The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a versatile countertop appliance that combines multiple cooking functions in one unit. Reviewers praised its 13 cooking modes, including air fry, dehydrate, and proof, with particular acclaim for its air frying capabilities and super convection setting that cuts cooking time by up to 30%. The intuitive LCD display and accompanying app with Autopilot functionality add to its user-friendly appeal. However, some reviewers noted that the oven accumulates grease, especially on the glass door, requiring frequent cleaning. This appliance is ideal for users seeking a multi-functional kitchen tool but may not suit those prioritizing minimal maintenance.
Full review
Design and Build Quality
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro presents a sleek brushed stainless steel design that fits comfortably in most modern kitchens. According to PureWow's Rachel Bowie, the appliance measures 21.4(W) x 17.2(D) x 12.8(H) inches, which she notes is a bit larger than typical toaster ovens but well-suited for its multifunctional capabilities. The oven features a large glass door that displays rack placement instructions for different cooking functions, enhancing usability. Serious Eats reviewer Grace Kelly noted the brushed steel finish and clear LCD display as standout aesthetic elements, while also highlighting the oven's intuitive interface with three dials for function selection, slice count adjustment, and timing control. The build quality appears robust, with Breville's reputation for durability supporting the appliance's construction. The oven includes a comprehensive set of accessories including two oven racks, a broiler rack and tray, a drip tray, and a 13-inch pizza pan, with a wire basket suitable for both air frying and dehydrating functions.
Functionality and Performance
The Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro offers 13 distinct cooking functions including toast, bagel, broil, bake, roast, warm, pizza, proof, air fry, reheat, slow cook, and dehydrate. RTINGS.com tested the oven's air frying capabilities and found it to be effective, though not quite matching the performance of dedicated air fryers. The oven's Super Convection setting reportedly reduces cooking time by up to 30%, which Serious Eats confirmed in their testing, noting that it consistently cut 10 to 15 minutes from cooking times. The air fry function performed well with frozen French fries and chicken wings, producing evenly golden and crispy results. However, PureWow's Rachel Bowie noted that the air fryer setting required 18 minutes for optimal cooking, which is longer than her standalone air fryer. The oven's proof function allows for low-temperature dough proofing, a feature that sets it apart from standard toaster ovens. The toast function can handle up to 9 slices of bread or 10 bagel slices, with adjustable darkness settings, while the pizza function accommodates 13-inch pans. The oven's capacity is sufficient to roast a 14-pound turkey, as claimed by Breville, and can fit most 9x13 inch pans and 12-cup muffin trays.
User Experience and Interface
The Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro features an LCD display that lights up red when cooking begins, providing clear visual feedback. According to Marys Happy Belly, the interface is intuitive and easy to use, with the LCD screen turning red upon pressing the start button to indicate preheating. The oven door displays rack placement instructions for various functions, reducing guesswork. PureWow's Rachel Bowie praised the plug-and-play setup and clear digital interface, noting that the three dials make it easy to toggle through functions and adjust settings. The oven's dial system allows users to quickly select cooking functions, adjust slice count, and control timing. However, Serious Eats reviewer Grace Kelly noted that while the app has helpful recipes and an Autopilot feature, connectivity issues with Google Home were encountered. The oven also includes a built-in interior light and door markings for rack positioning, which significantly improves usability. The oven's ability to handle multiple cooking tasks simultaneously, such as using it alongside a regular oven, adds to its convenience for busy households.
Real-World Performance
Multiple reviewers have tested the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro under various conditions to assess its real-world performance. Serious Eats used the oven for a month to test its air frying, dehydrating, convection, and app functionality, finding that it could air fry like a champ, yielding golden fries and crisp chicken wings. The Super Convection setting consistently reduced cooking times by 10 to 15 minutes, which was particularly useful for last-minute dinners. PureWow's Rachel Bowie tested the oven daily for over a month, using it for essential items like toast and mac and cheese balls, as well as more elaborate dishes such as reheating pizza and air frying French fries. The oven's performance with frozen foods was particularly impressive, with the air fryer function successfully cooking frozen items without requiring additional preheating steps. The oven's ability to roast a 14-pound turkey and accommodate large pans was confirmed by multiple reviewers, indicating its versatility for both everyday and special occasion cooking. The toast function performed exceptionally well, producing delicately crisp results that impressed both the reviewer and her son who prefers lightly browned toast.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its many strengths, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro has several notable drawbacks. The air fryer function, while functional, takes longer than dedicated air fryers, according to PureWow's Rachel Bowie, who noted that the recommended 18-minute cooking time was longer than her standalone unit. The mesh basket can be difficult to clean, particularly after air frying oiled ingredients, as noted by The Spruce Eats' Ariane Resnick, who reported that oil-leaking foods could create smoke that, while not triggering smoke detectors, still filled the kitchen. The oven's larger footprint, while not problematic for most users, is worth noting for those with limited counter space. Serious Eats reviewer Grace Kelly found the app's Google Home connectivity to be problematic, with the reviewer unable to establish a working connection. Additionally, the oven's price point of around $400-$500 is considered high by some, though the reviewer noted that it's a long-term investment that could save money on other appliances. The oven's interior light and door markings, while helpful, may not be sufficient for all users, particularly those with visual impairments who might benefit from additional notification features.
