Anyone got a steam oven

Ian J · 28-09-2009, 5:57 AM

We are having a new kitchen and whilst researching all the toys and bits n bobs I came across steam ovens.

I haven't actually seen one and whilst the brochures give the specifications they don't tell you much about their usefulness and it left me wondering exactly how they work.

Anyone got any experience of using one?

**Leej** · 29-09-2009, 2:19 PM

I've asked my wife about this. She has one at work, all £8000 worth of it. It has never been used. Her boss is getting on to her about using it and she tells him it makes for a good looking ornament.

She said if she does use it she will let you know what she thinks. It could take a while though and you could be on another replacement replacement kitchen by then.

**Mark Hodgkinson** · 29-09-2009, 3:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian J

We are having a new kitchen and whilst researching all the toys and bits n bobs I came across steam ovens.

I haven't actually seen one and whilst the brochures give the specifications they don't tell you much about their usefulness and it left me wondering exactly how they work.

Anyone got any experience of using one?

I used one when I was a chef for a living. They're great in a commercial environment but I wouldn't have one in my home. The heat and steam (obviously) they give off is tremendous and I wouldn't feel safe with one in a domestic kitchen.

Is it steam only or can you use it like a regular convection oven also? If it's the former then you're seriously limiting yourself in the things you can cook well. Obviously it's great for fish, chicken breasts, veg, rice etc but you wouldn't want you're roast beef and potatoes steamed to a turn! I have used a bread oven that was a convection/steam combo but it cost serious money!

Ian J · 29-09-2009, 4:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hodg100

Is it steam only or can you use it like a regular convection oven also? If it's the former then you're seriously limiting yourself in the things you can cook well.

It would have been in addition to a "normal" cooker but I think that you've put me off and it would end up as an expensive unused toy

mrm3 · 17-10-2009, 9:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian J

It would have been in addition to a "normal" cooker but I think that you've put me off and it would end up as an expensive unused toy

I nearly put one in our kitchen mainly to make up a bank four for symmetry

but decided it would not get used.

If you want gadgets I recommend:
Induction hobs
Self cleaning ovens (500 degrees to burnt off the dirt)
and a hot tap

Ian J · 18-10-2009, 6:13 AM

It's too late as work starts in a week's time and I have specified all of the appliances now.

I thought about an induction hob but went for one of these frameless ceramic ones instead and with the money I saved I specified a wine fridge.

What do you mean by a "hot tap" ? EDIT - found it. Hmmmmm interesting

mrm3 · 28-10-2009, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian J

What do you mean by a "hot tap" ? EDIT - found it. Hmmmmm interesting

Forgot about this thread. I was going to reply.
Of all the gadgets my wifes favourite is the hot tap. Instant boiling water for tea/coffee or filling a pan etc. Really recommend.

Andyjc · 29-10-2009, 12:58 AM

hi ian,
i recently looked into this, but decided i would get far more use out of a coffee machine than the steam oven.

good thing is though - they dont have to be plumbed in, so you can just add the water to the 'tank' and it will cook away! great for veg and fish, but not much else!