9 Best Countertop Steam Ovens (October 2026)
The best countertop steam ovens include the Ninja Combi™ 14-in-1 Multicooker for all-in-one cooking, the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven for preset-guided cooking, and the CIARRA 12-in-1 Countertop Steam Oven with Air for larger family meals.
On this page (5 sections)
The best countertop steam oven depends on how you cook: Ninja offers the broadest set of functions here, Cuisinart adds a bread proofing setting, and CIARRA has the largest stated capacity. These freestanding picks let you compare steam ovens without committing to built-in installation.
A countertop steam oven can be a dedicated steamer or a multi-cooker that combines steam with hot air. If you're new to the cooking method, start with how steam ovens work, then compare whether a steam oven is worth it for your kitchen.
Our picks at a glance
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Best for larger family mealsCIARRA 12-in-1 Countertop Steam Oven with Air
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itCuisinart CSO-300N Convection Steam Oven
Best for proofing and baking bread - 5
Best for toast and pastriesCheck it - 6
Check itOUNIN 25 QT Air Fryer Toaster Oven
Best for steam and convection cooking - 7
Best for basic steam infusionCheck it - 8
Check itOUNIN Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Steam
Best for compact counters - 9
Check itNuwave PFAS-Free Steam Oven & Air Fryer
Best for adjustable moisture
How we chose countertop steam ovens
We compared the listed cooking functions, capacity, dimensions, water features and included accessories against common countertop needs. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
A countertop steam oven should fit your counter and the meals you expect to cook. Check the manual for clearance requirements, and consider whether you want basic steam or combination cooking with convection and air frying.
How do the best countertop steam ovens compare?
The main differences are capacity, cooking modes and size, with some models geared toward bread and others toward multi-step meals. Use the table to narrow the list before reading each pick.
| Product | Best for | Functions | Dimensions | Capacity | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja Combi™ 14-in-1 Multicooker | all-in-one cooking | 14 | 14.92 x 15.43 x 13.11 in | Feeds up to 8 | 9.7 |
| Nuwave Combi Steam Oven | preset-guided cooking | 14.75 x 13.88 x 14.88 in | 16 qt | 9.5 | |
| CIARRA 12-in-1 Countertop Steam Oven with Air | larger family meals | 14 x 16 x 17 in | 25.4 qt | 9.4 | |
| Cuisinart CSO-300N Convection Steam Oven | proofing and baking bread | 15.5 x 18 x 10.75 in | 0.6 cu ft | 9.3 | |
| BALMUDA The Toaster Pro | toast and pastries | 14.1 x 12.6 x 8.2 in | 8.8 | ||
| OUNIN 25 QT Air Fryer Toaster Oven | steam and convection cooking | 17 x 17.3 x 14.7 in | 25 qt | 8.6 | |
| Magnavox Home | basic steam infusion | 11 x 11 x 9 in | 16.5 qt | 8.3 | |
| OUNIN Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Steam | compact counters | 10 x 10 x 15 in | 12 qt | 8.1 | |
| Nuwave PFAS-Free Steam Oven & Air Fryer | adjustable moisture | 14.75 x 13.88 x 14.88 in | 16 qt | 7.8 |
Which countertop steam oven fits your cooking?
The Ninja is the most versatile pick in this group, while the other ovens target specific cooking styles and counter needs. Compare the functions you will use most before choosing.
Ninja Combi™ 14-in-1 Multicooker: Best for all-in-one cooking
- 14 cooking functions
- Steam and air fry combination
- Fits up to a 6 lb roast chicken
Steam, air fry, bake, toast, slow cook and more in one countertop appliance. The Combi Cooker Pan and other included accessories support one-pan meals.
Pros
- Steam and air fry can work together
- Includes 3 accessories
- Offers rice, pasta and sous vide functions
Cons
- Combines several appliance types in one unit
- Check the stated dimensions against your counter
Ninja’s Combi combines steam and air fry cooking, with 14 functions that include rice and pasta, bake, toast, pizza, slow cook and sous vide. That range makes it the most flexible choice here if you want one appliance to handle several everyday jobs.
