The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer and the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro are two of the best countertop appliances on the market, but they differ in capacity, cooking functions, and price. The Pro model is larger, offers more presets like dehydrate and proof, and features a powerful two-speed convection fan, while the standard version provides excellent core performance in a more compact and budget-friendly package.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which Breville oven is the right fit for your kitchen and cooking style.
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer
The Smart Oven Air Fryer is Breville's popular all-in-one workhorse, designed to handle everyday kitchen tasks with precision and ease. It combines the functionality of a toaster oven, convection oven, and air fryer into one sleek appliance, making it a favorite for small to medium-sized households who want versatility without sacrificing counter space.
- What it is: A versatile countertop oven that combines convection cooking with an integrated air fry function for crispy results.
- Key features: Element IQ system with 6 independent quartz heating elements for precise temperature control, 10 cooking functions (Toast, Bagel, Bake, Roast, Broil, Pizza, Reheat, Warm, Air Fry, Slow Cook), fits a 13-inch pizza or 6 slices of toast.
- Price: Around $349.95.
- Dimensions: Approximately 18.5" x 14.5" x 11".
- Materials/Construction: Brushed stainless steel exterior with a non-stick interior cavity for easy cleaning.
- Style: Modern, minimalist, and compact, with an intuitive digital display and simple control dials that fit well in any kitchen style.
- Pros: Excellent value for its performance, compact footprint saves counter space, presets cover most common cooking needs, and it's extremely user-friendly.
- Cons: Smaller interior capacity compared to the Pro model, lacks specialized functions like proofing and dehydrating, standard single-speed convection fan.
This oven is ideal for home cooks who need a reliable, multifunctional appliance for daily meals and want the added benefit of high-performance air frying.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/ovens/bov860.html
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
The Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is Breville’s flagship countertop oven, designed for serious home chefs who demand professional-grade performance and capacity. It expands on the standard model’s features with a larger interior, more powerful convection technology, and additional cooking presets, essentially acting as a fully-featured second oven for your kitchen.
- What it is: A high-capacity, professional-grade countertop oven with enhanced air frying and a broader range of cooking functions.
- Key features: Element IQ system, large interior that fits a 9" x 13" pan or a 14-lb turkey, interior oven light. It has 13 functions, adding Dehydrate and Proof to the standard model’s presets. Its standout feature is a 2-speed "Super Convection" fan for faster and more even cooking.
- Price: Around $399.95.
- Dimensions: Approximately 21.5" x 17.5" x 12.7".
- Materials/Construction: Reinforced stainless steel build with a durable non-stick interior.
- Style: Substantial and high-tech with a large, clear digital display and a professional stainless-steel finish. It makes a statement on the countertop.
- Pros: Massive interior capacity, 2-speed convection provides unmatched cooking control, additional functions (Dehydrate, Proof) add versatility, and handy interior light lets you monitor food.
- Cons: Costs more than the standard model, takes up a significant amount of counter space, and may be overkill for individuals or small families.
The Pro model is built for culinary enthusiasts, large families, and anyone who loves to entertain and needs the extra capacity and power to handle complex recipes.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/ovens/bov900.html
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer vs. Pro Comparison
Dimensions & Capacity
The most obvious difference between the two ovens is their size. The standard Smart Oven Air Fryer is relatively compact, designed to fit comfortably on most countertops while still accommodating a 13-inch pizza or a whole chicken. It’s perfect for smaller kitchens or for those who don’t need to cook large quantities at once.
The Smart Oven Pro is a much larger machine. Its generous interior can handle a 14-lb turkey, a 5-quart Dutch oven, or a 9" x 13" pan, which makes it ideal for holiday meals or batch cooking. This extra capacity, however, comes at the expense of counter space, so you'll need a dedicated spot for it.
Functions & Performance
Both ovens deliver excellent results thanks to Breville's Element IQ system, which intelligently directs heat where it's needed most. Where they diverge is in advanced performance features. The standard model offers 10 widely used cooking presets, which are more than enough for everyday tasks like roasting vegetables, baking cookies, and air frying chicken wings.
