HGTV's Christina Hall Heats Things Up With A Kitchen Appliance You Didn't Know Existed

On one episode of "Christina on the Coast" entitled "Outgrowing Old Spaces," HGTV interior designer Christina Hall added quite a few impressive kitchen features that are perfect for entertaining. These features, which were all installed into a giant blue island, included a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, a pull-out trash can, and another unique appliance that you might be unfamiliar with — a steam oven. Hall's idea to include a steam oven inside of the kitchen island allows the homeowners to enjoy the many benefits of this innovative appliance. 

You might be wondering how a steam oven differs from a traditional convection oven. Unlike a convection oven, a steam oven pulls water into a boiler, where it is then heated and later dispersed as steam around your food. This appliance is perfect for cooking anything that you would typically steam, such as fish, rice, or vegetables. It's also a great alternative if you are in a pinch because it cooks food faster than a traditional convection oven. These are only a few of the many perks of this appliance. After diving further into how they work, you might just become tempted to add this unique feature to your own kitchen.

Since Christina Hall included a steam oven in one renovation on "Christina on the Coast," you probably want to learn a bit more about how these appliances work. This varies depending on the type of steam oven. Some models require users to fill a water tank at the start of each use. This water is later transferred to the appliance's boiler to be heated and turned to steam. Other models can actually be hooked up to a water line. If you want your cooking experience to be as convenient as possible, you may want to choose this option.

You can also choose between an oven that only has a steam function, or a steam and convection oven combination. The combination oven is a great option for those who do not already own a convection oven because steaming is not the best cooking method for all food. Unfortunately, you cannot brown or sear food in a regular steam oven. The dry heat emitted within a convection oven would successfully accomplish this, though.

Another fascinating perk of the way a steam oven functions is that steam does a great job of preserving the nutrients in certain foods. This was tested in a 2014 study published in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition. It showed that broccoli that was steamed actually had a 17% increase in glucosinolates content. Glucosinolates are compounds that provide a variety of health benefits.

If you're considering buying a steam oven, there are a few details you should know to avoid making a huge mistake when buying an oven. Begin by considering your budget. Steam ovens cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000, with ones that sit on your kitchen countertop typically being priced at the low end of this range. Although this will not give you the multipurpose kitchen island look shown on "Christina on the Coast," it is a better option for those buying kitchen appliances on a budget, as built-in appliances can get pricey. For example, installing a built-in steam oven can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000. Your exact price will be impacted by factors like whether the install will require additional kitchen renovations and the size of the oven. However, if you really care about the appearance of your kitchen and prefer a built-in look, this may be an appliance that's worth the splurge.

In order to determine whether a steam oven is a good fit for you, it is also important to evaluate your cooking preferences. If you prefer to brown foods, such as vegetables or chicken, you might want to stick with a convection oven. Additionally, those who live alone and often cook single servings might want to opt for a smaller countertop steam oven rather than a built-in. Do not forget to determine whether your kitchen is large enough to accommodate an additional appliance as well.