If you’re searching for an all-in-one kitchen appliance that can roast, air fry, bake, and even dehydrate, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is worth considering. This countertop appliance combines a powerful convection oven and air fryer, adding flexibility to your cooking routine. With the advanced Element iQ System, this Breville model promises an even, precise cooking experience for a wide range of dishes.
Below, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Best Air Fryer Toaster Oven, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, including its features, specifications, pros and cons, and other essential details to help you decide if it’s the right addition to your kitchen.
Key Features
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Element iQ System
This intelligent heating system utilizes six independent quartz elements to evenly distribute heat. Smart algorithms optimize power where it’s most needed, eliminating cold spots and providing consistent cooking.
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Versatile 13 Cooking Functions
From toasting and broiling to dehydrating and air frying, this countertop oven offers 13 distinct functions, enabling you to make everything from pizza to cookies.
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Super Convection Technology
With a two-speed convection fan, this oven ensures fast, even heat distribution. This feature is ideal for air frying and dehydrating, delivering crispy results without excess oil.
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Generous Capacity
The oven’s interior can accommodate a 13-inch pizza, a 9 x 13-inch roasting pan, or a 14-pound turkey, making it suitable for family-sized meals.
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User-Friendly LCD Display
The intuitive LCD screen gives you easy access to all cooking functions, notifies you when preheating is done, and counts down remaining cooking time.
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Comprehensive Accessories
Included with the oven are two racks, a 13-inch pizza pan, a broil rack, an enamel roasting pan, and a mesh basket rack for air frying and dehydrating, so you can start cooking right away.
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Breville |
| Color | Brushed Stainless Steel |
| Product Dimensions | 17.5″D x 21.5″W x 12.7″H |
| Special Feature | Adjustable Rack |
| Control Type | Knob Control |
| Capacity | 1 Cubic Feet |
| Wattage | 1800 Watts |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Item Weight | 30.2 Pounds |
| Temperature Range | 80-480 Degrees Fahrenheit |
| Included Accessories | Pizza Pan, 2 Oven Racks, Broil Rack, Roasting Pan, Mesh Basket |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Cable Length | 3.4 Feet |
| Warranty | 2 Years Limited |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Versatile with 13 cooking functions.
- Efficient and even cooking with Element iQ System.
- Spacious enough for family meals.
- Powerful 1800W for rapid preheating and cooking.
- User-friendly, intuitive LCD control panel.
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than some countertop models.
- Higher price point than basic toaster ovens.
- Requires regular cleaning for optimal performance.
In-Depth Review
Design and Build Quality
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro has a sturdy, brushed stainless-steel construction that gives it a premium look and feel. Its slightly industrial style will blend well in most kitchens, though its larger dimensions mean it may take up more counter space than a standard toaster oven. The dropdown door and adjustable rack positions are well-designed, allowing easy loading and unloading of food. Weighing over 30 pounds, this appliance is quite solid and stable but may not be as portable as smaller models.
The intuitive LCD screen is brightly lit and easy to read, which aids in navigation across its 13 preset cooking functions. The control knobs allow for quick adjustments, and the oven’s overall interface feels well-organized and user-friendly.
Performance and Functionality
With 1800 watts of power and Breville’s advanced Element iQ System, this oven offers impressive cooking performance. The six quartz heating elements ensure that heat is directed precisely where needed, minimizing energy waste and eliminating cold spots. The Element iQ System works alongside the digital PID temperature control to maintain accuracy, ensuring that recipes are evenly cooked from edge to center.
The two-speed convection fan (super and regular) is another significant advantage. For air frying, super convection maximizes airflow, resulting in crispy, golden-brown foods that rival traditional deep-fried dishes without excess oil. The convection setting also speeds up roasting and baking, making it a time-saving option for weeknight meals or quick meal prep sessions.
Cooking Functions
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro’s 13 cooking functions cover a wide variety of meal types. Each mode is specifically optimized, from “Toast” and “Bagel” settings to more advanced options like “Air Fry,” “Dehydrate,” and “Slow Cook.”
Here’s a closer look at a few stand-out functions:
- Air Fry: With the super convection mode, this function delivers crispy, golden results for French fries, chicken wings, and other air-fried favorites.
