making this their final choice. However, if the budget isn’t a problem for you, then taking advantage of all these features may be a smart option.
Pros
- Patented quartz technology improves overall performance
- LCD screen is easy to read and use
- Offers reduced noise when in use
- Door is durable and well made
Cons
- Some may find the price to be a little steep
Elite Gourmet Steam Oven
- extra large capacity: 40 liter / 1.4 cu. ft. capacity big enough to fit a whole turkey; large water tank capacity: 1.4 liter / 47 oz allows the longest steaming program.
- multi-functional: ferment - preheat - yogurt - air fry - dehydrate - steam - roast - bake - diy ((steam+ bake +convection)- descaling; heating modes: steam - top heater - bottom heater - back heater convection; child lock for added safety
- adjustable temperature: 85°f – 450°f ; preset time: up to 24 hours ; stylish tempered double-pane mirror glass door & black stainless steel handle; interior light control
- dynamic heating and steaming convection system creates optimal circulation of heat within the oven. the internal fan distributes hot air and steam evenly to ensure food is perfectly cooked on all sides.
- accessories: fork assembly, fork handle, broiling/steaming rack, baking pan, oven mitt, and recipe guide; product dimensions: 20.7″ w x 19.68″ d x 17.32″ h; internal dimensions: 15.32″ w x 13.40″ d x 10.83″ h
Last update on 2024-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The last steam oven on our list comes from Elite Gourmet and offers a unique design that heightens its versatility. Of all our offerings, this may be the best budget option we have.
Product Highlights
You can expect the following features with this oven:
- 23-liter capacity
- 8 multifunction cooking modes
- Heat selector switch
- Temperature range: 150˚F – 450˚F
- 60-minute timer control
- Auto shutoff technology
- Dimensions (overall): 17” x 13.5″ x 14.5″
- Dimensions (interior): 12” x 8.5” x 13”
- Cool-touch handle
- Oven top grill/griddle
- Weight: 17.6 pounds
- Accessories included: oven top dome lid, wire rack, roasting pan, pan handle, removable crumb tray, rotisserie removal tongues, and rotisserie kit
The Good
Of all the steam ovens we have looked at, this one may be the most versatile. Crafted with an interior cooking environment and griddle/grill on top, you will have a multitude of options when it comes to food preparation.
Everything about this oven is easy. All of that combined is why we chose this model for our list.
The Bad
The compact nature of this unit is especially nice for smaller kitchens and single individuals. However, the size limits what you can cook on the interior, and that makes it a poor choice for anybody with a medium to large-sized family.
For example, the unit is only capable of cooking up to 5 pounds of meat, and that is not a lot when it comes to a large family.
Pros
- Designed with removable and easy to clean non-stick accessories
- Crafted with a hot plate and griddle on the top for increased versatility of use
- Price versus value exceeds competitors
- Easy-to-use adjustable temperature knob with variable cooking temps
Cons
- Unit’s compact nature limits the amount of food that can be cooked and therefore is not advised for larger families
Buyer’s Guide
Now that you have a few great options to consider, we thought we would share with you the features that we looked at when deciding what units to place on this list. These features can also be very helpful to you as you are trying to make your final decision on which oven to go with.
Here are the features that we think play the biggest role in the performance of a great steam oven.
Types of Steam Ovens
The first thing that we looked at was the type of steam oven. There are two main types – the pure steam oven and the combination steam oven.
The pure steam oven cooks solely through the power of steam. This type of steam oven is great for vegetables and meat. However, there are no convection oven features attached to this unit.
A combination steam oven takes all the features of the convection oven and adds them into the pure steam oven features. This gives the steam oven more versatility and often more capacity.
Size
The next factor we think you should pay attention to is the size, and this feature actually comes into play in a multitude of different ways. The first and most obvious is the actual size of the unit, and with this, you have to consider the space you have available to store the oven.
Size also plays a role when looking at the internal cooking space available to you. If you are a single individual or a small family, then you may be fine with less interior capacity. However, if you are working with a larger family, then you will need more space because the meals will be larger.
The final aspect when it comes to size is the water tank capacity, which will vary from oven to oven. If you are solely using the unit for steaming, then you will want a larger water capacity amount. Typically, you will find ovens with a water capacity of between two to six cups.
