I am seeing steam/smoke/condensation when I cook with my countertop oven
Steam escapes and causes condensation when cooking with my oven.
- This is expected and normal when using a countertop oven. We have designed the ovens to vent excess moisture out of the top corners of the door.
- This will happen even more when cooking foods that contain a lot of moisture, such as roasting vegetables, defrosting and toasting bread, and cooking with liquids. We understand this can seem concerning, but the steam will escape from higher moisture foods during cooking.
- The ovens should be kept at a minimum distance of 4 inches of space on both sides of the appliance and 6 inches above as this allows for proper heat and steam ventilation.
I am seeing smoke along with the steam.
- Smoke can occur if bits of food or fats (cheese, oil, etc) drop onto the heating elements or the crumb tray. If this happens, we recommend cleaning the crumb tray after the cook.
- If you are air frying fatty or marinated foods, it can help to use the baking pan and broiling rack instead of the air fry basket. This will reduce drips and smoke.
The steam seems to be causing a lot of condensation
- Usually, condensation is associated with cooking foods having a higher water content. During the cooking process, water from the food evaporates and condenses near the upper door gap or channel near the control panel which can then run down and collect or puddle. This is normal and can become more visible during cooler months or seasons. The oven will not be impacted, you'll just want to wipe up the water after cooking.
- More water can be seen during air fry, dehydrate, toast, and roast. It also depends on the type of food you are cooking.
- If the condensation seems to be making a big puddle, please check the following:
- Ensure that the oven has four inches of clearance on each side and the back, and six inches of clearance above. This includes clearance from the wall, and also from other appliances. If the steam can't properly vent and disperse, it can puddle.
- Check the door to make sure it is closing firmly and properly, and there is no damage to the door seal.
Why is the door not fully sealed?
- You will likely notice a gap all the way around your oven door. It will be larger at the upper corners of the door, and you will likely be able to see light from the oven through the gap.
- This is normal and by design. Foods have different levels of moisture that are released during the cooking cycle so that the food can crisp up and bake/roast/toast/broil/dehydrate, etc effectively. The steam needs to leave the oven cavity so that the food does not end up soggy, and you get the cooking result you are after.
- Since the countertop ovens are quite small, the steam needs to escape during cooking and can come out all around the door. It is still closed and the oven will work as expected.
If you have any questions or concerns about your specific oven door seal, door, or amount of condensation, please reach out to us, and we'd be happy to assist further. Reach out via chat, phone, or support case here: Sage Support