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

Description

A Versatile Appliance with Smart Features

The Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven Pro is a countertop convection oven that I’ve had the pleasure of putting through its paces. Compact yet powerful, this brushed stainless steel beauty has become an everyday essential in my kitchen. With its Element IQ System and 10 cooking functions, it promises precision, efficiency, and versatility. However, it’s not without its quirks, which I’ll get into as we go along.

Design and Build Quality

The brushed stainless steel finish gives the oven a sleek, modern appearance that fits right in with my kitchen decor. It’s compact enough to sit comfortably on my counter but large enough to handle a 13-inch pizza or six slices of bread at once. The dropdown door feels sturdy, and the knob controls are intuitive, even for someone like my dad who usually struggles with techy gadgets. The interior oven light is a nice touch—it automatically turns on at the end of the cooking cycle, making it easy to check on the food. However, at 22.8 pounds, it’s not exactly portable, so it’s staying put on the counter.

Performance and Cooking Precision

This oven delivers on its promise of precision cooking, thanks to the Element IQ System. It uses five independent quartz elements to distribute heat where it’s needed most, and I found that it produced evenly cooked meals almost every time. The convection fan is a game-changer, reducing cooking time by up to 30%, which was a lifesaver when I roasted chicken for dinner. The oven preheats quickly with its 1800 watts of power, and the LCD display is super handy for keeping track of the cooking process.

I tested various functions, from baking cookies to slow-cooking stew, and each setting worked as advertised. The slow cook function, which can run for up to 10 hours, is perfect for tenderizing meats and developing rich flavors. That said, the fan can be a bit noisy, especially during long cooking cycles.

Key Benefits

• Versatile Cooking Options: With 10 cooking functions, you can bake, roast, broil, toast, and more.
• Convection Cooking: Speeds up cooking time while ensuring even heat distribution.
• Generous Capacity: Handles family-sized meals without a problem.
• User-Friendly Interface: The LCD display and knob controls simplify operation.

Areas of Concern

• Noisy Operation: The convection fan can be distracting in quieter settings.
• Size and Weight: It’s not ideal for those with limited counter space or who need portability.
• Price Point: While the features are impressive, it’s a bit of an investment compared to standard toaster ovens.

Included Accessories and Usability

One of the things I appreciated was the inclusion of multiple accessories, such as a 12 x 12-inch enamel baking pan, broiling rack, and a 13-inch non-stick pizza pan. These extras made it easy to dive into cooking right out of the box. The crumb tray is a thoughtful addition, simplifying the cleaning process, although the interior can be a bit tricky to wipe down completely.

I also liked the auto shut-off feature, which adds a layer of safety, especially when you’ve got kids running around. However, I did notice that the exterior gets quite warm during use, so placement is key to avoid accidental burns.

Product Rivals

Comparing this to other high-performance countertop ovens, such as the Cuisinart TOA-60 and Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven, the Breville Smart Oven Pro excels in its cooking precision and versatility. While the Ninja offers air frying capabilities, it doesn’t have the slow cook function that I’ve come to love. On the other hand, the Cuisinart is slightly more affordable but lacks the same level of customizable heat distribution provided by the Element IQ System.

If you’re prioritizing multi-functionality and sleek design, the Breville stands out. However, if noise or price is a concern, you might want to explore other options.

Smart Spending

This isn’t the most budget-friendly countertop oven out there, but it delivers exceptional value for its price. The combination of high-quality materials, advanced heating technology, and versatile functions makes it a worthwhile investment for serious home cooks. While it’s not perfect, it’s clear that this oven was designed with user convenience and performance in mind.

For anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen appliances, this product is a solid contender. Whether you’re baking cookies, roasting a chicken, or slow-cooking a hearty stew, it has the tools to get the job done with precision and style.

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