- Dehydrate: Dehydrate up to four trays at once, perfect for making homemade fruit leathers, dried herbs, or jerky.
- Slow Cook: Ideal for low-and-slow recipes, the slow cook option offers cooking durations from 4 to 10 hours.
- Pizza and Cookie Settings: The pizza setting is calibrated to give you a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese, while the cookie setting ensures even browning and soft centers.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Maintaining the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro can be a bit labor-intensive. The stainless steel exterior can attract fingerprints, and the interior racks and trays need regular cleaning to prevent residue buildup. Fortunately, many of the accessories, like the racks and trays, are dishwasher-safe. The interior has a non-stick coating that makes it easier to wipe down, though grease splatters may require a bit of scrubbing.
Energy Efficiency
While this is a high-powered device, the Element iQ System makes it energy-efficient by ensuring heat is directed exactly where it’s needed. With fast preheat and precise temperature control, cooking times are reduced, which also minimizes energy use compared to traditional ovens.
Conclusion
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro scores exceptionally well for versatility, performance, and build quality. While it may be larger and pricier than basic toaster ovens, the advanced features and high-quality construction make it a worthwhile investment for serious home cooks.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an appliance that can air fry, dehydrate, bake, broil, and roast with precision, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a fantastic choice. Its large capacity, intelligent heating system, and variety of cooking functions offer a robust alternative to traditional ovens and stand-alone air fryers. The few minor drawbacks, such as size and price, are outweighed by its capabilities, making it an ideal choice for anyone who values cooking flexibility and quality.
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Highly Recommended – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you’re ready to elevate your kitchen experience with a versatile, high-performance countertop appliance, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro could be the perfect fit.
Its advanced Element iQ System, wide array of cooking functions, and large capacity make it an invaluable tool for busy kitchens or home cooks seeking more options without the need for multiple appliances. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to bring precision, efficiency, and quality cooking to your countertop.
Comparison with Similar Products
| Feature | Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro | Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven | Instant Omni Plus Air Fryer Toaster Oven |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Breville | Ninja | Instant Pot |
| Power | 1800 watts | 1800 watts | 1800 watts |
| Capacity | 1 cubic foot (up to 13-inch pizza or 14-lb turkey) | Fits a 13-inch pizza or 6 chicken breasts | Fits a 12-inch pizza or a 4-lb chicken |
| Cooking Functions | 13 (Toast, Bagel, Broil, Bake, Roast, Warm, Pizza, Proof, Air Fry, Reheat, Cookies, Slow Cook, Dehydrate) | 8 (Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Bagel, Toast, Dehydrate, Keep Warm) | 10 (Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Roast, Toast, Warm, Convection, Dehydrate, Slow Cook, Reheat) |
| Heating Technology | Element iQ System with 6 quartz elements | 4 heating elements with precision-controlled airflow | Instant heating technology with EvenCrisp™ airflow |
| Convection Fan | Two-speed convection (regular and super) | Single speed convection fan | Single speed convection fan |
| Temperature Range | 80-480°F | 150-450°F | 170-450°F |
| Display Type | LCD Display | Digital Display | Touchscreen Display |
| Special Features | Super Convection, Slow Cook, Interior Oven Light | Flip-up design for compact storage | EvenCrisp™ technology, App integration for recipes |
| Included Accessories | Pizza pan, 2 racks, broil rack, roasting pan, mesh basket | Sheet pan, air fry basket, wire rack | Air fry basket, oven rack, baking pan |
| Dimensions | 17.5″D x 21.5″W x 12.7″H | 19.7″D x 7.5″W x 15″H | 16.9″D x 15.7″W x 14″H |
| Weight | 30.2 pounds | 18.6 pounds | 23 pounds |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year | 1 year |
| Customer Ratings | 4.6/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Approximate Price | $399 | $250 | $280 |
Detailed Comparison
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro vs. Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro has an edge in terms of cooking functions, with 13 options compared to Ninja’s 8. While the Ninja Foodi is more compact and has a unique flip-up design that saves counter space, the Breville is built for versatility and performance.
Breville’s Element iQ System with super convection offers precise heating and faster cooking times, ideal for anyone who regularly needs air frying and high-capacity roasting. The Ninja model is more affordable and compact, making it a good option for smaller kitchens or lighter cooking needs, but it lacks Breville’s broader temperature range and slow cook function.
