Breville BOV650XL Compact Smart Oven review exploring features, performance, and design insights

Description

Advantages of the Compact Smart Oven

I’ve been testing the Breville BOV650XL Compact Smart Oven, and honestly, it’s been quite an experience. This modern, brushed stainless steel countertop oven is designed to fit snugly in smaller kitchens without compromising on functionality. One of the key benefits I noticed immediately is its compact size, which still manages to handle a 12-inch pizza or four slices of toast at a time. Its 1800-watt power ensures quick preheating and efficient cooking, which makes it a time-saver.

The Element IQ technology is a game-changer. It adjusts power automatically, ensuring that every dish is cooked evenly. Whether I was baking cookies, reheating leftovers, or roasting chicken, the results were consistently impressive. Another upside is the intuitive digital controls with a backlit LCD screen, making it easy to customize settings like temperature, cooking time, and toast shade. I also appreciated the included enamel baking pan and broil rack, which add value to the overall package.

Highlights

• Compact design perfect for limited counter space.
• Element IQ technology ensures even cooking every time.
• Multiple cooking functions like Toast, Bagel, Bake, Pizza, Roast, Broil, and Reheat cover all bases.
• Easy-to-clean nonstick interior and a removable crumb tray.
• Comes with enamel accessories for added convenience.

Areas of Concern

While I genuinely enjoy using this oven, there are a few flaws worth mentioning. For one, the exterior surface gets quite hot during use, which can be a safety concern if you have children or pets around. The knob controls, while functional, can feel a little outdated compared to touchscreens that many competitors now offer. I also found the fan noise during operation to be slightly louder than expected. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to consider if you prefer quieter appliances.

Caveats

• The exterior surface heats up significantly, posing a potential safety risk.
• Knob controls may not appeal to those who prefer more modern interfaces.
• Fan noise during operation can be noticeable.

Design and Build Quality

This countertop oven is beautifully crafted from brushed stainless steel, giving it a sleek and durable appearance. Despite being lightweight at 14.1 pounds, it feels sturdy and well-constructed. The tempered-glass door lets me monitor my food without opening it, and the three rack positions offer flexibility for various dishes. Its dropdown door style feels intuitive and adds to its ease of use. The compact dimensions (17 x 15.5 x 10.25 inches) make it a great fit for tighter spaces without feeling cramped.

Performance and Cooking Functions

Performance-wise, the Breville BOV650XL didn’t disappoint. It heats up quickly and consistently delivers evenly cooked food, thanks to the Element IQ’s smart heat distribution. I tested almost all the preset functions, including Toast, Bagel, Bake, and Pizza, and each one performed as promised. The temperature range from 120°F to 450°F is versatile enough for everything from slow roasting to quick broiling. Adjusting the toast shade was a breeze, and I loved how it remembers my settings for the next use.

The addition of a defrost button is particularly handy for frozen foods, and the temperature-conversion feature simplifies recipes with Celsius measurements. These small but thoughtful touches make this oven stand out in terms of usability.

Competing Products

In comparison to other popular countertop ovens, this model holds its ground well. For instance, the Cuisinart TOA-60 offers an air frying feature, which the Breville lacks. However, the Breville compensates with its Element IQ technology for better heat control and precision. When pitted against the Panasonic FlashXpress, the Breville wins in terms of capacity but falls slightly short on energy efficiency. While it may not have all the bells and whistles, it does the basics exceptionally well, which is often what matters most.

Bang for the Buck

When it comes to value for money, this compact oven does deliver. It’s not the cheapest option on the market, but you’re paying for reliability, versatility, and a space-efficient design. Its durable build and multiple cooking functions make it a worthwhile investment for small kitchens or for those who need an additional oven for light cooking. While it can’t replace a full-sized oven in terms of volume, it excels at handling everyday cooking tasks efficiently.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this compact and smart appliance to anyone looking for a dependable countertop oven that combines modern features with a user-friendly design.

Additional information