The biggest trend in domestic oven technology is the addition of steam into the oven cavity. A Steam Combination (also known as Steam Combi) oven .This oven can cook in multiple ways. first by using steam as the only cooking method, and secondly it can combine steam with the heat provided by the included traditional oven elements, and finally it is able to cook without the use of steam at all when necessary to do so. It could be said it is the most versatile oven of all, as it can, in many cases replace or minimise the use of the cooktop and or the microwave for the majority of cooking processes.
What are the greatest benefits of a Steam Combination oven?
1. Greater Capacity, Flexibility and Speed
One of the standout features of steam combination ovens, over traditional methods of steaming, is their ability to accommodate large quantities of food simultaneously across multiple layers. With latest model steam ovens coming in a 60cm cavity, even vast quantities of food can be prepared at once, optimizing both time and resources. The addition of steam into the oven cavity enables users to cook diverse foods together- think fragrant curry and delicate dessert at the same time - without concern for flavour or odour transference. Unlike conventional methods where aromas may intermingle, steam encapsulates and retains the distinct essence of each dish .
Food cooked with the addition of steam cooks more quickly due to the heat from moisture penetrating foods quicker than dry air. Food can be cooked up to 15-20% faster.
2. Nutritional benefits and Accuracy
By capturing food drips in a tray and reintegrating them into the cooking process, it is possible to maximize nutritional benefits. This is particularly evident when cooking fish and shellfish and vegetables , where traditional boiling or steaming methods would lead to nutrient loss as the nutrients are leached into the cooking water which is then poured away. With steam ovens, the natural juices are preserved, enhancing both flavor and nutritional value.
Unlike microwaves, which offer limited control over cooking parameters and due to the way that microwave heats food in an uneven way, steam combination ovens offer precise temperature management. By adjusting the internal temperature of the oven to a lower temperature than can be achieved with traditional steaming, we can execute delicate cooking techniques tailored to specific ingredients, such as gently poaching white fish or crafting velvety custards or perfectly cooked eggs every time.
3. Superior results for everyday tasks like defrosting and reheating
When compared to conventional reheating methods and especially to microwave reheating and defrosting, steam combination ovens deliver unparalleled results. Moisture is retained rather than evaporated off and the gentle defrosting capabilities make them the best option for thawing all foods but especially delicate items such as fish or lamb racks, which is difficult to achieve using microwave.
The cooking of rice to perfection is so simple in a Steam oven, and by incorporating rice cooking functionality into the steam oven, we can reclaim valuable countertop space. Rice cooked in a steam oven avoids the pitfalls of other methods, and results in light and fluffy rice every time.
4. Maintaining Moisture levels with healthy results
By harnessing the power of steam, Steam Combi ovens ensure that dishes retain their natural juiciness and tenderness . Whether it's meats, delicate fish fillets, or vibrant vegetables, the controlled steam environment prevents the dehydration that naturally occurs as evaporation of food juices as they increase in temperature. By combining the steam with high heat browning (which enhances flavour) still occurs and the combination of steam and heat results in consistently moist and flavourful meals. This balance of heat and moisture not only enhances the taste and texture of dishes but also offers health-conscious cooks a way to create tasty nutrient-rich meals without the need for excessive fats or oils.
5. Superior baking results
It is suprising to most that in a steam combination oven, the results of most baked items are enhanced. Breads, pastries, and cakes all benefit from the addition of steam to the oven cavity. The steam helps with aiding in the rise of the bread and additionally helps create a crisp and golden crust while maintaining a soft and moist interior. Pastries rise beautifully with the added moisture, achieving a light and flaky consistency, and cakes rise more evenly with the circulating steam keeping the surface of the batter moist for longer, delaying the formation of a crust that can inhibit even rising.
To experience Steam Combination ovens book in for a Cooking Technology Demonstration at selected Kitchen Things Stores
