Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro Review: The Ultimate Kitchen Multitasker

Are you tired of a cluttered kitchen countertop, overflowing with single-purpose appliances? Imagine a world where one sleek machine could air fry, roast, bake, toast, and even dehydrate, all with professional-grade precision. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro promises to deliver exactly that, transforming your cooking experience and potentially replacing a host of other gadgets. This comprehensive review will delve into its features, performance, and overall value, guiding you toward a smarter, more efficient way to cook.

Overview of the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is more than just a glorified toaster oven; it’s a premium, multifaceted countertop appliance designed to handle an impressive array of cooking tasks. At its core, it functions as a versatile oven, capable of convection baking, roasting, broiling, and, of course, powerful air frying.

Its operational brilliance lies in the Element iQ System, an advanced technology that intelligently directs power to five independent quartz heating elements. This ensures stable and precise temperature control, eliminating cold spots and optimizing performance for each cooking function. Complementing this is the dual-speed Super Convection fan, which circulates hot air with remarkable intensity, resulting in faster cooking times and exceptional crispness, particularly for air-fried dishes.

Compared to traditional cooking methods and single-function appliances, the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro offers significant advantages. It preheats much quicker than a full-size oven, saving time and energy, especially for smaller meals or side dishes. Its multi-functionality also means less clutter in your kitchen, consolidating several appliances into one compact unit. However, its substantial countertop footprint requires dedicated space, and like many powerful ovens, its exterior can become quite hot during operation.

Unpacking the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro’s Capabilities

Understanding the diverse capabilities of the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro reveals why it’s a standout in the countertop appliance category. Its thoughtful design and advanced technology make it a true kitchen workhorse.

By Capacity and Design

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro boasts a generous 1.0 cubic foot interior, making it large enough to handle family-sized meals. You can easily fit a standard 9×13-inch baking pan, a 12-cup muffin tray, or up to nine slices of toast, providing ample space for everyday cooking and entertaining. Remarkably, it can even accommodate and cook a 14-pound turkey, offering true flexibility for special occasions. The appliance showcases a durable brushed stainless steel exterior, exuding a premium aesthetic that complements any kitchen decor. Its intuitive LCD display and ergonomic dials provide straightforward control over settings, ensuring a user-friendly experience from the moment you plug it in.
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro on a modern kitchen counter, showcasing its large capacity and sleek design.

By Core Technology and Features

At the heart of the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro are its innovative technological features:

• Element iQ System: This proprietary system utilizes five independent quartz heating elements that dynamically adjust power, directing heat precisely where and when it’s needed. This intelligent control maintains consistent temperatures, crucial for achieving perfectly cooked results, whether you’re baking delicate pastries or roasting dense cuts of meat.
• Dual-Speed Super Convection: This powerful convection system includes two fan speeds. The “Super” setting blasts hot air with increased intensity, dramatically improving air frying and roasting performance. This not only speeds up cooking but also ensures a crispy, golden finish without excessive oil, delivering that coveted “fried” texture.
• 13 Pre-Programmed Functions: This oven truly lives up to its “Smart” name with a wide array of specialized settings. Beyond the essential Toast, Bagel, Bake, Roast, Broil, Pizza, and Warm functions, it also includes dedicated modes for Air Fry, Reheat, Cookies, Slow Cook, Dehydrate, and Proof. These presets take the guesswork out of cooking, automatically optimizing temperature and fan speed for specific dishes.

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro vs. Popular Alternatives

When considering a premium countertop oven like the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, it’s natural to compare it with other leading models on the market. Let’s see how it measures up against some popular alternatives such as the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Oven and the Cuisinart Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven, as well as its own standard Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer.

