Danny Lay, sales director for Caple on the benefits of steam cooking...

Steaming is one of the most versatile ways to cook and because it's healthy too, steam ovens are currently selling incredibly well.

It's what's on the inside that counts - the functions, features and genuine benefits that will draw a consumer in, but, as we all know, there has to be more to an oven than the results it provides.

A certain aesthetic is required and the latest designs are super-sleek. In keeping with the trend for modern kitchens, consumers are after simple, contemporary styling where fussy details are forbidden and minimalism is everything.

This will be the year of built-in, where cabinetry is the key focus and appliances are either hidden or blend seamlessly and effortlessly into the background. As a result, steam ovens, like a lot of other appliances, are taking very simple forms. Handles are slim, detail is low-key and controls are unobtrusive.

Technology and aesthetics go hand in hand. The latest developments have helped designers ensure sleek, contemporary appliances. At the top end of the market, LED displays have replaced conventional switches to give a minimalist look and feel. Not only does this add to the visual appeal, touch controls are easy to use, easy to clean and appealing to the tech-savvy consumer.

Stainless steel remains popular, with black glass making a serious play. It is perfect for ultra-modern kitchen settings and manufacturers often style their ovens, microwaves, coffee machines and steam ovens almost identically to cater for those after a 'bank' effect.

Looks aside, steam ovens have come a long way since they first came to market almost 15 years ago. Thanks to technical advances, steam ovens are now user-friendly and incredibly versatile. There are various ways steam can be used, but at Caple, we believe that injection steam systems are the way forward. The water is heated by an element in the tank and when it reaches the correct temperature, it injects steam directly into the oven cavity. This provides consistent temperatures, meaning users get the best results every time.

But it seems consumers aren't yet ready to commit fully to steam ovens and that's why combination models have been so popular.

Steam ovens are already intelligent. They can be programmed and customised to make life easier. Looking to the future, the possibilities are almost endless. Voice activation, chromatherapy lighting and audio settings, for example, are all very realistic possibilities.