Cooking with steam offers a variety of benefits. Add in convection and you have a perfect pairing. It doesn’t just enhance the flavor of food, it also improves the nutritional quality.
“The Convection Steam Oven can tackle just about any job,” said Colin Shine, corporate chef at the Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Houston Showroom. “From baking artisanal breads and pastries to roasting proteins and vegetables, the results never cease to amaze.”
According to the company, a leading brand in luxury kitchen appliances, steam cooking provides numerous advantages:
1. Preserves nutrients and flavor
Steam cooking helps retain more vitamins and minerals that can be lost during traditional cooking methods. Since food cooks quickly with steam, there’s less nutrient loss, which makes it a healthier option for preparing vegetables, fish and even meats.
The steam also helps preserve the natural flavors of the food, which allows you to enjoy a more vibrant and flavorful dish without the need for excessive seasoning.
2. Moisture retention
Convection steam ovens are ideal for preventing food from drying out. The gentle heat and moisture help maintain the natural juiciness of meats, the tenderness of vegetables and the fluffiness of baked goods.
“The super-heated steam allows us to deliver heat more directly and aggressively while the hot convection air gives us the flavor and texture development that needs to happen over 325 degrees,” Shine said.
This is especially beneficial for dishes like roasted chicken, baked bread or even reheating leftovers, which can often dry out in traditional ovens.
3. Even cooking
Combined with convection, steam ovens provide consistent, even heat distribution, which leads to uniform cooking. This is particularly helpful for delicate dishes like fish or custards, where precise temperature control is key. Unlike conventional ovens that can have hot spots, cooking with convection ensures your food cooks evenly without the risk of burning or undercooking.
4. Faster cooking times
You can reduce cooking times significantly, compared to traditional methods. The steam transfers heat more efficiently to food, so meals cook faster while still achieving the desired texture and taste. For busy home cooks or those looking to save time in the kitchen, a convection steam oven is an excellent choice.
5. Versatility in cooking
Steam ovens are incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide range of cooking techniques. In the Wolf Convection Steam Oven, you can steam, bake, roast and even proof dough, all in one appliance.
The versatility makes it a great addition to any kitchen, as it offers the ability to prepare everything from steamed vegetables to perfectly baked bread.
6. Healthier cooking
Because steam cooking uses little to no oil, it’s a healthier way to prepare meals. This is particularly beneficial for those who want to reduce their intake of fats or who follow specific dietary guidelines. The absence of added fats allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through while still producing delicious, satisfying meals.
7. Better leftovers
Reheating with steam restores food to almost as good as the first time around, sometimes even better. Microwaves dry out leftovers, where convection steam ovens account for this in their reheat mode and put moisture back into foods.
The Wolf Convection Steam Oven offers 17 cooking modes, including steam, broil and sous vide, for versatile meal preparation. It can even sanitize baby bottles and canning jars.
“The Wolf Convection Steam Oven may very well become your first choice in the kitchen,” Shine said. “The versatility it offers will benefit quick and easy mid-week meals, reheating our favorite restaurant dishes, as well as helping during those big holidays and dinner parties.”
Incorporating a steam oven into your kitchen, like those offered by Wolf, can elevate your cooking, making it faster, healthier and more flavorful. The oven comes in two sizes, with generous capacity, has an easy-to-use touchscreen and flexible rack positions for better cooking.
Whether you’re looking to cook perfectly tender meats, fresh vegetables or even bake artisan bread, convection paired with steam cooking is a method worth considering for both its convenience and health benefits.
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