Comprehensive review of Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro for modern kitchens

Description

A Game-Changer in My Kitchen: The Breville BOV900BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

Cooking has always been a mix of love and frustration for me—some days I’m whipping up gourmet meals, and other days I’m burning toast. Enter the Breville BOV900BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, a countertop oven that promised to make my life easier with its versatility and advanced technology. After putting it through its paces, I have plenty to say about its performance, quirks, and whether it’s worth the hype.

Design and Build: A Modern Marvel

Right out of the box, this stainless steel appliance looked sleek and professional. Its brushed finish gives it a premium feel that blends seamlessly with my kitchen decor. The dimensions (17.5”D x 21.5”W x 12.7”H) might make it bulkier than your average toaster oven, but it’s worth the counter space. Despite its size, it’s surprisingly easy to move around, though weighing in at over 30 pounds, it’s not something you’ll want to shift daily.

The dropdown door feels sturdy and well-constructed, and the interior is spacious enough to accommodate a 14-pound turkey or a 13-inch pizza pan. I even managed to fit a 9 x 13-inch roasting pan without a hitch. The interior oven light, which can be turned on manually or activates automatically at the end of a cycle, is a thoughtful touch, especially when you want to check on your food without opening the door.

Key Benefits

• 13 versatile cooking functions, including air fry, dehydrate, slow cook, and pizza, making this a highly adaptable appliance.
• Super convection technology ensures even cooking, reducing cooking time by up to 30%.
• Integrated LCD display offers easy navigation through settings and provides precise cooking times.
• Comes with useful accessories like a pizza pan, two oven racks, and a mesh basket for air frying.

Cooking Performance: Precision Meets Versatility

The heart of this oven lies in its Element iQ System, featuring five independent quartz elements that adjust power levels based on what you’re cooking. What stood out to me was how evenly it cooks, thanks to its digital PID temperature control, which eliminates cold spots. I’ve used it to bake cookies, roast veggies, and even proof dough, and the results have been consistently excellent.

The air fry feature is a standout. I tested it on French fries and chicken wings, and both came out crispy and golden in a fraction of the time compared to a traditional oven. The dehydrate setting is another gem; I experimented with apple slices and beef jerky, and being able to use up to four trays at once was a game-changer.

One thing I appreciated is how quiet it is, even with the two-speed convection fan running. The temperature range (80-480°F) covers a wide spectrum, so whether you’re slow-cooking a stew or broiling fish, you’re covered.

Downsides

• The knob controls, while intuitive for the most part, feel a bit clunky at times. I’d have loved a touch screen for smoother navigation.
• The cord length of 3.4 feet might be limiting if your outlets aren’t conveniently placed.
• Cleaning the mesh basket post-air frying can be a hassle, especially when dealing with greasy foods.

Competing Products

In a market flooded with countertop ovens, this one faces stiff competition from brands like Cuisinart and Ninja. The Cuisinart TOA-60 offers similar air frying capabilities at a lower price point, but its cooking capacity is noticeably smaller. On the other hand, the Ninja Foodi DT251 comes with a digital display and a slightly more intuitive interface, though it lacks the super convection technology that makes the Breville shine.

Where this oven excels is its extra-large capacity and the dehydrate function, which are rare at this price point. That said, it’s not the cheapest option out there, and if you’re on a tight budget, the alternatives might make more sense.

Price Performance

When it comes to value for money, this appliance offers plenty. It’s not just an oven; it’s a multi-functional powerhouse that replaces several gadgets in your kitchen. While the upfront cost might feel steep, the versatility and time-saving features justify the investment. I’ve found myself using it daily, which is more than I can say for some of the other kitchen gadgets that now gather dust in my cabinets.

Who Should Buy This?

If you’re someone who loves cooking but hates clutter, this is a no-brainer. The ability to air fry, bake, roast, and even dehydrate in one machine is incredibly convenient. It’s also perfect for small households or anyone who doesn’t want to fire up a full-sized oven for every meal. However, if you’re tight on counter space or rarely cook, this might feel like overkill.

Adverse Aspects

• The weight (30.2 pounds) makes it less portable for those who might need to store it away after use.
• At maximum temperatures, the exterior can get quite hot, so it’s important to keep it out of reach of kids.
• While the interior is easy to wipe down, the accessories like the pizza pan and mesh basket require a bit more elbow grease.

The Breville BOV900BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro has genuinely made my time in the kitchen more efficient and enjoyable. It’s not perfect, but the positives far outweigh the negatives, and I can’t imagine going back to life without it. If you’re looking for a versatile and reliable kitchen companion, this one is hard to beat.

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