Composite Electric Heating Tubes Boost Healthy Cooking: Steam-Assisted Heating Leads the New Trend in Ovens

As the concept of healthy living gains global traction, a revolution in cooking methods is quietly transforming kitchens worldwide. Consumers are increasingly demanding low-fat, oil-free, and nutrient-preserving cooking options, rendering traditional single-function ovens inadequate for modern needs.

Amid this shift, electric heating tubes—the core component of ovens—are undergoing a technological leap. The advent of composite electric heating tubes, particularly their integration with steam-assisted heating, is not only injecting vitality into healthy cooking but also steering the home appliance industry toward a new era of intelligence and multifunctionality.

Healthy Cooking Trends and Industry Background

Health has emerged as the defining keyword of 21st-century culinary culture. In 2024, oven sales in China surpassed 32.67 million units, marking an 8% year-on-year increase—a figure that reflects consumers’ fervent pursuit of healthier cooking methods.

Preferences for low-fat cooking, oil-free air frying, and nutrient retention have driven ovens to evolve from mere baking tools into multifunctional kitchen hubs. The steam oven segment, in particular, has seen its market share surge, becoming a standout in the industry. Compared to traditional dry baking, steam cooking effectively locks in moisture and nutrients while reducing oil usage, aligning perfectly with modern demands for both health and flavor.

The home appliance industry has swiftly responded to this shift. As the “heart” of ovens, electric heating tubes are pivotal to this transformation. Traditional heating tubes, designed solely for heat generation, suffer from uneven heat distribution and high energy consumption, making them ill-suited for the demands of multifunctional ovens.

Enter composite electric heating tubes, born of necessity to meet these new challenges. Meanwhile, national carbon neutrality policies and tightening energy efficiency standards have infused the industry with a green imperative. Electric heating tubes must now be both efficient and eco-friendly, setting a broader stage for the development of composite technologies.

Technical Analysis of Composite Electric Heating Tubes

What exactly are composite electric heating tubes? They transcend the conventional single-purpose heating element, integrating multiple functions into an innovative design. Take steam-assisted heating as an example: these tubes often feature a dual-layer or wraparound structure.

 One layer provides high-temperature baking via traditional resistance heating, while another collaborates with a steam generator to release high-temperature steam, achieving a “steam + bake” composite effect. The key lies in the seamless balance of steam and heat—steam locks in moisture to prevent over-drying, while high temperatures deliver a crispy texture, harmonizing health and taste.

The technical advantages of composite electric heating tubes are their competitive edge. First, they boast significantly improved thermal efficiency. Compared to traditional tubes, composite designs reach target temperatures faster and distribute heat more evenly, eliminating the common “hotspot” issue in ovens.

Second, their health benefits are unparalleled. Steam-assisted heating reduces oil dependency, even enabling “oil-free cooking,” making it an ideal choice for health-conscious households. Third, durability is enhanced. Advanced materials like nickel-chromium alloys and ceramic coatings ensure stability in high-temperature, high-humidity environments, extending lifespan by 20%-30%.

Yet, development has not been without hurdles. The compatibility of steam and high heat poses the greatest challenge: how to prevent corrosion in humid conditions? How to balance cost and performance? The industry has made strides by optimizing tube wall thickness and surface treatments.

For instance, a brand’s “oil-free air oven” launched in early 2025 features a dual-layer composite heating tube paired with a precision steam injection system. Not only does it excel in cooking performance, but it also achieves the lowest energy consumption among peers—a breakthrough signaling a new milestone for composite electric heating tube technology.

Market Status and Competitive Landscape

The rise of composite electric heating tubes is profoundly reshaping the oven market. Industry forecasts predict that by 2030, the global electric heating tube market will maintain a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4%-6%, with demand tied to steam ovens growing especially rapidly.

In China, steam ovens accounted for 15% of the total oven market in 2024, expanding at an annual rate of 10%. This surge has directly fueled orders for composite electric heating tubes.

In this competitive arena, leading brands are driving momentum. Domestic giants like Midea and Haier, leveraging supply chain strengths, have integrated composite electric heating tubes into their mid-to-high-end product lines, with steam oven series topping e-commerce sales charts.

International players like Bosch and Siemens target the premium segment, using imported or locally customized composite tubes that emphasize precision temperature control and durability. Meanwhile, smaller manufacturers are carving out a niche by offering “replacement composite electric heating tubes” through e-commerce, catering to users upgrading older ovens and forming a unique aftermarket ecosystem.

Consumer feedback underscores this trend. On a major e-commerce platform, reviews of steam ovens frequently highlight “health,” “great taste,” and “ease of use.” One steam oven equipped with a composite electric heating tube boasts a 92% satisfaction rate, far surpassing traditional models. However, pricing remains a barrier to widespread adoption.

Due to their technical complexity, composite tubes cost 30%-50% more than traditional ones, pushing steam oven prices above 2,000 yuan. That said, as economies of scale kick in, experts anticipate costs will drop post-2026, broadening accessibility.

Case Study: Successful Application and Industry Impact

Take Fangtai’s “Smart Steam Oven,” launched in 2024, as a prime example of composite electric heating tubes’ potential. Its core component is a dual-layer composite heating tube: the upper layer handles high-temperature baking, while the lower layer works with a steam generator to deliver uniform steam.

Tests show it can prepare “steamed and baked chicken wings” in 30 minutes—crisp skin, tender meat, and 40% less fat—winning over health enthusiasts. Within six months of launch, sales exceeded 100,000 units, cementing its status as a mid-to-high-end market benchmark.

This success goes beyond technical prowess; it has catalyzed industry-wide impact. Fangtai’s innovation spurred competitors like Midea and Haier to follow suit, making steam-assisted heating a “new standard” in ovens.

More critically, it has uplifted the supply chain. Heating tube suppliers are ramping up R&D and refining production processes to meet increasingly diverse demands. This ripple effect is accelerating the industry’s shift toward health and intelligence.

Future Outlook and Challenges

Looking ahead, the prospects for composite electric heating tubes are exhilarating. Technologically, they are poised to integrate with smart temperature control systems and the Internet of Things, enabling precision cooking.

Imagine users adjusting steam levels and temperatures via a smartphone app to craft personalized healthy recipes. Market-wise, rising middle-class consumption and appliance export growth will sustain demand. In Europe and the U.S., steam ovens are emerging as a new growth driver, with composite tube export orders projected to rise 15% in 2025.

Challenges, however, loom large. Cost control is paramount—balancing performance with affordability will dictate adoption rates. The industry must optimize material choices and production efficiency to address this.

Additionally, environmental pressures are mounting. Low-carbon manufacturing and recycling of discarded heating tubes are now policy focal points. While some firms have launched pilot projects for green production, widespread implementation remains a work in progress.

With their exceptional technical merits, composite electric heating tubes are unlocking boundless possibilities for healthy cooking through steam-assisted heating. They are not merely innovators in the oven industry but enablers of millions of households’ pursuit of healthier lives.

From technological breakthroughs to market fervor and a vision of intelligent futures, this modest component carries grand aspirations. As we look forward, we urge the industry to embrace innovation with boldness, ensuring health and flavor shine in every dish.