Breville Smart Oven Pro review exploring features, performance, and versatility for countertop cooking.

Description

A Perfect Blend of Style and Functionality

The Breville Smart Oven Pro BOV845BSS instantly caught my attention with its brushed stainless steel finish and compact yet robust design. Sitting on my countertop, it added a touch of sophistication to my kitchen, blending seamlessly with other appliances. Measuring 15.91″ D x 18.94″ W x 10.94″ H, this oven strikes a great balance between size and utility. Despite its compact footprint, its large interior surprised me, accommodating a 13-inch pizza or even a 4.4 qt Dutch oven effortlessly.

The dropdown door feels sturdy, and the knob controls are intuitive, making it easy to navigate through its 10 cooking functions. From a visual perspective, this oven is a winner. However, I couldn’t help but notice the 22.8-pound weight, which makes it less portable compared to smaller appliances.

Versatility with Cooking Functions

The variety of cooking options is where this product truly shines. With 10 pre-programmed settings, including Toast, Bagel, Bake, Roast, Broil, Pizza, Cookies, Reheat, Warm, and Slow Cook, I felt like a professional chef in my own kitchen. The slow cook function especially stood out, allowing me to tenderize meats and develop rich flavors over several hours.

What I appreciated most was the convection setting, which cut down cooking times by up to 30%. It felt like a game-changer for busy evenings when I wanted dinner on the table quickly. The element IQ system, powered by 5 independent quartz elements, ensured that heat was distributed evenly, yielding consistent results every time. Whether it was cookies that were crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside or a perfectly roasted chicken, the oven delivered.

Key Benefits

• Convection setting reduces cooking time by up to 30%.
• Element IQ technology ensures precise heat distribution for even cooking.
• A wide array of 10 cooking options caters to diverse culinary needs.
• The interior light makes monitoring food a breeze.

User-Friendly Features

Operating this oven felt intuitive, thanks to the LCD display that clearly shows the selected cooking function, pre-heating status, and remaining time. The oven also includes an auto shut-off feature, adding a layer of safety that I deeply appreciated.

The included wire rack, enamel baking pan, broiling rack, and a pizza pan were thoughtful additions that made the oven ready to use right out of the box. Cleaning up was also straightforward with the removable crumb tray. However, I did notice the interior light could be a tad brighter, especially when checking on darker dishes like roasts or baked goods.

Areas for Improvement

While this oven impressed me overall, there were a few critiques:

• Limited portability due to its 22.8-pound weight.
• The interior light could be brighter for better visibility.
• The price point feels a bit high compared to basic countertop ovens.

Competitive Options

I’ve compared this smart oven to a few other popular models like the Cuisinart TOA-60 and the Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fryer Oven. While the Cuisinart offers an integrated air fryer, it lacks the precision cooking technology of the Breville. On the other hand, Ninja’s air fryer oven is more compact but doesn’t offer the slow cook feature or the same level of cooking versatility. The Breville Smart Oven Pro shines in its ability to combine multiple cooking functionalities with element IQ technology, making it a superior choice for those who value precision and efficiency.

Financial Value

In terms of value for money, the Breville Smart Oven Pro justifies its cost for individuals or families who seek performance-driven features and don’t mind investing in a high-quality appliance. Its durability, coupled with advanced cooking options, makes it a worthwhile addition to any kitchen, though it may not fit everyone’s budget.

The inclusion of accessories like the pizza pan and broiler rack sweetens the deal, as these would typically be additional purchases with other brands. While there are cheaper options available, they often lack the attention to detail and premium build quality of this model.

Final Thoughts on Positives and Negatives

I’ve been genuinely impressed by the Breville Smart Oven Pro for its design, cooking versatility, and time-saving features. It’s the kind of appliance that elevates your cooking experience while maintaining ease of use. However, for those prioritizing portability or working within a tighter budget, this might not be the first choice. Ultimately, if you’re looking to invest in a high-performance countertop oven with a touch of elegance, this is a solid pick.

Additional information