How demand for healthier ways of cooking is continuing to shape the technology of built-in ovens from steam and air fryers through to AI, which can recommend meals based on diet goals

With the integration of Samsung’s SmartThings Cooking and Samsung Health, the Bespoke AI Oven can look at a user’s workout stats and diet goals to recommend meal options

At the beginning of the year, healthy eating was identified as one of the top five trends to impact kitchen design in 2023.

In fact, a survey recently commissioned by Rangemaster to determine how eating habits have changed in the last two years, found 43% of people were making healthier eating choices.

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It has impacted not only the cooling market, with the optimisation of food storage, but also cooking appliances.

Built-in ovens featuring steam functionality have not only entered the market but are fast-becoming a staple sale of the kitchen specialist. In fact, Samsung launched its series 4, 5, 6 and 7 cooking appliances, including multiple ovens with steam programs that promote healthy eating.

“Feedback from our retailers in 2022 highlights that built-in steam ovens remain popular with a noticeable increase in customers ordering complementary products such as vacuum drawers and air fryer accessories.

And market product manager of Fisher & Paykel Jo Jackson agrees, adding: “Healthy cooking methods are in high demand as steam cooking allows food to cook in its own juices for greater nutrient retention, moisture and flavour..

“We see steam cooking as the next essential technology for built-in ovens as homowners want to enjoy flavourful, healthy, restaurant quality meals at home.”

Steam versatility

To maximise steam oven sales, firstly retailers must explain the wide-ranging use of a steam oven.

Sense Premium Smart Combi Microwave & Steam Oven, the Caple CMS260BS can steam, grill, bake and microwave. A variety of settings can be controlled using a smartphone, through the CapleHome app.

Product manager for appliances at Rangemaster Robert Stein comments: “Steam ovens offer a healthy and incredibly versatile way of cooking, however a common misconception is steam’s only use is for fish and vegetables but it can be used for much more.

“Steam cooking also preserves food’s nutritional value and moisture, and prevents the transference of odours so that multiple items can be cooked at once – such as seafood and chicken or desserts.”

However, retailers must also be able to explain the differences between steam oven models.

Robert Stein of Rangemaster continues: “It is useful for retailers to explain the different types of steam ovens to allow consumers to make informed decisions.

“For example, a sauna steam oven sees the steam created inside the cavity by dropping water onto a hotplate at the bottom of the oven, whereas forced steam is created outside of the steam cavity and then injected back in, which allows for more precise temperature control.”

Air fry and AI

And joining steam as a healthy method of cooking, has been air fryer technology. Using less fat, it means users can create fried recipes with fewer calories.

Offering combination ovens across Series 9 and Series 11, Fisher & Paykel offesr five steam functions and six steam programs, respectively

Perhaps familiar to consumers in small domestic appliances, air fryer technology is now included in built-in ovens, from the likes of Bosch, Zanussi and Samsung.

However, stepping up in healthy eating technology has been the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Samsung recently launched its Series 7 Bespoke AI Oven which can not only cater to dietary requirements but could be an essential tool for helping maintain a healthy lifestyle.

With the integration of Samsung’s SmartThings Cooking and Samsung Health, the Bespoke AI Oven can look at a user’s workout stats and diet goals to recommend meal options based on the ingredients they have at home.

Multi-tech ovens

Interestingly, all these technological developments are within a standard built-in oven footprint.

The Asko Craft range includes a steam combination single oven, 5 in 1 compact appliance and warming drawer.

Last year, Smeg introduced its Galileo oven collection which features steam, microwave and traditional cooking functions in one appliance.

Whereas, as part of its Craft range Asko offers a steam combination single oven and a 5-in-1 compact appliance. The compact oven uses five heating methods including full steam, microwave, hot air, combination hot air/steam and combination hot air/microwave.

National account manager for Asko Stuart Wilson comments: “We still believe that steam is a feature required from a healthy eating perspective and for high quality cooking results.

“But moving forward, we know that more and more consumers are looking for products that save space and allow easier and quicker cooking results to support busy lifestyles.”

So take a look at the wide variety of cooking appliances on offer to help consumers achieve their lifestyle goals in terms of healthy eating and convenience.

The Franke Mythos steam and pyrolytic ovens feature an Eco Forced Air Function that reportedly prevents food from drying out excessively by using gentle, intermittent air circulation