Receta Cooking with a Steam Oven
A while back, I shared a post about my kitchen,
and details on my appliances, too. One of the things I get the most questions on from that post (and in real life) is that little black oven over there.
I told you guys that I had a total I’m-officially-a-grown-up moment when this truck rolled up to our house a little over a year ago and I realized the excitement rivaled that of Christmas day.
And I love this new stainless model they have out now:
This little thing is kind of amazing. It can defrost, steam, proof, bake, slow cook, reheat, you name it.
(above photos via Thermador) The way it works is that there’s a little pitcher that you fill with regular water, and pop it in the slot. The water is then released into the oven during the cooking process, creating steam and enveloping the food inside.
Pans and racks slide right in.
The oven can function not only as a steam oven, but as a normal convection oven and also a steam/convection combo. One of the cool things about having the steam is that it prevents the transfer of flavors so you can cook things like apple pie and garlic chicken at the same time and the flavors don’t mix. It also has tons of preset programs that automatically set the oven temperature and humidity for things you cook often.
For example- one of the things I use it for all the time is hard-boiling eggs (I know, of all things). My kids have a strange obsession with hard-boiled eggs these days (or as they call them ‘hot boiled eggs,’ also applicable), so I can pop a whole pan of them in there and just press one button and it automatically cooks them perfectly.
I also especially love it for things like brown rice and quinoa. The steam cooks the softest, most fluffy grains I’ve ever had in my life- no exaggeration. Meats turn out crazy moist, and it’s amazing for re-heating leftovers. The steam rehydrates so nothing is dried out. Things like pizza taste like they’re fresh out of the oven again for the first time. Steam cooking is also obviously a great way to cook healthier food, and steaming retains more vitamins and minerals.
People ask me if I’m happy I got the steam oven and if I use it and the answers are yes, and yes! It’s been a really fun, new way of cooking and I’m still learning more and more things I can do with the oven. I’m excited to really get into bread making, as the steam oven can re-create that environment that commercial bakeries have that produce that chewy, crackly top. I’ve really loved it so far for meats and roasts, and of course steaming vegetables. I use it a lot for proofing yeast breads like cinnamon rolls. My only single regret, and this is simply a kitchen-design regret, not an appliance regret, is not placing it closer to my hood vent. I didn’t realize it would release a little steam out the front of the oven, and I wish there was a vent above it to suck that up. But it’s really a minor thing; it makes my house smell extra yummy when I cook with it. All in all, I’ve loved having it and I’m glad I decided to get it.
Here’s some answers to questions I get the most often:
The oven model I have: this one.
Where I bought it: Orson Gygi in Salt Lake City. Ask for Dave in appliances and tell him I sent you. He’ll take good care of you! The number is (801) 268 3316
Did I use the trim kit? Nope. I had my cabinet installer custom fit the space.
Do you need special plumbing for a steam oven? No.
Is there an option to get a steam oven in a standing range? Yep. And it’s a beauty.
Can you post steam recipes? If enough people request it so there’s a need, you bet!
If you have any other questions about it- feel free to ask in the comments!
Note: This post is not sponsored by Thermador, all opinions are mine.