The Anova Precision Oven put countertop combi-steam cooking on the map, a smart oven that combines convection and steam to sous vide, bake bread, air fry, and roast, all in one box. It’s an excellent (and pricey) machine, but it’s not the only way to get steam-and-convection versatility on your counter, and several alternatives cover overlapping ground at different price points.
We’ve gathered the best combi-steam and smart convection countertop ovens, the kind of multi-function machines someone shopping the Anova Precision Oven should compare. They range from steam-combo ovens that add moisture for bread and reheating to do-everything smart convection ovens with air fry, and a feature-packed mini-oven combo. Whether you want true combi-steam like the Anova or a versatile air-fry-plus-convection oven, these picks cover the range. For the broader countertop category, see our convection oven combo guide.
Our Quick Picks
- Best Do-Everything Smart Oven: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro — 13 functions with Element iQ convection
- Best Combi-Steam Alternative: Nuwave Combi Steam Oven — air fry, sous vide, and steam in one
- Best Mini Combo: CHEF iQ MiniOven 11-in-1 — compact smart toaster-oven air-fryer combo
- Best Large-Capacity: Nuwave Bravo XL 30-Qt — big smart convection oven for full meals
- Best PFAS-Free Steam: Nuwave Convection Cooker — steam and air fry with precision moisture control
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The CHEF iQ App's chef-tested presets and real-time temperature tracking reduce the learning curve for less experienced cooks.
- Compatibility with the iQ Sense Smart Thermometer allows the oven to auto-adjust cooking parameters based on actual internal food temperature.
- A 25-quart interior fits a 13-inch pizza or six toast slices, making it genuinely useful for family meals rather than single servings.
- The three-year limited warranty is longer than most competing countertop ovens, which typically offer one year.
Cons
- At $599.99, it is priced significantly above most air fryer toaster oven combos, making it a harder sell for buyers who only need basic functions.
- Smart features like app control and thermometer sync require Wi-Fi setup and a compatible smartphone, which adds friction for users who prefer simple appliances.
Details
The CHEF iQ MiniOven is a 1750W countertop convection oven that consolidates 11 cooking functions into one unit, solving the problem of managing multiple appliances for everyday cooking tasks.
Its 3200 RPM DC motor with variable fan speeds enables faster, more even cooking than single-speed air fryers, and the 70–500°F range covers everything from proofing dough to high-heat broiling.
The unit holds a 25-quart capacity and includes six accessories: wire rack, ceramic PFAS-free baking pan, air fry basket, egg tray, drip tray, and glide rack — all ready to use out of the box.
App-dependent features like remote monitoring and smart thermometer sync require a stable Wi-Fi connection; buyers without reliable home Wi-Fi will lose access to the product’s most differentiating capabilities.
Best for busy households that cook frequently, want centralized smart control over meal prep, and are replacing two or more separate countertop appliances.
How to Use
Download the free CHEF iQ App and connect the MiniOven to your home Wi-Fi during first setup. Use Cook Control to select a function or pick from the built-in chef-tested presets for common meals.
Check the rack indicator lights before cooking — they activate automatically with presets and certain functions to show the correct rack position for optimal airflow and browning results.
For precision cooking, pair the MiniOven with the iQ Sense Smart Thermometer inserted into your protein. The oven reads the probe data and adjusts time and temperature automatically until the target internal temperature is reached.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The COMBO steam-plus-air-fry mode delivers results that neither a standalone air fryer nor a steam oven can replicate on their own.
- Bagless sous vide removes the cost and waste of vacuum seal bags while maintaining the 1°F temperature precision the technique requires.
- Stainless steel construction with dishwasher-safe accessories makes daily use and cleanup more practical than comparable multi-cookers with non-removable components.
- The 120 preset library, paired with a chef-authored recipe book, shortens the learning curve for unfamiliar cooking modes like steam baking or low-temp roasting.
Cons
- At 16 quarts, the footprint is substantial and will occupy significant counter space, which may be a limiting factor in smaller kitchens.
- With zero published user reviews at launch, long-term reliability and real-world performance consistency are still unverified by the broader buyer community.
Details
The Nuwave Combi is a countertop multi-cooker that replaces your air fryer, steam oven, toaster oven, and sous vide machine by combining all four functions in one 16-quart stainless steel unit.
Its standout feature is COMBO mode, which runs steam and air fry simultaneously, solving the common problem of choosing between a crispy crust and a moist interior.
