Microwave Oven Vs Steam Oven: Which Is Best For You?

If you’re in search of a new oven, you might be wondering if a microwave oven or steam oven is the right choice for you.

We did some research and found that there are pros and cons to both types of ovens. In this article, we’ll break down the differences so you can make an informed decision about which one is best for your needs.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to what you value most in an oven. If speed and convenience are important to you, then a microwave oven is probably the better choice. But if you want food that tastes better and is healthier for you, then a steam oven is definitely worth considering.

Read on to learn more about the microwave oven vs. steam oven!

Quick Comparison Between Microwave Oven And Steam Oven

Issues	Microwave Oven	Steam Oven
Cooking Time	Shorter(4~5 mins for chicken breast)	Longer(about 20 mins for chicken breast)
Food Health	Some food values can decay	retain food’s nutrients
Cost	Cheap starts from $50	Pricey starts from $2000
Maintenance	Easy to maintain	Need labor to clean
Oil-free Cooking?	Do not allow oil-free cooking	Allow oil-free cooking
Defrosting/Thawing	Slower, but uniform and healthier	Faster, but creates a convenient environment for germs
Food to Cook	Ideal for cooking food that is covered or wrapped	Can cook unwrapped food

LEARN MORE: Speed Oven Vs. Microwave: Which One Is Right For You?

Steam Ovens Keep Food Moist; Microwaves Dry Out Food

One of the main differences between microwave ovens and steam ovens is that microwave ovens dry out food, while steam ovens keep food moist. This is because microwaves use radiation to heat food, which can cause water to evaporate.

On the other hand, steam ovens use hot steam for cooking food, which helps to keep food moist.

Drying food out can lead to a loss of nutrients, so microwave ovens are not the best choice for people who want to eat healthily. Steam ovens are a better option for people who want to cook food the traditional way and preserve its natural moisture.

Steam Ovens Allow Oil Free Cooking; Microwaves Do Not

Another difference between microwave ovens and steam ovens is that microwave ovens allow you to cook food with cooking oil, while steam ovens do not. This is because microwaves use radiation to heat food, which can cause fat to heat up and smoke.

On the other hand, steam ovens use hot steam for cooking food. This means that you need not cook food with oil in a steam oven. This means that your food will not taste as greasy.

Most steam ovens contain a water canister inside the oven cavity. The water is pumped into the boiler, where it becomes steam as heat from the oven is applied to it. This keeps moisture levels high, saving oils and seasonings.

Microwave radiation causes water molecules in the food to vibrate, creating heat. The problem is that this radiation can also cause oil to heat up and smoke. Heated oil can give food a sour taste, and it can also be harmful to your health.

Again, heating during microwave cooking is uneven, and relatively cool regions might account for the survival of bacteria when very high temperatures are recorded in other parts of food.

LEARN MORE: Can You Use Aluminum Foil in Microwave?

Microwave Ovens Are Easier To Maintain; Steam Ovens Take More Labor

One of the advantages of microwave ovens is that they are easy to maintain. All you need to do is wipe them down with a damp cloth from time to time. Microwave ovens do not require any unique cleaning products.

Steam ovens, on the other hand, require more maintenance. It would be best if you kept the water canister full, and you also need to clean the steam oven regularly. This means that microwave ovens are a better choice for busy people who do not have time to maintain a steam oven.

Microwave Ovens Are Inexpensive; Steam Ovens Charge More

The price of microwave versus a steam oven is dependent on numerous aspects. You may purchase a low-cost microwave for approximately $50. Microwaves with extra features and specialized versions are available for as much as $1,000 or more!

You can find a nice microwave that is good quality and has good features for somewhere between $100-$200. This is a fraction of the cost for many steam ovens.

The steam oven is more expensive than the microwave. The average price of a steam oven is approximately $2,000 to $4,000. Some top-of-the-line versions cost closer to $8,000.

Steam ovens are costly for their complex mechanics and durable materials. They require more electricity than microwaves, contributing to their high running cost.

LEARN MORE: Can You Use Parchment Paper In The Microwave?

Shorter Cooking Time In Microwaves; Longer In Steam Ovens

The cooking time for microwave ovens and steam ovens is different. Microwaves cook food very quickly, while steam ovens take longer to cook food. Microwaves cook food in a matter of minutes, while most steam ovens take around 30 minutes to an hour to cook food properly.

A microwave oven cooks food by using microwave radiation. This radiation causes the water molecules in the food to vibrate and create heat. This process is speedy, and it can cook food in a matter of minutes.

Steam ovens use hot steam for cooking food. The smoke penetrates the food, cooking it from the inside out. This process takes longer than microwave radiation, but it results in food that is cooked evenly and thoroughly.

If you are looking for a quick way to cook food, the microwave oven is the better choice. If you want to cook food the traditional way and come out moist and delicious, then the steam oven is the better option.

LEARN MORE: What Can You Cook In A Microwave?

Steam Oven Defrosting Is Healthier; Germs May Grow In Microwave Thawing

Steam oven defrosting is slower but more uniform than microwave reheating. It’s nice on your food, and you’ll never have anything left half-cooked again because it’s so gentle.

Covering frozen foods while they defrost is not necessary for a steam oven. The moisture in the oven is enough to keep them from drying out too quickly.

A few ‘microwave chores’ your steam oven can also handle in the kitchen prep area. If you want to soften or melt butter or chocolate, all you have to do is place it inside a low-temperature steam oven and wait.

Microwave defrosting isn’t a good idea since it may cause food to cook unevenly. Another issue is that the microwave transports the uncooked meal into the “risk zone,” which ranges between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

While you do want to cook your meal at high temperatures, if it hangs out in the danger zone for too long, any germs present within can increase rapidly. This indicates that meat now has the ability to cause illness among anyone who consumes it.

LEARN MORE: How To Cook Spam In The Microwave

Food To Cook In Microwaves And Steam Ovens

Certain foods are better cooked in a microwave oven than others. Microwave ovens are ideal for cooking food that is covered or wrapped in plastic. This includes meats, fish, vegetables, and fruits.

Microwaves are not as good for cooking food that is not wrapped or covered. This includes dishes such as casseroles and lasagna. These types of food should be cooked in a steam oven or in the oven.

Foods that are best cooked in a steam oven include meats, fish, vegetables, and fruits. Steam ovens cook food more evenly than microwave ovens. This is because the steam cooks the food from all sides.

Steam ovens also retain more of the food’s nutrients than microwave ovens. This is because microwave ovens cook food quickly. The food’s nutrients are not able to absorb as much heat as they would if the food was simmered.

Steam ovens are also suitable for baking bread and cakes. Microwave ovens can cause these foods to become dry or tough.

Conclusion

So, if you are looking for a durable appliance that will cook your food evenly and thoroughly, the steam oven is the better option. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to cook food, then the microwave oven is the better choice. Remember, different foods are best cooked in different ways, so always consult a recipe before cooking!