Cuisinart CSO-300NC Steam and Convection Oven

The Cuisinart CSO-300NC Steam and Convection Oven is a versatile and innovative kitchen appliance that combines the benefits of steam cooking and convection technology. This oven is perfect for those who want to enjoy healthy and delicious meals without compromising on taste and texture. The estimated price of this oven is around $350, and it was launched in 2020.

Detailed Specifications

The Cuisinart CSO-300NC Steam and Convection Oven comes with the following key features:

• 1.8 cubic foot capacity
• 12 cooking functions, including steam, convection, and combination modes
• Adjustable broil and convection temperature settings
• Interior oven light for easy viewing
• Cool-touch handle and stainless steel housing for durability and safety
• Large digital display and intuitive interface for easy operation
• Removable water reservoir and drip tray for easy cleaning
• Includes a steam rack, baking pan, and broiling rack

Cuisinart Parts And Features

1. Blue-Backlit LCD Digital Display
   Shows the selected cooking function and icon, temperature and cooking time. Also displays clock, preheating for certain functions, heater elements in use, toast shade and fill water indicator.
2. Blue-Backlit Program Dial/Button
   Lets you choose from 9 cooking functions, set the temperature, cooking time, and the LCD display clock.
3. Steam Clean Button
   Automatic program for steam cleaning of the oven.
4. Light Button
   Illuminates interior to monitor cooking progress for 2 minutes. Blue LED surrounds the button to indicate the light is ON.
5. Start/Cancel Button
   Starts and stops the cooking cycle once function, cooking time, and temperature are selected. Green LED surrounds the button to indicate the cooking cycle has begun.
6. Water Reservoir
   1.4–liter removable reservoir for all functions requiring steam, and for oven steam-cleaning.
7. Drip Tray
   The slide-out drip tray comes already positioned in your steam oven and is designed to collect excess liquid. The drip tray slides out from the bottom front of the oven, making it easy to empty and clean.
8. Oven Rack
   Four-position rack for multiple cooking functions: LOWER for roasts, poultry, casseroles, bread and baked goods. MIDDLE for standard-size foods and dishes, toast and bagels. Two broil positions, UPPER and LOWER, for broiling.
9. Baking Pan
   A baking pan is included for use with the broiling/steaming rack; use alone when baking or roasting.
10. Broiling/Steaming Rack
    A broiling/steaming rack fits into the baking pan for use when broiling or steaming foods such as fish and vegetables.
11. Crumb Tray
    Sits underneath the heating elements to catch crumbs from bread and toast. For convenience, we recommend removing the crumb tray when using steam functions.
12. Cord Storage (not shown)
    Wraps around rear of unit for a clutter-free countertop.
13. BPA free (not shown)
    All materials that come in contact with food are BPA free.

Getting to Know Your Control Panel

Cooking Functions

The large blue-backlit LCD screen is easy to read, and clearly displays the function, time, temperature, and toast shade you have selected. Indicators also let you know if top, bottom or both elements are heating, and when to add water to the reservoir.

TOAST

• Time determined by shade selected.
• Fixed Temperature Middle Rack Position

CONVECTION  BAKE

• Default Time: 30 minutes 
• Default Temp: 350˚F (180°C) 
• Temperature Range: 125˚F-450˚F (52°C-230°C) Lower or Middle Rack Positions

BAKE STEAM

• Default Time: 30 minutes
• Default Temp: 350˚F (180°C)
• Temperature Range: 225˚F-450˚F (110°C-230°C) Lower or Middle Rack Positions

BROIL

• Default Time: 10 minutes
• Default Temp: 500˚F (260°C)
• Temperature Range: 300˚F-500˚F (150°C-260°C) Lower or Upper Broil Positions

BROIL STEAM

• Default Time: 10 minutes
• Default Temp: 500˚F (260°C)
• Temperature Range: 300˚F-500˚F (150°C-260°C) Lower or Upper Broil Positions

STEAM

• Default Time: 30 minutes
• Default Temp: 210˚F (99°C)
• Temperature Range: 100˚F-210˚F (40°C-99°C) Middle Rack Position

SUPER STEAM

• Default Time: 20 minutes
• Default Temp: 250˚F (120°C)
• Temperature Range: 125˚F-400˚F (52°C-200°C) Lower or Middle Rack Positions

BREAD

• Default Time: 10 minutes
• Default Temp: 350˚F (180°C)
• Temperature Range: 125˚F-450˚F (52°C-200°C) Lower or Middle Rack Positions

WARM

• Default Time: 30 minutes
• Default Temp: 160˚F (72°C)
• Temperature Range: 125˚F-300˚F (52°C-150°C) Lower or Middle Rack Positions

Additional Control Panel Icons

• Add Water
  Add water indicator will illuminate and unit will continuously beep and shut off when the reservoir needs to be filled. Fill reservoir and replace on oven. Wait 30 seconds and press the program button. Oven will automatically resume from the point cooking cycle was interrupted. A full reservoir should run for approximately 2 hours on a steam function.

  

• Toast Shade
   Scroll from 1 to 7 for light to dark toast. Always use crumb tray when toasting.

