Abstract: An apparatus for steaming food at substantially atmospheric conditions. This apparatus comprises a steam chamber means for filling the chamber with steam, which filling means comprises means for introducing water into the bottom of the steam chamber, and heating means outside the steam chamber for heating the water in the steam chamber to produce steam; means for allowing steam to escape from the chamber to maintain substantially atmospheric conditions in the chamber; a condensing chamber for the escaping steam; means in the condensing chamber for spraying water on the steam to condense it; means for draining the water and condensed steam from the condensing chamber; and means for controlling the heating means and the filling means, which control means comprises a sensor for sensing the temperature of the water and condensed steam in the condensing chamber.