Usability
Another factor that we considered was the usability of the oven. This comes when you look at the mode of cooking available and the presets that are programmed in the unit. The more options you have, the more usability you will have with the unit.
Along with these features that contribute to a heightened usability are the safety features and control panel, as well as the timer capabilities. The easier the unit is to use, the more time you save, and that lends a lot of value to the product.
Handle
Though it doesn’t play a part in the performance of the unit, the handle is an important part of the build of every oven. You will be pulling it constantly, and that means it needs to be comfortable to grab. Also, you want a handle that is heat-resistant so that you do not end up burning yourself, as these types of ovens get really hot.
Material
The last factor we will look at is the material the oven is built with. There are two different aspects to this – the body itself and the glass used in the door. Most steam ovens will be made with some sort of stainless steel, and at the very minimum, they should have stainless steel panels. This will help with heat retention and also give it an aesthetically pleasing look.
The door is also key. When it comes to the glass, you want to look for the best option possible. Typically, this should be double-paned glass and preferably have some sort of glass glazing on it to protect it from the heat. This will increase the durability of the glass door.
Steam Ovens FAQs
Now that you have a few options in mind and the knowledge to make your final decision, we also thought we’d take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions that we could find online. Below, we have taken those and answered them for you so that you can make your final decision with even more information.
How to choose steam ovens?
Besides using the features that we discussed in our buyer’s guide, there are a couple of other questions you should consider when looking to choose your steam oven. The first questions are how much are you willing to spend, and how much will you actually use the unit.
By determining how much you’re willing to spend, you can determine the value you will get in return from purchasing a steam oven. This, coupled with using the features we talked about above, will give you a great start to figuring out how to choose the right steam oven for you and your cooking needs.
What are steam ovens?
The name says it all. Steam ovens use steam rather than air to cook food. Not only are they great for cooking, but they are perhaps the best way to reheat food, even better than a microwave. Depending on the steam oven you get, you may find it has more functionality and versatility.
How to use steam ovens
There are many ways you can use a steam oven, and it will depend on the oven itself and what its capabilities are. Though each may have a different user interface and design, there are a few typical steps that are universal.
The first thing you’re going to do is fill up your water to the water line that is designated on the water reservoir. This is important because the water is basically your heating element, so you need to make sure that you have enough water in the reservoir before you start cooking.
The next thing you will do is pick your cooking mode. Choosing this will depend on what you’re trying to cook. For example, if you’re cooking vegetables, you may go with the steam mode. However, if you’re looking to roast vegetables, you will choose the roast mode.
Once that is selected, the only thing left to do is to set your timer. You will place the food in the oven, set the timer, and push start. Then, just wait for the delicious food to be ready.
How to clean steam ovens?
There are a couple of things to keep in mind when it comes to the cleaning of your steam oven. The biggest of these is that you should do some sort of cleaning after each use. For this type of cleaning, you should wait until the oven is cool or at least warm to the touch and take a soft cloth to wipe off any food debris. At this time, you should also empty out the water tank and let it dry.
For deeper cleaning, which should be done every couple of uses, you will want to clean the entirety of the unit itself. For the exterior stainless steel, you’ll want to use a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth. Take these and lightly wipe the surface with the dampened cloth. Make sure to completely dry it, as it tends to rust.
For the interior of the unit, you want to set it to steam mode and let it do its job for 30 minutes. This will loosen any debris that has gotten stuck on the oven, and when that is done, you will turn the oven off and use a damp cloth to wipe away any of the debris that is left.
Most accessories that come with each steam oven are dishwasher safe. Just make sure to read the manual. Also, the glass door is easily cleaned with glass cleaner.
How do steam ovens work?
When you look at a steam oven, they look like a typical convection oven. However, instead of using heating elements for cooking, they use water. The water in the water tank is heated until steam begins to be produced, and this steam heats the oven interior. This steam is then used to cook the food, and though it does not get as hot as a typical oven, it is more consistent seeing as how steam is a very good conductor of heat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy and healthy alternative to cooking your meals, a great option is a steam oven. The final decision of which steam oven is the right one for you is yours alone based on your needs, preferences, and budget, but we hope that all the information we have given you above has helped make that decision easier. Happy cooking!