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Combi-Steam ovens: Wolf, Thermador, and Bosch

7 years ago

I'm seeking input on Wolf, Thermador, and Bosch combi-ovens. Can you help me weigh the pros and cons?

These are the ones I'm considering, but quite frankly, I don't know if there are better models that I should be considering.

Wolf: $3,849, 30" M-series Transitional Convection steam oven

Thermador: $2,999, Masterpiece Series Steam and Convection Oven, MES301HS

Bosch: $3,099, 30" Steam Convection Oven, Benchmark™ Series - Stainless Steel, HSLP451UC

TIA!

Featured Answer

smm5525

7 years ago

We tested both Miele and Wolf. Wolf was way easier to clean as well as set temperature, etc for use. The Miele had a better interface but a couple more steps and much harder to clean (grooves on bottom plus top broiler element).

Thermador is way smaller capacity wise and the water tank is inside the oven so you'd need to open the door in case u run out of water (say for a thanksgiving turkey).

Ultimately decided on Wolf. We didn't want a plumbed version.

Comments (9)

sherri1058
7 years ago
I think the Miele is also highly regarded, and it comes in a plumbed in version that you might be interested in.
Cheryl Hewitt
Original Author
7 years ago
Okay, that's another brand I should throw into the mix then. Although, it certainly is at the top of the pricing at $4,199.
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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.
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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?
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A bench top microwave plus a combi steam oven suggestion sounds very good. I have the same set up, with a microwave being placed in a wall cupboard space on top of a steam combi oven. Since I have got steam combi oven installed, most food have been reheated in it, much nicer results compared with microwave which is just used to heat a cup of drink hear and there. Induction plus gas is also a very good solution. I have 15" dominos, two gases, and one bridgeable induction. I decided on two gas units because of round bottom wok cooking and never used an induction before. Now that I have been using induction for a while, I may have chosen two induction units instead if I have to decide again today. Bridge able induction unit is quite versatile. You can have two small to medium pots and pans on it, or one large pot or pan, even a cast iron griddle when used in bridge mode. With a wok ring adapter for induction hob, it even does wok cooking well enough. My dominos are installed with about 2-3" space between them, so that big pots and pans can go on them at the same time. This might be a consideration how you would like to place an induction unit next to a gas.
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Chanop
7 years ago
A Miele plumbed model would be a very good choice. It has broiler as well as traditional top/bottom heat (bake) modes. It also allows fine grain control of humidity level, in 1% increment for set point. It is practically as large as Wolf. Thermador and Bosch US models would be a bit smaller in cavity compared with Miele and Wolf. One downside that many people find, although I feel ok with mine, is that cleaning baked over greased spots can be quite a pain.
ILoveRed
7 years ago
I have an 11 yr old Gaggenau that I adore. It has been worked hard. Unfortunately I'm having issues with the oven and I'm having problems getting it serviced. If you can get it serviced easily, it's worth your consideration.

We are building again and I will be going with Wolf because it's the only brand that I can get serviced easily. Plus, I do hear great things here.

Service is so important. Live and learn :-)
Cheryl Hewitt thanked ILoveRed
mjocean
7 years ago
We have the Wolf combi steam and love it! It is not plumbed which has not created any problems. If the water runs out during cooking the tank door opens up and the oven beeps to alert you. The water tank is accessed outside the oven so it is very easy to refill the tank. Good luck!

MJ
Cheryl Hewitt
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
After some discussion and reading reviews, and getting input from all of you that have commented, my BF is inclined to go with Wolf. Wolf is local to our area and service is great. And from the sounds of it, they make good things. :)

Thanks so much for helping us make these decisions!
salex
7 years ago
Thanks for a great thread. I am in the same position and trying to compare these combi ovens so very timely!
jaimeeap
7 years ago
We decided on the Miele, as we wanted a plumbed version and broiler capabilities. We love the MTouch interface and paired it with a MTouch Oven underneath. We also chose the Miele induction cooktop. Miele has a wonderful service rating and great reviews.
Cheryl Hewitt thanked jaimeeap

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