The oven is built from non-toxic stainless steel with a dishwasher-safe basket, drip tray, and water tank. The unit is countertop-sized but requires dedicated space given its 16-quart capacity.
The bagless sous vide requires no additional equipment, but the water tank capacity sets a practical ceiling on how long extended low-temperature cooks can run unattended.
Best for home cooks who diverse meals regularly and want to consolidate appliances without sacrificing technique-specific results.
How to Use
Fill the detachable water tank before any steam-based cook. For COMBO mode, select your target temperature and moisture level between 10-90%, then choose a preset or enter custom settings via the LED display.
For bagless sous vide, set temperature in1°F increments between 50-450°F and let the oven regulate moisture internally. No bags or water bath prep required before placing food on the stainless steel tray.
Use the air fry basket for high-heat dry cooks. The drip tray catches rendered fat beneath it, keeping cleanup contained to two dishwasher-safe components after each use.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- 13 preset cooking functions cover every kitchen task from proofing dough to air frying frozen foods without manual temperature guessing.
- Interior oven light turns on automatically at the end of each cycle and can be activated mid-cook to check browning without opening the door.
- Comes with 8 accessories including pizza pan, broil rack, roasting pan, two oven racks, and mesh basket for immediate use.
Cons
- Weighs over 40 pounds and measures 18.5 inches wide, requiring permanent counter space in smaller kitchens.
- No smartphone app or WiFi connectivity despite the Smart Oven branding.
Details
The Breville BOV900BSS is a countertop convection oven that replaces air fryers, dehydrators, and slow cookers. Element iQ technology controls 5 independent quartz heating elements to direct power where needed based on the selected cooking function.
Super convection mode runs a high-speed fan that circulates hot air for crispy air-fried results without a separate appliance. The 16 x 13.5 x 7 inch interior holds a 5-quart Dutch oven for slow cooking or a full sheet of cookies.
Brushed stainless steel exterior with a tempered glass door. Weighs 41 pounds. Replaceable components mean you can swap heating elements or racks like a full-size oven instead of replacing the entire unit.
The LCD display does not save custom settings between uses, so you will need to adjust temperature and time for each session if cooking off-preset.
Best for home cooks who meal prep in batches or cook for families and want one appliance that handles multiple techniques without switching between devices.
How to Use
Select one of 13 preset functions using the LCD dial, then adjust temperature and time if needed. The display shows PREHEATING until the oven reaches target temperature, then automatically starts the countdown timer.
For air frying, use the included mesh basket rack on the middle position and leave space around food for airflow. Super convection mode works best for frozen fries, wings, and breaded items that need crispness.
The interior light turns on automatically when cooking completes. Press the light button during cooking to check browning without heat loss. Clean the crumb tray after each use and wipe interior walls with a damp cloth once cooled.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Dual heater control is a standout feature that lets you run top and bottom elements at different power levels, giving you baking flexibility closer to a full-size oven.
- The built-in probe takes internal temperature monitoring off your plate entirely, which is especially useful for thick cuts of meat or whole poultry.
- With 12 preset cooking functions and 100 recipe presets, the learning curve for new cooking modes is shallow even for less experienced cooks.
- Tempered glass door, heavy-duty racks, and non-stick enamel baking pan suggest the unit is built to withstand daily use rather than occasional weekend cooking.
Cons
- At 30 quarts, the footprint is substantial and will occupy a significant portion of counter space, making it a poor fit for small or already-crowded kitchens.
- The feature set is deep enough that buyers who only need basic toast or reheat functions will pay for capabilities they are unlikely to use.
Details
The NuWave Bravo XL is a 30-quart countertop convection oven designed to replace standalone air fryers, toaster ovens, and dehydrators with one unit that handles all three roles.
Its defining performance feature is dual heater control: top and bottom elements adjust independently from0% to 100%, letting you apply more heat to a pizza crust without over-browning the cheese.
The built-in temperature probe monitors internal food temperature in real time and shuts off the oven automatically, which matters most when cooking poultry or roasts to a safe internal temperature.
The unit is large enough to require dedicated counter space and a nearby outlet; it is not a unit you will tuck away between uses.
Best for home cooks who batch-cook frequently, want probe-level precision without a separate thermometer, and have counter space to keep it accessible.
How to Use
Select one of the 12 preset functions or scroll to a saved recipe slot, then set time and temperature. For most proteins, insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat before starting so theoven can stop automatically at your target doneness.