Feature	Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro	Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Oven	Cuisinart Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven	Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer (Standard)
Capacity	1.0 cu. ft.	~0.7 cu. ft.	~0.95 cu. ft.	0.8 cu. ft.
Key Functions	13 (incl. Dehydrate, Proof)	Many (fewer low-temp presets)	15 (incl. specific programs)	11 (no Dehydrate, Proof)
Price Point	Premium	Mid-range/Budget-friendly	Mid-to-high range	High-range
Air Frying Performance	Good, mostly crispy, can be slower than basket fryers	Good, even browning	Good	Good
Overall Versatility	Excellent (full oven replacement for many tasks)	Good (strong air frying, baking)	Very good (strong programming, ease of cleaning)	Very good
Unique Features	Element iQ System, Dual-Speed Super Convection, Proof/Dehydrate functions	Digital Crisp Control, smart thermometer (on some models)	Intuitive programs, easy to clean, large capacity	Element iQ System, Convection

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro distinguishes itself with its precise Element iQ heating system and the powerful Dual-Speed Super Convection, which is particularly effective for achieving crispy results. While competitors like the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Oven might offer a more budget-friendly entry point and strong air frying, they often lack the Breville’s advanced temperature control or specific low-temperature functions like Proof and Dehydrate. The Cuisinart Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven often receives praise for its extensive programming options and ease of cleaning, sometimes even surpassing Breville in those specific areas, though the Breville often leads in sheer cooking precision and overall versatility.

When comparing the Pro model to the standard Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer, the primary differences are capacity and function. The Pro version offers a larger 1.0 cubic foot interior compared to the standard’s 0.8 cubic feet, making it more suitable for larger families or cooking bigger batches. Additionally, the Pro model includes the valuable Dehydrate and Proof settings, which are absent in its standard counterpart, further enhancing its appeal to diverse culinary needs.

Mastering Your Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

To truly unlock the potential of your Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, understanding its operational nuances and maintenance is key. This appliance is designed for intuitive use, but a few tips can elevate your cooking game.

Getting Started and Optimal Use

Starting your cooking journey with the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is straightforward, thanks to its user-friendly interface. One of its greatest benefits is its fast pre-heating time, significantly reducing the wait compared to a conventional oven. The unit will alert you once the desired temperature is reached, signaling it’s ready for action. Digital controls allow for precise temperature and time settings, which, combined with the “smart presets” for popular foods, ensure optimal cooking conditions with minimal guesswork. The oven comes equipped with reversible wire racks, offering multiple rack positions for versatile cooking. For air frying, always utilize the included mesh basket to allow for maximum airflow, ensuring evenly cooked and crispy results.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Maintaining your Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is essential for its longevity and performance. The interior walls feature a non-stick coating, making cleanup relatively easy. For daily splatters, a simple wipe with a soft, damp sponge and a non-abrasive liquid cleanser should suffice. Always remember to avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers that could damage the coating. The removable crumb tray at the bottom is designed to catch drips and debris, making it incredibly easy to pull out and clean after each use. While some accessories may be dishwasher-safe, hand-washing them often helps preserve their finish and extend their lifespan. Crucially, ensure proper ventilation by leaving at least 4 inches of space on all sides and 6 inches above the oven. Also, exercise caution when using aluminum foil, ensuring it never touches the heating elements to prevent overheating and potential hazards.

Recipes and Advanced Cooking with Your Air Fryer Pro

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a culinary powerhouse, ready to tackle a wide range of recipes, from simple weeknight dinners to more adventurous culinary explorations.

Everyday Meals Made Easy

With its powerful air frying capabilities, you can effortlessly create incredibly crispy chicken wings, golden French fries, and perfectly roasted vegetables, often with less oil than traditional methods. It also excels at baking delicious cookies and muffins, delivering even browning and consistent results. Reheating leftover pizza in the air fryer mode brings it back to life with a wonderfully crispy crust, surpassing microwave results. For optimal crispness when air frying, remember to arrange food in a single layer in the mesh basket to allow hot air to circulate freely around each piece.
Deliciously crispy air-fried chicken wings and golden french fries served from the Breville oven mesh basket.

Exploring Advanced Functions

Beyond the basics, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro invites you to experiment with its more specialized functions. The Dehydrate setting is perfect for making healthy snacks like fruit slices or dried herbs, while the Proof function provides an ideal, consistent environment for bread dough to rise beautifully. For comforting, slow-cooked meals, simply place your Dutch oven inside and utilize the Slow Cook setting.

“This oven has truly transformed my kitchen, allowing me to bake, roast, air fry, toast, and dehydrate all in one machine, freeing up much-coveted countertop space and making cooking an absolute joy.” – Chef Sarah Chen, Culinary Consultant

Your Comprehensive Buying Guide for the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

Deciding whether the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is the right investment for your kitchen requires careful consideration of your specific needs and priorities.

