Buying guide for best steam toaster ovens
The steam toaster oven has actually been around for a while, but its popularity exploded when small, sleek models from Japan and east Asia went viral on social media. Captivated by pictures of crunchy-yet-fluffy Japanese-style toast and tiny measuring cups, everyone suddenly wanted a steam toaster oven, even if they really had no idea what else they could do with one.
But steam toaster ovens aren’t just for making Insta-worthy slices of toast. Some of these countertop-size toaster ovens have steam modes or use steam to inject moisture into the baking process. You can find steam toaster ovens that steam, bake, broil, and even air fry food.
Big enough to roast a small chicken, ideal for reheating pizza, and much more affordable and easier to clean than a full-size steam oven, a steam toaster oven is one of those all-in-one appliances that just might transform the way you cook.
How big is a steam toaster oven?
Like other toaster ovens, this kitchen appliance sits on your counter and does all sorts of things you can already do in other ways—but more quickly and in smaller batches.
Capacity, which is typically expressed in cubic feet (cu. ft.), varies. The trendy Japanese-style models tend to have narrow mouths and not much interior volume. Other steam toaster ovens are big enough to roast a chicken or bake a 13-inch pizza.
As a countertop appliance, it’s important to consider the exterior size. It should fit on your work surface without taking up too much counter space. It should have clearance above and behind it for heat and steam to escape without damaging it or its surroundings. And, the oven doors should be able to open without obstruction.
What can I make with a steam toaster oven?
Like other toaster ovens, steam toaster ovens are typically supplementary appliances. That said, you can use your steam toaster oven for lots of things. Some of the most popular applications are toasting bread, baking pizza, preparing frozen dinners, air-frying potatoes, and steam-baking roasts.
If your mouth waters at the thought of a slice of crunchy, chewy toast, a steam toaster oven might be for you.
STAFF
BestReviews
Are there smart steam toaster ovens?
Steam toaster ovens are a little more complicated than their toaster oven cousins, and advances in design and smart technology have introduced toaster ovens with multiple cooking modes, a variety of precise presets, digital or touchscreen controls, and apps and WiFi connectivity. Consider your current and future needs. You could buy something basic or something with more bells and whistles.
STAFF TIP
A good pair of oven mitts can protect you from the heat of any toaster oven, but for steam toaster ovens, look for something that doesn’t lose its protective value when damp. Some textile oven mitts and pot holders aren’t very good at keeping wet heat away from hands and fingers, as the hot liquid can seep through.
STAFF
BestReviews
What are the most important things to know about steam toaster ovens?
They can bake, toast, roast, and steam cook
The top feature of steam toaster ovens is, of course, their ability to use steam for cooking and heating foods. Steam toaster ovens use steam in two ways: as part of baking, roasting, or toasting, and alone as the main way of cooking food.
When used in the toasting or roasting process, steam helps the food absorb and retain moisture. It can shorten cooking time while still browning food nicely for color and flavor. Steam toaster ovens with a standalone steam function produce fresh, pure foods without browning. Not all steam toaster ovens have a standalone steam function.
Steam duration varies
You may be wondering how long a steam toaster oven can cook. This figure is measured in minutes. Some models offer 60 minutes of steam duration. Others offer 120 minutes. This varies by product.
A steam tank holds the water
Water for making steam sits in a tank. The size of the steam tank—and the convenience of refilling it—differs from one model to the next. Some steam toaster ovens have exceptionally small tanks of a few cubic centimeters (cc) of water. These are for brief injections of steam during the toasting process. Others have half a cubic foot or more than 14 liters, enough to hold water for poaching and steaming whole foods.
Note: A steam toaster oven with a removable steam tank is easier to fill and clean.
The timer is very helpful
Steam toaster ovens tend to have more smart features and automation than regular toaster ovens. That said, the most basic and helpful control is a timer that automatically switches the oven off once cooking is done.
Heating power is measured in watts
Like regular toaster ovens, steam toaster ovens have heating elements whose strength can be measured by wattage. A standard toaster oven boasts between 1,200 and 1,400 watts of power.
Cleaning is important
The wet heat used in steaming or steam-infused cooking creates condensation that can lead to corrosion and staining. It can also encourage the growth of microorganisms like bacteria and mold. Thus, steam toaster ovens should offer clear cleaning instructions. Notably, some machines have self-cleaning options to sterilize themselves.
What else do I need with my steam toaster oven?
The bakeware you use in a steam toaster oven must be able to withstand the moisture of steam cooking. Avoid seams or rolled edges where condensation can accumulate. Stainless steel, enameled steel, and nonstick pans with coatings that stand up to high heat should work well in steam toaster ovens. Don’t put cast iron in a steam toaster oven, as it will develop rust.
Use silicone, wood, or heat-resistant plastic utensils in your steam toaster oven. Some steam toaster ovens discourage the use of metal utensils for reaching into the toaster oven as a safety hazard.
Many steam toaster ovens offer a bread-proofing mode that maintains a warm, slightly moistened environment to encourage yeast bread to rise. Most also dehydrate and defrost foods.
STAFF
BestReviews
How much do steam toaster ovens cost?
Inexpensive
Inexpensive steam toaster ovens cost $150 to $200. There aren’t many steam-capable toaster ovens in this price range, but those that exist offer most of the features you should expect from other models. Their main drawback is that they tend to come from new, untested brands that may or may not have the kind of quality control or customer service that more established brands do.
Mid-range
Mid-range toaster ovens cost $200 to $400. In this price range, you’ll find the trending social media favorite toasters as well as dependable multifunction workhorses from well-known brands. Some may have wireless connectivity and app control.
Expensive
Over $400, you’ll find steam-capable countertop ovens that could theoretically replace a full-size oven. Larger capacity, more powerful heating, and advanced automation with artificial intelligence and wireless connectivity should be expected in expensive steam toaster ovens, especially those from premium kitchen appliance brands.
Tips for steam toaster ovens
- Clean the tank frequently. The water tank of a steam toaster oven should be cleaned regularly to avoid a build-up of organic or inorganic residues, including hard water stains and possibly mold.
- Unplug the appliance when cleaning. Always unplug any countertop kitchen appliance when it’s not in use and especially when you’re cleaning it.
- Glass isn’t for steam cooking. While reheating food in the microwave in a glass or ceramic container is no problem, steaming food in a glass vessel isn’t as efficient as in a metal vessel.
FAQ
Q. Is a steam oven the same as an air fryer?
A. No. A steam oven and an air fryer are two different things. Air fryers use strong air convection for fast, even dry-heat cooking, while steam ovens use wet heat. However, many toaster ovens with steam capability also have air fryer capability, so you could potentially have both cooking methods in a single appliance.
Q. Do you need a microwave if you have a steam oven?
A. A microwave still works faster than a steam oven for reheating food. By heating water molecules inside food, microwave ovens are highly efficient at heating. However, reheating with steam helps you avoid the uneven, dry results that come from microwaving food.
Q. Do steam ovens make things crispy?
A. Steaming by itself doesn’t crisp food, but a steam toaster oven with steam-infused baking and roasting functions can and should be able to use its dry heating elements to crisp food after the food has benefited from steam.
