Smeg S45VC Super Start Manual Download Page 2

FOOD TYPE 

TEMPERATURE °C

FISH 

80°C - 100°C

VEGETABLES 

90°C - 100°C

MEAT / CASSEROLES / CURRIES/SOUP  100°C

PASTA / RICE / PULSES 

100°C

REHEATING 

100°C

DEFROSTING / PROVING 

40°C - 60°C

Cooking times are calculated from when the steam function has 

preheated.  The steam function takes approximately 5 minutes  

to get up to temperature.  The water jug will last, if uninterrupted,  

for approximately 1 hour.  

Pasta

 and 

rice

, when cooked at 100°C, will take the same 

time as it would to boil on the hob.  Place the pasta and 

rice into a solid stainless steel container and cover with 

1cm of water. 

Eggs 

can be boiled, scrambled or poached, at 100°C using 

the steam function.  For the perfect boiled egg, place 

the egg onto a perforated steam container and cook 3-5 

minutes for a soft boil and 8-10 minutes for a hardboiled 

egg.  For scrambled egg, place the beaten egg, milk, butter and 

seasoning into a solid steam container.  Cover. Every couple of 

minutes loosen the egg mixture with a fork.  To make poached 

eggs pour boiling water into a solid steam container, with a drop 

of vinegar.  Steam for approximately 3-4 minutes.

Vegetables

 are perfect when cooked using the steam 

function as they retain their colour, flavour and nutritional 

content.  For dense vegetables such as potatoes, swede 

and parsnip cook at 100°C for the same time as it would 

take to boil on the hob.  For broccoli, carrots they will take less 

time in the steam oven taking 5 minutes for an aldente finish, or 

up to 8 minutes for a soft finish.

Fish

, being delicate in nature, is great cooked using the 

steam function.  For oily fish such as a salmon or trout 

fillets, cook at 100°C for approximately 5 minutes.  For 

delicate white fish, including cod and haddock cook 

at 80°C, also for 5 minutes.  All fish should be cooked in a 

perforated container, and placed on the bottom shelf of the 

steam oven to ensure that the fish juices don’t drip onto other 

items in the steam oven.

Meat 

can be cooked in the steam function, but is best 

cooked in the combination mode to ensure browning 

of the meat.  However, casseroles and curries work 

beautifully. Prepare the casserole as if you were to cook it 

in the oven.  Place into a stainless steel container; cover with a 

lid or foil and depending on how tender the cut of meat cook for 

45minutes to 3 hours to cook.

Soups

 cooked using the steam function have great flavour 

and require little monitoring as they won’t boil over.  For a 

vegetable soup, steam the vegetables first; add the stock 

and steam at 100°C.  Process for a smooth consistency.  The 

steam function is also ideal for making stock.

Porridge

 is simple and easy using the steam function.  Place 

in a solid steam container, with a lid or foil and steam at 

100°C for the same time as you would cook it in a microwave.  

For a creamier finish, stir half way through.

Reheating food

, using the steam function does not dry out the 

food and can enhance the moisture content.  A plated meal, covered 

with foil will take approximately 10-12 minutes.  Ready meals will 

take approximately double the time stated on the packaging.

Defrosting 

is possible using the steam function.  Times will vary, 

but defrosting usually takes half the time it would take to defrost 

left covered on the kitchen side.

Skinning of tomatoes

 and peppers is simple using the steam 

function. Make a small cross in the skin of the tomato, using a knife, 

and steam for 1 minute. Peppers have a tough skin, and will take up 

to 4-6 minutes to loosen the skin for peeling.

Chocolate 

can be melted using the steam function.  There is 

little chance of burning the chocolate.  Place into a stainless steel 

container and cover with foil.  Steam for 1 minute.

Hot towels

 for a home facial, pre-shave or to serve after a meal is 

simple using the steam function.  Dampen towel with water, roll 

and steam for 1 minute. 

 

 

Containers

 should ideally be stainless steel and not ceramic.  

Stainless steel is better at conducting the heat and the food will 

benefit from quicker cooking times.

Automatic 

functions are available for meat, fish, vegetables, 

reheating and sterilising and defrosting. See the instruction booklet 

for details.

Circulaire

 uses the fan and allows cooking on many levels.  The 

temperature range from 40 - 220°C.  Ideal for cooking several items 

at once, with no cross transference of flavours.  For foods that take 

less than 20 minutes to fan cook, it is not necessary to preheat the 

steam combination oven.

Grill 

is ideal for grilling meat and browning.  Use the wire rack with 

a solid roasting tray below.

Hot Air 

& Grill uses a mixture of the fan and grill.  This is ideal for 

cooking thicker cuts of meat and accelerating the browning of 

traditionally fan cooked foods.  It is preferable to use a wire rack and 

solid roasting tray below.

Hot Air

 & Steam combines both cooking functions to provide moist 

baking and juicy roasting results.  It is ideal for bread, puff pastry 

and joints of meat.  Use the same cooking times and temperatures 

to provide the enhanced result.

STEAM COOKING FUNCTIONS

COOKING TIPS FOR STEAM COOKING

TASKS YOU WOULD HAVE USED YOUR MICROWAVE FOR

OTHER TIPS & COOKING FUNCTIONS

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