Breville Smart Oven BOV800XL review is this countertop convection worth it

Description

Impressive Design and Build Quality

The Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven stands out immediately with its brushed stainless steel finish, giving it a sleek and modern look that fits seamlessly into almost any kitchen decor. It’s not just about aesthetics, though; the build quality feels incredibly solid. Weighing about 18.7 pounds, it has a sturdy presence that assures durability without feeling overly bulky. The dropdown door opens smoothly, and the stainless steel material ensures longevity, even with frequent use. I especially appreciated the thoughtful inclusion of a non-stick cavity coating, making cleanup far less of a chore.

The LCD display is a standout feature that simplifies operation, clearly displaying functions and cooking times with vibrant clarity. It’s intuitive, which is great for someone like me who doesn’t want to fumble with complicated interfaces when hungry. The compact dimensions of 13.9″ D x 19″ W x 14.1″ H make it a perfect fit for countertops, even in smaller kitchens, without sacrificing interior cooking space.

Key Benefits of Performance and Functionality

One of the winning points of this countertop oven is its Element iQ System, which uses 5 quartz elements to distribute heat intelligently. The 1800-watt power ensures that preheating is incredibly fast, saving time when you’re in a rush. I tested this feature while making a quick pizza, and it was ready to go in under a couple of minutes. It even adjusts the heat dynamically during the cooking process, which means fewer undercooked or overcooked meals.

The convection-powered setting was another highlight for me. With the inbuilt fan circulating hot air effectively, it reduced cooking times by up to 30%, which is a lifesaver when preparing dinner after a long day. I noticed this particularly while roasting vegetables; they came out evenly cooked and browned without needing constant flipping or supervision.

The 9 cooking functions truly make this a versatile kitchen tool. Whether you’re toasting bread, making bagels, baking cookies, roasting a chicken, or just reheating leftovers, this oven does it all. I even tried the warm function, which kept my food at the ideal serving temperature without drying it out. It’s like having a toaster oven, convection oven, and pizza oven all rolled into one.

Generous Capacity for Family Meals

Despite its compact exterior, the interior is surprisingly spacious. The oven comfortably fits a 13-inch pizza, a 6-slice toast, or even a 6-cup muffin tray, making it perfect for families or small gatherings. I baked an entire batch of cookies in one go, which is a real time-saver compared to making smaller batches.

The included accessories, such as the 12″x12″ enamel baking pan, 12″x12″ enamel broiling rack, and the 13″ non-stick pizza pan, are well-designed and practical. I found the pizza pan particularly useful, as its non-stick surface made removing the pizza effortless.

Areas for Improvement

While I was generally impressed, there are a few shortcomings worth mentioning.

• The buttons and control knobs, while functional, feel a bit less premium compared to the rest of the product’s design. They could use a slight upgrade in tactile feedback.
• The fan on the convection setting is a bit louder than I expected. It’s not unbearable, but if you’re sensitive to noise, it’s something to consider.
• It gets quite hot on the exterior during use, so you’ll need to be cautious about where you place it and make sure kids don’t accidentally touch it.

Competing Brands to Consider

Comparing this to similar countertop ovens, the Cuisinart TOA-60 comes to mind. While the Cuisinart model has a built-in air fryer, it lacks the advanced Element iQ System found in this product, which I found to be a game-changer for precision cooking. The Ninja Foodi DT201, another competitor, offers larger interior space, but it’s bulkier and less elegant on the countertop. For me, the Breville Smart Oven strikes a better balance between size, functionality, and style.

In terms of ease of cleaning, the Breville’s non-stick cavity coating is far superior to most competitors, which often require more effort to scrub.

True Value for Daily Use

Considering the features and performance, this oven offers excellent value for money. You’re not just investing in an appliance; you’re investing in a tool that saves time, reduces cooking effort, and elevates the quality of meals. While it is priced higher than basic toaster ovens, the versatility and efficiency justify the cost. For someone like me, who uses it for a variety of dishes, it’s absolutely worth every penny.

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