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro vs. Instant Omni Plus Air Fryer Toaster Oven
The Instant Omni Plus offers ten cooking functions, falling just short of Breville’s thirteen but still covering all essential bases, including air fry, bake, and roast. The Instant Omni Plus utilizes EvenCrisp™ technology for air frying, providing consistent crispness similar to Breville’s super convection.
However, Breville’s larger capacity, higher temperature range, and advanced LCD make it more adaptable, especially for slow cooking and precise roasting. While Instant’s oven is slightly less expensive and offers app connectivity for guided recipes, Breville’s robust design and Element iQ technology add extra value for those prioritizing versatility and cooking control.
FAQs
Can you use the Breville Smart Oven Pro as an air fryer?
Yes, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro includes a dedicated air fry setting, making it an excellent alternative to a traditional air fryer. This feature, powered by the super convection technology, allows the oven to achieve the high-speed air circulation needed to produce crispy, golden results on foods like fries, chicken wings, and vegetables. The oven’s large capacity also allows you to air fry larger quantities at once, which is convenient for families or meal prepping.
With the smart Element iQ System, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro ensures precise heat control, giving you the perfect balance between crispness and tenderness in your air-fried dishes. This versatile functionality is a significant advantage over standalone air fryers, as it combines multiple cooking methods in one device, saving both time and counter space.
Is the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer a microwave as well?
No, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is not a microwave. It functions as a powerful convection oven with additional capabilities for air frying, dehydrating, broiling, and more, but it doesn’t use microwave technology to heat or cook food. Instead,
it relies on quartz heating elements and a convection fan to circulate hot air efficiently, which can often mimic the speed of microwave heating but without the same quick energy transfer that microwaves provide.
While the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro may be able to reheat foods similarly to a microwave, it’s better suited for tasks like crisping, browning, and thorough cooking. Unlike microwaves, it does not compromise on texture, making it a great choice for those who want a more traditional, oven-like cooking experience with advanced features.
Can you use aluminum foil in Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro?
Yes, you can use aluminum foil in the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, but there are a few precautions to keep in mind. When using foil, it’s essential to ensure that it doesn’t cover any of the oven’s heating elements or block airflow, as this could impact performance or pose a safety risk. It’s generally safe to use foil on trays or under food, which can help with even cooking and reduce cleanup, especially when roasting or air frying.
Avoid placing foil directly on the oven floor or tightly wrapping it around the racks, as this can interfere with proper heat circulation and potentially damage the interior. If you’re using foil to line a tray, make sure it’s securely tucked and doesn’t hang over the edges. This will prevent any obstruction of the super convection feature and maintain optimal cooking results.
What is the difference between Breville Smart Oven and Pro?
The main difference between the Breville Smart Oven and the Breville Smart Oven Pro lies in the added features and cooking options that the Pro model offers. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro includes super convection technology, which provides a faster, more powerful airflow for air frying and dehydrating functions, something the standard Smart Oven does not have. This makes the Pro version significantly more versatile, especially for users who want a countertop oven capable of multiple cooking techniques.
Additionally, the Pro model has a larger interior capacity, allowing it to accommodate bigger items, such as a 13-inch pizza or a whole chicken. It also comes with a built-in oven light and enhanced temperature control with the Element iQ System, giving more precise heat management. These upgrades make the Pro model ideal for those who want a comprehensive, multi-functional appliance for various cooking needs.
Do you use oil in a Breville air fryer?
While you don’t need a lot of oil to cook in the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, a small amount can be used to enhance the flavor and crispiness of certain foods. For most air-fried dishes, a light coating of oil spray or a teaspoon of oil spread over items like fries or vegetables can make a noticeable difference in texture, giving them a crisp, golden finish. This amount is minimal compared to deep-frying, allowing you to enjoy healthier, lower-fat versions of your favorite fried foods.
Using too much oil, however, is unnecessary and may even hinder the cooking process, as the super convection fan is designed to circulate air efficiently without needing much added fat. Foods naturally containing higher fat, such as chicken wings, usually won’t require any oil. For the best results, avoid excessive oil application, as the Breville air fryer’s design is optimized for minimal use, producing great taste and texture without the extra calories.
