When it comes to cooking with wholesome, fresh ingredients the way you cook is the most important part. You want to honour the produce and the flavours without jeopardizing their nutritional value. Steam cooking is a growing trend with new ovens entering the market each year so it is important to know what to look for.
Steaming is actually nothing new, it has been used for many centuries and is believed to have started in China where cooks would use reed baskets over water to steam their food.
WATCH: Oven-baked chicken divan. Article continues after video.
Steam appliances wrap full steam technology, combination steam technology and regular oven functions all into one. Incredible for cooking and baking, National Culinary Manager of Winning Appliances, Chloe Skipp says they’re “the secret to every good restaurant”.
Now, with the capability to recreate the same effect in your own home, users can accomplish a quality cooking result with the added benefit of nutrient retention.
Benefits of cooking with a steam oven
1. Nutrition
Steaming has been long known as the healthiest choice when it comes to cooking. It requires no oil and gently cooks your food whilst locking in all of the delicious nutrients.
2. Hydration
Cooking foods in a humid environment stops food from drying out, delivering arguably tastier dishes.
3. Speed
Cooking vegetables, fish and meat a steam oven is faster than using a convection oven.
4. Cleanliness
If cleaning isn’t your friend, steam ovens are for you. As one of the easiest appliances to clean, simply wipe down the insides and move on. Some models even come with a built-in cleaning function.
The best steam ovens to shop in 2026
01
Smeg Classic 60cm Pyrolytic Steam Oven with Probe
$3190 at The Good Guys
This sleek steam oven is the perfect upgrade to your kitchen. Its Italian design, 12 cooking functions, and high-performance technology make this oven the ultimate cooking companion.
Key features:
- Pyrolytic & Steam Oven
- 20-40% steam range
- Temperature probe and other accessories included
- 85L total capacity
- Made in Italy
Also available at:
- $4090 at Winning Appliances
02
Westinghouse 60cm Pyrolytic Steam Oven
$1979 at Bing Lee
A multifunctional steam oven designed to elevate your everyday cooking.
Feeding the family is a breeze thanks to features like a programmable timer and automatic cooking functions.
Key features:
- Roast +Steam
- Programmable oven timer
- Fast heat up
- PyroClean
Also available at:
- $1948 at The Good Guys
- $2356 at Winning Appliances
03
LG 76L InstaView Series 9 Steam Oven
$1899 (usually $2699) at LG
Revolutionise your culinary experience with LG’s steam oven boasting an impressive 76L capacity designed for speedy, efficient cooking.
Key features:
- 5-in-1 Pro Cooking
- Blue EasyClean™ technology
- Fully extendable telescopic rails
- 76L capacity
- Pyrolytic Self-Cleaning for efficiency
Also available at:
- $3299 at The Good Guys
- $2357 at Appliances Online
04
Bosch Series 8 Pyrolytic Steam Oven
$3199 at The Good Guys
This versatile oven offers 14 cooking modes including a pizza setting!
Maximise your cooking experience with accompanying accessories such as the air fry and grill tray and universal pan.
Key features:
- 4D HotAir, AirFry, pizza, grilling, dough proving
- TFT touch display for easy use
- Pyrolytic Self-Cleaning
- Air fry function with tray
- Wi-Fi connection
Also available at:
- $3299 at The Good Guys
- $3102 at Appliances Online
05
Miele Steam Combi Oven-CleanSteel
$3999 at Winning Appliances
Whether baking up a storm or roasting a delicious dinner, this premium oven is designed to make home cooking as easy as possible.
Enjoy effortless cleaning thanks to PerfectClean finish and CleanSteel exterior for easy maintenance.
Key features:
- MonoSteam technology for even steaming
- Moisture Plus feature for elevated cooking
- PerfectClean and CleanSteel features for easy mainenance
- 12 cooking modes
- Connectivity via mobile app