To use dual heater control, navigate to the heater adjustment screen after selecting your cook mode. Set the bottom element higher for crispy bases like pizza or flatbread, and reduce the top element to prevent over-browning on the surface.
For air frying, place food in the included basket on the top rack position closest to the upper heating element. Avoid overcrowding the basket; a single layer improves airflow and produces a crispier result than stacking food.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- PFAS-free stainless steel construction means no concerns about harmful coatings flaking into food over time.
- The 50-450°F precision range covers slow dehydrating, delicate proofing, and high-heat air frying in a single unit.
- Steam infusion technology locks in moisture during air frying, producing crisp exteriors without the dry interior common in standard air fryers.
- Included recipe book and 120-preset guide lower the learning curve for cooks new to combination steam cooking.
Cons
- With zero published reviews at launch, real-world durability and long-term steam component reliability remain unverified.
- At 16 quarts, the unit occupies meaningful counter space and may not suit kitchens with limited room under upper cabinets.
Details
The Nuwave Steam Oven is an all-in-one countertop appliance that replaces your air fryer, toaster oven, and steam cooker by combining convection heat with adjustable moisture injection in one 16-quart unit.
Precision moisture control from 10-90% solves the core problem of dry air-fried food, while the X-Crispy function still delivers a fried-style crust using less oil than traditional methods.
Built with PFAS-free stainless steel components including the air fry basket, tray, and rack, the unit runs from 50°F to 450°F and includes dishwasher-safe parts for straightforward cleanup.
No published user reviews yet means buyers are relying on spec-sheet claims for durability and steam system longevity, which is worth noting before purchase.
Best for home cooks who want to consolidate multiple countertop appliances without sacrificing moisture, crunch, or cooking range.
How to Use
Start with one of the 120 presets for common items like roasted chicken or artisan bread. The LED controls step you through moisture level, temperature, and time without manual calculation.
For juicier meats, set moisture to 60-90% for the first half of the cook, then drop to 10-20% for the final minutes to develop a crisp exterior using the X-Crispy mode.
For sous vide-style results, select the sous vide function and set your target temperature between 130-160°F. No bags or water bath are needed since the oven circulates hot, moist air to cook evenly throughout.
About These Recommendations
The technique above is the point of this guide; the products are here because they help. We have not tested them ourselves — we did not buy or use this gear. The recommendations come from comparing specifications and materials against the patterns in verified owner reviews, so treat them as a shortlist worth researching rather than a verdict from our own kitchen.
Availability and prices change often, so check the current listing before buying. We earn a commission on purchases made through links on this page, which never affects what we recommend.
The Picks in Detail
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (BOV900BSS)
The best do-everything smart-oven alternative. This 13-function convection oven uses Breville’s Element iQ system to direct heat where it’s needed, handling air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, slow cook, proof, and more in a large capacity. It lacks the Anova’s true steam injection, but for someone who wants one versatile countertop oven that replaces an air fryer, toaster oven, and dehydrator, the Breville is the benchmark. For maximum function without the Anova’s combi-steam complexity (or price), this is the standout.
Best for: Anyone wanting one capable smart oven for air fry, bake, roast, and more.
Nuwave Combi Steam Oven (16-Quart)
The closest combi-steam alternative to the Anova. This 16-quart Nuwave combines air fry, sous vide, and steam in one countertop oven, the steam function is what sets it (and the Anova) apart from ordinary convection ovens, adding moisture for better bread, reheating without drying, and gentle cooking. For someone specifically drawn to the Anova for its steam capability but wanting a more affordable combi-steam option, the Nuwave delivers the steam-plus-convection versatility that defines this category.
Best for: Those who want true combi-steam cooking (bread, sous vide) for less.
CHEF iQ MiniOven 11-in-1 (25-Qt)
The compact smart-combo pick. This 25-quart 11-in-1 smart toaster oven and air fryer combo packs many functions into a countertop-friendly footprint, covering air fry, bake, roast, toast, and more with smart controls. It doesn’t do true steam like the Anova, but for someone who wants a versatile, app-connected smart oven in a more compact size, the CHEF iQ MiniOven is a feature-rich, space-conscious choice. A good fit for smaller kitchens that still want multi-function smart cooking.
Best for: Smaller kitchens wanting a compact, multi-function smart oven.
