Imagine an oven that can do it all – roast a succulent chicken, bake a crusty loaf of bread, and steam delicate vegetables, all with the touch of a button. Enter the combi steam oven, a culinary marvel that combines the power of traditional ovens with the gentle precision of steam cooking. This innovative appliance is transforming kitchens around the world, offering a versatile and efficient way to achieve culinary excellence. But with their advanced features and higher price tag, it's natural to wonder: Are combi steam ovens truly worth the investment? Let's delve into the world of combi-steam cooking and explore the compelling reasons why these ovens are becoming a kitchen essential.

What is a Combi Oven?

A combi oven, also known as a combi steam oven or combination oven, is a true culinary innovator. It's more than just an oven; it's a dynamic cooking system that seamlessly merges the capabilities of a conventional oven with the gentle precision of a steam oven. This harmonious fusion allows you to harness the power of dry heat, steam, or a combination of both, unlocking a spectrum of culinary possibilities that were once out of reach for home cooks.

Imagine achieving culinary feats that were once reserved for professional kitchens. With a combi oven, you can roast a beef shank to succulent perfection, achieving crispy skin and juicy meat simultaneously. You can bake bread with a golden, crackly crust and a soft, airy interior. And you can steam delicate vegetables, preserving their vibrant colours, textures, and nutrients. This versatility is what sets combi ovens apart, making them a coveted addition to any modern kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a passionate home cook, a combi oven empowers you to explore new culinary horizons and elevate your cooking to new heights.

What is the Difference Between a Steam Oven and a Combi Steam Oven?

While both steam ovens and combi steam ovens harness the power of steam to create culinary magic, they differ significantly in their cooking capabilities and overall versatility. Understanding these nuances can empower you to choose the appliance that best aligns with your cooking style and culinary aspirations.

Cooking Options

A steam oven, as its name suggests, primarily utilises steam as its cooking medium. It generates steam by heating water in a built-in reservoir, creating a humid environment that gently cooks food while preserving its natural moisture, nutrients, and vibrant colours. This method is particularly well-suited for delicate dishes, such as fish and dumplings, where preserving texture and nutrients is paramount. It's also a fantastic way to reheat leftovers without sacrificing their moisture and flavour.

Combi steam ovens, on the other hand, offer a broader spectrum of cooking options. They can function as a traditional wall oven, utilising dry heat for baking, roasting, and grilling, achieving those crispy textures and golden-brown finishes we all love. They can also operate as a dedicated steam oven, harnessing the gentle power of steam for delicate cooking and reheating. But the true magic of combi steam ovens lies in their ability to combine both dry heat and steam in various proportions, allowing for a unique and versatile cooking experience that's simply not possible with other appliances.

Bake Cooking

In a steam oven, baking takes on a gentler approach. The lower temperatures and higher humidity levels create a moist environment that prevents baked goods from drying out, resulting in cakes with a wonderfully tender crumb, bread with a crisp crust and a soft, airy interior, and pastries that melt in your mouth.

Combi steam ovens offer greater flexibility when it comes to baking. You can use the traditional dry heat setting to achieve classic baking results, like those perfectly golden cookies or crusty baguettes. Or, you can introduce steam into the equation, adding moisture for a softer texture and a more delicate crumb in cakes and pastries. This versatility allows you to experiment with different baking styles and achieve a wider range of textures and flavours.

Steam Cooking

Steam cooking in a dedicated steam oven is all about gentle, moist heat that preserves the integrity of your ingredients. This method is ideal for delicate foods like fish, where you want to retain moisture and flakiness, and vegetables, where vibrant colours and essential nutrients are key. It's also a fantastic way to reheat leftovers, ensuring they emerge from the oven as delicious as the day they were made.

Combi steam ovens offer the same gentle steam cooking capabilities as dedicated steam ovens, but with an added layer of versatility. While you can certainly use them for classic steam cooking, you also have the option to combine steam with dry heat for unique cooking techniques. For example, you can use a combination of steam and convection heat to roast a chicken that's incredibly juicy on the inside and boasts crispy, golden skin on the outside.

Combination Cooking

Combination cooking is where combi steam ovens truly shine, showcasing their culinary prowess. By precisely controlling the ratio of dry heat and steam, you can achieve culinary masterpieces that are simply not possible with traditional ovens or steam ovens alone. This method is ideal for creating dishes that require a delicate balance of moisture and crispness, such as roasted meats with tender interiors and perfectly browned exteriors, baked potatoes with fluffy insides and crispy skins, and even artisan bread with a crackly crust and soft, airy crumb.

Steam ovens, while excellent for certain applications, are limited to steam-only cooking. Having this disadvantage means they lack the versatility and control offered by combi steam ovens, which can seamlessly transition between dry heat, steam, and combination cooking modes, adapting to a wide range of culinary needs and preferences.

What are the Benefits of a Combi Steam Oven?

Combi steam ovens offer a compelling combination of versatility, efficiency, and culinary precision. Here are a few key benefits that make them a worthwhile investment for any kitchen.

