What is a steam microwave oven?
A steam microwave oven is a multi-functional appliance that combines microwave heating with a powerful steamer. It can steam, bake, roast, grill, air fry, cook, reheat, and defrost food without compromising the appearance, texture, or taste of your food.
How do steam microwaves work?
Steam microwaves have integrated steam evaporators that produce high-temperature steam to cook food quickly while retaining moisture and nutrients. They work by heating water in the evaporator to generate steam that surrounds the food, while simultaneously using microwave energy for fast cooking. This makes them ideal for steaming vegetables, fish, and reheating food.
What are the benefits of using a steam microwave?
The benefits of steam microwaves include:
1. Faster, healthier cooking by combining microwave, convection, and steam technology
2. Superior nutrient retention for healthier meals
3. Keeps food moist and flavourful, preventing it from drying out or becoming rubbery
4. Ideal for steamed recipes, juicy roasts, grilled meats, spongy breads and cakes, and even simple reheating
5. Easy-to-clean interiors
What type of food can I cook in a steam microwave?
You can cook: Rice, dal, and vegetables Idli, momos, dhokla Fish and chicken Cakes, bread, cookies Grilled and roasted dishes Air fry tikkis or nuggets, shallow fry a paratha, bake naan or roti Steam microwaves are ideal for daily Indian cooking, baking, and preparing healthy meals.
Why should I buy a steam microwave oven from IFB?
The IFB Steam Microwave Oven combines Pure Steam, Microwave, 360° Convection, Grill, and Air Fry functions in one appliance. It features an integrated water tank for steam cooking and a flat-bed design for a larger, fully usable cooking surface. Backed by the IFB Super Warranty, it is built to support your everyday cooking with consistent and dependable performance.
How is a steam microwave oven different from a convection microwave oven?
Steam microwave ovens and convection microwave ovens differ primarily in their heating method. Steam microwave ovens use hot, moist vapour to cook, which preserves nutrients and moisture. Convection microwaves, on the other hand, use a heating element and fan to circulate hot air for browning, crisping, and faster, more conventional-style cooking.
Is a steam microwave oven better than a microwave?
Both appliances are useful in their own way. A steam microwave oven delivers better food quality and moisture retention, while a regular microwave offers speed and convenience. If you want better-tasting, healthier results from your cooking, a steam microwave oven is the way to go.
Yes, a steam oven is a very healthy cooking method. It helps lock in nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants. If you are into fitness or healthy living, a steam oven is a great addition to your kitchen. It lets you cook food without added oil while keeping the taste, moisture, and nutrients intact.
What size of steam microwave oven should I buy for a family of four that cooks daily?
For a family of four that cooks daily, a 34-litre steam microwave oven is generally the most suitable size. It provides enough space to cook everyday meals, larger square and rectangular dishes, and multi-dish recipes comfortably without crowding the cavity. The IFB Steam Microwave Oven in this size range comes with Pure Steam with Integrated Water Tank, Flat-bed Technology, Inverter Technology, 360° Convection, and Air Fry, giving you the versatility for steaming, baking, grilling, roasting, and everyday Indian cooking.
How do I clean and maintain a steam oven?
To clean and maintain a steam oven, follow these steps:
Step 1: Wipe the interior after each use
Step 2: Empty and clean the water tank regularly
Step 3: Use the self-cleaning function
Step 4: Avoid harsh chemicals. You can use IFB essentials Microclean Kitchen Appliance Cleaner for safe and effective cleaning.
Regular cleaning ensures better performance and a longer life for your steam oven.
Can I bake, grill, and roast in a steam oven?
Yes, you can bake, grill, and roast in a steam oven, especially a combi-steam oven that combines steam with convection heat. These ovens offer the versatility to cook, crisp, and brown foods, often resulting in juicier meats, crustier breads, and healthier dishes.
Can a steam microwave oven give me crispy results too, or is it only for steaming?
Yes, a steam microwave oven can produce crispy results in addition to steaming, as long as it is a combination model with convection or grilling elements. Unlike a traditional microwave that can make food soggy, these appliances use steam to keep the inside moist while hot air or a grill element crisps the outside.
Does a steam microwave oven work as an air fryer?
Yes, convection steam ovens and combination microwaves can function as air fryers. They use a heating element and a fan to circulate hot air around food, creating a crispy texture similar to a standalone air fryer, in addition to their steaming and microwave capabilities.
Why is there no turntable inside?
Steam microwave ovens and flatbed microwaves omit the turntable to maximise interior space, ensure even heating, and improve hygiene. Instead of rotating the food, these ovens use a stirrer antenna hidden below the ceramic base to distribute microwave energy evenly throughout the chamber. This assists in precision cooking and also provides enhanced cooking capacity with better utilisation of the cavity.
What accessories come with the steam microwave oven?
IFB Steam Microwave Ovens come with 5 accessories: a silicone mat, baking tray, grill rack, glass tray, and steam rack, designed to support versatile cooking needs.
Can I use this to sterilise baby bottles or utensils?
Yes, the IFB steam microwave oven comes with a pre-loaded Sterilize feature to effectively disinfect baby bottles, nipples, and utensils. Ensure all items are microwave-safe, cleaned with soap and water, and placed upside down. The high-temperature steam kills germs in just 2 to 8 minutes.
Does it have pre-set cooking options?
Yes, the IFB Steam Convection Microwave features 63 Auto Cook Recipes, allowing you to steam, grill, bake, prepare curries, and more at the press of a button. The menu covers steamed recipes, grilled tikkis, kebabs, curries, kormas, breakfast favourites, pickles, chutneys, oven-fresh recipes, and popular masalas.
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