What is a steam microwave?
Steam microwaves come equipped with presets and functions that help busy families prepare healthy meals without the fuss. Though often referred to as “steam microwaves,” these types of appliances are regular microwaves with designated steam settings.
Use this guide to explore how steam microwave ovens work, discover three easy steps to start cooking and find simple instructions for steaming everyday dishes. Plus, learn more about the benefits of using steam to cook anything from veggies to fish filets.
How do steam microwaves work?
Both standard microwaves and microwaves with steam settings use electromagnetic waves to heat food, and while they can both handle steaming, steam microwaves help eliminate the guesswork with specialized settings. Microwaves with steam cooking often come with a variety of presets that provide the ideal time and power level for steaming different foods.
Some models—like Whirlpool® Microwaves with the Steam Cooking feature—even use sensors that can detect when water starts boiling and monitor steam levels throughout the cooking process.
Benefits of using a steam microwave
A microwave that can steam foods makes your appliance even more versatile, letting you shed the extra clutter that accompanies standalone steamers and accessories; however, the benefits don’t end with decluttering. Read on to learn more about what microwave steaming can do for mealtime.
Clear cooktop space: Microwave steaming frees up your cooktop so you have more room to prep sides, sauces or the main course.
Preserve nutrients: Steaming helps food retain more nutrients compared to boiling. It can preserve vitamins and minerals like potassium, calcium and vitamin C.
- Cook faster: Food often cooks faster when it’s steaming, compared to boiling. Plus, with a steam microwave oven, there's no waiting around for water to boil like you would have to do if using the stove.
Shop Whirlpool® Microwaves with Steam Cooking
Whirlpool® Microwaves with Steam Cooking simplify meal prep by offering presets for foods like fresh vegetables, potatoes and boneless chicken. These features eliminate the guesswork so you can skip the hassle of fine-tuning cooking time and power settings. Plus, the Whirlpool® Microwave Steaming Container (sold separately) is dishwasher safe for quick cleanup.
How to use a steam microwave
Microwaves with steam settings are designed to make steaming sides and entrees a simple and straightforward process. Learn three easy steps to using your steam microwave oven below.
1. Prep your food
Before you start cooking, give your vegetables and rice a good rinse. When chopping veggies, aim for evenly-sized pieces to help everything cook at the same pace. And don’t forget a sprinkle of salt or some fresh herbs to help bring out the flavors of your dish.
2. Choose your dish and add water
Using a designated tool like the Whirlpool® Microwave Steaming Container is ideal for steam cooking, but not necessary. These specialized dishes feature a base for water, a slotted insert that holds food above the boiling water and a lid to seal it all in.
If you don’t have a steamer, simply use a microwave-safe dish. Add water to your dish or to the base of a steamer accessory. The amount varies by the type and quantity of food, so be sure to check your recipe, but a few tablespoons is often adequate for single portions. Cover the dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap, then poke a few holes in the top for ventilation or place the lid on top of your steamer accessory.
3. Select microwave settings
Depending on the model, your steam microwave may come with presets for dishes ranging from fish and rice to boneless chicken and fresh or frozen vegetables. Select the Steam Cook setting on your microwave’s control panel and choose the preset that best suits your dish. If an appropriate preset isn’t available, follow your recipe’s instructions for the cook time and use a Manual Steam option. Check your microwave’s user manual for more detailed directions about your model.
Foods to cook in a steam microwave
Microwave steaming is versatile, letting you whip up anything from flaky salmon to fluffy rice or tender chicken breasts. The time and water you’ll need depends on what you're steaming and the portion size. Check your owner’s manual for details, and use the table below for general guidance on cooking commonly steamed dishes. The water and cook times listed below are general estimates. Consult your recipe for more exact details.
| Dish | Water | Cook time |
|---|---|---|
| Rice | 2 ¼ cups per 1-2 servings (consult product label for exact ratio) | 15 minutes (1,000-1,200 watts) 20 minutes at 50% (700-900 watts) |
| Green beans | 1 cup per pound of beans | 6 minutes (+2 minutes for less than 1,000 watts) |
| Fish | ½ cup per filet or serving | 3-5 minutes (salmon) 5-8 minutes (halibut or sea bass) |
| Carrots | 2-3 tablespoons per serving | 3-5 minutes |
| Broccoli | 2-4 tablespoons per serving | 3-4 minutes |
Explore Whirlpool® Microwaves
Unlock new cooking possibilities when you prepare food with a Whirlpool® Microwave. Select models—like this Whirlpool® Over-the-Range Oven with Air Fry Mode—can crisp up favorites like nuggets, fries and potatoes, while some Whirlpool® microwaves include convection cooking, letting you bake cookies, cinnamon rolls and more. Complement crispy entrees with tender, steamed sides when you use Whirlpool® Microwaves with the Steam Cooking feature.
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