The Best Steam Ovens for 2024

Steam ovens are becoming a popular choice for those looking for a healthier approach to cooking.

They retain more nutrients in your food compared to traditional cooking methods.

Not only do they offer health benefits, but they also come with features that simplify cooking and cleaning tasks.

In this article, you will learn about the best steam ovens from Gaggenau, Miele, Wolf, and Thermador.

We’ll cover their unique features and show how they can benefit your cooking routine.

By the end, you'll know which steam oven might be right for you.

Let's get started.

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My Experiences with Steam Cooking

This morning, I had a choice at 6 AM.

Do I cook yesterday's chicken or make something new?

The decision was easy.

I steamed the chicken in my Wolf steam oven for 10 minutes with some rice. Ten minutes later I had a juicy piece of chicken and flavorful rice.

Steam doesn't bake out nutrients and flavor. By adding moisture, you are making your food taste better.

Hope my daughter appreciated my 10-minute effort.

The Best Steam Ovens for 2024

1. Gaggenau BS485612 400 Series Combination Steam Oven

Gaggenau has the most steam oven options for your kitchen space and cooking preferences. They were also our most reliable appliance brand for 2024.

They offer two series of steam ovens: the 200 series and 400 Series.

The 200 series is available non-plumbed only as a 24-inch steam oven. The 400 series is larger at 30 inches and has more features. It’s also available plumbed or non-plumbed.

The best Gaggenau steam oven to consider is the 400 series 30-inch combi-steam oven BS485612.

It has a unique feature that allows you to store up to 50 custom recipes. You can either record your own recipes or use the preset ones.

This is an excellent feature, especially if you enjoy experimenting with new recipes or prefer to stick to tried-and-true cooking methods, making your cooking process and meal planning easier.

However, Gaggenau steam ovens do not have a guided cooking system like Wolf or Miele. Still, with Gaggenau’s steam ovens, you have the most control.

No other steam oven on the market offers the control of selecting a specific percentage of humidity.

While some other brands may provide basic options like "low," "medium," and "high" humidity settings (many don't even offer that), they lack precision.

With Gaggenau, you have the ability to choose the exact percentage of humidity you want.

Moreover, you gain control over your cooking methods. Consider your typical home oven with options like bake, convection, and broil.

If you're baking and suddenly want to switch to broil, you usually have to turn off the oven completely and then switch to broil.

However, with Gaggenau, you can make these changes mid-cycle. You can fine-tune the heat distribution between the top and bottom elements.

Overall, Gaggenau provides you with the most precise cooking features.

Key Features

• Full Surface Grill/Broiler: Behind ceramic glass for uniform grilling.
• Invisible LED Lights: For enhanced visibility and aesthetics.
• Multicore Temperature Probe: Ensures accurate cooking temperatures.
• Self-Cleaning: Reduces manual cleaning efforts.
• Automatic Programs: Modifiable for personalized cooking experiences.
• Increased Oven Capacity: 33% larger than previous models, offering ample space for various dishes.

Pros & Cons of Gaggenau Steam Ovens

Pros

• High Precision and Versatility: Ideal for a wide range of cooking techniques, including advanced methods like sous vide.
• Customizable Cooking Options: Ability to record and store up to 50 personal recipes.
• Ergonomic Design: Side-hinged doors offer better accessibility and convenience.
• Enhanced Capacity: Increased oven size allows for larger or multiple dishes.
• Innovative Features: Includes multicore temperature probe, self-cleaning function, and invisible LED lights.
• User-Friendly Interface: Despite sophisticated functionalities, it remains accessible to users.

Cons

• Complex for Beginners: Might be daunting for those new to advanced cooking appliances.
  • Note: Gaggenau ovens might seem complicated for beginners, but there are easy ways to learn. A Yale salesperson can explain the controls in just 15 minutes. Online resources are also available. Plus, you can have a remote call with a Gaggenau chef to help you understand how it works. This makes using the oven much simpler.
• Premium Pricing: The high cost can be a significant investment for some.
• Installation Requirements: Specific dimensions necessitate adequate installation space.

