Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for detecting the presence of steam in a volume of air at a predetermined temperature. The apparatus includes a temperature sensor having two respective temperature build-up times representing an under steam temperature build-up time and an under air temperature build-up time. The method for detecting the presence of steam comprises the steps of placing the temperature sensor in the presence of the volume air, such that the sensor can reach a predetermined set point temperature that is lower than the predetermined temperature, taking a temperature measurement with the sensor, and determining if the measured temperature reaches the set point temperature in order to indicate whether the sensor is in the presence of steam.