  

• Active heating elements
  Illuminate which heating elements are on for individual cooking functions.

  

Set Your Clock

Plug the oven into a 120 volt AC outlet. The LCD display will be illuminated blue. Clock will read 12:00 am. To set clock, press and hold the program button until the time starts flashing. Scroll the dial to select am/pm and then press button to confirm. Scroll the dial to set hour and then press to confirm. Finally scroll the dial for minutes and then press to set. 

OVEN RACK POSITION GUIDE

All of our recipes give you step-by-step directions and indicate how to position the oven rack for best results. Please refer to the diagram below.
WARNING: Placing the rack in the lower rack position or in the upper broil position while toasting may result in a fire. Toast only in the middle rack position.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place oven and appropriate accessories on a clean, dry, flat surface. Make sure oven interior and accessories have been cleaned and dried thoroughly before use
2. Open the unit using the handle on the door, pulling it downward until it rests comfortably in place

3. Before cooking, position the oven rack for the cooking function being used. 

   

4. IMPORTANT WHEN COOKING WITH STEAM
   Fill the water reservoir with tap water if using a function requiring steam. 
5. Remove reservoir by lifting vertically, using the integrated handle. Invert and remove reservoir cap and fill. Replace cap and return reservoir so that it is properly seated in its original position.
6. Place food in oven and close door.
7. Turn the program dial to engage the functions menu.
   NOTE: The program dial/button will be surrounded by a blue LED light to indicate the functions menu is engaged.
8. Scroll until the proper cooking function appears on the screen. Refer to the Cooking Functions chart on page 5 for function information.
9. Press the program button in the center of the dial to set the function. A beep will sound and the temperature setting will start flashing.

10. Use the program dial to select the desired temperature. Refer to the Cooking Functions chart on page 5 for temperature ranges.

    

11. Press the program button again in the center of the dial to set temperature. A beep will sound and the default time will begin flashing.
12. To increase or decrease cooking time, use the program dial to scroll to appropriate time and then press the program button again in the center of the dial to set the time.

13. Press the START/CANCEL button to begin cooking cycle.

    

NOTE: A beep will sound and the START/ CANCEL button will be surrounded by a green LED light to indicate the cooking cycle has begun. The countdown timer will begin counting down until cooking cycle is complete.

For Use With TOAST Function

1. Slide the crumb tray into position by tilting the crumb tray under the bottom heating elements inside the unit, and pushing it to the rear wall.

   

   NOTE: The crumb tray is properly positioned if it rests flat on the interior base of the unit.

2. All toasting is done with the oven rack in the middle rack position. 
3. Turn the program dial to engage the functions menu.
   NOTE: The program dial/button will be surrounded by a blue LED light to indicate the functions menu is engaged.
4. Scroll until the TOAST function appears on screen, then press the program button in the center of the dial to set TOAST. A beep will sound and the toast shade selector will start flashing.
5. Using the program dial, select a toast shade setting between 1 and 7 (1 is lightest, 7 is darkest).
6. Press the program button to set shade, which will appear in the display; a beep will sound and the toast shade selector will no longer flash.
7. Press the START/CANCEL button to begin toasting cycle.

NOTE: A beep will sound and the START/CANCEL button will be surrounded by a green LED light indicate the cooking cycle has begun. Default countdown timer for the shade selected will now appear and begin counting down.

Changing functions, time or temperature during cooking

To change temperature

• During the cooking process, the LCD screen will display the countdown timer. 
• Press and hold the program button until a beep sounds and the LCD screen displays the previously selected temperature flashing. 
• Turn the program dial to desired temperature. Press program button to set new temperature. A beep will sound.

To change time

• Press and hold the program button until set temperature starts flashing. 
• Press program button in again. The  countdown timer will begin flashing and the current remaining timewill be displayed. 
• Turn the program dial to select new time and press program button to set that time. The new countdown time will be displayed, and cooking process will continue.

To change function

• Press and hold the program button until set temperature starts flashing. 
• Press program button in again. Time willstart flashing. 
• Press program button again. Current function icon will start flashing. 
• Use program dial to scroll to desired function, and press program button to set.

NOTE: Once you change to another function, temperature and time will go to default settings for that function. 

Description of Cuisinart Steam and Convection

The Cuisinart CSO-300NC Steam and Convection Oven is designed to provide a healthy and convenient cooking experience. With its 1.8 cubic foot capacity, this oven can accommodate a wide range of dishes, from roasted meats to steamed vegetables. The convection technology ensures even cooking and browning, while the steam function helps retain the nutrients and moisture in the food. The adjustable temperature settings allow for precise control over the cooking process, ensuring that your meals are cooked to perfection every time.

Steam Cooking Chart

Cooking Chart

Cuisinart Setup Guide

To operate the Cuisinart CSO-300NC Steam and Convection Oven, follow these steps:

1. Fill the removable water reservoir with the recommended amount of water.
2. Select the desired cooking function and temperature setting using the digital display.
3. Place the food on the appropriate rack or tray and insert it into the oven.
4. Close the oven door and set the timer using the digital display.
5. Wait for the oven to preheat and cook the food according to the recommended cooking time.

