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What’s the Difference: Speed Oven vs Steam Oven
Decoding Speed Ovens vs Steam Ovens
Should I Choose a Speed Oven or a Steam Oven?
Featured Speed Ovens & Steam Ovens Compared
Modern ovens are extremely versatile because they're equipped with the latest technology and features. However, with all of the types of ovens out there, how do you choose? In this article, we will review two kinds of ovens: a speed oven and a steam oven.
Both types of ovens have different purposes. To help you choose the best one for your baking and roasting needs we've provided a full speed oven vs steam oven comparison. Plus, we’ll review the brands on the market that make the best models.
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What’s the Difference: Speed Oven vs Steam Oven
A steam oven uses water to generate steam for cooking, ideal for retaining nutrients and moisture in food. It's excellent for delicate items like vegetables and fish.
So exactly what is a speed oven? Well, this model combines convection and microwave technologies to cook food quickly, which makes it suitable for fast-paced meal prep.
While steam ovens focus on healthier, slower cooking, speed ovens prioritize speed without sacrificing too much quality. It should be noted that these aren’t mutually exclusive—some kitchens use both for versatility, but their distinct cooking methods cater to different needs: nutrition and texture for steam ovens, and quick, efficient cooking for speed ovens.
Browse Featured Steam Ovens
Decoding Speed Ovens vs Steam Ovens
Before you make a decision, it's important to weigh speed ovens vs steam ovens based on their features, uses, and design. In this section, we explain what these two types of cooking appliances can provide you.
Features
Speed ovens and steam ovens are innovative appliances designed to enhance cooking efficiency and versatility. Speed ovens typically combine microwave technology with convection cooking for faster cooking times without sacrificing food quality. Many models include preset cooking modes for various dishes to ensure optimal results with minimal effort.
Key features of steam ovens include adjustable humidity settings, which enable precise cooking control. Some models also have multiple cooking modes, including steam, bake, and roast, allowing for a diverse range of culinary techniques.
Performance
In terms of performance, speed ovens excel at reducing cooking times significantly compared to conventional ovens. They can preheat rapidly and cook dishes evenly, so they're ideal for busy kitchens. The best speed oven will also feature sensor cooking, which automatically adjusts cooking times based on the food type and weight to give you perfectly cooked meals every time.
Steam ovens shine in maintaining the integrity of food. By cooking with steam, they retain moisture and nutrients, resulting in healthier meals. Steam ovens often provide a moist cooking environment that enhances flavors and textures, which makes them suitable for delicate foods like fish and vegetables.
Uses
The versatility of speed ovens vs steam ovens is a significant advantage for modern kitchens. Speed ovens can be used for baking, roasting, grilling, and reheating so they're a valuable asset for anyone looking to streamline meal preparation. They are particularly beneficial for busy families, as they allow for quick meal solutions without compromising taste.
Steam ovens are particularly well-suited for cooking vegetables, grains, and meats for a healthier cooking option. They can also be used for baking bread and pastries, as the steam helps achieve a perfect crust while keeping the interior moist. A steam convection oven is excellent for defrosting frozen foods efficiently and evenly.
Lastly, with a steam model, you can steam clean oven appliances easily to keep them clean without using harmful detergents and abrasive tools.
Design
Design plays an important role in the appeal of speed and steam ovens. Many models feature sleek, modern aesthetics that complement contemporary kitchens, with options for built-in installation that seamlessly integrates into cabinetry.
User-friendly interfaces, such as touchscreens or dial controls, simplify operation, to make it easy for cooks of all skill levels to navigate settings. Additionally, some models come with self-cleaning features, reducing the hassle of maintenance.
The interior design of both types of ovens is optimized for even heat distribution for consistent cooking results. Overall, the combination of advanced features, high performance, versatile uses, and appealing design makes speed and steam ovens essential for modern culinary enthusiasts.
Should I Choose a Speed Oven or a Steam Oven?
Still not sure which type of oven is right for you? To help you decide between a speed oven vs steam oven, here are some tips to help you choose.
Cooking Style
If you often prepare meals quickly and enjoy a variety of cooking methods like baking, roasting, and reheating, a speed oven may be the better choice. Its combination of microwave and convection cooking allows for faster meal preparation without sacrificing quality. This is particularly beneficial for busy households.
Health Considerations
On the other hand, if health and nutrition are your priorities, a steam oven could be the ideal option. Steam cooking retains nutrients and moisture in food, so it's suitable for cooking vegetables, fish, and lean meats. Moreover, steam ovens can create healthier dishes without the need for added fats.
Space and Design
Consider your kitchen space and design preferences. Speed ovens can have a compact size, which makes them versatile for various kitchen layouts. Steam ovens may require more space due to their specialized design but can also be built into cabinetry for a seamless look.
Featured Speed Ovens & Steam Ovens Compared
If you're still struggling to choose between a steam and a speed oven, this section might assist you further. We've provided reviews on some of the best steam and speed ovens from brands like Wolf and Thermador.
