Are you having a hard time deciding between a steam oven and a microwave?
You’re not alone! With so many new appliances being invented frequently, it can be hard to keep up. Granted, the first domestic steam oven was introduced way back in 1983, but still – it’s natural that not a lot is known about them, especially when compared to microwaves.
But don’t worry, you came to the right place for answers. Below, I’ve prepared an article showcasing the main differences between steam and microwave ovens. This comparison includes key aspects, such as pricing, ease of cleaning, average cooking results, and more.
Keep reading to learn all about this!
Comparing a Steam Oven vs a Microwave
The best way to a comparison like this is to look at specific aspects and see where each appliance shines, and where they have some strong areas of opportunity. But before we delve into that, let’s take a quick look at the table below, where I’ve briefly summarized the broad strokes of each unit.
| Steam Ovens | Microwaves |
| – Use steam to cook food – Are easy to clean – Are pricier than microwaves – Keep food moist – Are safe to use with a range of cookware including metal | – Use microwaves to heat food – Are awkward to clean – Are cheaper than steam ovens – Tend to dry out food – Are not safe to use with metal cookware |
Choosing between a steam oven and a microwave is tricky. That’s why this article has been jam-packed and full of all the comparisons and details you need. To make the best choice, make sure you check out the extended steam oven vs microwave guide below!
Key Aspects to Consider
Are you in the middle of refurbishing your kitchen? Or is your old microwave on its last legs? Whatever the case, it’s time for a replacement. But should you replace your old microwave with another microwave? Or should you buy a steam oven to fill your family’s reheating needs?
If you’re stuck deciding between a steam oven and a microwave, don’t worry! Take a look at the information below that’ll help you make the best decision based on your needs.
Cooking Method
What are the main differences between the cooking method of a steam oven and a microwave? Check out the information below to find out.
| Steam Ovens | Microwaves |
| – Cooks food by heating water and turning it into steam. – You must fill the water reservoir for them to work. | – Cooks food by passing microwaves quickly through the food. |
Steam ovens and microwaves use different cooking methods. Your personal preferences will help you choose one appliance over the other. Steam ovens heat food using superheated steam. Microwaves cook food using microwaves. Microwaves pass through the food making its molecules vibrate. This heats the food quickly.
The only disadvantage of a steam oven is that you will need to fill it with water before you use it. You can refill the removable reservoir with water from your kitchen faucet.
-But, what if that sounds like too much hassle?
Life is busy, the last thing we need is to be running across the kitchen filling a reservoir every time we reheat a meal!
That’s why there are also pricer models that you can have attached to your kitchen’s plumbing system. That’s right, you won’t need to fill it up!
Ease of Cleaning
What are the main differences between cleaning a steam oven and a microwave? Check out the information below to find out.
| Steam Ovens | Microwaves |
| – They cook in a moist environment. You can easily wipe away spills with a non-abrasive cloth. | – They cook in a dry environment. Cleaning up spills could call for a lot of scrubbing. |
If you are making your decision based on ease of cleaning alone, you should choose a steam oven.
Of course, microwaves are also easy to clean…should you get to the mess in time. But if your teenage kids reheat last night’s pasta without covering it and then abandon the mess… By the time you get to the scene of the crime, the red pasta sauce would’ve locked onto the surfaces like quick-drying cement.
Steam ovens are far easier to clean. With just the quick wipe of a cloth, it’ll be like new again.
Price
What are the main differences between the price of a steam oven and a microwave? Check out the information below to find out.
| Steam Ovens | Microwaves |
| – They are more expensive than microwaves. – Wall units start at $2000. Countertop units start at $300. – High-end models with all the functions could cost up to $8000. | – They are cheaper than steam ovens. – They have starting prices as little as $30. – High-end models with all the functions could cost up to $1000. |
If you are making your decision based on price alone, you should choose a microwave.