The Combi Cooker Pan doubles as a serving dish, and the included accessories are dishwasher safe. Ninja says a complete family meal can be ready in 15 minutes, and the appliance can feed up to 8.
The unit measures 14.92 x 15.43 x 13.11 in. Choose it if you want steam and crisping in one appliance, and make sure the height and depth fit your counter.
Nuwave Combi Steam Oven: Best for preset-guided cooking
- 16 qt capacity
- 120 presets
- Temperature range from 50°F to 450°F
This oven combines steam, air frying, sous vide and other functions with 120 presets. Its listed controls include adjustable steam infusion and temperature.
Pros
- 120 interactive presets
- Adjustable steam infusion
- Dishwasher-safe accessories
Cons
- Weighs 21.4 lb
- Many presets may take time to learn
The Nuwave Combi suits cooks who want preset guidance alongside adjustable steam and heat. It offers 120 presets, a 50°F to 450°F temperature range and modes for steam, air fry and sous vide.
Its 16 qt capacity and 14.75 x 13.88 x 14.88 in dimensions make it similar in footprint to the other 16 qt Nuwave pick below. The package includes a water tank, drip tray, air fry basket, tray and cooking rack.
Pick it if you want many guided settings and will use more than one cooking mode. If you prefer fewer settings, a simpler toaster-style oven may be easier to choose from.
CIARRA 12-in-1 Countertop Steam Oven with Air: Best for larger family meals
- 25.4 qt capacity
- Steam, convection and air fry modes
- 33.8 oz water tank
CIARRA combines steam and convection with air frying, baking and other modes in a 25.4 qt oven. Its larger stated capacity may suit cooks who prepare bigger batches.
Pros
- Largest stated capacity here
- Steam clean function
- Includes air fry basket, pan and rack
Cons
- Needs more counter width than compact models
- Temperature range tops out at 430°F
CIARRA has the largest stated capacity in this lineup at 25.4 qt. It combines steam and convection with air frying, baking, fermenting, dehydrating, warming, sterilizing and reheating.
The oven measures 14 x 16 x 17 in and includes an air fry basket, baking pan, rack, water tank, oven mitt and recipe book. Its 33.8 oz water tank is designed to reduce the need for refills during cooking.
Choose CIARRA for larger batches and a broad mix of cooking functions. Its width and height call for more counter planning than the smaller BALMUDA toaster.
Cuisinart CSO-300N Convection Steam Oven: Best for proofing and baking bread
- Bread proofing setting
- 47 oz removable water reservoir
- Fits a 12 in pizza
Cuisinart pairs convection with steam and has a specialized bread proofing setting. Its stated capacity fits a whole 4.5 lb chicken or a 12 in pizza.
Pros
- Bread proofing technology
- Up to 120 minutes of steady steam
- Removable water reservoir
Cons
- Wider than several picks here
- Fewer listed functions than multi-cookers
Cuisinart’s CSO-300N pairs convection with steam and includes specialized bread proofing technology. The stated capacity fits a 4.5 lb chicken or a 12 in pizza, and the removable water reservoir holds 47 oz.
It measures 15.5 x 18 x 10.75 in, making it relatively wide among these picks. Cuisinart says it provides up to 120 minutes of steady, uninterrupted steam.
Choose it if proofing and baking bread matter most, or if you want a convection steam oven without a long list of multi-cooker functions. Compare countertop ovens for baking for more options.
Measure your counter width before deciding.
BALMUDA The Toaster Pro: Best for toast and pastries
- Adds 5 cc water for steam
- 6 cooking modes
- Compact 14.1 in width
This compact steam toaster focuses on bread, pastries, pizza and finishing foods with its Salamander Grill mode. It has fewer broad cooking functions than the larger ovens.
