skip to main content

Only 1 Oven - convection or Wolf combi steam

11 years ago

Hello all,

I apologize if this question has already been addressed. I did do a search and could not seem to find anything that addressed this particular issue.

I am soon to move to a CCRC and the kitchen is SMALL. I can, however, update appliances. I'm going to replace the drop in electric range with an induction cooktop and an oven. This raises the question, which oven, convection or Wolf combi-steam. Since it is a retirement community with it's own restaurant and my duplex would have little room for large group entertaining, my oven would primarily be to cook for me only. With that in mind, would a combi steam oven be an appropriate choice? From what I have read, it appears to be able to do everything that a convection oven does and more. I love to bake and I love al things vegetable. The duplex has an over-the-range microwave that I'd keep for those times I make homemade candy or popcorn.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Bobbie

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

barryv_gw
11 years ago
Combi steam, without a doubt. If you are only cooking for yourself, you will love the reheat function - it combines regular heat with moisture so the reheated food does not dry out. It is also much faster than a regular oven when you used the combination mode. While it has a smaller cavity, that should not present a problem.
Bobbie
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you, Barry. That is just what I was thinking, but not having seen any prior discussion, I wanted to make sure I was on the right track.

Bobbie
Related Discussions
Gaggenau steam oven Wolf convection oven?
Q
Comments (15)
Thanks, Plllog. I am having the 24 inch deep tall cabinet (existing, to be modified for the new ovens) pulled out 5 inches from the wall to match the 29 inch deep run of cabinets that I am considering having custom made for that wal. That should allow plenty of space behind that cabinet. Which leads me to another question for gizmonike. Does the supply and plumbing run in the back of your cabinets? My potential cabinetmaker said he would make deeper drawers to go with the deeper cabinets, but perhaps I should just use 24 inch cabinets and pull them out to leave a 5 inch space behind for plumbing between the steam oven and the sink? How much depth is needed for the plumbing? I believe that there is probably 2.5 inches between the back of the drawers and the back of the cabinets; is this enough for the plumbing to run inside the cabinets?
...See More
bosch convection oven and steam oven vs. miele or wolf?
Q
Comments (22)
We're building a new house and the placement of the appliances is pretty much fixed at this point. We didn't have any idea of how tricky this would be. Speed oven, Steam oven plus 30" convection oven and induction cooktop. Where to put them all? And how to decide which manufacturer so that they all match, without breaking the bank? We're thinking that the 30" Convection oven will be the one we use least. The Miele Steam seems better than the Bosch, but that means we have to make everything Miele to match. Miele 30 " convection is a lot more expensive than the Bosch. And how many of you have a Speed oven and what do you use it for? Currently, we use a Microwave to heat a bowl of soup, or warm up coffee, or reheat leftovers. We roast a lot of chicken and use a Convection oven..same with fish. We're a retired couple so it's mostly the 2 of us, and wonder how often we'll have a crowd and use everything at once. Plus, we're moving to FL and will have a good grill with a rotisserie, so will have that option too. Also wondering about a plain Microwave +Combi Steam+ Convection set up. But we're thinking that for resale value, we should have a Speed Oven. Can any of you tell me which appliances you use the most and do you have any experience with Bosch cooking appliances? And has anyone out there ever installed a wall oven under a cooktop, rather than buying a slide in or built in stove?
...See More
30" Wolf Wall Oven E Series or 30" Wolf Convection Steam Oven
Q
Comments (6)
We bought the Miele Combi Steam in addition to a 30" wall oven, and it is our "Go To" Oven. Use it daily. It is very versatile and being a smaller oven heats quickly. All of our baking dishes fit in this oven. It operates the same as our 30" wall oven plus the combi steam function. It is awesome for reheating leftovers/baking bread/used as a regular oven/steaming veggies- rice etc. The Miele has a broiler unlike the Wolf - not sure of your configuration but you might want to compare the Miele with the Wolf. There are several threads on these two products. Regardless of which oven - you will be happy going with a combi steam oven. Agree with the other posters that recommend you attend a demo at a Wolf/Miele design center if possible.
...See More
Miele Combi Steam Oven, Convection Oven and Hard Water
Q
Comments (7)
The way I understand things, hard water is bad, because it leaves deposits. Contaminated water is bad, because the contaminants can clog things. Demineralized water (distilled or reverse-osmosis) is bad, because complete lack of minerals makes water more prone to corroding metals. And acidic or alkaline water is similarly bad. So, ideally, you supply soft clean tap water. Where that isn't available, an ion-exchange water softener can remove hardness without removing total amount of minerals. And a carbon or particle filter can remove contaminants, if applicable. These restrictions are true for all kitchen appliances regardless of brand. So, switching from Miele to Wolf just because the wording in their manual is different doesn't actually buy you more reliability. Switching from plumbed to supplying suitable (!) bottled water would help though. And you can do that with either brand. And installing appropriate point-of-use water treatment would work just as well.
...See More
caliente63
11 years ago
If you only have one oven and it is a steam oven, I would go for the Miele "XL" model over the Wolf. The Miele has a broiler element; the Wolf does not. The Miele is far more controllable than the Wolf (which relies heavily on pre-programmed settings).