So you’re probably wondering, why on earth are steam ovens so expensive? Here are a few reasons:
- Steam ovens are usually sold as units that a professional will build into your kitchen. The process is just like the installation of a regular oven. And as with any built-in appliance, it comes with a sizable price tag.
- Steam ovens are smarter, healthier, and deliver better-tasting food. The enhanced results from cooking with a steam oven make them pricey.
But you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg on a steam oven. If you are willing to choose a smaller model, then you could pick one up for between $300 and $500. These models can stand on your countertop. They are great for heating a couple of vegetables or small meals.
Cooking Results
What are the main differences between the cooking results you get from a steam oven and a microwave? Check out the information below to find out.
| Steam Ovens | Microwaves |
| – The steam helps to keep the food moist while it cooks. – They have lots of pre-programmed settings to cook many dishes. – They lock in more vitamins and minerals. – They cook tastier food. – They allow for oil-free cooking. | – Warming food in a microwave could easily dry it out. – They have lots of pre-programmed settings to cook many dishes. – They do not cook food well that is more than a couple of inches thick. |
If you are making your decision based on cooking results alone, you should choose a steam oven.
Steam ovens produce the best results for your food. That’s because the steam keeps the food moist and locks in vitamins and minerals. Because your food will not dry out as it heats, it will not need as much cooking oil. This makes it easier for you to cook healthier meals.
Cookware
What are the main differences between the cookware you can use with a steam oven and a microwave? Check out the information below to find out.
| Steam Ovens | Microwaves |
| – They are compatible with glass, ceramics, metal, and a wide range of other cookware. | – They are not compatible with metal and some kinds of plastics. |
Are you making your decision based on the ease of heating food with different cookware? Then you should choose a steam oven.
The type of cookware that is compatible with a microwave is limited. But you can use a variety of different cookware with a steam oven. This makes it easy for you to reheat the leftovers from last night’s takeout in the metal container it came in. Simplicity at its finest!
Steam Oven vs Microwave – Pros and Cons
Would you like a quick summary of the pros and cons of steam ovens and microwaves? Then look no further! The information below will make it easier for you to pick between these appliances. It will make it simple for you to decide which one will be best for your kitchen depending on your preferences.
Steam Ovens
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – They are easy to clean. – They keep food moist. – They are a healthy option for heating food. – The steam cooking helps to lock in the vitamins and minerals in the food. – The steam cooking helps to deliver a great taste sensation after cooking. – They are compatible with a variety of different cookware materials. – They come with a wide range of pre-programmed settings. | – You have to periodically fill the water reservoir. – They are expensive. – Most models need professional installation. |
Microwaves
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – It is easy to get a great model at a low price. – Countertop models do not need professional installation. – They come with a wide range of pre-programmed settings. | – They are tricky to clean. – They tend to dry food out. – They are not compatible with all cookware. |
Conclusion
Choosing between a steam oven and a microwave is hard. It all depends on how much you are willing to spend, how easy you want cleaning up to be, and more. I am sure this article has helped you to see which appliance is best for you based on your preferences.
If this article has helped you, then why not check out some of our other articles and free guides? You could even sign up for our email list!
Have a great day!
— Craig.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Steam Oven for Baking?
Absolutely!
Steam ovens are great for baking pastries and other delicious treats. Just make sure to read your manufacturer’s instructions to set the temperature and baking mode accurately.
Can I Use Vinegar to Clean My Steam Oven?
Sure thing.
Pour a bowl of water along with a cup of vinegar into your oven’s water tank and let it run (it should have a cleaning cycle mode, please check your User Manual to find it).
Once the cycle is done, any gunk and other undesirable substances should be gone, or at least be easier to remove.
Do Microwaves Use a Lot of Power?
This depends on what you consider a lot of power. But in general, yes.
Most microwaves are rated to work using between 700–1200 watts, which, if left running for a full hour, would translate to .7-1.2 kWh. But let’s be real, no one will ever leave their microwave running for an hour, so your electricity bills shouldn’t come in too high.
At least not from your microwave.
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