How efficient are the new residential steam ovens and do they bake as well as a regular oven?
— Jan T. J.D.: Steam ovens have been used for many years by professional bakeries and restaurants because of the quality of the cooked foods and the dramatically reduced cooking time. Professional ovens — steam or conventional — often do not have the necessary safety features required for use in homes. Nearly everyone has used a small countertop steamer for vegetables and rice. The foods cook fast without losing as many of the natural flavors and nutrients as other cooking methods. With more natural flavors, less salt and other seasonings are needed, which further enhances the health benefits. Within the past several years, steam oven models have become available for home use. They typically are about the size of a microwave oven and are available as countertop or built-in models. The built-in models look similar to a conventional wall oven. Most models have a small water reservoir so they do not require a water line connection. The efficiency and energy savings from using a steam o
