Applying the right amount of steam

Steam ovens represent a mega-trend in the kitchen, incorporating the principles of healthy, wholesome cooking like no other appliance. With the launch of Generation 6000 appliances, Miele is set to launch a full-scale product offensive on the steam cooking front. Food enthusiasts can look forward to completely new models and a unique method of generating and delivering steam.

Miele steam ovens will still operate on the principle of generating steam outside the inner cabinet. This offers practical benefits: There are no lime deposits in the cabinet and cooking times are independent of the quantity of food being cooked. This principle has now been optimised for the new models.

MultiSteam, MonoSteam and PowerSteam

MultiSteam is the highlight on the new Miele steam ovens. This technology is predestined for use on models with the new 38-litre cabinet and combination steam cookers in XL format (48 l): Water from the tank is pumped into a powerful steam generator located behind the inner cabinet. The steam is admitted through 8 inlet ports (6 on combination steam ovens). This shortens heat-up cycles, distributes steam fast and uniformly and results in perfect cooking results. MultiSteam technology is a Miele USP and, as such, immediately recognisable. Steam ports are integrated into a module on the rear panel. The MultiSteam symbol and the Miele logo are discreetly illuminated by LEDs (depending on the model).

MonoSteam is the tried-and-tested approach to steam generation at Miele in which steam is admitted to the cabinet through a single port. MonoSteam is therefore ideal for models with a smaller cabinet (24 and 33 l). These include the 35 cm tall built-in units, the countertop model and a combination steam oven. This method of steam generation in which water is boiled in a tank is familiar from current Miele models.

PowerSteam is the exclusive feature of the built-in pressure cooker from Miele. This is a classic product and, when first introduced over 30 years ago, was the world's first built-in pressure cooker for domestic use. This model requires an extremely powerful steam generator as cooking takes place under pressure and at temperatures of up to 120°C. In a pressurised system, cooking times can be cut by around half; heat-up times on this unit are shortest of any in the range.

Wide range of automatic programmes at entry level

On Miele steam cookers, cooking times are similar to cooking on the hob (with the exception of the built-in pressure cooker). The move from cooking on the hob to cooking with steam is therefore relatively simple. And still, for those who wish to play things safe, Miele offers helpful automatic programmes. The Generation 6000 will also introduce steam ovens with automatic programmes to the entry-line range (models for a 45 cm recess). Of all built-in appliance manufacturers, Miele offers by far the broadest range of steam ovens. This selection spans countertop units and models for installation in tall and wall units, incorporating offerings from the PureLine and ContourLine ranges with a full complement of colours and various user interfaces.

With the launch of the Generation 6000, the pressure cooker will also undergo design enhancements. In the past, this product provided a less-than-perfect match when installed next to other Miele built-in appliances. This will now change with the introduction of newly designed trim and a lift-up door with a spacer strip in the PureLine design. A horizontal array of appliances with an integrated pressure cooker now appears to come from one and the same mould. One version of this lift-up door ensures a perfectly matching design when a pressure cooker is installed above a wall oven.

New owners of steam ovens are often less familiar with this new method of food preparation. Therefore, in order to provide help and assistance, Miele has developed new recipe books specifically for these new machines, ensuring a relevant set of instructions and appropriate recipes for all appliances, from pressure cooker through to combination steam oven in XL format.

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Company profile: Miele is the world leader in the field of premium domestic appliances including cooking, baking and steam-cooking appliances, refrigeration products, coffee makers, dishwashers and laundry and floorcare 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 company, founded in 1899, has 8 production plants in Germany and one plant each in Austria, the Czech Republic, China and Romania. 2011/12 turnover amounted to approx. EUR 3.04 bn with sales outside Germany accounting for 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 16,700 with two-thirds in Germany. The company headquarters are located in Gütersloh/Westphalia, Germany.