Types of steam oven
- Compact combi steam ovens: the most popular type. Roughly 45cm high, they can steam, fan-bake or combine the two, covering everything from vegetables to a roast.
- Full-size ovens with steam: a 60cm single oven for normal roasting and baking that also offers steam settings.
- Steam-only ovens: ovens that cook purely with steam, for vegetables, fish, rice and reheating.
- Steam and microwave ovens: compact models that put microwave power, steam and conventional heat in one box.
Browse all steam cooking, or see combination ovens with a microwave.
Which type suits you?
| Oven | Suits | Worth checking |
| Compact combi steam | A versatile second oven stacked over a single. | Your housing height and the usable capacity. |
| Full-size with steam | One oven that does everything. | Whether it offers pure steam or just adds moisture during fan cooking. |
| Steam only | Vegetables, fish and reheating, next to a main oven. | It can't brown or crisp, and the size of the water container. |
| Steam and microwave | Small kitchens wanting three jobs from one appliance. | The microwave power, and which functions you'll really use. |
What steam cooking does
In a steam-only oven, water is heated into steam that cooks food at up to around 100°C. Because steam doesn't pass flavours from one dish to another, you can do salmon on one shelf and a sponge pudding on the next. It's useful for thawing food and warming up a plated dinner, too.
What steam can't do is brown or crisp. That's why steam-only models are normally paired with a main oven, and why combi steam ovens are the popular choice: their fan heat lets them roast and bake as well.
Making the choice
Second oven or main oven?
If you're keeping a single oven you're happy with, stack a compact steam or combi steam model on top of it: you gain a second cavity and a different way of cooking. If there's space for only one oven, choose a full-size model with steam built in; it covers the roasts and cakes and adds steam on demand.
Sous vide and low temperatures
Certain combi steam ovens can hold a very gentle, steady heat for sous vide. Food goes into a sealed vacuum bag and cooks slowly to an even finish. You'll need to seal the bags first, and a vacuum drawer under the oven does exactly that.
Guided cooking
App control and touchscreens are common in this range. Built-in programmes pick the right mix of steam, heat and time for the food you choose, which takes the guesswork out of learning to cook with steam.
Before you order
- Check the size. Compact models stand around 45cm high and usually share a tall housing with a single oven; full-size ones need a 60cm space. Check the niche measurements on the product page.
- Check the water supply. Most have a container you fill by hand. The product page confirms how each one is supplied.
- Allow for descaling. Every steam oven needs it occasionally, and more frequently where the water is hard.
- Check the electrics. Some plug in and some must be wired in by a qualified electrician; the product page says which.
The brands we sell
Our steam ovens come from Miele, Smeg, ASKO and Fisher & Paykel. Filter by brand to line them up; each brand's page also shows its matching ovens and drawers.
Buying a steam oven from KDH Electrical
All our steam ovens come with the full UK manufacturer's guarantee. Free delivery applies to orders over £600, normally within 3–7 working days. If you're inside our installation area, we can install the oven and recycle your old one; both options show in the basket with their price.
Spotted a lower price at another UK retailer? Our price match means we'll try to match it. Ring 01622 541312 for advice, or visit our showroom in Rochester, calling before you travel to check what's on display.