The Breville Joule Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro utilizes Element IQ technology and six quartz elements to deliver precise, even heating across its 13 preset functions. WIRED found that the companion app’s Autopilot mode automates complex recipes like whole-roasted chicken by cycling through temperatures exceeding 450 degrees Fahrenheit and low warming settings without manual intervention. Bon Appétit noted that this system adjusts heat sources automatically, resulting in reliable performance that often surpasses full-size residential ranges despite occasional software recipe errors. However, the appliance lacks an integrated food probe thermometer, requiring users to rely on external devices for meat doneness checks. Its premium pricing reflects high-end build quality and smart features, making it a strong fit for tech-savvy cooks with limited counter space who value automation over basic functionality.
Full review
Autopilot cycles through 13 settings for whole chicken
The Breville+ app distinguishes this countertop oven from standard convection models by offering an Autopilot mode that dynamically adjusts temperature and cooking functions throughout a recipe. WIRED found that when preparing a whole-roasted chicken, the software orchestrates a complex sequence lasting nearly four hours without manual intervention. The system cycles between high outer top broil temperatures exceeding 450 degrees Fahrenheit and a low 115 degree warming setting to maintain food safety and texture.
Bon Appétit noted that this automated cycling involves thirteen distinct bake, broil, and convection settings for the Set-It-and-Forget-It Rotisserie-Style Chicken recipe. The technology relies on Element IQ sensors to automatically adjust the amount and source of heat as needed during cooking. This integration allows users to bypass manual temperature adjustments entirely, transforming a traditionally labor-intensive roast into an automated process.
The Spruce Eats highlighted that this hands-off approach is particularly valuable when other kitchen tasks demand attention. While the app handles the thermal management, users can still manually override settings using the control panel's three knobs and thirteen built-in presets if they prefer direct control over air frying, roasting, or dehydrating without engaging the digital interface.
Element IQ sensors deliver precise convection heating
The appliance utilizes Element IQ technology to distribute heat across six quartz elements with high precision. Bon Appétit emphasized that this proprietary system uses built-in sensors to automatically adjust the amount and source of heat, resulting in reliable temperature accuracy that often surpasses full-size residential ranges. The compact interior allows for rapid preheating compared to traditional ovens, reducing wait times significantly.
The Spruce Eats reported that cooking was surprisingly even thanks to this convection system, noting consistent results even when users missed the prompt to turn pans around midway through cooking. French fries spread out in the air fryer basket achieved an evenly golden finish without burning or undercooking, demonstrating the effectiveness of the targeted airflow and heating distribution.
WIRED observed that the technology excels at technique-driven recipes, such as searing a New York strip in a skillet before finishing it inside the oven. The system blasted the meat with hot air then automatically adjusted heat downward to let the steak coast to an evenly rosy interior with a dark, crisp exterior. This level of thermal control validates the premium positioning of the appliance for serious home cooks.
Steak and flan recipes expose app limitations
While the hardware performs well, WIRED identified specific flaws within the companion application's recipe database. During a test of a Fantastic Flan recipe, the software instructed users to combine 330 grams of white sugar divided between caramel and custard steps but failed to provide specific quantities for either stage. This omission left users flummoxed when reaching the custard preparation phase requiring whisking sugar with eggs.
The Spruce Eats found that despite these digital hiccups, the physical cooking results remained impressive across various food categories including fried shrimp, fresh vegetables, apple cake, and deep-dish pizza. The reviewer noted there was not a single failure during their testing period, suggesting the hardware compensates for occasional software confusion.
WIRED also praised the steak recipe developed by ChefSteps as vintage connected cooking that adds complication but delivers worthy payoff through helpful videos. However, they cautioned that app-guided cooking is not essential to enjoy the appliance's capabilities, noting that saving money on a lower-tier model makes sense if users do not plan to utilize the smart features extensively.
Interior capacity accommodates 13-inch pizza pans
The oven provides generous interior space relative to its countertop footprint, capable of holding a 5.5-quart Dutch oven or an 11-inch Staub enameled cast-iron skillet with long handles. Bon Appétit confirmed that the roomy design allows for cooking on two racks simultaneously thanks to eight available rack positions and the convection fan, making it suitable for preparing multi-component meals.
The Spruce Eats highlighted the dedicated pizza setting as a reliable feature for frozen pizzas, which cooked nicely when users ignored package directions. The appliance includes a 13-inch pizza pan that fits comfortably inside, allowing home cooks to achieve results comparable to dedicated pizza ovens without sacrificing counter space needed for other tasks.
The larger capacity and smart integration make it function more like a multi-oven that replaces air fryers, slow cookers, and dehydrators. This versatility justifies its presence in kitchens where space is at a premium but cooking variety is high.
Missing food probe requires external thermometers
The appliance lacks an integrated food probe thermometer, forcing users to rely on external devices to verify meat doneness. The Spruce Eats reported using a remote thermometer to ensure steaks reached their desired internal temperature during app-guided cooking sessions. This omission represents a notable gap in the smart kitchen ecosystem for a device at this price point.
WIRED noted that while Autopilot manages temperatures automatically, users still need to verify results when precision is critical. The absence of an integrated probe means the oven cannot autonomously pull meat from heat based on internal temperature readings, requiring manual intervention or separate monitoring tools to prevent overcooking delicate proteins.
Premium pricing reflects high-end build quality
The Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro commands a premium price compared to standard countertop ovens, with stainless steel models listed around $500 and black versions reaching $550. WIRED positioned the device as an expensive upgrade that justifies its cost through superior build quality and advanced smart features rather than basic cooking functions alone.
The Spruce Eats acknowledged the appliance is a little expensive but argued that the reasonably small footprint and reliable performance make it a worthy contender in the multi-oven category. The brushed stainless steel finish looks attractive on counters, and the inclusion of multiple accessories like wire racks, broiling racks, roasting pans, and air fry baskets adds value to the overall package.
Strengths
- +The Breville+ app features an Autopilot mode that automatically adjusts temperature and cooking modes during recipes, such as cycling through broil and warming settings for a whole chicken.
- +Element IQ technology uses built-in sensors to intelligently distribute heat across six quartz elements for precise and stable cooking results.
- +The oven includes 13 preset functions including toast, bake, roast, air fry, dehydrate, slow cook, proof, and keep warm.
Watch-outs
- −Lacks an integrated food probe thermometer, requiring users to rely on external thermometers for meat doneness checks.
- −The appliance is relatively expensive.
How it compares
This model distinguishes itself from the Breville Compact Smart Oven by offering an app-controlled Autopilot mode for complex recipes, whereas the Compact relies on manual presets. It also provides more precise heat distribution via six quartz elements compared to the four independent elements in The Smart Oven BOV800XL, though it lacks the integrated food probe found in some competitors.
Rating sources
Counts as 4.34/5 in our score — this publisher's 31 scores on the site average 3.77, so its scores are adjusted up to compare fairly with other publishers.
Counts as 3.68/5 in our score — this publisher's 87 scores on the site average 3.98, so its scores are adjusted up to compare fairly with other publishers.
Counts as 4.02/5 in our score — this publisher's 156 scores on the site average 4.15, so its scores are adjusted up to compare fairly with other publishers.
Our 4.0 score is the average of the 3 scored reviews above, each adjusted for how strictly its publisher scores; 3 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. More about methodology.
