Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro review comprehensive guide for kitchen enthusiasts

Description

Strong Points of the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

Using the Breville BOV900BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and Convection Oven has been quite an experience, mixing both convenience and versatility in my kitchen routine. This countertop oven boasts an Element iQ System, which uses five independent quartz elements to intelligently distribute heat, ensuring that dishes cook evenly without any cold spots. I found this especially helpful when roasting meats or baking cookies, as the temperature control felt precise and consistent. The super convection technology, with its two-speed convection fan, really speeds up cooking times—up to 30% faster compared to traditional ovens. This feature is a game-changer when I’m juggling multiple dishes and need dinner on the table quickly.

On the functionality front, this oven doesn’t disappoint. It offers 13 different cooking functions, including toast, bagel, broil, bake, roast, warm, pizza, proof, air fry, reheat, cookies, slow cook, and dehydrate. This diversity means I rarely need to switch between appliances, saving counter space and reducing cleanup. The air fry and dehydrate settings are particularly impressive; the air frying crisps up French fries or chicken wings perfectly without the greasy aftermath, while the dehydrating option can handle up to four trays at once. My kids have even started requesting homemade dehydrated snacks like apple chips, which is a big win for healthy eating at home.

Here are some key advantages I noticed:

• Super convection reduces cooking time dramatically.
• Versatile 13 cooking functions cover almost every kitchen need.
• Large capacity fits a 14-pound turkey or 9 slices of bread comfortably.

Drawbacks That Could Use Attention

Despite the many perks, a few limitations caught my attention during use. The knob control system is intuitive but can feel a bit fiddly when trying to set precise cooking times or temperatures quickly. I sometimes found myself accidentally turning the dial past my desired setting and having to start over. The interior oven light is a thoughtful touch, but its brightness isn’t adjustable, so it can be a bit glaring when checking delicate baked goods. Another issue is the oven’s size and weight—at over 30 pounds and with dimensions around 17.5” by 21.5” by 12.7”, it’s quite bulky for smaller kitchens, making it less of a grab-and-go appliance.

Additionally, while the oven includes a mesh basket rack for air frying and dehydrating, along with a pizza pan, broil rack, and enamel roasting pan, the accessories take up significant storage space. I had to reorganize my kitchen drawers to accommodate them, which could be a hassle for some users. Lastly, the price point, although justified by the features, might feel steep for those primarily seeking a basic toaster oven or air fryer.

The downsides I observed include:

• Knob controls can be tricky for precise adjustments.
• Bulky size and weight limit portability and kitchen space.
• Included accessories require considerable storage.

Versatile Design and User Experience

The brushed stainless steel finish gives this oven a sleek, modern look that fits well with most kitchen decors. The dropdown door is sturdy and opens smoothly, which makes loading and unloading bulky dishes easier. The adjustable rack system inside is a smart feature, allowing me to cook different food sizes—from a 14-pound turkey to a 12-cup muffin tray—with confidence. The oven’s LCD display is clear and provides useful information such as pre-heat status and countdown timer, which I appreciated during busy cooking sessions.

However, the 3.4-foot power cable felt a bit short in some kitchen setups, forcing me to keep the oven close to an outlet, which might not be convenient for everyone. Still, the overall build feels solid and reliable, and the oven includes replaceable components, meaning it’s built to last rather than be disposable.

Cooking Performance and Features in Action

Testing out the air fryer function was a highlight. Compared to standalone air fryers I’ve used, this model’s super convection fan provides a more consistent airflow, yielding crispier fries and evenly cooked chicken wings without drying them out. The dehydrate setting impressed me with its ability to handle multiple trays simultaneously without uneven drying. This is a rare feature in countertop ovens and adds a health-conscious angle for snack lovers.

Using the slow cook option felt like having a mini slow cooker on my counter, saving me space and electricity compared to my usual appliances. The proofing function for bread dough was surprisingly effective, maintaining the perfect warmth for rising. Also, the oven’s temperature range of 80–480°F covers most culinary needs, from gentle warming to high-heat roasting.

Product Competitors: How It Stacks Up

Comparing this appliance to other popular countertop ovens and air fryers, it stands out for its combination of features and cooking precision. Brands like Ninja and Cuisinart offer competitive air fryers and toaster ovens, but often these separate units lack the multi-functionality packed into this single device. For example, Ninja’s air fryer excels in crisping but lacks the advanced dehydration and slow cook options found here.

In contrast, some competitors offer easier-to-use digital touch controls, which might appeal to those who find the knob system less intuitive. However, the Element iQ System with its smart heating elements gives this oven a leg up in delivering evenly cooked meals without hot spots—a problem I’ve encountered with other brands.

Breville’s model also boasts a larger interior capacity than many rivals, allowing for more flexibility in meal preparation. The price to quality ratio might be higher, but it rewards users with multifunctional capabilities that could replace several appliances.

Value for Money and Investment Worthiness

This countertop oven’s feature set justifies its position in the higher price segment, especially for those who want an all-in-one device. The 1800-watt power rating ensures quick preheating and robust cooking performance, contributing to overall efficiency. The two-year limited warranty adds peace of mind, suggesting the manufacturer’s confidence in product durability.

Considering alternatives, this oven offers smart cooking technology, vast temperature control, and multiple cooking presets that many simpler models lack. For people who enjoy experimenting with recipes or need an appliance that can handle everything from air frying to baking and slow cooking, this unit represents a solid investment. However, casual users who only want a basic toaster or air fryer might find it overkill.

Good Aspects That Made Cooking Enjoyable

The included accessories—pizza pan, roasting pan, broil rack, and mesh basket—add tremendous value by making the oven ready to tackle a variety of meals straight out of the box. The interior oven light turning on automatically at the end of cooking lets me check results without opening the door and losing heat. Family members have enjoyed the crispy air-fried snacks and evenly roasted dishes, making this appliance a favorite in our household.

Another highlight is the easy cleaning process; the enamel roasting pan and racks are straightforward to wash, and the oven’s interior doesn’t accumulate grime as quickly thanks to its design. Plus, the adjustable rack feature means I’m not limited by rigid shelving, which is a convenience not all ovens provide.

Areas of Concern to Keep in Mind

Handling the oven’s size was sometimes a challenge in my kitchen, as counter space is limited. The weight made it less convenient to move around for cleaning or storage, so it’s more of a permanent fixture than a portable option. The knob control setup can be a bit frustrating when trying to set very specific cooking times or temperatures quickly, especially if you’re multitasking.

The price point might be a sticking point for budget-conscious buyers, particularly when simpler models can perform some of the functions adequately. Moreover, the oven’s lack of customizable interior light brightness and the short power cord are minor inconveniences that could detract from user comfort.

These pitfalls are worth considering before making a purchase:

• Heavy and bulky design requires dedicated space.
• Knob controls lack quick precision adjustments.
• Power cord length limits placement flexibility.

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