Saturday, March 14, 2009

Product review: Miele steam oven

Is it possible to live without a microwave? We weren't sure. But when we were trying to decide between our old faithful and a steam oven, we were intrigued by the health benefits of cooking with steam. As this is a product review on the steam oven, I suppose you can guess which option we chose.


Pros:
  • Perfect steamed vegetables. Really perfect. We eat more broccoli and asparagus now that we live with this cool cat.
  • Maintains original flavors when reheating left overs. It's virtually the same as the original day you cooked it.
  • The use of steam must be healthier than microwaves. Listen, I'm no expert and don't know all the nitty gritty details, but it has to be.
  • It's easy to use. The display walks you through everything. Fill the water tank and you're off to the races.
  • Pretty much everything can be cooked in it. Other than popcorn (boo hoo), this puppy can take care of virtually any dish.
Cons:
  • Takes a while to heat up before it starts cooking. We didn't expect it to be quite as long as it is. Now that our expectations are adjusted, it's no biggie. It's definitely a transition from a microwave.
  • Need to look closely at your settings. I've had a few times where the broccoli has come out very overdone. Once I experimented with different vegetables and dishes, it has become clear. But there was a tad of learning necessary at the start.
  • No popcorn
It was a bit of an adjustment, but we would go this route again. A year after getting it installed, we've learned to s-l-o-w d-o-w-n our cooking expectations a bit. In our rush, rush, rush society, it's been a good thing.

Hope this might be helpful to someone going through similar dilemmas at the planning stage!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

We are evaluating whether to put a Miele steam oven into our new kitchen. Loved your information but have a couple of questions: 1) how fast can it cook regular white rice (the kind that usually boils on the stove for 15 minutes) and 2) can it reheat a slice of pizza and how fast?
I'm really considering NOT putting in a microwave, but i have reheating needs!

Jenny said...

Hi there and thanks for the visit. I must admit, we haven't tried either in the steam oven yet. But now you've got me intrigued (apparently we're cold-pizza-out-of-the-fridge people!). I'll definitely get some rice made up in the next day or so and let you know.

I hear you on the fear of getting away from the microwave. There's no question that it took us some adjusting at first. I'll get back to you soon.

Anonymous said...

Jenny Can you share with us how long it takes for it to get to steaming? You mentioned it takes longer than you expected. Thx, CC

Jenny said...

Hi CC. It probably takes about 5 minutes on average to get going. Now that we're used to it, it's not a problem...but it is a big transition at first from a microwave.

Let me know if you have any other questions. Cheers!

Anonymous said...

Hi
Besides vegs, rice, fish --what else do you use the steam oven for?
Is it really worth the money?

Questioning???

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Unknown said...

Steam ovens are our best friends as it saves our time take less space, cooks the food faster and healthier. It provides all sorts of modes and different options to try out. Thanks to share these details about the oven as this is worthful.

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