Who It's Best For
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is ideal for households that value versatility and convenience in their kitchen appliances. It's particularly well-suited for those who frequently cook for small to medium-sized groups, as it can handle up to 14 people's worth of food, and for individuals who want to reduce their reliance on larger ovens. The appliance is especially beneficial for busy professionals or families who need quick, efficient cooking solutions and appreciate the ability to perform multiple cooking tasks simultaneously. The oven's air fry function is a significant draw for those looking to prepare healthier versions of fried foods, while the proof function is valuable for home bakers. However, it may not be ideal for those with very limited counter space, as the appliance is notably larger than standard toaster ovens. The oven also isn't recommended for users who prioritize the absolute fastest cooking times, as the air fryer function, while effective, takes longer than dedicated units. The Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is best suited for those willing to invest in a high-end appliance that offers a broad range of cooking functions and is comfortable with the initial learning curve of its interface.
How It Compares to Alternatives
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro stands out among its competitors due to its comprehensive set of 13 functions, including air fry, dehydrate, and proof capabilities. Compared to the Breville Smart Oven Pro (BOV845BSS), which lacks air fry and dehydrate functions, the Air Pro offers significantly more versatility. The Smart Oven Pro, while offering a slow cook function, lacks the Super Convection setting and air fry capabilities. In contrast to the Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro, which includes app connectivity with Autopilot features, the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro offers similar functionality but with a simpler interface. The Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro also compares favorably to other high-end models like the Cuisinart Air Fryer TOA-70 and the Ninja Foodi DT201, which offer fewer functions and lack the comprehensive cooking capabilities of the Breville. However, dedicated air fryers like the Ninja Flip SP151 may still outperform the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro in terms of cooking speed and efficiency for air frying tasks specifically. The appliance's price point of $400-$500 positions it as a premium option, though its versatility and advanced features justify the cost for many users.
Value at This Price
At a price point of approximately $400-$500, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro offers significant value for its comprehensive feature set. The appliance combines the functions of multiple kitchen appliances into a single unit, potentially saving users money on purchasing separate devices. The oven's ability to roast a 14-pound turkey, air fry, dehydrate, and perform numerous other functions justifies its premium pricing for users who value versatility. According to Marys Happy Belly, the oven's ability to replace a regular oven for daily cooking and its energy-saving features make it a worthwhile investment. The Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro also offers a 2-year limited warranty, which provides peace of mind for long-term use. While some reviewers noted the higher price point, particularly when compared to basic toaster ovens, the appliance's multifunctionality and advanced features like Super Convection and Element iQ technology make it a solid long-term investment. The oven's durability, as evidenced by Breville's reputation and user experiences, further supports its value proposition. For users who frequently cook for small to medium-sized groups and appreciate the convenience of multiple cooking functions, the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro's price is justified by its performance and versatility.
Strengths
- +13 cooking functions including air fry, dehydrate, and proof
- +Super convection setting reduces cooking time by up to 30% with great crispness
- +Intuitive LCD display with visual indicators for cooking functions
- +App includes Autopilot feature and helpful recipes for automated cooking
Watch-outs
- −Oven gets quite grimy from grease, especially on the glass door
- −Requires cleaning the air fryer mesh basket after use due to grease buildup
How it compares
While the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro offers 13 functions including super convection that cuts cooking time by 30%, it's less user-friendly than the Cuisinart TOA-65 which provides precise temperature control in five-degree increments. Unlike the Ninja combo, it lacks the included accessories but offers an intuitive LCD display and app with Autopilot, making it better for tech-savvy users who don't mind frequent cleaning.
Who this is for
At a glance: tech-savvy home cooks.
Why you’d buy the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
- 13 cooking functions including air fry, dehydrate, and proof.
- Super convection setting reduces cooking time by up to 30% with great crispness.
- Intuitive LCD display with visual indicators for cooking functions.
Why you’d skip it
- Oven gets quite grimy from grease, especially on the glass door.
- Requires cleaning the air fryer mesh basket after use due to grease buildup.
Rating sources
“My brother and sis-in-law have the Breville Smart Oven Pro for several years which is an incredible mini oven with 10 cooking functions such as bake, roast, broil, pizza, warm, and reheat. They love theirs, use it often, and it is still in top-notch shape from when they got it.”
“The Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro is great if you're looking for a versatile, efficient, countertop-friendly—yet still spacious—toaster oven.”
“I'm glad I did and how I believe our purchase has actually saved us money.”
Our 4.6 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
