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If you are looking for a quick and convenient way to cook your food, you might wonder whether a steam oven or a microwave is the best option. Both appliances have their advantages and disadvantages, and they use different methods to heat your food.
In this article, we will compare steam ovens and microwaves in terms of how they work, what they can cook, how healthy they are, and how much they cost. We will also introduce you to the combination oven, which combines the features of both appliances. By the end of this article, you will have a better idea of which suits your needs and preferences.
Steam Ovens
A steam oven is a relatively new invention that uses steam to cook food. It has a water reservoir that heats up and produces steam, which circulates inside the oven cavity. The steam cooks your food from the outside in, keeping it moist and tender. Steam ovens can also reach higher temperatures than microwaves, which can brown and crisp your food.
Pros and Cons of Steam Ovens
Pros
- It preserves your food’s nutrients, flavor, color, and texture better than a microwave.
- It can cook various foods, such as vegetables, meats, fish, eggs, grains, breads, cakes, and pastries.
- It can reheat leftovers without drying them out or making them soggy.
- It can sterilize baby bottles and jars.
- It is easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
- It is more expensive than a microwave.
- Compared to a microwave, it has a longer cooking time.
- It requires more space than a microwave.
- It needs to be refilled with water regularly.
- It may not be compatible with some cookware materials.
Microwaves
A microwave is a common appliance that uses electromagnetic waves to heat your food. It generates microwaves that penetrate your food and cause the water molecules inside to vibrate and produce heat. The heat then cooks your food from the inside out. Microwaves are known for being fast and convenient but have some limitations.
Pros and Cons of a Microwave Oven
Pros
- It is cheaper than a steam oven.
- It is faster than a steam oven.
- It is smaller than a steam oven.
- It can defrost, cook, reheat, and melt foods.
- It has many models and features to choose from.
Cons
- It may destroy some nutrients, flavor, color, and texture of your food.
- It may create hot spots and cold spots in your food.
- It may cook sparingly or thoroughly.
- It may not brown or crisp your food.
- It may cause some foods to explode or splatter.
Which One is Healthier for You?
One of the main concerns people have when choosing between a steam oven and a microwave is their health. Both appliances have their pros and cons when it comes to health benefits. Here are some factors to consider:
- Nutrient retention: Steam ovens retain more nutrients than microwaves because they use gentle heat and moisture to cook food. Microwaves may destroy some vitamins and minerals due to high temperatures and radiation exposure.
- Flavor enhancement: Steam ovens tend to enhance the natural flavor of your food because they preserve the juices and aromas. Microwaves may alter the taste of your food because they dry out or overcook it.
- Food safety: Steam ovens kill more bacteria and germs than microwaves because they reach higher temperatures and create steam pressure. Microwaves may not kill all pathogens because they do not heat evenly or sufficiently.
- Chemical exposure: Steam ovens tend to reduce the risk of chemical exposure than microwaves because they do not use plastic containers or wraps. Microwaves may leach harmful substances from plastic materials into your food.
Overall, steam ovens are healthier than microwaves regarding nutrient retention, flavor enhancement, food safety, and chemical exposure. However, microwaves are still unhealthy and safe. You can still use them wisely by following these tips:
- Choose fresh or frozen foods over processed or canned foods.
- Use glass or ceramic containers instead of plastic ones.
- Cover your food with a lid or paper towel instead of plastic wrap.
- To avoid hot and cold spots in your food, move it around or change its position when it is half done.
- Check the temperature and doneness of your food before eating.
Price Differences
Another factor that people consider when choosing between a steam oven and a microwave is how much they cost. There are two aspects to consider: the initial purchase price and the operating cost.
The initial purchase price depends on the appliance’s brand, model, size, and features. Generally speaking, steam ovens are more expensive than microwaves. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 for a steam oven, while you can get a microwave for as low as $50 to $500.
The operating cost depends on the appliance’s energy consumption, water consumption, and maintenance. Generally speaking, steam ovens are more efficient than microwaves. They use less electricity and water than microwaves and require less cleaning and servicing. Using a steam oven instead of a microwave, you can save up to 50% on your energy bills and water bills.
Therefore, steam ovens have a higher initial purchase price but a lower operating cost than microwaves. You need to weigh each appliance’s pros and cons and decide which is worth your investment.
Combination Oven
Consider a combination oven if you are undecided between a steam oven and a microwave. A combination oven is an appliance combining the features of a steam oven and a microwave. It can cook your food with steam, microwaves, or both. It can also function as a conventional oven, a grill, or a broiler.
A combination oven offers you the best of both worlds. You can enjoy the benefits of steam and microwave cooking in one device. You can cook faster, healthier, and more versatile dishes with a combination oven. You can save space, money, and time by having one appliance instead of two.
Some of the popular brands that offer combination ovens are:
- Miele
- Bosch
- Samsung
- Panasonic
- Sharp
You can check their websites for more information on their products and prices.
All Things Considered: Steam Oven vs Microwave
In conclusion, steam ovens and microwaves are two different appliances that use different methods to cook your food. They have advantages and disadvantages regarding how they work, what they can cook, how healthy they are, and how much they cost. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preference, budget, and lifestyle.
If you want an appliance that cooks your food with moist heat, preserves the nutrients and flavor of your food, kills more bacteria and germs, reduces chemical exposure, and saves energy and water, you might prefer a steam oven.
If you want an appliance that cooks your food with electromagnetic waves, heats your food faster and more conveniently, defrosts, melts, and reheats foods easily, has many models and features to choose from, and costs less upfront, then you might prefer a microwave.
If you want an appliance that combines the features of both a steam oven and a microwave, cooks your food with steam, microwaves, or both, functions as a conventional oven, grill, or broiler as well, cooks faster, healthier, and more versatile dishes, and saves space, money, and time by having one appliance instead of two, then you might prefer a combination oven.
FAQs
A: You can use metal cookware in a steam oven if it is a manageable size or too close to the heating element. You cannot use metal cookware in a microwave because it will cause sparks and damage to the appliance.
A: You can clean a steam oven by wiping it with a damp cloth after each use. Some models have self-cleaning or descaling functions that you can activate periodically. After each use, you can clean a microwave with a damp cloth or sponge. You can also use vinegar or lemon juice to remove odors and stains.
A: The cooking time depends on the type, size, quantity, and temperature of the food. Generally speaking, cooking food in a steam oven takes longer than in a microwave. For example, it takes about 20 minutes to cook rice in a steam oven versus 10 minutes in a microwave.
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