Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven Review Best Convection Toaster Oven for Fast Cooking

Description

Strong Points of the Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven

After spending time with the Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven Countertop Convection, I can confidently say its ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM stands out as a game-changer. This technology uses five independent quartz elements to direct power exactly where it’s needed, ensuring food cooks evenly and efficiently. The 1800-watt power means it heats up fast, cutting down wait times and letting me get meals on the table quicker.

Another feature I really appreciate is the large interior capacity. It fits a 13-inch pizza or six slices of bread comfortably, which easily handles family meals or gatherings. The 9 cooking functions—toast, bagel, bake, roast, broil, pizza, cookies, reheat, and warm—make this oven incredibly versatile. Whether I’m baking cookies or reheating leftovers, the settings are intuitive, and the oven adapts well.

The convection setting impressed me by reducing cooking times by up to 30%. That built-in fan circulates hot air effectively, speeding up the process without drying out food. Also, the non-stick cavity coating proved to be a huge time-saver. After a messy pizza night, cleanup was a breeze—no scrubbing stubborn bits of cheese or sauce.

I also have to mention the LCD display. It’s simple and clear, showing cooking status and letting me choose functions without fumbling around. This smart oven feels like it really understands the needs of home cooks who want precision without complexity.

• ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM offers precise heating control
• Large interior fits family-sized meals
• Nine versatile cooking functions for diverse dishes
• Fast preheat and convection cooking cut down meal prep time

Areas for Improvement

The Breville countertop oven isn’t without quirks. Its size and weight (almost 19 pounds and fairly bulky) make it less portable than some might hope. In my kitchen, counter space is precious, and this one definitely demands a prime spot. If you have a smaller kitchen, this could be a challenge.

The price point feels a bit steep compared to simpler toaster ovens, which might put off budget-conscious buyers. While the features justify the cost, not everyone needs the full suite of functions. It’s a bit of an investment, especially if you only want basic toasting or baking.

Another downside is the button control interface. Although functional, it lacks the tactile satisfaction of a dial or knob. I found myself accidentally hitting the wrong button a few times, which threw off cooking times. The buttons are small and close together, so precision is key.

Lastly, the oven’s door drops down, and while that’s standard, it can be awkward if your counter is crowded or if you’re trying to quickly grab a hot tray. I would have preferred a side-hinged door for easier access.

• Bulky and heavy for small kitchens
• Higher price compared to basic toaster ovens
• Button controls can be fiddly and less intuitive
• Dropdown door might feel inconvenient in tight spaces

Versatility and Cooking Performance

The Smart Oven’s 9 cooking functions genuinely expand what you can do on the countertop. Toasting bread or bagels is spot on, with adjustable settings that crisp the exterior without burning. Baking pizzas on the included 13-inch non-stick pizza pan gave a crispy crust and evenly melted cheese every time.

Roasting vegetables or chicken was another highlight; the oven’s convection fan consistently circulated heat, which means I didn’t have to rotate pans mid-cooking. Broiling performance was solid too, with the enamel broil rack included making it easy to elevate food for optimal heat exposure.

Reheating leftovers retained moisture better than my microwave, which is a blessing for things like pizza or fried foods. The warm setting kept dishes at the perfect temperature without overcooking or drying out.

The included accessories—a 12×12-inch enamel baking pan and broil rack—are sturdy and well-made, adding convenience right out of the box. These accessories complement the oven’s versatility, eliminating the need for additional purchases.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Using the oven feels straightforward thanks to the LCD display that guides you through cooking functions, preheat status, and countdown timers. The oven also automatically switches to countdown mode after preheating, which helps prevent overcooking.

Cleaning is surprisingly hassle-free. The non-stick cavity coating means spills wipe away with a damp cloth, and the enamel pans and broil rack are dishwasher safe. I noticed grease didn’t accumulate on interior surfaces as quickly as it does in my old toaster oven.

However, the oven’s weight means moving it for cleaning underneath or behind isn’t something I want to do often. It’s more of a “set it and stay” appliance than something you shove around regularly.

Product Comparisons and Competitors

Looking at market rivals like the Cuisinart TOB-260N1 or the Hamilton Beach Countertop Oven, this model excels in power and precision. The ELEMENT iQ system offers a tailored cooking environment that rivals can’t match, making it ideal for someone who values exact temperature control and speed.

The Cuisinart model is lighter and more compact but lacks the same level of convection efficiency and smart heating elements. Hamilton Beach tends to be more budget-friendly but doesn’t have the same range of cooking functions or the large interior size.

In terms of safety features, the Breville’s solid construction with stainless steel and a sturdy door feels more durable. It also has a non-stick interior that competitors often overlook, making cleaning far easier. However, competitors might edge out in portability and price, so it depends on what you prioritize more.

Value Proposition

Considering the price to quality ratio, this countertop oven offers excellent value for those who want a versatile, high-performing appliance. The ability to reduce cooking time by 30% with convection and the smart heat distribution means less time waiting and more time enjoying meals.

If you’re after a multifunctional oven that can replace your toaster, pizza oven, and small convection oven, this is a solid pick. It’s not the cheapest option, but the features and build quality justify the investment for anyone serious about home cooking.

User Experience and Personal Anecdotes

My partner and I often experiment with recipes, and this oven has been a reliable ally. Our kids love the cookies we bake here—no more unevenly baked batches. At a recent family dinner, the large interior meant I could roast chicken and veggies simultaneously without crowding. A coworker who tried it remarked on how quickly it cooked her pizza compared to her old oven.

Even my skeptical mother was impressed by the easy cleanup and how evenly it toasted her bagels. The smart features feel like they were designed with real home cooks in mind, not just tech enthusiasts.

Limitations of the Design

The oven’s footprint and weight are not ideal for everyone, especially in smaller kitchens. Also, the control buttons, while functional, could benefit from being more spaced out or replaced with dials for better tactile feedback. Some users might find the dropdown door inconvenient, especially if counter space is limited or if you have mobility challenges.

In addition, the oven lacks some modern smart home integrations that newer models offer, such as app connectivity or voice controls. For tech-savvy users, this might feel like a missed opportunity.

Despite these caveats, the oven’s core functionality and build quality make it a worthwhile contender in its segment.

Additional information