Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Review Unveils Top Features and Cooking Performance

Description

Strengths of the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer

I’ve found the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer and Convection Oven to be a real powerhouse in the kitchen, mostly because of its 11 smart cooking functions. This oven doesn’t just toast bread; it air fries, broils, roasts, bakes, warms, reheats, and even slow cooks. The versatility is impressive, turning it into a multifunctional appliance that replaces several gadgets cluttering my countertop. The Element iQ system is a serious game-changer—it uses five independent quartz elements that intelligently direct heat exactly where it’s needed. This means no more uneven cooking or cold spots, which often ruins meals in cheaper ovens.

The super convection technology speeds up the cooking process by directing hot air efficiently, cooking food up to 30% faster than typical ovens. I was genuinely surprised by how much quicker dinner was ready without sacrificing quality. The dedicated air fry setting makes crispy, golden fries and wings that taste much better than traditional deep-fried versions, and it feels healthier too. Plus, the oven’s large capacity means I can fit a 13-inch pizza or a whole roast chicken without any awkward juggling, which is a big plus for my family dinners.

Drawbacks to Keep in Mind

Despite the many perks, this countertop oven does have some downsides. One of the biggest hurdles is its size and weight—at over 22 pounds and nearly 19 inches wide, it takes up a substantial footprint. If your kitchen counter space is limited, this could be a deal-breaker. Also, while the touch controls and LCD display are sleek, the learning curve can be a bit steep. I had to glance at the manual more than once to figure out the nuances between similar functions like bake, roast, and slow cook. A more intuitive interface would have saved me some frustration.

Another shortcoming is the noise level during operation. The super convection fan can be quite loud, which might bother anyone who prefers a quieter kitchen environment. Additionally, while the included accessories like the air fry basket and roasting pan are convenient, the enamel coating on the roasting pan scratched easily during cleaning, which detracts from the overall durability.

Design and Usability Features

This appliance sports a brushed stainless steel finish that fits well with modern kitchens. Its stainless steel interior is not only attractive but also easy to clean, especially since many components are dishwasher safe. The interior oven light is a thoughtful touch, turning on automatically at the end of cooking so you can check progress without opening the door and losing heat. The LCD display clearly shows the selected cooking mode, temperature, and remaining time, which helps keep track of the process without guessing.

I appreciate the programmable settings that allow for some customization, but sometimes the presets feel a bit generic. For example, the air fry function is excellent, but I wish there were more adjustable temperature increments or fan speed options. Still, the built-in smart algorithms seem to adapt well for a variety of foods, consistently delivering crispy, well-cooked results.

Performance and Cooking Results

Testing this oven with various recipes—from cookies to slow-cooked stews—has shown impressive consistency. The Element iQ system really shines by maintaining stable temperatures, preventing the all-too-common cold spots that plague lesser ovens. My homemade pizza had a perfectly crispy crust with melted cheese and toppings cooked evenly, thanks to the super convection technology.

The air fryer function truly lives up to its promise, producing guilt-free crispy chicken wings without the greasy mess. I also noticed a significant reduction in cooking times compared to my old toaster oven. Baking muffins or warming leftovers is simple and fast; the oven automatically counts down the time once preheated, which is a handy feature that saves mental math after a long day.

Value Assessment

Considering its advanced features and versatility, this appliance offers solid value for money. It combines the roles of a toaster oven, pizza oven, air fryer, and slow cooker, which means fewer appliances to buy and store. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, the build quality and technology justify the investment if you want an all-in-one device that performs well.

For anyone who loves experimenting in the kitchen or needs a reliable second oven for busy meal prep, this product delivers a lot without feeling like a compromise. The large capacity means you’re not stuck cooking tiny portions, and the programmable functions allow for flexibility across different recipes. If budget is tight, there are simpler models out there, but they won’t offer the same level of precision and speed.

Alternative Offerings in the Market

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer faces stiff competition from brands like Ninja Foodi and Cuisinart, which offer similar multifunctional countertop ovens. Ninja’s air fryers often boast quieter operation and slightly smaller footprints, making them more kitchen-friendly for tight spaces. However, I found that their cooking algorithms sometimes require more manual tweaking to avoid uneven results. Cuisinart models are generally more affordable but lack the advanced Element iQ system, meaning the cooking precision isn’t quite as reliable.

Breville stands out with its combination of smart technology and super convection, which competitors don’t fully match. The inclusion of a slow cook function is also rare in other air fryer ovens, giving this one an edge for those who want a versatile kitchen tool. However, if portability and noise are deal-breakers, some other products might be better suited for your lifestyle.

Cooking Functions and Accessories: All You Need?

Exploring all the cooking functions was an eye-opener. The oven comes with 11 distinct settings, including toast, bagel, broil, bake, roast, warm, pizza, air fry, reheat, cookies, and slow cook, covering a broad spectrum of kitchen needs. I especially enjoyed the bagel mode, which toasts the cut side while gently warming the outer crust—a small detail but a nice touch.

The accessories included, such as the air fry basket, enamel roasting pan, 13-inch non-stick pizza pan, wire rack, and broiling rack, are thoughtfully chosen and cover most cooking scenarios. Each accessory fits neatly inside the spacious interior, making it easy to switch between different cooking methods. Cleaning up was generally hassle-free, though I noticed some wear on the enamel pan over time.

User Experience and Everyday Use

My family jumped on board quickly—the kids loved the crispy air-fried snacks, while my partner appreciated how quickly I could roast a whole chicken without heating the entire kitchen. The oven’s digital PID temperature control and smart sensors work behind the scenes to ensure precise cooking, which means fewer burnt meals and more compliments around the table.

The touch control panel looks modern but can sometimes be finicky with greasy or wet fingers, which is a small annoyance during active cooking sessions. Still, the overall experience feels like using a high-end countertop oven without the intimidation factor of professional equipment. It’s refreshing to have a device that balances smart technology with practical usability.

Key Benefits:

• Element iQ system for precise heat distribution
• 11 versatile cooking functions, including air fry and slow cook
• Super convection technology reduces cooking time by up to 30%
• Large enough to fit a 13-inch pizza or whole roast chicken
• Dishwasher-safe parts and easy-to-clean stainless steel interior

Limitations:

• Relatively large and heavy, requiring significant countertop space
• Loud fan noise during convection and air frying modes
• Touch controls have a learning curve and can be sensitive
• Enamel roasting pan prone to scratching over time

Additional information