Cleaning and Maintenance Cuisinart CSO-300NC 

Always allow the oven to cool completely before cleaning.

1. Always unplug the oven from the electrical outlet.
2. When cleaning the exterior, do not use abrasive cleansers, as they will damage the finish. Simply wipe the exterior with a clean damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
3. To clean the interior walls, you can first loosen food debris by running the Steam cycle function. Follow the Operating Instructions, using the Steam function default [30 minutes at 210˚F (99°C)]. Once cycle is complete wipe interior with a cloth or sponge. DO NOT use harsh abrasives or corrosive products, which could damage the oven wall surface.
4. To remove excess liquid, slide out the drip tray and discard contents. Wipe clean or place in top rack of dishwasher. To remove baked-on grease, soak the tray in hot sudsy water or use nonabrasive cleaners. Never operate the oven without the drip tray in place.
5. The oven rack, baking pan, broiling rack, and crumb tray are dishwasher safe. If heavily soiled, soak in hot sudsy water or use a nylon scouring pad or nylon brush.
6. Rinse water reservoir in hot, sudsy water. Dry well.
7. Never wrap the cord around the outside of the oven. Use the cord storage tabs on the back of the oven.
8. Any other servicing should be performed by an authorized service representative.

Note: If oven is not in use for more than 1 month, fill water reservoir and run oven on Steam function at 210˚F (99°C) for 60 minutes before using.

How to Drain the Internal Water Tank

Your steam oven is equipped with a water drain so you can empty the internal water tank. The drain outlet is at the rear of the oven. We recommend that you drain the tank when you do not plan to use your oven for an extended period of time. You should also drain the tank at the end of each decalcification process.
To drain the tank, follow these steps 

• Remove the external water reservoir from the oven by lifting it vertically using the handle.
• Position a tray, short bowl or other container under the rear drain to catch the water.
• Turn the cap counter-clockwise to remove the cap and open the drain. Open the drain slowly to ensure you catch the water in your container.
• Tilt the oven back slightly as necessary to empty all of the water from the tank.
• When finished, replace the cap by rotating it clockwise until secure. Do not over-tighten.

Decalcification of Steam and Convection

Decalcification refers to the removal of calcium deposits that form over time. These deposits can cause damage to the machine. For best performance from your Combo Steam + Convection Oven, decalcify annually for average use and twice a year for heavy use.

To decalcify

• Remove the reservoir from the unit and empty it completely.
• Drain internal water tank as described in the above section. Add 1 cup (250 ml) of water and 1 cup (250 ml) of distilled white vinegar to the reservoir. Return reservoir to the unit. Wait 30 seconds and press the program button to reset the Steam function at 210˚F (99°C) for 75 minutes. Press the Start/Cancel button and let the oven run until the "Add water" alert sounds.
• Remove the reservoir from the unit and empty it completely. Set oven to the Steam function at 210˚F (99°C) for 30 minutes. Press the Start/Cancel button and let the oven run until the "Add water" alert sounds.
• While the unit is running, add 1 cup (250 ml) of water and 1 cup (250 ml) of distilled white vinegar to the reservoir. When the “Add water” alert sounds, return reservoir to the unit. Wait 30 seconds and press the program button to reset the Steam function at 210˚F (99°C) for 75 minutes. Press the Start/Cancel button and let the oven run until the "Add water" alert sounds.
• Remove the reservoir and rinse out with fresh clean water. Fill the reservoir halfway with clean water. Return the reservoir to the unit. 
• Wait 30 seconds and press the program button. Oven will resume from   the point at which the cycle was interrupted. Let the oven run until the   "Add water" alert sounds or the timer runs out. Drain the internal water tank again to fully flush out the system.

Troubleshooting

• Why is my unit beeping?
  Steam reservoir is empty. Remove and refill with water, then replace.
• Why is water is leaking onto the counter.
  Drip tray is not in place, or it may be full. Always check before each use and empty after use.

Cuisinart CSO-300NC Steam and Convection Oven Warranty

We warrant that this Cuisinart product will be free of defects in materials or workmanship under normal home use for 3 years from the date of original purchase. This warranty covers manufacturer’s defects including mechanical and electrical defects. It does not cover damage from consumer abuse, unauthorized repairs or modifications, theft, misuse, or damage due to transportation or environmental conditions. Products with removed or altered identification numbers will not be covered.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Combines the benefits of steam and convection cooking
• Large capacity and adjustable temperature settings
• Digital display and intuitive interface for easy operation
• Easy to clean and maintain

Cons

• May be too expensive for some users
• Takes up more counter space than a traditional toaster oven
• May require some trial and error to master the cooking times and temperature settings

Customer Reviews about Cuisinart CSO-300NC 

Customers have praised the Cuisinart CSO-300NC Steam and Convection Oven for its versatility, ease of use, and healthy cooking benefits. However, some users have reported issues with the steam function and the durability of the plastic components. Overall, this oven has received positive reviews and is a popular choice among health-conscious cooks.