Breville Smart Oven Pro Review Best Convection Oven for Precise Cooking

Description

Highlights of the Breville Smart Oven Pro

Testing the Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven Pro Countertop Oven has been quite the culinary adventure. This countertop marvel boasts 10 distinct cooking functions—toast, bagel, bake, roast, broil, pizza, cookies, reheat, warm, and slow cook—making it feel like a mini kitchen all on its own. What really stands out is the Element IQ system, where five independent quartz heating elements adjust power intelligently, focusing heat exactly where it’s needed. This means my homemade pizzas come out with perfectly crisp crusts and chewy insides, while cookies bake evenly without those dreaded burnt edges. The convection setting is another game-changer, speeding up cooking times by up to 30% thanks to a fan that circulates hot air to eliminate cold spots.

• Element IQ technology ensures precise cooking temperatures
• 10 versatile cooking functions cover nearly every kitchen need
• Convection reduces cooking time significantly

Pros That Make This Oven a Kitchen Staple

Diving deeper into the features, a few perks have really impressed me. The large interior fits a 13-inch pizza, a roast chicken, or even a 9-cup muffin tray with ease, which means no more juggling trays or cutting meals in half. The LCD display is intuitive, letting me select functions and see preheat status clearly, which removes all guesswork. Plus, the oven light automatically illuminates at the end of cooking, so I can check my food without opening the door and losing heat. The slow cook function deserves a shoutout, too—for those days when I want tender, flavorful meals without babysitting the stove. It even switches to keep warm after cooking, which is perfect for my family’s unpredictable dinner times.

• Spacious enough for family-sized meals
• User-friendly LCD with clear function indicators
• Automatic oven light for easy food monitoring
• Slow cook option with automatic keep-warm feature

Downsides to Consider Before Buying

Not everything was perfect during my testing. The dropdown door design makes it a bit tricky to access food, especially when using larger pans. It can feel a little cramped if you’re trying to slide in a deeper dish, and the door takes up counter space when open. Another gripe involves the knob controls; while they offer a nostalgic tactile feel, sometimes the settings lack the precision I’d expect, especially compared to digital touchscreens on other models. The oven is relatively heavy at 22.8 pounds, so moving it around isn’t exactly a one-hand job—something to keep in mind if you frequently rearrange your kitchen. Lastly, although the 1800-watt power preheats quickly, it can cause a noticeable spike in electricity use if used multiple times a day.

• Dropdown door can limit easy access and occupies counter space
• Knob controls sometimes feel less precise than digital buttons
• Heavy unit at nearly 23 pounds, not ideal for frequent repositioning
• Relatively high power consumption during extended use

Design and Build Quality

The brushed stainless steel finish gives this oven a sleek, modern look that fits nicely in most kitchens. It feels sturdy and well-made, with a solid door and stainless steel handle that inspire confidence. The included accessories—a 12-inch enamel broiling rack, enamel baking pan, and non-stick pizza pan—are a welcome bonus, allowing me to maximize the oven’s versatility right out of the box. Cleaning is straightforward; the crumb tray slides out easily, and the enamel pans wipe clean without much effort. However, fingerprints are quite visible on the stainless steel surface, turning me into a compulsive cleaner at times.

Cooking Performance Across Different Foods

In my experience, this oven excels at a wide range of cooking tasks. The pizza setting truly impressed me by balancing crispness and chewiness in the crust, which is tough to achieve in smaller ovens. Cookies came out consistently golden and evenly baked, thanks to the 5 quartz elements distributing heat intelligently. Roasting chicken yielded juicy, succulent meat with crispy skin, thanks to the convection air circulation. Toasting bread or bagels results in even browning on both sides, which is a relief compared to my old toaster oven’s hit-or-miss performance. The slow cook feature allows for tender stews and pulled meats after hours of low heat, freeing up my stove for other dishes.

Value Proposition: Is It Worth the Investment?

Considering its features and performance, this countertop oven offers excellent value for money. The combination of convection power, Element IQ technology, and multiple cooking modes makes it a versatile tool that can replace several kitchen gadgets, saving space and hassle. Although the initial investment feels a bit steep compared to basic toaster ovens, the time saved on cooking and the quality of results justify the cost. For anyone serious about home cooking or looking to upgrade from a standard toaster oven, this model feels like a smart spend. It’s not just an appliance; it’s a kitchen assistant.

Alternative Offerings from the Market

The Breville Smart Oven Pro faces competition from brands like Cuisinart, KitchenAid, and Hamilton Beach, which offer similar countertop convection ovens. Compared to these, this model shines with its Element IQ system that smartly distributes heat, a feature absent in many rivals. Some competitors might edge it out on price or have digital touch controls instead of knobs, which some users prefer for precision. However, the large interior capacity and slow cook function are features that set it apart. If you want an oven that handles everything from pizza to slow-cooked meals with consistent results, this one stands tall. On the downside, some alternatives have more compact door designs, making them easier to use in tight spaces.

User Experience and Practical Insights

My family quickly warmed up to the convenience of this oven. My kids loved the pizza nights, and my partner appreciated how easy it was to reheat leftovers without turning on the big oven. Cleaning up after baking cookies or roasting vegetables became less of a chore too. That said, my roommate sometimes struggled with the knob controls, preferring a digital interface. For daily use, the oven’s noise level from the convection fan is noticeable but not disruptive. The oven’s weight and size mean I placed it permanently on one counter rather than moving it around. This decision made setup easier, but it’s something to consider if you prefer a more portable appliance. Overall, it’s been a trusty companion in the kitchen, making meal prep more efficient and enjoyable.

Additional information