Rachel has been with Kitchen Things for more than two decades, and she’s seen kitchen appliances evolve from humble workhorses to high-performance multitaskers. Today, ovens do far more than just bake or roast. They’re faster, smarter, and packed with features you might not even realise you need.

Steam. Roast. Reheat. Air fry. Modern ovens can now do it all, and do it better than ever. Whether you’re renovating, building new, or just upgrading one appliance at a time, it’s worth taking a second look at what’s out there.

Steam ovens aren’t just for healthy eaters

If you think steam ovens are only for broccoli and salmon, think again.

“You put your roast into a steam oven… the longer you cook it in the steam the more moist it becomes and it starts falling off the bone. If you overcook your meat in the oven, it comes dry and it’s horrible and you might end up throwing it away.”

Steam helps food retain moisture and flavour. That means juicy meats, tender veggies, and more forgiving results (even when you’re distracted). It’s not just about health; it’s about taste and texture.

One oven, many jobs

Modern ovens now include built-in functions like air fry, combination steam, and even microwave capabilities. You’re no longer stuck choosing between a crisp roast or a fast reheat, you can have both.

Most brands are now including an air fry function in their latest ovens, offering the same crisp results, but at a much larger scale. Instead of cooking in small batches like a benchtop air fryer, you can knock out a tray of 40 chicken nibbles in one go, all in around 12 minutes.

For busy households, it’s a game changer. Less time juggling gadgets. Fewer appliances cluttering the bench. And better consistency when you’re cooking for a crowd.

Know your oven before you buy

It’s easy to get swept up in the features list; air fry, steam, reheat, but the real test of any oven is how well it fits into your daily life. As Rachel puts it, “You want to know how am I going to put beautiful food on the table for my family?”.

That’s why it pays to look beyond the spec sheet. Kitchen Things, for example, offer appliance demos and cooking technology sessions to help people see how different models work in real life. Watching an oven in action, or trying it yourself, can shift your priorities completely.

Whether you’re just starting to plan your kitchen or narrowing down your appliance list, a bit of hands-on time can help you make a confident, informed choice.

Technology has changed. Have you?

“If you did your oven or your kitchen 10 years ago, some of this technology didn’t exist”. And that’s the biggest surprise for most people. Combination ovens. Built-in air fry. Steam-assisted reheat. What used to be specialist equipment is now becoming standard in many New Zealand homes.

If you haven’t looked into ovens lately, now’s the time. Not just because they’re more powerful or efficient, but because they can genuinely make everyday cooking easier, faster, and more enjoyable.

You don’t need to be a chef. You just need the right tools, and the confidence to use them.

Planning to renovate your kitchen?

If you’re planning to renovate your kitchen, our Renovating Your Kitchen Guides will walk you through the process. They cover everything from layout and storage to finishes and functionality, so you can make confident, future-proof decisions that truly fit your home. Whether you’re staying put in your home or selling, Join MyTrends to unlock a full library of guides designed to support you at each stage of your property journey.

Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.