Pros
- Small stated footprint
- Steam technology for bread and pastries
- Includes toasting rack and 5 cc cup
Cons
- Baking tray sold separately
- Specific uses focus on bread
BALMUDA The Toaster Pro is a compact option for bread, pastries and pizza. Its six modes include Shokupan, Golden Toast, Pizza, Croissant, Oven and Salamander Grill.
The toaster measures 14.1 x 12.6 x 8.2 in. BALMUDA says its steam technology uses 5 cc of water to crisp bread and pastries while helping keep moisture inside.
Choose it for toast and pastry-focused cooking rather than full-size family meals. The baking tray is sold separately, so account for that if you plan to use it for oven cooking.
OUNIN 25 QT Air Fryer Toaster Oven: Best for steam and convection cooking
- 25 qt stated capacity
- Steam, convection and steam bake modes
- Fits a 13 in pizza
OUNIN combines steam and convection with air frying, toasting and other functions. Its stated interior fits a 13 in pizza or a whole chicken.
Pros
- Steam bake and steam roast modes
- Includes air fry basket, pan and rack
- Large stated capacity
Cons
- Takes a broad counter footprint
- Capacity is also described as 24 liters
OUNIN’s 25 qt oven combines steam, convection and air frying, with additional modes for toasting, dehydrating, broiling, roasting and reheating. Its stated capacity fits a 13 in pizza, six slices of toast or a whole chicken.
The unit measures 17 x 17.3 x 14.7 in and includes an air fry basket, baking pan, wire rack, oven mitt and recipe book. It is the broadest choice here by stated width, so check your counter before buying.
Pick it for steam and convection cooking with family-sized capacity. Its product name says 25 qt, while its capacity is also described as 24 liters.
Magnavox Home: Best for basic steam infusion
- 16.5 qt capacity
- 6 cooking functions
- Viewing window and interior light
This air fryer oven adds steam infusion to six functions, including toast, roast and bake. A viewing window and interior light let you check cooking progress.
Pros
- Steam infusion feature
- Interior light and viewing window
- Includes fry basket and baking tray
Cons
- Fewer cooking functions than multi-mode ovens
- Check clearance against the stated dimensions
Magnavox Home combines steam infusion with air frying and convection. Its six functions include air fry, toast, roast, dehydrate, broil and bake.
A viewing window and interior light help you monitor cooking without opening the door. The stated dimensions are 11 x 11 x 9 in, and the unit includes a fry basket, enamel baking tray, crumb tray and water tray.
Choose it for a simpler set of functions and a viewing window. Compare its stated dimensions with your counter and check the manual for operating clearance.
OUNIN Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Steam: Best for compact counters
- 12 qt capacity
- 10 x 10 x 15 in dimensions
- Steam infusion
The 12 qt OUNIN pairs steam infusion with air frying and toaster oven functions in a compact stated footprint. Its smaller capacity suits modest portions better than large family batches.
Pros
- Compact stated dimensions
- Steam infusion feature
- 60-minute timer
Cons
- Smaller capacity than the 24 qt and 25.4 qt choices
- Only one product bullet is available for its cooking details
The 12 qt OUNIN is the smallest-capacity pick here, with stated dimensions of 10 x 10 x 15 in. Its title describes a six-in-one steam infusion air fryer toaster oven, but the available feature details are limited.
That makes it a candidate for compact counters and modest portions, though the product details here don't confirm the full range of functions. Check the controls, modes and clearance needs before choosing it for daily cooking.
Nuwave PFAS-Free Steam Oven & Air Fryer: Best for adjustable moisture
- 16 qt capacity
- 10% to 90% moisture control
- 120 one-touch presets
Nuwave offers adjustable moisture, steam and air fry combination cooking, sous vide and 120 presets. It shares its stated dimensions with the other 16 qt Nuwave oven here.
Pros
- Adjustable moisture control
- 120 one-touch presets
- Includes PFAS-free stainless steel accessories
Cons
- Overlaps in size and functions with another Nuwave pick
- Many settings may take time to learn
This Nuwave combines steam, air frying, sous vide and other modes with adjustable moisture from 10% to 90%. It has a 16 qt capacity, 120 presets and a temperature range from 50°F to 450°F.
