Cooking with steam is becoming more and more common with the rise in popularity of healthier meals. Combi steam ovens are a fantastic and often easy way to introduce this cooking technique into your day-to-day life.

Whether it’s making your bread loaf golden and crispy or serving up a super succulent Sunday roast, combi ovens are a great option. Cooking with the addition of steam is a sure way to take your meals to the next level.

In this post, I’m going to share my 6 favourite combi steam ovens and discuss the pros and cons of each model.

This post is focusing on combi steam ovens and not full steam ovens. There is a difference, which I’ll explain in a moment, but this particular post will be focusing on regular built-in ovens that have some form of a steam function as well. 

In a hurry? Check out my top picks below:

What Is The Steam Function On An Oven?

When it comes to oven cooking with steam, there are two types: full steam ovens and combi steam ovens. Other names for combi steam ovens are steam assist, SteamBake, Variosteam, PulseSteam, PlusSteam and addedSteam. They are called different things by different manufacturers but all serve the same purpose – they add steam into the oven while you cook.

You May Also Like:
Can You Get a Full-Size Built-in Single Oven with Microwave Function?

Full Steam

Full steam ovens are often (but not always) compact ovens. This means that they are smaller in height compared to a regular single oven. Usually around 45cm high, rather than 60cm. A few manufacturers now have full-sized steam ovens too.

These ovens’ sole cooking function is using steam to heat and cook what’s inside the oven. They do not use a regular convection fan or grill. It’s all in the steam.

They will have a water tank that you fill and insert into the oven, which is then used to heat and create the steam required to cook the food.

Food cooked using steam cannot only help to retain the natural flavours more; it can also keep up to 50% of the vitamins compared to boiling.

If you would like to learn a little more about full steam cooking then check out this video from AO.

Combi Steam

A combi steam oven is a regular multifunction or convection oven with the added feature of a steam setting.

This means you can cook as you would in a normal oven, but have the ability to insert steam into the cooking process to enhance your meals.

The exact ability of this function will differ between models. Some can go from generally adding steam for the whole cooking time, while others can inject steam at particular stages throughout and control how much steam is added.

Adding steam into your oven while cooking has a number of benefits. It’s particularly popular with baking. Bread or cakes will get a better rise and have a springier texture to them.

It’s also great for a Sunday roast. Meats won’t get dry inside but will remain moist and succulent throughout. 

Adding steam alongside the regular oven cooking process really is the best of both worlds. You can achieve a crispy outside using the oven’s normal heat while maintaining flavours, vitamins and moisture inside the food you’re cooking.

If you’ve not used an oven with an added steam function, it’s a game changer!

If you would like to learn a little more about combi steam cooking then check out this video from AEG.

What To Look For When Buying An Oven

There are a couple of important factors to take into consideration when buying an oven. Price and build quality are usually the top priority and often go hand in hand.

Make sure you know what your budget is first. Once you have your price range you can start to compare the different factors below.

Multi-Functions

Multi-functions are all the different cooking modes that the oven has. Things like fan, grill, pizza, top and bottom heat or added steam – all of those things.

Nowadays, ovens can have loads of functions – sometimes more than you need. Make sure that if you do use particular functions on a regular basis or want a specific new function that the oven you’re buying has this.

Cleaning Functions

Yes, cleaning is another function, but it’s not a cooking one, so it deserves its own section.

Ovens with self-cleaning functions are becoming far more popular. How the oven cleans itself will differ between the types of function it has.

Functions such as catalytic cleaning, eco-clean and (arguably the most popular) pyrolytic cleaning are all available – as well as no cleaning function at all.

If you don’t want to be cleaning the oven yourself by hand, consider one of these.

You May Also Like:
Pyrolytic Ovens: Are They A Must Have?

Ease Of Use

Quite often overlooked, ease of use is by far the thing I hear feedback about the most. How easy is it to use the oven?

Having loads of functions and a touch screen control with built-in WiFi may all sound cool, but you might find it difficult to simply turn the oven on.

This will, of course, depend on the type of person you are. If you’re the person that loves the latest tech and enjoys trying out all the special features and settings, then great. There’s a lot of smart ovens out there for you.

If, like a lot of my clients, you just want a good quality oven that you can use every day, consider skipping the oven with a built-in touch screen recipe book. Yes, that actually exists.

– 6 Best Combi Steam Ovens –

Below are my 6 favourite combi steam ovens that I have either personally used at home or in the showroom during cooking demonstrations, or get great feedback on from customers.

In order of price from low to high:

AEG BES355010M Built In Electric Single Oven with added Steam Function

• Approx. price – £399
• Energy rating – A
• Control type – Buttons/dial
• Oven Capacity – 71 Litres
• Number of functions – 9

This is a great entry-level combi steam oven. AEG call their added steam function ‘SteamBake’ or ‘PlusSteam’. With this model, you simply pour water into a special cavity at the base of the oven, then press the steam button. The oven will heat this section and introduce steam into the cooking process.

It even has a fantastic Aqua Clean function, which uses a combination of water and heat to break down any greasy food splatters. This makes it a bit easier to clean your oven.

AEG is a brand I have worked with and recommended for a few years. This is a really great choice if you want a good solid oven with the added steam function at an affordable price.

