Full steam ahead to great cooking

Time to think about steam cooking, if you haven’t already. Steam ovens are becoming a must-have kitchen appliance. Cooking with them is an enormously healthy way to prepare food, they are easy to use and clean, and they elevate the natural flavours and textures of food without the need for added fats or oils. Steam cooking is a fascinating and invaluable technique for your food prep – indeed, a winning way to cook!

You’ll love that steaming is also versatile, allowing for your flavourful creativity in the kitchen. For example, go ahead and infuse steam with aromatic herbs, spices or even citrus peels to subtly enhance the taste of your dishes. You can gently and perfectly cook delicate items like fish or custards, ensuring they remain moist and tender. But your cooker is also robust enough to prepare vegetables and certain meats, preserving their vibrant colours and nutrients.

History tells a story…

The idea of steam cooking originated in 5000 BC in the Yellow River Valley of China, where cooking with steam was the preferred method of food prep for thousands of years. The method quickly spread across the country. Double-walled containers made from bamboo were stacked on top of each other with different food items in each so the food could be cooked gently and healthily. Nowadays, steam cooking in Asia remains paramount, while modern steam cooking is increasingly appreciated and popular the world over and throughout Europe, especially in Italy.

Get to know the benefits

Steamed foods retain their genuine flavour, allowing us to ‘rediscover’ their real essence.

As there is no direct contact with water, the nutritional substances in food are maintained, therefore retaining nutrients much better.

Steam cooking helps in the removal of fat from meats like pork or lamb so it can be easily removed after cooking. Once the fat is removed after steam cooking, the meat consumed then has a lower cholesterol level, which provides fewer calories and a reduced overall fat level.

When vegetables are cooked in water, they tend to become drained of their vitamin and nutrient content, as well as their flavour, texture, taste and colour. This can often be seen by the green colouration of the water after cooking. Steam cooking retains about 50% more important minerals than other cooking for vegies. It also allows for the retention of essential vitamins lost in other ovens.

Steamy appliances for you

To add to its appeal, steam cooking can be done using various outstanding appliances, including stovetop steamers, electric steamers, steam ovens and combi steam ovens.

Combi steam ovens combine steam and convection heating, allowing for a variety of cooking methods in one appliance. They’re perfect for baking, roasting, steaming, and even sous-vide (in airtight wraps) cooking. They offer flexibility and can improve cooking efficiency and food quality.
Steam ovens can be standalone or combination units that incorporate both conventional and steam cooking to cook food evenly. They’re ideal for reheating and cooking a variety of dishes, including vegetables, fish, meats and even desserts. They often have precise temperature and humidity controls.
Electric steamers are standalone units with multiple tiers for cooking different foods simultaneously and are best used for steaming vegies, rice, fish and dumplings.
Microwave steamers are special containers designed to steam food in the microwave. They’re quick and convenient for steaming vegies and fish, and for reheating food.

So if you want to cook healthy and delicious, and clean and easy, let off a little steam to deliver you and your family a flavour-packed meal each time, fuss-free of pots and pans. Remember, you are embracing a cooking method used successfully for thousands of years, serving up one absolutely delicious dish after another. You’ll find your steamer will become the most-loved hero of your kitchen.

Did you know?
You can make risotto in a steam oven and you never have to stir it! Try this delicious recipe courtesy of Miele.

Prawn and fennel risotto

Which Miele Steam Oven is right for you?

For over 120 years, Miele has been a pioneer in delivering innovative solutions that not only make your life easier, but also elevate your culinary experience. One such innovation is Miele’s range of steam ovens, designed to cater to a variety of cooking needs. Explore the different Miele steam oven options available to help you determine which one is the right fit for your kitchen.

Miele Steam Ovens – DG

Steaming your food is undeniably one of the healthiest cooking methods. It preserves the nutrients and flavours of your ingredients while eliminating the need for constant supervision. Miele’s DG steam ovens take this concept to the next level. They utilise external steam generation, ensuring precise temperature control and rapid heat-up times. With a temperature range from 40°C to 100°C, you can prepare a wide array of dishes, from hearty porridge to delicate seafood. With Miele steam ovens, cooking becomes a hassle-free, set-and-forget experience, giving you more time for other activities.

Miele Steam Oven with Microwave – DGM

If you’re someone who relies on the speed and convenience of a microwave but who also wants to embrace the nutritional benefits of steam cooking, then Miele’s DGM is your ideal choice. This versatile appliance combines the functionality of a steam oven and a microwave. It even boasts a Rapid Steam combination mode, ensuring faster cooking results without compromising on quality. With the DGM, you can have the best of both worlds – convenience and nutrition.

Miele Combi Steam Ovens – DGC

Miele’s Combi Steam Ovens, under the DGC series, offer a unique blend of two kitchen appliances in one. These ovens feature a state-of-the-art conventional oven equipped with Moisture Plus technology, along with the benefits of steam cooking. You can steam at temperatures ranging from 70°C to 100°C for up to 1 hour, and use the oven for all your regular baking, roasting and grilling needs. The versatility of these ovens allows you to experiment with a wide range of culinary creations.

Miele Combi Steam Pro Ovens – DGC HC Pro

For those seeking nothing but excellence in their home cooking, Miele’s Combi Steam Pro Ovens, part of the DGC HC Pro series, are the answer. These ovens offer the flexibility of three appliances in one. You can use them as a steam oven 40°C to 100°C, a conventional oven, or combine both using humidity levels from 0% to 100% and oven temperatures from 30°C to 230°C. From artisanal bread to succulent slow-cooked meats and flawless cheesecakes, these ovens are perfect.

Automatic programs guarantee perfect cooking time, and the HydroClean functionality takes care of the cleaning for you, making your cooking experience truly hassle-free.

Be great at steam cooking

Learn how to master steam cooking in Winnings Cooking Demos at your local showroom. Click here to find out more.

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