Bottom Line: If you like to cook and are looking for a high-quality appliance that offers precision, versatility, and luxury, the Gaggenau 400 Steam Oven is an excellent choice.

It's equipped with advanced technology and has a reliable history, making it a top choice for people who appreciate fine cooking.

2. Miele 30-Inch Clean Touch Steam Oven DGC 7780

If you value reliability and a range of options in your kitchen appliances, Miele's steam ovens are an excellent choice.

They're renowned for their quality, as Miele produces its own controls and components.

Miele’s steam ovens are available in both plumbed and non-plumbed models as well as offering several XXL models.

However, their most popular steam oven in New England is the Miele 30-Inch Clean Touch Steam Oven DGC 7780 for steam cooking, guided cooking, baking, and roasting.

This oven is especially great if you’re learning how to use a steam oven for the first time. It comes with Miele’s signature MasterChef guided cooking controls for menu cooking.

The MasterChef guided cooking controls are straightforward and offer prompts on a touch screen interface.

You no longer must calculate the cooking duration or temperature. You can simply select what you’re cooking and how you want it cooked, and Miele will do the rest for you.

Additionally, Miele steam ovens have Wi-Fi connectivity and a smartphone interface. This means you can adjust modes or settings directly from your phone.

Another unique feature is the ability to fully customize the steam level, providing precise cooking control. Lastly, Miele’s steam oven offers a wired temperature probe.

Key Features

• Menu Planning: Facilitates multiple-step cooking, making complex recipes more manageable.
• MasterChef Pre-Programmed Options: Available in some models for simplified cooking.
• Convection Cooking: Enhances even cooking and baking results.
• "Perfect Clean" Interior: Simplifies cleaning and maintenance.
• Broil Element: Reaches temperatures up to 450 F, suitable for various cooking needs.
• Wi-Fi Connectivity: Available in some models for remote control and monitoring.
• Spacious Interior: XL and XXL models provide larger cavity sizes for more cooking space.
• Drain and Broiler: Adds convenience and expands cooking possibilities.
• Sous Vide and Bake Element: Offers advanced cooking techniques like sous vide and traditional baking.

Pros & Cons of Miele Steam Ovens

Pros

• Wide Range of Models: Offering both plumbed and non-plumbed options to suit different kitchen setups.
• User-Friendly for Beginners: Intuitive controls and guided cooking make it accessible for novice users.
• Advanced Cooking Features: Including customizable steam levels, sous vide, and convection.
• Reliability: Known for dependable performance due to in-house manufacturing of components.
• Easy to Clean: "Perfect Clean" interior and other features simplify maintenance.
• Connectivity Options: Wi-Fi enabled models allow for remote operation and monitoring.

Cons

• Complexity of Features: The wide range of features might be overwhelming for some users.
• Size Variations: While offering more space, the XL and XXL models might be too large for some kitchen spaces.
• Investment Cost: Advanced features and reliability come with a higher price tag, which might not fit all budgets.

Bottom Line: Miele steam ovens are an excellent choice if you’re new to cooking with steam and want a dependable yet feature-rich cooking appliance.

Miele’s steam ovens can accommodate a range of cooking styles, from everyday meals to gourmet dishes.

3. Wolf M Series Wall Oven CSO3050TM

Wolf has made significant upgrades to their steam ovens over the years.

Now, they offer both plumbed and non-plumbed models. Plumbed ones have an easy cleanup drain.

You can choose between 24- and 30-inch sizes and three styles: professional, traditional, and contemporary.

The new 30-inch models have more cooking space.

The top pick is the Wolf CSO3050TM steam oven with user-friendly controls.

Like Miele, Wolf offers guided cooking. With options like Auto Steam and Convection Humid modes, you can control your cooking precisely, whether tender or crispy.

In the latest model, you can customize moisture levels for restaurant-quality cooking at home. This steam oven also offers a built-in temperature probe.

The temperature probe will notify you when your food is ready according to your desired level of doneness.

Moreover, you can save up to 50 personalized recipes.

Cooking modes include Steam, Convection, Broil, Slow Roast, Bread & Pastry, Proof, Sous Vide, Reheat, Warm, Gourmet, and Gourmet+.

