Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro review is it worth the investment

Description

A Sleek and Versatile Kitchen Companion

I’ve been testing out the Breville BOV900BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and Convection Oven, and I have to say, this brushed stainless steel countertop appliance is packed with features. From air frying crispy French fries to slow-cooking a hearty stew, this oven does a lot more than your standard toaster oven. It’s practically a mini all-in-one that can replace several other gadgets in your kitchen. But, as with most products, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind before diving in.

Design and Build Quality: A Modern Look with Thoughtful Details

The first thing that caught my attention was its brushed stainless steel finish, which gives it a high-end, polished appearance. It’s a bit on the larger side, measuring 17.5”D x 21.5”W x 12.7”H, so make sure your counter has enough space to accommodate it. The drop-down door style feels sturdy and operates smoothly, while the knob controls and LCD display make navigating its settings intuitive.

One small win for me was the built-in interior oven light. It’s a feature I didn’t know I needed until I could actually see my cookies browning evenly mid-bake. The light, combined with the replaceable componentry, gives it a sense of longevity, much like a traditional full-sized oven.

Key Benefits

• 13 cooking functions ranging from toast and bagel to dehydrate and slow cook.
• Extra-large capacity, fitting a 14-pound turkey or nine slices of bread.
• Super convection technology ensures fast, even heat distribution.
• Element iQ System uses smart algorithms for precise cooking.

Performance: Does It Live Up to the Hype?

Cooking with this appliance feels like having a professional-grade oven on your countertop. The Element iQ System with five independent quartz elements is impressive. It directs heat where it’s needed most, which means no cold spots—something I’ve battled with in other ovens.

The air fry setting works wonders, giving food that crispy, golden exterior without excessive oil. I tried making chicken wings, and they came out restaurant-quality. The dehydrate feature is another standout. I managed to dehydrate apple slices for snacks using up to four trays simultaneously, which is a game-changer for anyone who loves DIY snacks.

That said, the super convection fan, with its two-speed settings, does a lot of heavy lifting. It’s not just for air frying but also ensures even roasting and baking. I made a batch of cookies, and they baked evenly without me needing to rotate the trays.

Downsides

• The oven is hefty at 30.2 pounds, making it less portable.
• Noise levels from the convection fan can be noticeable, especially on the super setting.
• Some users, including myself, found that the preheat time could be quicker for certain functions.

Included Accessories: A Complete Starter Pack

This oven comes with a generous set of tools that made me feel fully equipped right out of the box. The 13-inch pizza pan is perfect for making a quick Margherita, while the mesh basket rack is handy for both air frying and dehydrating. I used the 9 x 13-inch broil rack and enamel roasting pan to roast veggies, and they cooked evenly without sticking, which I deeply appreciate.

Areas for Improvement

• Lack of a built-in meat probe for precise roasting.
• The power cord length of 3.4 feet could be a bit restrictive depending on your kitchen setup.
• Because of its size, it’s not ideal for smaller kitchens or limited counter space.

Competing Products

When comparing this to similar high-end countertop ovens like the Ninja Foodi or the Cuisinart TOA-65, the Breville stands out for its 13 versatile functions and smart Element iQ technology. While the Ninja Foodi offers excellent air frying capabilities, it doesn’t quite match the Breville’s precision with baking and slow cooking. On the other hand, the Cuisinart TOA-65 is slightly more compact, making it a better fit for smaller kitchens, but it lacks the Breville’s super convection and advanced heating algorithms.

Where the Breville truly excels is in its multi-functionality and capacity. The ability to slow cook, dehydrate, and fit a 14-pound turkey makes it a standout choice for larger households or those who love experimenting in the kitchen.

Worth Every Penny

While this isn’t the cheapest option on the market, its price-to-quality ratio is impressive. You’re essentially getting multiple appliances in one. I’ve used it to replace my toaster, air fryer, and even my traditional oven for smaller meals. If you’re someone who values versatility and precision in the kitchen, this is a solid investment.

That being said, if you’re just looking for a basic toaster oven or have limited counter space, this might not be the best fit for you. However, for foodies, home chefs, or larger families, it’s a game-changer.

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