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Frequently Asked Questions: Steam Cooking
Cooking with steam can appear complicated, and we often get asked lots of great questions about when you should use a steamer and how to get the most out of one. So, we have curated a list of commonly asked questions to help highlight the benefits of steam cooking and clear up any concerns surrounding steam cooking methods.
Outdated steaming methods… and why choose a Bosch steam oven instead
| Questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| I “steam” my veggies in the microwave so I don’t need a steamer… | Microwave ovens are great for cooking vegetables but the process of steaming is different. Steaming is a natural method of cooking that brings out the pure flavour of foods. This eliminates the need to add butter or oil to enhance the flavour. Steam ovens also retain the nutrients within the food more effectively compared to steaming in a microwave. |
| I steam my veggies in a steamer over a saucepan on my cooktop… |
Many people have used this method for years, however it requires more attention as you need to be sure the water remains on the boil (or doesn’t boil dry) while also ensuring the water is not in contact with the food. If you are steaming a few different things at once it also creates more washing up! The steam oven makes this process easier and more efficient. The oven cavity is thermostatically controlled throughout the cooking, and it will never boil dry. |
| I reheat in my microwave oven - can I reheat in a steamer? | The steamer is an ideal way to reheat many types of food without overcooking or spoiling the quality of it. Unlike a microwave oven, where the food can often reheat unevenly, when food is reheated in a steamer it is gently surrounded with steam, keeping it hydrated as it heats. This means, food tastes the same as if it had just been cooked. |
| I have a rice cooker… | Steam ovens achieve the same result as a rice cooker but has the added advantage of being able to cook vegetables or other foods at the same time. |
| Is it as fast as a microwave? |
Steaming is a natural heating method that is more about quality than speed. In a microwave, the greater the volume of food, the longer it takes to cook. However in a steam oven, the volume of food will not increase the cooking time. For example, when you need to reheat four servings of dinner for the family, the microwave will require more time compared to only one serving. However, with a steam oven this is not the case. The time it takes for one serving will also be the time needed for four servings, no compromise on time. |
Cooking with steam… simpler than you think
| Questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| I’m not a good cook so I don’t need a steam oven… | Steam ovens are not just for experienced cooks. It is about making every day cooking easier and healthier. With the capacity of Bosch steam ovens, a number of foods can be cooked at once meaning you also save time and energy by cooking with steam. |
| How can anything brown in a steamer? |
When cooking with full steam, the food will not brown as it is constantly surrounded by pure steam to heat or cook. Using the Added steam function on a Bosch oven however can allow you to brown foods on the outside while the added steam keeps moisture on the inside. Think of the perfect loaf of bread, crispy on the outside yet soft and fluffy on the inside. |
| Apart from vegetables what else can you cook in a steamer? |
There are many foods suitable for steaming, including some that might take you by surprise. You can cook many sources of protein; fish, poultry and even red meats (steamed then seared). Grains and vegetables can be prepared in the steamer such as rice, quinoa, lentils, beans, and sprouts. Cakes, puddings, dumplings, steamed buns, fruits and custard can also be steamed. You can even make the perfect boiled egg in the steamer. |
| Do the flavours mix? | Flavours do not mix. Another advantage of a steam oven is several different foods can be cooked or heated at the same time without flavours intermingling. |
| Can I defrost in the steamer? |
Yes, you can defrost in the steam oven at a lower temperature than 100˚C. You can simply use the Bosch Defrost function that is perfect even for the most delicate of foods such as cakes. Remember that steaming is a more natural method so – depending on volume - food will not defrost as quickly as it does in a microwave oven. |
| Doesn’t all the food get wet? |
Unlike boiling, the food does not come into contact with any water in a steam oven. The steam itself, heats and cooks the food. To further ensure food does not get wet, Bosch full steam ovens come with a perforated tray meaning no excess water can pool on the tray where the food is placed. * |
| What is the difference between full steam and added steam? | The difference between full steam and added steam, and the benefits of each, are numerous. We have an easy to follow page, dedicated to this answer. Please click here to find out more. |
A steamer at home… it’s effortless
| Questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Do I need special containers to cook in? | Some Bosch full steam ovens come with accessories that can be safely used in the steaming process.* But you will probably already have many suitable dishes in your kitchen cupboards already. Remember when cooking with steam the oven is only heating to 100˚C so many everyday plates, bowls, cups etc. are suitable. However, do not use plastic dishes for steaming, and we do not recommend silicone cookware either. |
| How do I clean a steam oven? |
Bosch Steam ovens are equipped with cleaning functions to ensure the clean up is as easy as possible. All steam ovens have a drying function that works to evaporate any remaining moisture in the cooking compartment after steaming, helping reduce cleaning. Bosch steam ovens with EcoClean makes cleaning a breeze! Residual moisture doesn’t condense on the inner lining of the oven, so it just pools in the base. Simply leave the door of the steamer open when you are finished steaming and the residual heat prevents the moisture condensing on the glass door. |
*Models with steaming trays included: HSG656XB6A, CSG656RB1A, CSG656RS2A
