Steam Oven vs Microwave: Which Is Better for Your Kitchen

Compare steam ovens and microwave ovens to see which appliance best suits your cooking needs.
Explore Ovens
3 min
3-Jan-2025
Steam ovens and microwave ovens are essential kitchen appliances, each excelling in different tasks. Steam ovens cook food gently, preserving nutrients and moisture, making them ideal for healthy meals. In contrast, microwave ovens offer quick reheating, defrosting, and fast cooking. Choosing between them depends on your cooking needs and preferences.

Have a look at an assortment of and more on Bajaj Mall. Browse through detailed product specifications and reviews to make an informed decision. As an alternative, you can also visit Bajaj Finserv’s 1.5 lakh partner stores in 4,000 cities. Explore top brands, select your preferred model, and benefit from Easy EMI and zero down payment options, exclusively with Bajaj Finserv.

Introduction: Comparing steam ovens and microwave ovens

Steam ovens and microwave ovens are two popular kitchen appliances, each offering unique benefits. While steam ovens use hot steam to cook food evenly and retain nutrients, microwave ovens rely on electromagnetic waves to heat and cook food quickly. Steam ovens are ideal for healthier cooking, while microwaves excel at reheating, defrosting, and quick meal preparation.

Choosing between these appliances depends on your cooking style, time availability, and the types of meals you prepare regularly. Whether you are considering a high-end steam oven or exploring microwave ovens, understanding their functions will help you make the right choice for your kitchen.

What is a steam oven and how does it work?

  • Cooking method: Steam ovens use hot steam generated by boiling water to cook food evenly.
  • Moisture retention: The steam prevents food from drying out, keeping it moist and tender.
  • Nutrient preservation: Gentle cooking ensures that vitamins and minerals are retained in vegetables and meats.
  • Ideal for: Baking bread, steaming vegetables, cooking fish, and reheating leftovers without losing texture.
  • Versatility: Many steam ovens offer combination modes for grilling and baking.
  • Energy efficiency: They can be more energy-efficient than traditional ovens for certain dishes.
  • Maintenance: Regular cleaning of water reservoirs and steam outlets is essential.
Explore affordable options like microwave ovens under Rs 5,000 or reliable choices from Bajaj Electricals microwave ovens for your kitchen.

What is a microwave oven and how does it work?

  • Cooking method: Microwave ovens use electromagnetic waves to heat water molecules in food, cooking it from the inside out.
  • Quick cooking: They are ideal for reheating, defrosting, and cooking pre-prepared meals quickly.
  • Energy efficiency: Microwaves consume less energy for shorter tasks compared to conventional ovens.
  • Compact design: Suitable for kitchens with limited space.
  • Versatility: Modern models offer grilling and convection features for enhanced cooking options.
  • Ease of use: Simple controls make them user-friendly for all age groups.
  • Safety: Only microwave-safe containers should be used to prevent hazards.
For budget-friendly options, explore microwave ovens under Rs 15,000 for advanced features and efficient performance.

Key differences between steam ovens and microwave ovens

  • Cooking technique: Steam ovens use hot steam, while microwave ovens use electromagnetic waves.
  • Nutrient retention: Steam ovens preserve more nutrients in food.
  • Texture: Steam ovens maintain moisture, while microwaves may result in dry or rubbery textures.
  • Cooking speed: Microwaves cook and reheat food faster.
  • Versatility: Steam ovens excel at baking and steaming, while microwaves are better for reheating and quick cooking.
  • Space requirements: Microwaves are generally more compact than steam ovens.
  • Cost: Steam ovens are often more expensive than microwave ovens.

Cooking times: Steam oven vs microwave oven

When it comes to cooking times, microwave ovens are generally faster than steam ovens. Microwaves can reheat a plate of food in just 2–3 minutes, whereas steam ovens may take slightly longer but ensure more even heating and better moisture retention.

For tasks like defrosting or reheating leftovers, microwave ovens are more efficient. However, steam ovens shine when it comes to cooking meats, vegetables, or bread, as the steam prevents food from drying out.

For example, steaming vegetables in a steam oven might take 10–15 minutes, while microwaving them would only take 3–5 minutes. However, vegetables from a steam oven often retain their colour, flavour, and texture better than those cooked in a microwave.

In short, microwaves are ideal for speed and convenience, while steam ovens excel in preserving food quality.

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Explore microwave ovens on EMI with Bajaj Finserv

Browse through Bajaj Mall and look at a variety of microwave ovens under Rs. 10,000 from different brands. Simply visit a Bajaj Finserv partner store after exploring the details online, and select your ideal model. With Bajaj Finserv’s financing solutions, you can purchase your preferred microwave without stressing over your budget. Flexible repayment plans let you pay in affordable instalments, ensuring a hassle-free shopping experience.

Advantages of shopping for a microwave oven with Bajaj Finserv

  • Budget-friendly pricing: Enjoy competitive prices on microwave ovens at Bajaj Finserv partner stores.
  • Easy EMIs: Spread the cost of your microwave over manageable EMIs with flexible repayment tenures.
  • Zero down payment: Buy select models without any upfront payment, making it easier to get started.
  • Wide selection: Access a diverse range of microwave ovens across Bajaj Finserv partner outlets.
  • Exclusive offers: Avail special deals, discounts, and cashback on purchases.
  • Free home delivery: Get your microwave delivered to your doorstep without any additional cost.

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Frequently asked questions

How does a steam oven compare to a microwave oven in terms of cooking?
Steam ovens cook food gently using hot steam, preserving moisture, texture, and nutrients. They are ideal for baking, steaming vegetables, and cooking delicate dishes. Microwave ovens, on the other hand, cook food faster using electromagnetic waves, making them more suitable for quick reheating and defrosting.

Are there any health benefits to cooking with a steam oven over a microwave?
Yes, steam ovens offer health benefits by preserving more nutrients in food, especially in vegetables and fish. Cooking with steam avoids the use of excess oil or fats, resulting in healthier meals. Microwave cooking, while quick, may cause uneven heating and slight nutrient loss in some foods.

Can a microwave oven achieve the same texture and moisture as a steam oven?
No, microwave ovens cannot replicate the same texture and moisture as steam ovens. Steam ovens keep food tender and moist, while microwaves can sometimes cause food to become dry or rubbery, especially with meats and baked goods. Steam ovens are better for achieving consistent texture.

Which oven is better for reheating food: steam oven or microwave?
Microwave ovens are faster and more convenient for reheating food, making them ideal for quick tasks. However, steam ovens excel at reheating foods like rice, pasta, and meats, as they prevent drying and maintain better texture and moisture compared to microwaves.

What is the price range for a steam oven compared to a microwave oven?
Steam ovens are generally more expensive, with prices starting around Rs. 30,000 and going up significantly for premium models. Microwave ovens are more budget-friendly, with basic models available for as low as Rs. 5,000, and advanced options priced around Rs. 15,000–20,000.

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