Breville Compact Smart Oven BOV650XL review is this the best toaster oven?

Description

Compact Design Meets Smart Technology

I recently had the opportunity to test out the Breville BOV650XL the Compact Smart Oven Countertop Toaster Oven, and I must say, this little powerhouse left quite the impression. From its sleek brushed stainless steel finish to the intuitive digital controls, this countertop oven feels like it was designed to make life in the kitchen easier. It fits perfectly on my counter without taking up too much space, and it still manages to offer a medium capacity interior that can handle a 12-inch pizza or four slices of toast with ease.

The drop-down door style and three rack positions make it versatile enough for a variety of dishes. Whether you’re baking cookies, reheating leftovers, or broiling a quick dinner, the oven’s Element IQ technology ensures even cooking by distributing heat where it’s needed most. It’s compact, modern, and smarter than your average toaster oven.

Key Benefits

One thing that stood out to me about this product is the combination of compact size and advanced features. Here’s what caught my attention:

• Element IQ technology adjusts power and cooking time automatically for optimal results.
• The backlit LCD screen provides clear updates on cooking progress, switching from orange to blue when the cycle ends.
• The nonstick interior simplifies cleanup, while the removable crumb tray makes maintenance hassle-free.
• Eight preset functions include everything from Toast and Bagel to Bake, Broil, and even Pizza, giving it impressive versatility.

Efficient Performance, But Not Without Limitations

While this smart oven delivers on many fronts, there are a few areas for improvement that I noticed during my testing.

• The knob controls, while functional, might feel a bit old-school for users who prefer full touchscreen interfaces.
• Larger families might find the capacity limiting, especially for cooking bigger meals like whole chickens.
• The exterior tends to get warm during extended use, so you’ll need to be cautious about where you place it.

Despite these minor hurdles, the oven’s performance more than makes up for its shortcomings.

Cooking Versatility at Its Best

From baking to broiling, this oven is a true multitasker. I experimented with the Toast and Bagel functions, and the shade control allowed me to customize the level of crispiness. Making a 12-inch pizza was a breeze, and the crust came out evenly cooked and golden. I even tried the Reheat function for leftovers, which evenly warmed my food without drying it out.

The inclusion of a temperature conversion button is a thoughtful touch for recipes with Celsius measurements, and the ability to manually adjust time and temperature ensures you have full control over your cooking. The 10-by-10-inch enamel baking pan and broil rack included with the oven were perfect for smaller dishes, though I could see myself wanting larger accessories for more ambitious recipes.

Competing Products

When compared to other toaster ovens like the Cuisinart TOB-260N1 or the Panasonic FlashXpress, the Breville Compact Smart Oven holds its own. The Cuisinart model offers slightly larger capacity and multiple convection settings, which might appeal to users needing more space. Conversely, the Panasonic FlashXpress is faster for reheating but lacks the customizable preset options and smart technology that make this oven stand out.

The Breville Compact Smart Oven shines in its ability to combine user-friendly features with reliable performance, making it a strong contender for those with limited counter space who still want versatility. Where it falls short is in capacity, especially when compared to competitors with larger interiors.

Quality for Price

Considering the features it offers, this product provides great value for its price point. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but it’s also far from the most expensive. The durable stainless steel construction, coupled with smart technology, justifies the investment. While it may not suit a household that frequently cooks for large groups, it’s ideal for singles, couples, or small families who prioritize quality and efficiency in a compact form.

If you’re someone who appreciates modern kitchen gadgets with a focus on both performance and aesthetics, this oven hits the sweet spot. It’s a smart choice for anyone wanting to upgrade their countertop appliances without breaking the bank.

Additional information