Additionally, it includes special modes like Wellness, Cleanse, and Steam Clean, adding convenience and flexibility to your cooking experience.

Key Features

• Intuitive Touch Controls & 8” Touch Screen: Easy to navigate and user-friendly, ideal for all levels of home cooks.
• Customizable Settings: Save your favorite cooking modes for quick access.
• Wolf Gourmet Program: Tailored for an enhanced cooking experience.
• Non-Plumbed and Plumbed Design: Non-plumbed simplifies the installation process. It is now available plumbed with a drain line.
• Broiler: The CSO30PM steam oven has a broiler.
• Unique Cooking Modes: Including Auto Steam and Convection Humid.
• Moist or Crispy Settings: Adjust cooking style based on the dish.
• Convenient Racks: 3 standard glide-out racks make handling dishes easier.
• Spacious Interior: A full 30” interior in the 30” models, allowing for various cooking methods.
• Slow Roast Mode: Perfect for effortlessly cooking large cuts of meat to perfection.
• Recipes: You can save up to 50 personalized recipes
• Temperature probe: Wolf's steam oven comes with a built-in temperature probe, that will alert you when your food is done.

Pros & Cons of Wolf Steam Ovens

Pros

• Ease of Use: Simple and straightforward interface, suitable for all cooking levels.
• Versatile Cooking Options: Multiple cooking modes cater to a variety of dishes.
• Space-Efficient Design: No need for plumbing or additional space for a drain.
• Personalized Cooking: Ability to save and quickly access favorite settings.
• Precision Cooking: Moist or crispy settings provide more control over the final result.

Cons

• Supplementary Oven: Best used as an addition to a larger kitchen setup, not as a standalone oven.

Bottom Line: The Wolf CSO3050PM/S/P steam oven is great for easy, flexible cooking. It has some limits, but it's very user-friendly and cooks efficiently, making it a good choice among steam ovens.

4. Thermador PODS301W Steam and Convection Oven 

The Thermador steam oven is the largest steam oven available in the market with a 2.8 Cu. Ft. capacity.

It can be used to replace or complement a traditional 30" wall oven and comes in a double oven configuration, with a regular wall oven located beneath the steam oven.

This steam oven is available in two distinct styles: the Professional and the Masterpiece.

Both styles offer the same functionality but differ in appearance, with the choice between traditional knobs or sleek digital controls.

Both models can be installed either flush or standard, making it easy to integrate into a variety of kitchen designs.

Key Features

• Large Capacity: 2.8 Cu. Ft., suitable for large meals and entertaining.
• 41 Easy Cooking Programs/17 Cooking Modes: Offers a wide range of cooking options.
• 2 Hours of Self-Clean Mode: Eases the cleaning process significantly.
• Rotisserie Function: Can hold up to a 12lb roast, ideal for large gatherings.
• Temperature Probe: Ensures precise cooking temperatures for perfect results.
• Broiler: Adds versatility to cooking methods.
• Fast Preheat (7 Minutes): Saves time and enhances convenience.
• Home Connect: Allows for smart connectivity and remote operation.

Pros & Cons of Thermador Steam Ovens

Pros

• Large Capacity: Ideal for those who entertain often or cook large meals.
• Versatile Cooking Options: With multiple cooking programs and modes, it's suitable for a variety of dishes.
• Aesthetic Choices: Available in two styles to suit different kitchen designs.
• Convenient Features: Including a rotisserie, fast preheat, and temperature probe.
• Smart Connectivity: Home Connect feature adds ease of use and modern functionality.
• Easy Cleaning: Self-clean mode simplifies maintenance.

Cons

• Steam Regeneration Delay: The larger cavity means longer wait times for steam regeneration after the door is opened.
• No Drain: Water collects at the bottom during steam cooking, requiring manual cleanup or burning off with dry heat.
• Internal Water Reservoir: Needs to be filled before cooking, which could be a minor inconvenience.
• No Menu-Cooking or Culinary Center: Thermador’s steam oven does not offer a guided cooking like Miele or Wolf.
• No New Models or Upgrades: Miele, Gaggenau, and Wolf have all released new models and features. Thermador’s steam oven has remained the same over the years with no new additions or innovations.

