The Breville Air Fryer Compact and the Breville Air Fryer Pro seem similar, but they target different home chefs with key distinctions in capacity, features, and price. The Compact is a smaller, more straightforward air fryer ideal for individuals or couples with limited space, while the Pro is a larger, multi-functional appliance with advanced presets and the capacity to cook for a family.
Here is a detailed look to help you decide which Breville air fryer is right for your kitchen and cooking style.
Breville Air Fryer Compact
The Air Fryer Compact lives up to its name by delivering Breville’s signature performance in a space-saving design. It’s built for efficient, everyday use, focusing on core air frying capabilities without taking over your countertop. This model is perfect for smaller households that need a reliable, high-quality appliance for quick and healthy meals.
- What it is: A smaller-footprint air fryer designed for singles, couples, or kitchens where space is at a premium.
- Key features: Approximately 3.5-quart capacity, simple digital display and control dials for basic air frying, roasting, and reheating.
- Price: Around $200 - $250
- Dimensions: Approximately 12" x 12" x 14".
- Materials/Construction: Features a durable brushed stainless steel exterior and a non-stick coating on the interior basket for easy cleanup.
- Style: Sleek and minimalist, with a modern finish that complements contemporary kitchens without demanding too much visual attention.
- Pros: Excellent space-saving design. Perfect capacity for one or two people. Simple, intuitive controls are easy to use. More affordable entry into the premium Breville ecosystem.
- Cons: Limited capacity is not suitable for families or batch cooking. Fewer preset cooking functions compared to the Pro model. Lighter construction, while still high-quality, isn't as robust as the Pro.
This air fryer is intended for anyone who values countertop space and wants a simple, effective appliance for preparing smaller meals daily.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/air-fryers/bov860.html
Breville Air Fryer Pro
The Breville Air Fryer Pro is a versatile kitchen powerhouse designed for larger families and serious home cooks. It goes beyond simple air frying, offering a suite of advanced cooking functions, a larger capacity for bigger meals, and more robust construction. This model acts as a multi-functional cooker, capable of replacing several other small appliances.
- What it is: A large-capacity, multi-functional countertop air fryer oven with advanced features and presets.
- Key features: Large 5.8-quart basket capacity, advanced digital control panel, multiple preset cooking functions (air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate), and customizable settings.
- Price: Typically costs between $300 - $350
- Dimensions: Approximately 14" x 14" x 15".
- Materials/Construction: A heavy-duty brushed stainless steel exterior, reinforced components, and a sturdy, deep basket built for frequent, high-volume use.
- Style: A professional, modern aesthetic that makes a statement on the countertop, matching other high-end kitchen appliances.
- Pros: Generous capacity is great for families of 4-6 people. Highly versatile with many cooking functions beyond air frying. Robust, durable construction feels premium. Advanced controls offer precise cooking.
- Cons: Takes up significant counter space. Higher price point may not be justifiable for everyone. Can be more complex to operate for those who just want basic functions.
The Pro model is the ideal choice for those who cook frequently for a family, entertain guests, or want one appliance that handles a variety of cooking jobs.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/ovens/bov900.html
Breville Air Fryer Compact vs. Pro Comparison
Dimensions & Capacity
The most immediate difference is size. The Air Fryer Compact measures roughly 12" x 12" x 14", making it a great fit for apartment kitchens or households with limited countertop real estate. Its 3.5-quart basket is ample for preparing meals for one or two people - think two chicken breasts or a generous portion of fries.
The Air Fryer Pro is noticeably larger at 14" x 14" x 15" and requires a dedicated spot in your kitchen. Its 5.8-quart capacity is the real benefit here, easily accommodating meals for a family of four to six. You can cook larger batches of food or even a small whole chicken, something that isn't possible in the Compact.
Materials & Construction
Both models feature Breville's signature brushed stainless steel exterior, giving them a premium look and making them easy to wipe down. Internally, they both use non-stick coatings for their baskets. However, the Pro model feels more substantial. Its components, from the basket to the control knobs, are heftier and feel built for more rigorous, frequent use. The Compact is by no means flimsy, but its construction is lighter and more streamlined to match its smaller size.
Price & Value
The Compact typically retails for $100 less than the Pro. For around $200-$250, the Compact offers incredible value for anyone who wants Breville’s cooking performance and build quality in a simple, space-saving package. If you primarily cook for one or two, paying extra for the Pro's unused capacity doesn't make sense.
The Pro model, at $300-$350, justifies its higher cost with much greater capacity and versatility. It’s more than just an air fryer, with functions like baking and dehydrating, it can serve as a second oven. For large families or avid cooks, the Pro offers better long-term value by handling more diverse and larger-scale cooking tasks.
Style & Aesthetics
Both air fryers share a modern, clean aesthetic that fits well in most kitchens. The Compact is minimalist and unobtrusive, designed to blend in. Its simpler control interface, with fewer buttons and dials, contributes to its clean look. The Pro has a more commanding presence on the countertop. Its larger size and more complex digital display give it a more professional-grade appearance, signaling its advanced capabilities.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both models are excellent appliances, but they are designed for very different users and kitchen environments.
Choose the Breville Air Fryer Compact if:
- You have limited counter or storage space.
- You are cooking primarily for one or two people.
- You want a high-quality machine for core air frying tasks and don't need extra bells and whistles.
- Your budget is under $250, but you still want the premium performance of a Breville.
Choose the Breville Air Fryer Pro if:
- You have a family of four or more or frequently cook for guests.
- You want a multi-functional appliance that can also bake, roast, and dehydrate.
- You have ample counter space and don't mind a larger appliance footprint.
- You are an enthusiastic home cook who will take advantage of advanced settings and presets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Breville Compact and Pro?
The primary difference is capacity and functionality. The Compact has a 3.5-quart capacity suitable for 1-2 people and focuses on core air frying, while the Pro has a 5.8-quart capacity for 4-6 people and offers multiple cooking functions like baking and dehydrating.
Which Breville air fryer is big enough for a family?
The Breville Air Fryer Pro, with its 5.8-quart basket, is designed for families and can easily handle larger portions of food or bigger items like a whole small chicken.
Is the Breville Air Fryer Pro worth the extra money?
If you have a large family or want the versatility of a multi-cooker, the Pro is absolutely worth the investment. Its larger size and additional functions offer value far beyond what the Compact can provide. If you just need a simple air fryer for small meals, the extra cost is not necessary.
How much counter space do these air fryers take up?
The Compact has a footprint of approximately 12" x 12", while the Pro is larger at 14" x 14". Be sure to measure your available counter space, allowing for a few inches of clearance around the appliance for ventilation.
Are the baskets easy to clean?
Yes, both models feature non-stick baskets that are easy to clean by hand with warm, soapy water. While some components may be dishwasher-safe, hand washing is typically recommended to preserve the life of the non-stick coating.
Do these models have pre-set cooking functions?
The Air Fryer Pro comes with several pre-set functions for popular foods like fries, wings, and vegetables, plus modes for baking and dehydrating. The Compact has a simpler interface focused on temperature and time settings for basic air frying.
What is the warranty on Breville air fryers?
Both the Compact and Pro models typically come with a 1-year limited warranty from Breville that covers manufacturing defects and parts.
Is the exterior of the air fryer cool to the touch during use?
Like most air fryers, the stainless steel exterior of both models will get warm during operation. It's important to use the handles and avoid touching the main body of the unit while it is hot. Always leave adequate space around the air fryer for air circulation.
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