Unique built-in appliance from Miele combines the benefits of steam and microwave cooking and saves space

When it comes to the most frequently used appliance, the hob unit is undoubtedly in pole position. But things get exciting as candidates line up for second place: microwaves currently lead, but steam ovens are hard on their heels. And, given the constraints of space in many kitchens, the choice of appliance often boils down to an either-or situation with only one of the two making the running. But now a brand new Miele built-in appliance is set to put an end to this dilemma: the DGM 6800 steam cooker with microwave.

More than nine out of ten Miele customers wish they had a second built-in cooking product in their kitchen – and are often forced to dither between steam oven and microwave. 'Our DGM is the perfect solution as it combines the convenience of a microwave with the quality of cooking results produced by our steam ovens', says Dr Axel Kniehl, Executive Director Marketing and Sales with the Miele Group. Kniehl sees considerable potential for this new appliance which masters both disciplines without entertaining compromises and does not take any short cuts when it comes to Miele's proverbial quality, either.

To generate steam, Miele uses the same MultiSteam technology which features on all other steam ovens from the same brand: a powerful (3.3 kW) external steam generator and eight steam inlet ports in the rear panel of the oven interior for fast and uniform steam generation and distribution. Microwave power can be called up in 7 stages (max. 1000 W). Special features include a QuickStart function (for example for reheating cacao at the touch of a button) and an automatic programme for popcorn.

As steam and microwave energy could not be more dissimilar with respect to the way they operate, Miele product engineers found themselves confronted with technical challenges. The machine door, for instance, has to be designed in such a way as to prevent any leakage of microwave energy but must also prevent steam durably from escaping. Furthermore, the inner cabinets on Miele units are always made from stainless steel as this meets the Miele life expectancy remit of 20 years even when exposed to steam. The problem with metal in a microwave oven, though, is that it induces arcing and sparks. Miele overcame this problem through the use of silicone joints which effectively decouple the stainless-steel cabinet from the stainless-steel side racks. And, still on the subject of the cabinet, this has now grown in size to 40 l, is illuminated by long-life LEDs and comes replete with extra-large cooking containers and a glass tray.

With its broad gamut of applications, the DGM 6800 offers the same full range of functions as the flagship model amongst steamcookers. These include more than 150 automatic programmes conveniently accessed via the M Touch display and its search function. Users are able to compile and save up to 20 own programmes. Creating one's own programmes has a practical side-benefit on the DGM 6800 as the combination of the two modes combines the speed of microwave cooking with the exceptional quality-enhancing properties of steam. This facilitates for instance gentle defrosting and uniform cooking in one single composite programme. Defrosting and reheating, say, a frozen stew or soup involves saving four steps in one programme in which microwave energy alternates with steam. And even when simply reheating food, a combination of microwaves and steam also makes sense as the steam prevents the food from drying out. The operating instructions which come with the DGM 6800 contain several examples of useful combinations of steam and microwave cooking.

The new Miele steam oven with microwave is a built-in unit for a cabinet recess with a height of 45 cm. It is available in the PureLine range in CleanSteel stainless steel, obsidian black, brilliant white and havana brown. The machine comes plug-and-play with four stainless-steel cooking containers, a wire rack, a glass drip tray, two descaling tablets and a steam cooking recipe book. The machine will be launched in Germany in April.

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Company profile: Miele is the world's leading manufacturer of premium domestic appliances including cooking, baking and steam-cooking appliances, refrigeration products, coffee makers, dishwashers and laundry and floor care products. This line-up is augmented by dishwashers, washer-extractors and tumble dryers for commercial use as well as washer-disinfectors and sterilisers for use in medical and laboratory applications (Miele Professional). The Miele company, founded in 1899, has 8 production plants in Germany as well as one plant each in Austria, the Czech Republic, China and Romania. 2013/14 turnover amounted to approx. EUR 3.22 bn with sales outside Germany accounting for around 70%. Miele is represented with its own sales subsidiaries and via importers in almost 100 countries. The Miele company, now in the fourth generation of family ownership, employs a workforce of around 17,660, 10,411 thereof in Germany. The company headquarters are located in Gütersloh/Westphalia, Germany.