Its dimensions match the other 16 qt Nuwave in this roundup. The brand describes the included stainless steel air fry basket as PFAS-free, along with a tray and cooking rack.
Choose this model if adjustable moisture is a priority. Compare its settings and included accessories with the Nuwave Combi before picking between the two.
What should you check before buying a countertop steam oven?
The best countertop steam oven for your kitchen should fit its counter space, cooking habits and comfort with water-based cooking. Start with capacity and dimensions, then check how each model handles steam.
How much capacity do countertop steam ovens need?
Choose capacity based on your usual portions and the size of dishes you cook. Smaller ovens can suit toast and snacks, while larger interiors may fit a whole chicken or family-size meal.
The stated capacity labels are not always directly comparable. Check the listed food examples and interior measurements when available, and measure any cookware you plan to use.
Which steam oven functions will you use?
A dedicated steam setting suits vegetables, fish and other foods you want to cook with moist heat. Combination modes add convection or air frying, which can help brown or crisp food in the same appliance.
For that pairing, compare steam ovens with air fryers.
Compare halogen ovens and air fryers when weighing those cooking methods.
Extra modes matter only if you'll use them. If your main goal is bread, compare proofing features such as Cuisinart’s; if you cook varied meals, look at the combination functions on Ninja, Nuwave and CIARRA.
How much counter space and clearance do you have?
Measure the countertop depth and width, then check the appliance height against cabinets above it. Leave the clearance required by the manual, since an oven may need more room around it than its footprint alone suggests.
A countertop model avoids built-in installation, but it still occupies space between uses. Our guides to how countertop ovens work and what a countertop oven is explain how these appliances fit into a kitchen.
What should you know about the water tank?
Steam ovens need water, but tank size and handling differ. A larger reservoir may reduce refills during a cook, while removable tanks can be easier to fill and clean.
Check whether the tank and drip tray are removable and dishwasher safe, and follow the manual for cleaning. A steam clean function, like CIARRA’s, may help with maintenance, but it doesn't remove the need to wipe and care for the oven as directed.
Which countertop steam oven should you choose?
Choose the Ninja Combi if you want the widest mix of steam, air fry and multicooker functions. Pick Cuisinart for bread proofing or CIARRA for a larger stated capacity and many cooking modes.
For a smaller footprint and toast-focused use, consider BALMUDA. If you're deciding between a freestanding model and a built-in appliance, compare how to choose a built-in steam oven and think through how often you'd move or store a countertop unit.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
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2
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3
Best for larger family meals
CIARRA 12-in-1 Countertop Steam Oven with Air
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is a countertop steam oven?
A countertop steam oven is a freestanding appliance that uses water to add steam during cooking. Some models focus on steaming, while combination ovens add convection, air frying, baking or toasting.
Check the functions and water setup to see whether a model fits your cooking.
Can a countertop steam oven replace a built-in model?
A countertop model can cover some of the same cooking tasks, such as steaming or baking, but its capacity and installation differ. It sits on a counter and plugs in rather than fitting into cabinetry.
For a fixed kitchen installation, compare built-in steam oven options before deciding.
How much counter space do countertop steam ovens need?
Compare the oven's width, depth and height with your available counter, and leave the clearance its manual requires. The models here range from the compact BALMUDA at 14.1 in wide to larger choices around 17 in wide.
Measure the route through your kitchen too if the oven will be moved.
Are countertop steam ovens good for small kitchens?
They can be useful when one appliance's steam, bake and air fry functions replace separate countertop devices. The larger models still take meaningful counter space, so check dimensions and how often you'll use each function.
See our guide on whether a countertop steam oven suits a small kitchen for the space tradeoffs.
How do you choose a countertop steam oven?
Start with the food you cook most, then compare capacity, functions, water handling and dimensions. A bread maker may value proofing, while a family cooking full meals may prefer a larger interior and combination modes.
Our steam oven buying guide covers the different installation tradeoffs.