Bottom Line: Thermador's big steam oven comes with modern features like a rotisserie and quick preheat, making it great for folks who need lots of cooking space and versatility.

It's not perfect, though, as it lacks a drain and you have to handle the water manually. But if you cook for a crowd, it's a good choice.

How to Buy a Steam Oven

Steam Oven Brands and Prices

Brands like Gaggenau, Miele, Wolf, and Thermador offer high-end models with prices ranging from approximately $3,000 to $8,200.

Each brand offers a unique set of features, with options including guided cooking programs, varying voltage requirements, and choices between plumbed and non-plumbed units.

Plumbed models connect directly to your home's water supply for seamless steam generation, while non-plumbed units require manual water refilling but provide more flexibility in installation.

For instance, Miele's combination steam ovens, recognized for their reliability, offer a wide range of features and modes, including customizable steam levels and sous vide capabilities.

Prices for Miele models range from around $2,999 for their legacy steam-only model to $5,699 for their larger capacity models.

Wolf, known for its straightforward catalog and guided cooking features, offers steam ovens priced around $5,159.

Wolf ovens are designed for ease of use and versatility in installation, as they use a water tank and do not require plumbing.

Thermador steam ovens are available for about $4,899 and are known for their large interior volume, making them suitable for replacing traditional wall ovens.

They offer both Professional and Masterpiece styles, with the main difference being aesthetic.

Gaggenau, although less known, stands out for its form and function.

Their ovens, which can be customized with up to 50 recipes, start at around $9,899, making them one of the higher-end options in the market.

When considering a luxury steam oven, it's important to weigh the specific features and design elements that each brand offers to find the best fit for your cooking style. 

Benefits of Steam Cooking

As you have read, food tastes better when cooked in a steam oven, but there are more benefits as well:

• Vitamins and minerals are preserved.
• Foods maintain their nutritional value.
• Very little or no oil is needed.
• No crossover of flavors when steaming different foods at the same time
• Foods retain moisture
• Reheated foods will not lose flavors and will maintain their original textures.

Read More: The Benefits of Cooking With Steam

Plumbed vs. Non-Plumbed Steam Ovens

If your steam oven is not plumbed, you will need to add water to your steam oven reservoir manually.

I have the older Wolf and haven't encountered a problem at least up until ten minutes. There is always plenty of water for a number of cycles

In a plumbed steam oven, the water is supplied directly from your plumbing system.

The plumbed units are more convenient and won't need to be refilled, especially in longer recipes.

110 Volt vs. 220-Volt Steam Oven

You should consider 220 volts for new construction because it can reach higher temperatures for more extended periods.

If you are replacing an old microwave or have limited amps or voltage in your house, then 110-volt speed ovens are a direct replacement without rewiring.

However, the best steam ovens are all the higher voltage.

How to Use Your Steam Oven 101 

Best Steam Ovens: Key Takeaways

There is a radical swing in price and features between a more basic Thermador steam oven and the feature-laden Gaggenau.

Gaggenau is the best with the most robust functions, but I only recommend it if you are familiar with steam cooking.

Your next best options are Wolf and Miele. Wolf has some cool programs, while Miele has a more sophisticated interface. Both offer guided cooking assistance and are excellent options if you're new to seam cooking.

For basic steam functions, Thermador is a decent choice.

You must learn to use a steam oven to make it worthwhile. Cooking variables like timing are very different from those of a regular convection oven.

Additional Resources

Get the Yale Speed and Steam Oven Guide with features, specs and inside tips to all the steam and speed ovens like Wolf, JennAir, Thermador, Gaggenau, and more. Well over 820,000 people have read a Yale Guide.

Related Articles:

• Wolf vs. Miele Steam Ovens: Which Is Better?
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• Gaggenau vs. Miele Steam Ovens
• Everything You Can Cook in a Steam Oven
• 5 Healthy Meals You Can Make in a Steam Oven
• Speed Ovens vs. Steam Ovens: Which Should You Buy?