NuWave Bravo XL 30-Quart Smart Convection Oven
The large-capacity pick. The Bravo XL is a big 30-quart smart convection oven and air fryer that fits full meals, a whole chicken, multiple racks, big batches, with programmable smart controls. It’s the choice for families or anyone who found smaller countertop ovens too cramped. It covers air fry, bake, roast, and broil without the Anova’s steam, but the generous capacity and smart features make it a strong do-everything oven for serving more people at once.
Best for: Families and big-batch cooking that needs more oven capacity.
Nuwave PFAS-Free Convection Steam Cooker (120 Presets)
The PFAS-free steam pick. This Nuwave convection cooker pairs steam and air fry with precision moisture control and 120 presets, in a PFAS-free build for those avoiding nonstick chemistry. It brings the steam-plus-convection versatility the Anova is known for, with a focus on healthier materials and lots of guided presets. For someone who wants combi-style steam cooking, avoids PFAS coatings, and likes preset-guided operation, this Nuwave is the considered choice in the steam-oven camp.
Best for: PFAS-conscious cooks who want steam, air fry, and preset guidance.
What to Look For in a Combi Steam or Smart Oven
Steam vs. Convection-Only
True combi-steam ovens (like the Anova and Nuwave Combi) inject steam, which is what makes them special: better bread crust and crumb, sous vide in the oven, and reheating without drying food out. Convection-only smart ovens (Breville, Bravo) air fry and roast brilliantly but can’t steam. Decide if steam is a feature you’ll actually use.
Functions and Versatility
The appeal of these ovens is replacing several appliances, air fryer, toaster oven, dehydrator, sometimes a sous vide machine. More functions mean more counter consolidation, but only matter if you’ll use them. Match the function list to your real cooking.
Capacity
Countertop ovens range from compact (25 qt) to large (30 qt+). A bigger cavity fits a whole chicken or multiple racks for families; a smaller one suits couples and tight counters. These are sizable appliances, so measure your space.
Smart Controls and Presets
App connectivity, guided cooks, and presets help beginners, while precise temperature and moisture control appeal to advanced cooks. The Anova’s smart features are a selling point; alternatives vary, so weigh how much you’ll use app guidance versus manual control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Anova Precision Oven special?
The Anova Precision Oven combines convection with steam injection in a countertop combi oven, letting it sous vide, bake bakery-quality bread (steam improves crust and crumb), air fry, roast, and reheat without drying food out, all with smart, precise temperature and moisture control. The steam capability is the key differentiator versus ordinary convection or air-fryer ovens. It’s powerful and versatile, but premium-priced.
What’s a good alternative to the Anova Precision Oven?
It depends on whether you want steam. For true combi-steam (the Anova’s signature), the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven adds steam plus air fry and sous vide for less. For do-everything convection without steam, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is the benchmark, covering air fry, bake, roast, dehydrate, and more. Choose a combi-steam oven if steam matters; a smart convection oven if air frying and versatility are your priority.
Do I need a steam oven, or is convection enough?
It depends on your cooking. Steam is genuinely valuable for artisan bread (better crust and rise), reheating leftovers without drying them, and gentle cooking like sous vide or custards. If you bake bread or want those benefits, a combi-steam oven is worth it. If you mostly air fry, roast, and bake everyday food, a powerful convection/air-fryer oven covers it well without the added complexity and cost of steam.
Can countertop ovens replace a full-size oven?
For many tasks, yes, large smart convection and combi-steam ovens (25-30 qt) fit a whole chicken or multiple racks and handle air frying, roasting, baking, and reheating, often more efficiently than heating a big oven. They won’t match a full-size oven for very large roasts, multiple sheet pans, or big-batch baking, but for everyday cooking and small households, they can become the primary oven.
Is the Anova Precision Oven worth the price over alternatives?
If you specifically want its combi-steam capability (bread baking, sous vide, precise moisture control) plus its smart features, the Anova is excellent and worth it to enthusiasts. But if steam isn’t essential to you, a do-everything convection oven like the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro delivers air fry, roast, and bake versatility for potentially less, and a cheaper combi like the Nuwave covers steam on a budget. Buy the Anova for steam-plus-smart; alternatives for value or convection focus.
The Bottom Line
The Anova Precision Oven popularized countertop combi-steam cooking, but it’s not the only path to versatile smart-oven cooking. For true steam (bread, sous vide), the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven is the value alternative; for do-everything convection and air fry, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is the benchmark; and large or compact options cover different kitchens. Decide whether steam is a feature you’ll use, match the capacity to your space, and you’ll find the right multi-function oven. For more, see our convection oven combo guide.
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