Here is a link that might be useful: Miele XL combi-steam
barryv_gw
11 years ago
Bobbie, when I suggested a combi steam oven, I forgot the point that Caliete makes a, I don't have a broil element in my combi steam, I have one in my range but nearly never use it. If you have the time, you might want to look at the different options - Gaggenau, Miele, Wolf, and Thermador to see which combi you like best- they all have different controls and pluses and minuses, depending on your use.
philwojo99
11 years ago
If I had to choose just one it would be to keep our Wolf steam oven, it is great. It is large, does a great job of cooking and baking, and to be honest I don't think i would ever miss a broiler in it. i can count on one hand how often I have ever used a broiler in 20+ years of cooking.

But that is just MHO.

Phil
bend_or
10 years ago
I was reading this thread and curious about this assertion:

'''The Miele is far more controllable than the Wolf (which relies heavily on pre-programmed settings).'''

I wonder what factors make this true.

Has anybody used both Wolf CSO and Miele XL? (and can comment on this?)

Thanks!
wallycat
10 years ago
My sister just gifted me with the Cuisinart CSO Combo-steam oven and we LOVE IT.
So as others have noted, I would opt for a steam oven. Having said that, this cuisinart is a countertop model and it is also convection.
I am not familiar with the wall ovens with steam so things you may need to consider are: gaggenau is plumbed and would you be allowed to have that installed? Which of the ovens you listed offers convection with their steam option...and of course, if you have been happy with a standard oven and have counter room (I know you said the kitchen was small), this countertop glorified toaster-oven, steam, convection may be the best of having it all.

Related Stories

KITCHEN APPLIANCES Find the Right Oven Arrangement for Your Kitchen

By KitchenLab Interiors

Have all the options for ovens, with or without cooktops and drawers, left you steamed? This guide will help you simmer down

HOUSEKEEPING How to Clean Your Range and Oven

By Bonnie McCarthy

Experts serve up advice on caring for these kitchen appliances, which work extra hard during the holidays

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Luxuries: The Wood-Fired Pizza Oven

By Sheridan Interiors, Kitchens and Baths

If you love homemade pizza and are (ahem) rolling in dough, a wood-burning oven may be just the right kitchen investment

KITCHEN DESIGN A Cook’s 6 Tips for Buying Kitchen Appliances

By Christine Tusher

An avid home chef answers tricky questions about choosing the right oven, stovetop, vent hood and more

DECORATING GUIDES 25 Design Trends Coming to Homes Near You in 2016

By Mitchell Parker

From black stainless steel appliances to outdoor fabrics used indoors, these design ideas will be gaining steam in the new year

KITCHEN APPLIANCES Find the Right Cooktop for Your Kitchen

By KitchenLab Interiors

For a kitchen setup with sizzle, deciding between gas and electric is only the first hurdle. This guide can help

KITCHEN DESIGN Standouts From the 2014 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show

By Ventana Construction LLC

Check out the latest and greatest in sinks, ovens, countertop materials and more

KITCHEN DESIGN How to Pick Your Important Kitchen Appliances

By Vanessa Brunner

Find the ideal oven, refrigerator, range and more without going nutty — these resources help you sort through your the appliance options

HOME TECH Cook Smarter With New Wi-Fi Kitchen Gadgets

Whip up meals with high-tech help, thanks to a phone-connected oven and teakettle, plus a web-surfing cutting board

DECORATING GUIDES Houzz Tour: Couple Pares Down and Pumps Up the Style

By Becky Harris

A big transition from a large suburban house to a 1,200-square-foot urban condo is eased by good design

Sponsored

More Discussions

How many people use a CSO for everything w/o separate oven?

5

Bosch 800 vs Cafe - Help us decide!

3

Stove exhaust vent moving and closing an old one

15

Induction stove

11

2 bathroom exhaust fans vented together, mold problem

12