Check out the latest price on:
AO.com

AEG BPS355020M Built In Electric Single Oven with added Steam Function

• Approx. price – £549
• Energy rating – A
• Control type – Button/dial
• Oven capacity – 71
• Number of functions – 10

The next step up in the AEG combi steam oven range. This builds on the great features and quality of the previous model by adding another cooking function, but more importantly, adding pyrolytic cleaning.

Having a pyrolytic cleaning function is a fantastic upgrade and one I personally think is well worth it.

This is also the updated model of the oven they use on MasterChef UK. Yes, I went away and figured out what oven they use. You can read about it in my post What Oven Do They Use On MasterChef UK?

Check out the latest price on:
AO.com

NEFF N70 Slide&Hide B57VR22N0B Built In Electric Single Oven with added Steam Function

• Approx. price – £1000
• Energy rating – A+
• Control type – Touch/shift button
• Oven Capacity – 71 Litres
• Number of functions – 12

If you’re into baking, then this is the oven for you. Neff is renowned for making the best ovens for bakers. This is all to do with the cavity construction and the way their fans work.

This model uses CircoTherm technology. This is Neff’s particular way of circulating heat evenly across every shelf. Not only is this ideal if you’re cooking lots at once, but because the air is constantly moving, flavours won’t transfer between foods. This means you can cook a sponge cake and a piece of salmon at the same time, without ending up with a fishy cake.

It even has Neff’s unique Slide&Hide door that tucks neatly away beneath the oven, so it’s really easy to reach your meals. You may have seen this rather cool feature before if you’re a fan of The Great British Bake Off.

Check out the latest price on:
AO.com

Siemens HR676GBS6B

• Approx. price – £1,189
• Energy rating – A+
• Control type – Touchscreen/dial
• Oven Capacity – 71 Litres
• Number of functions – 13

I love this Siemens combi steam oven. I’ve used it numerous times in cooking demonstrations and have even used the addedSteam function when baking bread – which turned out fantastic, if I do say so myself.

Siemens is known for its strong build quality and innovative new features. Not only does this oven come with the incredible 4D hot air feature mentioned in the Bosch oven, it also has a coolStart feature allowing you to cook frozen food straight away without the need to preheat the oven.

This oven is packed with cooking functions and the latest technology, such as WiFi App control and built-in recipe/meal cooking recommendations. This Siemens oven will appeal to those who want a bit more of a gadget alongside a high-quality combi steam oven.

Check out the latest price on:
Appliance City

Bosch Serie 8 HRG6769S6B Wifi Connected Built In Electric Single Oven with added Steam Function

• Approx. price – £1,365
• Energy rating – A
• Control type – Dial/touch
• Oven Capacity – 71 Litres
• Number of functions – 15

This Bosch oven comes packed with features and technology wrapped in high build-quality. With 15 cooking functions, there’s plenty of help at hand and its rapid heating means it gets the oven up to temperature in no time.

It also has a fantastic everyday fan cooking function called 4D Hot Air, where you get evenly distributed heat throughout the oven. The fan at the back rotates in both directions to give this even spread that avoids any cold spots while cooking.

It also comes with a meat probe that plugs in to assist cooking your Sunday roasts to the perfect core temperature. So, no more worrying whether the chicken is cooked all the way through.

Check out the latest price on:
AO.com

Miele H7164BP Built In Electric Single Oven with added Steam Function

• Approx. price – £1,400
• Energy rating – A+
• Control type – Touch
• Oven Capacity – 76 Litres
• Number of functions – 12

When it comes to kitchen appliances, Miele is just in that next level of quality. Their machines are tested for the equivalent of 20 years of use in your home. These appliances are not only built to last but they are also built to perform to perfection. 

This Miele combi steam oven boasts the largest capacity out of my top 6 at a whopping 76 litres. It also comes with a good selection of cooking functions along with pyrolytic cleaning.

Along with this, it has helpful safety features such as automatically switching off if the maximum cooking time is exceeded. So no need to worry if you’ve walked out and left the oven on.

The oven is constructed so that it is cooled on all sides. This ensures that controls, handles and adjacent cabinets stay relatively cool to the touch. The multi-layer panels insulate the oven door and ensure a lower temperature on the outside of the door, providing greater safety and protection against burns.

It may not have as many functions or have a door that slides away, but this Miele oven is pure quality and precision.

Check out the latest price on:
AO.com

Final Thoughts…

I hope this post has helped explain what a combi steam oven is and given you some fantastic options if you are buying one. I wholeheartedly recommend each of these ovens. They are all great products. Whichever you choose will ultimately be up to your individual needs and budget.

If you’d like to learn more about how the pyrolytic cleaning function works and if it’s right for you, check out my post Pyrolytic Ovens: Are They A Must Have?

If you are just starting a new kitchen renovation and are wondering where to begin, I’d recommend my post How to Start Planning a New Kitchen.

DISCOVER MORE

• 
  Should Your Kitchen Cabinets Match Your Wall Colour? – Options Explored
• 
  Should Your Kitchen Sink Be Under A Window? – Expert Advice & Tips
• 
  The Best Induction Hobs With Integrated Extractor – Top Picks For 2023
• 
  Kitchen Case Study: A Warm, Minimal & Contemporary Kitchen
• 
  What Are Fenix Worktops? – The Self-Healing Countertop
• 
  Should You Get A Wood Veneer Kitchen? – Pros, Cons & Advice