The Pro version steps it up with 13 functions, adding Dehydrate for making jerky or fruit chips and Proof for baking bread. Its biggest performance advantage is the 2-speed Super Convection fan. The high-speed setting maximizes airflow, making it perfect for dehydration and producing incredibly crispy air-fried food. The added interior light is another small but significant upgrade that lets you check on your food without opening the door and losing heat.
Price & Value
The standard Breville Air Fryer Oven typically costs around $350, while the Pro model is priced closer to $400. While a $50 difference isn't huge, it reflects the upgrades in the Pro. The standard model offers outstanding value - you get a powerful, well-built, and versatile appliance that excels at its core functions.
The Pro justifies its higher cost with genuine performance benefits. If you'll use the dehydrator, proofing function, enormous capacity, or the enhanced crisping power of the 2-speed fan, the investment is definitely worth it. For those who can't see themselves using those features, the standard oven offers better value.
Who Each One Works Best For
Your choice ultimately depends on your cooking habits, family size, and kitchen space. The standard Smart Oven Air Fryer is perfect for individuals, couples, or small families. It’s a fantastic option if you want to upgrade from a basic toaster oven or want to get into air frying without committing a huge amount of space or budget. It handles all the essentials brilliantly.
The Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is best for large families, avid home cooks, and people who entertain often. It can genuinely act as a second full-size oven, making it indispensable for preparing multi-dish meals. If you're passionate about baking, enjoy gourmet cooking, or want the most capable countertop appliance available, the Pro is your best bet.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both are top-tier ovens, but they are tailored to different kinds of home cooks.
Choose the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer if:
- You have limited counter space or are cooking for one to four people.
- Your primary needs are toasting, baking, reheating, and occasional air frying.
- You're looking for the best performance and quality available at a mid-range price point.
- You prefer a simple, streamlined appliance that does the core jobs exceptionally well.
Choose the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro if:
- You have a large family or frequently entertain guests.
- You want the versatility to dehydrate jerky, proof dough, or slow cook for hours.
- You value high-performance features like a 2-speed convection fan and an oven light.
- You have plenty of counter space and the budget for a premium appliance that can handle any task.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the Breville Air Fryer and the Pro?
The three main differences are size, functions, and convection technology. The Pro is larger, has additional presets like Dehydrate and Proof, includes an interior light, and features a 2-speed convection fan for more powerful air circulation, while the standard model is more compact with a single-speed fan.
Is the Breville Pro worth the extra money?
If you'll take advantage of the larger capacity for cooking big meals or use the extra settings like dehydrating and proofing, then yes, it's absolutely worth it. If you primarily cook smaller meals, the standard Smart Oven Air Fryer offers better value for your needs.
Which Breville oven can fit a whole chicken?
Both models can fit a whole roasting chicken. However, the Pro model has significantly more interior height and space, allowing it to easily handle chickens up to 14 lbs, whereas the standard model is better suited for smaller birds around 4-5 lbs.
How difficult are these ovens to clean?
Both machines feature a non-stick cavity interior that makes them relatively easy to scrub down. A removable crumb tray at the bottom catches debris, which you can easily slide out and empty. Like any oven, baked-on grease requires some elbow grease, but regular maintenance is simple.
Does the 2-speed convection fan on the Pro make a big difference?
Yes, especially for air frying and roasting. The "Super" convection speed circulates a higher volume of hot air, which helps remove moisture from food surfaces more quickly. This results in crispier french fries, chicken wings, and roasted vegetables compared to the standard model's single-speed fan.
Do these Breville ovens get hot on the outside?
Yes, the stainless steel exteriors of both ovens get very hot during operation. It's important to ensure there's enough clearance around the appliance (usually 4-6 inches) and to avoid touching the top or sides while it's on.
What accessories are included with each?
Both ovens typically come with an air frying basket, an enamel roasting pan, a 13-inch non-stick pizza pan, and a wire rack. They also include a broiling rack that fits inside the roasting pan.
Do they replace a regular wall oven?
For many daily tasks, they absolutely can, as they preheat much faster and use less energy. The Pro, with its large capacity, can replace a regular oven for most meals. However, even the Pro cannot fit very large cookware like a full-size cookie sheet or multiple casserole dishes at once.
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