Wolf® M Series 30" Stainless Steel Professional Electric Speed Oven
This Wolf speed oven is part of the brand's M series. It merges microwave power with convection and broil functions, enabling quick meal prep through modes like Micro-Bake and Micro-Roast. With 10 power levels and intuitive controls for tasks like defrosting, it ensures effortless cooking. Its sleek design fits seamlessly into cabinetry, while a robust two-year warranty reflects its durability and quality. Ideal for gourmet results in less time.
Thermador® Masterpiece 30" Stainless Steel Electric Speed Oven
Shop this Thermador® Speed Oven
The 30 inch Masterpiece Thermador speed oven has a stunning design with its stainless steel finish and crafted gray glass. This particular model has 36 Cook Smart automatic cooking programs that streamline meal prep. With 10 microwave power levels and convection cooking, it delivers versatile performance and even cooking. The convection cooking is especially ideal for frozen foods. Lastly, it has a large 1.6 Cu. Ft. total capacity to fit bigger cookware like pans and bowls.
Bosch® 500 Series 1.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Electric Speed Oven
If you're looking for advanced technology and even cooking capabilities, the 500 Series Bosch speed oven could be what you need. This model combines convection cooking with a Triple Distribution Turntable Disk for enhanced microwave energy distribution to ensure even cooking results. The SpeedChef cooking cycles enable faster meal preparation. Its sleek design allows for a flush installation, seamlessly integrating with Bosch wall ovens, steam ovens, or warming drawers, while the white touch control LCD adds a modern touch.
Wolf® M Series 30" Stainless Steel Contemporary Single Electric Steam Wall Oven
Wolf also makes steam ovens for those who want to bake or provide more moisture for roasted dishes. This single electric Wolf oven excels with its climate sensor, automatically adjusting time, temperature, and humidity for perfectly cooked dishes. With a generous capacity for multiple dishes and a temperature probe for precise cooking, it simplifies meal preparation. Its sleek stainless steel design integrates seamlessly into cabinetry and enhances kitchen aesthetics while delivering professional-quality results.
Miele 30" Clean Touch Steel Steam Oven
Unlike the Miele speed ovens, the steam model has exceptional versatility with steam cooking, baking, and roasting capabilities, enhanced by DualSteam technology for consistent results. The M Touch S display features a proximity sensor for effortless operation. Its Clean Touch Steel finish ensures easy maintenance, while included PerfectClean accessories facilitate convenient cooking. Designed for both performance and style, it fits seamlessly into modern kitchens.
Thermador® Professional 30" Stainless Steel Steam Oven
Shop this Thermador® Steam Oven
This steam oven from Thermador features 17 heating modes, including steam, convection, and air fry, which caters to diverse culinary needs. The large 2.8 cu. ft. capacity and multiple racks enable cooking several dishes simultaneously without flavor transfer. Wi-Fi connectivity allows remote monitoring and control via the Home Connect app, which makes it a modern kitchen essential.
FAQ
Are speed ovens worth it?
Speed ovens are worth the investment for those with busy lifestyles and large families, as they significantly reduce cooking time while providing versatile cooking options. One advantage is their ability to combine microwave and convection cooking, enabling quick meal preparation without sacrificing quality.
Can a speed oven replace a regular oven?
A speed oven can often replace a regular oven, especially in smaller kitchens or for those with limited cooking needs, as it combines microwave and convection cooking for versatile meal preparation. While it excels at quickly cooking and reheating food, it may lack the capacity for larger dishes like holiday roasts or multiple trays of cookies.
How to clean a steam clean oven?
Functions may differ based on your steam oven model. For most models, you must fill the oven's water reservoir with water and activate the steam cleaning function to allow the steam to loosen grime for about 20-30 minutes. After the cycle is complete, wipe down the interior surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue, and ensure the water reservoir is emptied and dried for future use.
Where to buy a wall oven near me?
If you're looking for wall ovens from brands like Thermador or Wolf, visit Fuse Specialty Appliances today. We have wall ovens with a variety of features and styles that will suit your cooking needs.
Why Trust Fuse Specialty Appliances?
Fuse Specialty Appliances carries an incredible selection of premium and high-end appliances for your home. With over 30 years of appliance knowledge, our team of experts represents the best and brightest in the industry. Our teams bring decades of experience working with designers, architects, cabinet makers, contractors, and everyone who is involved in designing and building a dream kitchen. We provide our customers with a unique, boutique-style experience where we get to know your goals for your kitchen. This more connected dynamic helps us ensure that we help you realize your kitchen dreams.
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Visit one of our South Florida locations to see what a difference shopping locally with an experienced staff can make. Or shop ovens online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you choose between a speed oven vs steam oven — whether you call us, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
→ Learn more: Wolf Oven Review: 6 Features That Make These Ovens Worth It