Full steam ahead

Jane Stewart, design director of FK&F in Fulham (020 7736 6458), says: "Steam is the modern alternative to the microwave because of the way in which food is cooked. The rapid heat injection means all the vitamins and goodness in the food is sealed in. It's also versatile; you can cook a casserole in about 45 minutes or use it to sterilise babies' bottles.

Other kitchen connoisseurs are equally enthusiastic. Mark Parmenter runs Kitchen Contracts, which has a showroom in Fulham and offices in Ascot ( 01344 890872; www.kitchencontracts.co.uk). Prior to running his own company, he was a chef, "so I should know a bit about it". He loves steam ovens and fits them in more than half the kitchens he designs, choosing mostly those from Imperial (available at FK&F, as before). He says: "With the right kind of steam oven, you are not just cooking with steam but also under pressure. A new potato cooks to perfection in just under five minutes; it's amazing."

New from Miele (01235 554455; www. miele.co.uk) is a steam oven claiming to reduce energy consumption by 20 per cent. Steam is created outside the cooking cavity until it reaches the right temperature, then it is injected in to seal the food.

AEG ( 01753 872500; www. aeghome.co.uk) has a multifunction model that does two types of steaming as well as other cooking options, including a fan setting.

Steaming doesn't have to involve a new kitchen, however. New plug-in steamers simply sit on an existing worktop or table. They are divided into compartments so you can steam separate foods at the same time: switch on and they start steaming in 15 seconds. Available in white from £39.99 from Tefal (0845 602 1454; www.tefal.co.uk) or in stainless steel from £69.99 from Russell Hobbs (0161 947 3111).

KEEP IT CLEAN

Other household chores are also getting a shot of steam. Franco Polti may sound like an Italian ice cream and Vaporetto a souped-up scooter, but one is actually the inventor of the other: a revolutionary steam cleaner. Polti's big breakthrough was to harness steam as a cleaning medium, because it can kill germs and bacteria, a huge boon to people suffering from allergies.

The principle is simple: water is boiled under pressure to produce steam at 120°C at the point of application. This so-called "dry steam" vaporises grease and dirt that is collected in a cotton cloth. The cleaners come with accessories for tackling all home surfaces. No chemicals are needed, just water. You can even clean the barbecue and car. They cost from £299.99, with a hand-held unit at £59.99. Call 0800 132509 or visit www.polti-ltd.co.uk.

SMOOTH OPERATORS

Most people have a steam iron, but even that wonderful old workhorse has had a revamp. A steam generator iron (Morphy Richards, Vaporella, Domena, Tefal, Bosch) has separate water tanks, which means they can be twice the usual size and won't need filling so often. And the iron itself is much lighter.

From £140 the price tag won't steal your heart away, but it is claimed these irons halve the time it takes to tackle a basket of difficult fabrics: jeans or linen sheets, for example.

BATHING BEAUTY

The Romans and the Turks knew that lounging around in steam was lovely for relaxing, and now you can have your own little beauty bath at home. You can add a steam feature to most quality shower cabinets using a steam generator ( about £1,000). Other shower cabinets are now available complete with power jets, steam and comfortable seats.

David Jones, director of Colourwash (020 8451 1448), says: "The benefit of steam in bathing has been known since the Romans, but new technology means you can control the temperature to suit individual taste. Steam can prove excellent therapy for ailments such as asthma, rheumatism, bronchitis, gout and muscle aches and strains. Steam is also recommended for detoxification and a healthy, glowing complexion". Specialist manufacturers in this area are Teuco (020 7704 2190; www. teuco.com), Jacuzzi (01274 654700) and Trevi (01482 470788).

To finish off, how about a delicious cup of coffee? For a proper cappuccino or latte you'll need an authentic-style Italian machine, with steam to froth the milk. Head for Whittard, 322 Chiswick High Road, W4 (020 8742 0612), where you'll find machines from £100 to £800 (Briel, Gaggia, Jura, La Pavoni). Under the guidance of Alison Armes or Hanna Sahloul, you can choose the best machine and learn how to use it.