For time-pressed cooks, an oven that roasts a chicken to perfection in 30 minutes sounds like a dream come true.
However, Smeg’s new three-in-one Galileo Omnichef — the first to combine a microwave, conventional, and steam oven in one appliance – comes at a cost, with entry-level units starting at £2,999.
According to the Italian company, using all three ways cuts standard cooking times by up to 70% without drying out ingredients.
Microwaves cook quickly, conventional ovens crisp and brown, and the steam function keeps food moist and tender.
It means an entire roast chicken can be made in half an hour instead of an hour or more, and baked or roast potatoes can be ready in 15 minutes.
The ovens range in price from £2,999 to £3,399, but Smeg plans to produce more affordable models this year.
They are controlled by a ‘Vivoscreen,’ which allows cooks to select from more than 150 pre-programmed recipes that automatically determine which method to employ, at when point in the cooking cycle, and at what temperature and time.