These days, gourmet cooking is no longer just reserved for professional chefs with years of experience. Creating restaurant-quality dishes in the comfort of your own kitchen may sound nearly impossible to the average individual, but the key to unveiling the secrets of gourmet cooking at home? It’s none other than mastering the art of using a combination steam oven.

Combi steam ovens in Singapore have been growing in popularity in recent years, but the combination steam ovens, specifically, offer a unique cooking experience that combines the power of steam and traditional dry heat. This results in dishes that are not only delicious but also healthier. The steam helps to retain the natural moisture of the ingredients, preserving their flavours and nutrients. Moreover, the precise control of temperature and moisture in a combi steam oven opens up a world of possibilities, from perfectly crispy bread to succulent roasts. For those in search of a combi steam oven for your next kitchen renovation, here’s a quick buying guide to explore the options available.

Things to Consider when Buying a Combi Steam Oven

Investing in a combi steam oven is like bringing a maestro into your kitchen – so yes, choosing the right appliance matters. But before you rush to purchase the first one you see, there are crucial factors to consider to ensure you get the best appliance that suits your needs.

1. Design and Build Quality

A combi steam oven is a long-term investment, so knowing how to choose the oven’s design and build quality matters. As a true kitchen essential, you want an appliance that not only performs exceptionally but also seamlessly integrates into your kitchen's overall aesthetic. For instance, SMEG offers the striking Dolce Stil Novo Omnichef Multifunction Combi Oven in an elegant all-black glass finish, showcasing its renowned Italian design that prioritises both beauty and function. Similarly, the Victoria Traditional Pyrolytic Multifunction Oven blends classic charm with robust construction.

Look for durable materials, like high-quality stainless steel interiors, which are often preferred for their ease of cleaning and longevity, ensuring your oven remains beautiful and functional for years.

2. Brand Reputation and Warranty

It’s vital to opt for well-established brands known for producing high-quality kitchen appliances – it’s one of the easiest ways to ensure simple and safe use. SMEG, for example, is an Italian brand that has been designing innovative household appliances since 1948, establishing a strong presence and reputation for excellence.

To help you gauge the reliability of a brand, it would be best to read reviews and seek recommendations. Additionally, consider checking the warranty terms to further safeguard your investment!

3. Capacity and Size

Combi steam ovens come in various sizes, so it’s essential to choose one that fits your kitchen space and cooking requirements. A way to do so is to consider the number of people you usually cook for as well as the types of dishes you want to prepare. A larger capacity oven might be ideal for roasting whole chickens or baking multiple trays of cookies.

4. Cooking Modes and Functions

Unlike the traditional wall oven, most combi steam ovens come with various cooking functions and modes, each designed to enhance your culinary repertoire. Some models offer standard convection baking, pure steam cooking, combination cooking, and even specialised modes like defrosting and proofing. A key tip when buying is to consider what cooking capabilities truly matter to you.

SMEG's Omnichef technology, for instance, allows you to combine the power of traditional, steam, and microwave cooking for exceptional, multi-faceted results. Furthermore, SMEG multifunction ovens offer a wide choice of programmes and powerful fans for incredibly even cooking results. Their advanced control system even enables the customisation of steam pulses, ranging from 20% to 40%, thus ensuring optimal cooking outcomes for various culinary styles and perfect dishes every time.

Depending on your cooking preferences, look for an oven with functions that resonate with your culinary aspirations.

5. Water Source and Drainage

Since steam is an important component of combi steam ovens, you’ll need a reliable water source and drainage system. Some ovens can be directly connected to a water line, while others require manual water filling. Ensure that the drainage system efficiently removes excess water to prevent any issues. 

6. Ease of Use and Control

The joy of home cooking can quickly turn into frustration if your appliance is complicated to use. As such, look for an oven with an intuitive control panel and user-friendly interface. SMEG's Dolce Stil Novo models, for example, feature high-definition TFT touch displays with easy navigation and crystal-clear images, making it simple to select functions, adjust settings, and monitor your cooking progress. An easily navigable interface ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience, empowering you to focus on your culinary creations rather than struggling with complex controls.

What Can You Cook with a Combi Steam Oven?

Now that we’ve covered the buying guide to ensure you get the best appliance possible, let’s explore the culinary possibilities a combi steam oven can unlock.

Fish and Seafood Perfected

Cooking fish and seafood just right demands a delicate touch. The moisture-balancing superpowers of combi steam ovens ensure these tender proteins stay moist and brimming with flavour. From flaky salmon fillets to rich lobster tails, your seafood creations will rival those of top-notch restaurants.

Vegetables Packed with Colour and Goodness

Steaming vegetables is a smart choice for retaining their vibrant hues and essential nutrients. With a combi steam oven, you can up your vegetable game by having total control over steam levels and cooking temperatures. The outcome? Vegetables that are tender, flavourful, and bursting with wholesome goodness.

Juicy Roasts and Flavourful Poultry

Roasting meats and poultry requires finesse in temperature and moisture control. Combi steam ovens maintain the ideal moisture balance while cooking, resulting in meats that are juicy inside and gorgeously caramelised outside. 

Crispy Bread to Savour

Imagine sinking your teeth into a loaf of bread with a crunchy, golden crust that gives way to a soft, airy centre. Combi steam ovens are your bread’s best friend, creating the perfect conditions for artisanal loaves. A burst of steam at the start ensures the crust forms just right, followed by the dry heat that delivers that irresistible crunch.

Baked Delights

Pastries, cakes, and cookies – these and more! The blend of steam and dry heat in these ovens works wonders for your baking endeavours. Steam infusion during the initial baking stages creates a moist environment that encourages proper rising and a flawlessly glossy finish.

Conclusion

The journey of gourmet cooking at home is an exciting endeavour that promises sensational dishes you can create and the memories you can forge around the dining table. Knowing how to choose the right combi steam oven for your next purchase, you’re equipping yourself with a tool that can turn your kitchen into a culinary haven.

For combination ovens that let you whip up delectable delights, look no further than SMEG! For more information on SMEG’s combi steam oven or other innovative appliances, don’t hesitate to contact us today.