Steam Ovens

A steam oven offers an elevated way to cook by using hot steam to cook food gently and evenly, helping lock in natural moisture, flavour and nutrients. Unlike traditional ovens that rely solely on dry heat, steam ovens introduce water vapour into the cavity to achieve tender, succulent results without the need for excess oils or fats. Whether you’re baking artisan breads, roasting vegetables or gently reheating leftovers, steam unlocks textures and results that traditional ovens can’t always replicate. With clean, minimalist design and advanced cooking functions, steam ovens fit seamlessly into any modern kitchen while supporting a health-conscious lifestyle. At Signature Appliances, our collection includes some of the finest steam ovens on the market, selected for their innovation, reliability and intuitive performance.

What is a Full Steam vs Combi Steam Oven?

A full steam oven operates at temperatures from around 40C to 100C, using steam to cook food at or below boiling point. It's excellent for fish, shellfish, vegetables, reheating and gentle low-temperature cooking. What it can't do is brown or crisp food - there's no dry heat involved. A combi steam oven can use steam alone, conventional heat alone or both together. Bread baked with steam injection in the first phase gets oven spring and a good crust. Chicken roasted in combi mode gets a moist interior with genuinely crispy skin. For most households that want to add steam capability, the combi model is the right choice.

Key Features to Look For

• Water supply - tank vs plumbed: Tank-fed models have a reservoir (usually 1-2 litres) you fill manually. Plumbed models connect directly to the water supply and don't need refilling. Plumbed is more convenient for frequent use but requires a plumber at installation. Miele's HydroClean models are plumbed and include automatic descaling.

• Cavity size: Steam ovens are typically 45cm high (compact) rather than 60cm, making them a natural fit for stacking with a built-in oven or warming drawer in a tall unit. Internal volume is typically 40-50L for a 60cm-wide compact model.

• Temperature range: A wider range gives more versatility. Look for models that go as low as 40-50C for proving bread or gentle protein cooking, and as high as 230C+ for combi cooking.

• Self-cleaning: Steam ovens accumulate limescale over time. Look for automatic descaling or a guided descaling programme. Some Miele models include HydroClean, which automates the process.

• Moisture sensor: More advanced models detect humidity in the cavity and adjust cooking automatically - reducing guesswork for unfamiliar recipes.

Luxury Steam Ovens from the World’s Leading Brands

Our range includes steam ovens from Fisher & Paykel and Smeg, two brands known for blending design excellence with thoughtful innovation. Whether you’re looking to complement your existing appliance suite or upgrade your primary oven, these models deliver both elevated performance and seamless kitchen integration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the key benefits of cooking with a steam oven compared to a conventional oven?

Cooking with a steam oven goes beyond simply heating food - it injects moisture, resulting in more flavourful and nutritionally intact meals. Unlike traditional ovens that can dry out ingredients, steam cooking locks in natural juices, nutrients, and vitamins, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious cooks. Foods remain tender and moist, whether you're reheating leftovers, cooking delicate fish, or baking bread with a beautifully crisp crust. This appliance is incredibly versatile, often combining steam functions with traditional heat, offering the flexibility to bake, roast, and grill. 

Q. Do I need a steam oven if I already have a conventional oven?

Not necessarily, but if you cook fish regularly, bake bread, do a lot of meal prep or find that reheating in a conventional oven dries food out, a steam oven addresses all of those things well. Many households with a dedicated steam oven end up using it more often than their conventional oven for everyday cooking.

Q. Where should I install it?

Steam ovens install in the same cabinetry as built-in ovens and are designed to stack. The most common configuration is a full-size oven at eye level with a compact steam oven directly below or above it, alongside a warming drawer. This creates a complete cooking tower in a tall unit.

Q. Is a steam oven difficult to clean?

Steam ovens are actually easier to clean than conventional ovens - because there's no dry heat, food doesn't bake onto the cavity walls. Wipe down after use and run a descaling cycle periodically. Models with HydroClean or automatic descaling make the maintenance largely hands-off.

Q. Can a steam oven replace a microwave?

For reheating, a steam oven is better than a microwave in most respects - food reheats evenly without drying out and retains texture far better. The trade-off is speed: a microwave is faster. Many households replace the microwave with a combi microwave oven and use the steam oven for everything that benefits from gentler heat.

Q. What can I cook in a steam oven?

Vegetables, fish, shellfish, rice, grains, eggs, bread, pastry, custards and anything that benefits from moist heat. In combi mode, add roasting and baking where you want moisture combined with browning. It's also excellent for proving dough and low-temperature cooking of proteins at precise temperatures.

Browse built-in ovens and warming drawers to plan a complete cooking tower or pair with a cooktop and rangehood. Whether you’re planning a complete kitchen makeover or simply seeking the perfect replacement, our team is here to join you on the journey. Book a consultation or visit our Signature Appliances showroom to experience our range in person and find the ideal fit for your home.