Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro Review: The Ultimate Kitchen Multitasker?
Tired of cluttered countertops and single-use appliances? Yearning for a device that can toast, bake, air fry, and more? Today, we’re diving deep into the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, a countertop oven promising to be the ultimate kitchen companion.
Detailed Review
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro isn’t just another countertop oven; it’s a culinary Swiss Army knife. Boasting 13 cooking functions, from toasting bread to dehydrating fruit, this appliance aims to replace several single-purpose devices. The star of the show is Breville’s Element iQ System, which uses 5 independent quartz elements and smart algorithms to precisely control the oven’s power. This ensures even cooking and eliminates cold spots, a common issue with many countertop ovens.
Air frying is another key feature, and the “Super Convection” technology, utilizing a two-speed fan, delivers crispy, golden results. We tested it with frozen French fries, and the outcome was noticeably better than baking them in a conventional oven – crispier and more evenly cooked. The dehydrate function also performed admirably, turning sliced apples into chewy, delicious snacks. The extra-large 1 cubic foot capacity is a major plus, accommodating a 14-pound turkey or a 9×13 inch pan.
The user interface is intuitive, thanks to the LCD display that clearly indicates the chosen function, preheating progress, and remaining cooking time. The built-in oven light is a welcome addition, allowing you to monitor your food without opening the door and losing heat. Furthermore, Breville offers replaceable componentry, increasing the oven’s lifespan compared to other countertop models. The included accessories – pizza pan, oven racks, broil rack, enamel roasting pan, and mesh basket – provide everything you need to start cooking right out of the box.
However, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro isn’t without its drawbacks. Its size is considerable, requiring a significant amount of counter space. The price point is also relatively high, making it a significant investment. Finally, while the air frying function is excellent, it doesn’t entirely replicate the results of a dedicated air fryer in terms of speed, although it holds a larger capacity.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Versatile with 13 cooking functions | Large footprint, requires significant counter space |
| Excellent air frying and dehydrating capabilities | Relatively high price point |
| Precise temperature control with Element iQ System | Air frying is not as fast as dedicated air fryers |
| Large capacity fits 9×13 inch pans | |
| Intuitive LCD display and interior oven light |
Excellent Alternatives
- Ninja DT201 Foodi 10-in-1 XL Pro Air Fry Digital Countertop Convection Oven – A strong contender offering a similar range of functions and impressive air frying performance.
- COSORI CO130-AO Air Fryer Toaster Oven – A more budget-friendly option that still delivers excellent air frying results and a variety of cooking functions.
- Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Airfryer – A compact and versatile choice, ideal for smaller kitchens and lighter cooking needs.
Final Verdict
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a premium countertop oven that lives up to its promises. Its versatility, precise temperature control, and excellent air frying capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for those looking to streamline their kitchen appliances. While the price and size may be deterrents for some, the performance and features justify the cost for serious home cooks. We highly recommend it.
Our Rating
★★★★☆ 4.5/5