Assessing Your Kitchen Needs

Before making a purchase, take stock of your cooking habits and available space. This appliance, with its large 1.0 cubic foot capacity, is particularly suitable for families or individuals who cook frequently and require the versatility to prepare larger meals or multiple dishes simultaneously. Its generous size also means it demands significant countertop real estate, so measure your available space and ensure you can provide the recommended clearances (4 inches on sides, 6 inches above) for safe operation. As a premium appliance, it represents a considerable budget investment; weigh whether its multi-functionality and advanced features justify the price for your lifestyle.

Key Features to Prioritize

When evaluating the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, certain features stand out as critical differentiators:

• Element iQ System: This intelligent heating system is paramount for precision and consistent results across all cooking functions. If even cooking and reliable performance are your top priorities, this feature is non-negotiable.
• Super Convection: For superior air frying performance and faster cooking times, the dual-speed Super Convection fan is key. It ensures better browning and crisping, which is a major draw for an air fryer.
• Functionality: Consider if you genuinely need all 13 cooking modes, including specialized ones like Dehydrate and Proof. While a wide array of functions offers flexibility, focusing on the ones you’ll use most will help justify the investment.
• Included Accessories: Verify that the oven comes with essential accessories such as the air fry mesh basket, wire racks, and baking/roasting pans to maximize its utility right out of the box.

Warranty and Support

Breville is known for its quality appliances, and the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro typically comes with a robust warranty, often a 2-year limited warranty covering both parts and labor. Familiarize yourself with these terms and Breville’s customer service reputation. Should any issues arise, knowing you have reliable support and access to authorized service representatives can provide valuable peace of mind.

Conclusion

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro stands out as an exceptional kitchen appliance, offering unparalleled versatility, powerful performance, and a generous capacity that can transform your daily cooking. Its intelligent Element iQ System and Dual-Speed Super Convection ensure precise, efficient, and delicious results across its 13 diverse cooking functions. While it requires a dedicated spot on your counter and represents a significant investment, its ability to air fry, bake, roast, slow cook, and more, all within one sleek unit, makes it a valuable addition for any home chef seeking efficiency and culinary excellence. For those looking to streamline their kitchen and elevate their cooking, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is more than just an appliance—it’s a culinary companion.

What delicious meal will you create first with your new kitchen powerhouse?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro worth the price?

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a premium appliance, and its higher price reflects its advanced technology, exceptional versatility, and consistent performance across numerous cooking functions. If you value precise temperature control, a large capacity, and the convenience of combining multiple kitchen appliances into one, many users find it a worthwhile long-term investment.

How hot does the exterior get?

Like many powerful countertop ovens, the exterior surfaces of the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro can get very hot during operation, especially the top and sides. It is crucial to maintain the recommended clearances of 4 inches on the sides and 6 inches above the oven to ensure proper ventilation and prevent heat damage to surrounding surfaces or cabinets.

Can I use aluminum foil in the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro?

Yes, you can use aluminum foil in the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, but with extreme caution. Always ensure that the foil does not touch any of the heating elements, as this can cause overheating or even fire. Many users find it helpful to line the drip tray or a baking sheet with foil to catch drippings, which aids in easier cleanup after cooking messy foods.

What is the difference between the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer and the Pro version?

The primary differences between the standard Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer and the Pro version are capacity and functionality. The Pro model offers a larger 1.0 cubic foot interior compared to the standard’s 0.8 cubic feet. Additionally, the Pro includes two extra cooking functions: Dehydrate and Proof, providing enhanced versatility for advanced cooking tasks.

Does it replace a traditional oven entirely?

For many everyday cooking tasks and even larger meals (like roasting a 14-pound turkey), the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro can effectively replace a traditional oven, especially due to its fast preheating and precise temperature control. However, a full-size oven may still be preferred for extremely large batches, multiple dishes requiring different temperatures simultaneously, or certain types of baking where fan-forced convection might be less desirable.

How do I clean the interior and fan?

The oven’s interior walls feature a non-stick coating, making them easy to wipe clean with a soft, damp sponge and a mild, non-abrasive liquid cleanser. For the fan area, ensure the oven is cool and unplugged, then gently wipe around the fan cover. Avoid direct contact with heating elements. The removable crumb tray should be emptied and cleaned regularly to prevent grease buildup.