Breville Smart Oven Pro Convection Oven Review Fast Precise Cooking Performance

Description

Favourable Attributes of the Smart Countertop Oven

The Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven Pro impressed me right out of the box with its sleek brushed stainless steel finish. It’s not just a pretty face; this countertop oven packs a punch with its Element IQ system, which uses five independent quartz heating elements to direct heat exactly where it’s needed. Watching those elements adjust during cooking was almost hypnotic, and it really made a difference in how evenly my food cooked. The convection feature is a game-changer, reducing cooking times by up to 30% thanks to a built-in fan that circulates hot air efficiently. I could finally enjoy crispy, golden-toasted bread and perfectly roasted chicken without having to babysit the oven constantly.

• 10 versatile cooking functions including toast, bagel, bake, roast, broil, pizza, cookies, reheat, warm, and slow cook.
• Large enough interior to fit a 13-inch pizza or a 9-cup muffin tray.
• The slow cook feature lets me tenderize meats and develop flavors over hours, just like a full-size slow cooker.
• LCD display makes selecting functions and tracking cooking time straightforward.

Drawbacks Worth Noting

Despite its many strengths, the oven isn’t without flaws. Its size, while generous, means it occupies a significant amount of counter space, which might be a concern in smaller kitchens. The dropdown door design, although sturdy, can feel a bit awkward when trying to remove hot dishes, especially bulky ones. I also found the knob controls less intuitive at first; it takes a bit of fiddling to master the settings, especially the slow cook mode. Another minor gripe was the weight—at over 22 pounds, it’s not something you’ll be moving around frequently.

• Bulky footprint can be challenging in tight kitchen spaces.
• Dropdown door can make access tricky with larger dishes.
• Learning curve with knob controls and cooking modes.
• Heavier than typical toaster ovens.

Versatile Cooking Performance

Exploring the oven’s 10 distinct cooking functions was a real treat. The pizza setting delivered a crust that was crisp on the outside and just chewy enough inside, rivaling my local pizzeria. I baked cookies that came out evenly browned with a perfect chewy center, thanks to the Element IQ’s precise heat distribution. Toasting was consistent across all six slots, eliminating the annoying uneven toasts I battled with my old toaster. Even the slow cook function surprised me with how well it developed flavors over several hours; it’s like having a slow cooker and an oven in one appliance. The oven light comes on automatically at the end of cooking, which is a tiny but thoughtful feature, making it easy to check on progress without opening the door.

Value Assessment: Is It Worth the Investment?

This countertop oven sits at a premium price point compared to basic toaster ovens, but it delivers professional-level features that justify the expense. The 1800-watt power output ensures fast preheating and quick cooking times, which means less waiting and more eating. The inclusion of multiple accessories—a non-stick pizza pan, enamel broiling rack, and baking pan—adds extra value, so you’re not running out to buy a bunch of extras. For someone like me who enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, this oven offers bang for the buck through its flexibility and build quality. However, if you’re primarily looking for a simple toaster, this might be more oven than you need.

Alternative Offerings and Competitive Options

I compared this model to a few other popular countertop convection ovens, such as the Cuisinart TOB-260N1 and the Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven. The Breville stands out with its Element IQ technology, which none of the competitors offer, providing a more precise cooking environment. The slow cook feature is also unique and adds versatility that rivals don’t match. However, the Ninja oven offers a slightly larger capacity, and the Cuisinart’s controls felt more straightforward with digital buttons rather than knobs. In terms of design, the Breville’s stainless steel finish and LCD display feel more premium, but it’s also heavier and pricier. Safety-wise, the Breville’s automatic shut-off and sturdy door design provide peace of mind, though the door’s awkward angle might be inconvenient during busy cooking sessions.

Design and Build Quality Insights

The stainless steel construction not only looks sleek but feels durable and easy to clean. The oven’s size is substantial, making it less ideal for cramped spaces but perfect for those who need to cook for a family or entertain guests often. The oven light is a subtle but appreciated touch, turning on automatically at the end of cycles, and the removable crumb tray simplifies cleanup. The knob controls might seem old-school to some, but they offer tactile feedback that digital buttons lack—plus, the LCD display balances the analog feel with modern usability. I found the overall build quality sturdy, and the accessories included felt high-grade, especially the non-stick pizza pan that made cleanup effortless.

Practical Use and Family Feedback

My kids were immediately drawn to the pizza and cookie functions—they loved being able to customize their snacks and see the results come out perfectly every time. My partner appreciated the slow cook setting, especially for busy days when starting dinner early is a must. While I enjoyed baking and roasting, I also discovered that reheating leftovers in this oven was far superior to the microwave, preserving crispiness rather than turning food soggy. The learning curve for the various functions was quickly overcome with practice, and the oven became a centerpiece for versatile cooking in our household.

Positive Features That Make a Difference

• The Element IQ system ensures even heat distribution and precise cooking.
• Convection fan speeds up cooking by circulating hot air efficiently.
• Multiple cooking modes cater to a wide range of meals and preferences.
• Large interior accommodates family-sized dishes.
• Accessories included make it ready to use right away.

Pitfalls to Keep in Mind

• The unit’s size and weight limit portability.
• Dropdown door design may make handling large dishes cumbersome.
• Knob controls require familiarization for optimal use.
• Premium price point might not suit casual users.

This oven certainly has its quirks but offers a level of performance and versatility that genuinely impressed me during my testing. Whether you’re baking, roasting, or slow cooking, it manages to deliver results that feel professional without the wait. If counter space and budget aren’t deal-breakers, this smart oven could be a valuable addition to any kitchen.

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