Consolidate Your Cooking Appliances

Imagine a world where your countertop isn't cluttered with a multitude of appliances, each serving a single purpose. A combi steam oven can make this dream a reality. This culinary powerhouse can effectively replace several kitchen appliances, including a traditional oven, a steam oven, a microwave oven, and even a steamer. This consolidation not only frees up valuable counter space, creating a more streamlined and organised kitchen, but also simplifies your cooking process. With a single appliance that can handle a multitude of tasks, you'll spend less time switching between appliances and more time focusing on what matters most: creating delicious meals.

Cooking More with a Single Touch Function

Modern combi steam ovens are designed with convenience in mind. Many models come equipped with pre-programmed settings and automatic functions that take the guesswork out of cooking. Whether you're roasting a chicken, baking a cake, or steaming seafood, these intelligent functions automatically adjust the temperature, humidity, and cooking time to ensure perfect results every time. This not only simplifies your cooking process but also empowers even novice cooks to achieve culinary excellence with ease.

Simplify Your Recipes

Combi steam ovens can simplify your cooking process by eliminating the need for complex techniques or multiple steps. The ability to combine steam and convection cooking opens up a world of possibilities for creating healthy and delicious meals with minimal effort. For example, you can steam vegetables and cook fish simultaneously in the same oven, preserving their nutrients and flavours while saving time and effort. This streamlined approach to cooking allows you to focus on the joy of creating delicious meals without the stress of juggling multiple pots and pans.

What to Look for in a Combi Steam Oven?

Investing in a combi steam oven is an exciting step towards elevating your culinary experience. But with a variety of models available, each offering unique features and functionalities, it's essential to choose wisely. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a combi steam oven in Singapore that perfectly suits your needs and culinary aspirations:

• Size and Capacity: Consider the size of your household and your cooking habits. Combi steam ovens come in various sizes, from compact countertop models to larger built-in units. Choose a size that comfortably accommodates your cooking needs and available kitchen space.

• Cooking Functions: Look for a combi steam oven that offers a wide range of cooking functions, including traditional baking and roasting, steam cooking, and combination cooking modes. Some models also offer additional features like grilling, air frying, and even sous vide cooking.

• Control Panel and User Interface: An intuitive control panel and user-friendly interface can make a significant difference in your cooking experience. Look for clear displays, easy-to-navigate menus, and programmable settings that simplify operation and allow you to customise your cooking preferences. Some ovens even offer smart connectivity, allowing you to control and monitor your cooking remotely via a smartphone app.

• Steam Generation: Combi steam ovens use different methods for generating steam. Some models have built-in water tanks, while others require a direct water connection. Consider your plumbing setup and choose a steam generation method that best suits your kitchen.

• Cleaning and Maintenance: Cleaning a combi steam oven should be a breeze, not a chore. Look for features that simplify maintenance, such as removable water tanks for easy refilling and cleaning, automatic descaling programmes to prevent mineral buildup, and smooth, easy-to-clean interior surfaces that minimise food residue and grime.

• Safety Features: Safety is paramount in any kitchen appliance, especially one that deals with high temperatures and steam. Look for combi steam ovens with features like child locks to prevent accidental operation, automatic shut-off functions for added peace of mind, and cool-touch doors to minimise the risk of burns.

• Brand Reputation and Customer Support: Choose a combi steam oven from a reputable brand known for quality, reliability, and excellent customer support. Consider factors like warranty coverage, the availability of customer service, and access to spare parts when making your decision. A trusted brand can provide you with the confidence and support you need to enjoy your combi steam oven for years to come.

SMEG’s 10-in-1 Multifunction Countertop Combi Steam Oven

SMEG's new 10-in-1 Multifunction Countertop Combi Steam Oven is a culinary masterpiece that seamlessly blends innovative technology with a stylish retro aesthetic, reminiscent of the iconic 50s design that SMEG is renowned for. This 10-in-1 multifunction oven offers a remarkable range of cooking options, inviting you to explore culinary traditions from around the world.

Picture this: a delicate salmon en papillote, infused with aromatic herbs and steamed to flaky perfection. Or perhaps you're craving a hearty lasagna, with layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and bubbling cheese, baked to a golden brown. This oven empowers you to effortlessly create a diverse menu, from crispy, thin-crust pizzas to light and fluffy quiches to a succulent roast leg of lamb. With its intuitive controls and 33 built-in recipes, achieving culinary excellence is just a few touches away. 

Powered by Galileo Multicooking technology, this oven delivers outstanding performance in a compact and stylish design, making it a perfect fit for any kitchen, large or small. Its innovative airflow patterns and intelligent algorithms ensure even heat distribution and precise temperature control, guaranteeing consistent and delicious results every time.

And when it comes to cleaning, this combi steam oven truly shines. The detachable water tank and automatic descale function make maintenance effortless, ensuring your culinary companion remains in pristine condition for years to come. You'll spend less time scrubbing and more time savouring the joys of cooking.

Elevate Your Cooking with Combi Steam Precision

Combi steam ovens are more than just a trend; they're a culinary innovation that's transforming the way we cook. By combining the power of traditional ovens with the gentle precision of steam, these versatile appliances empower you to achieve culinary excellence in your own kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook seeking to expand your culinary horizons, a combi steam oven is a worthwhile investment that will elevate your cooking experience and inspire you to create delicious and healthy meals with ease.

Ready to experience the magic of combi-steam cooking? Learn more about SMEG's innovative 10-in-1 Multifunction Countertop Combi Steam Oven and discover a world of culinary possibilities.