The Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven Pro and the BOV800XL Smart Oven are two of the best countertop ovens on the market, but the key differences are in their features and price. The pricier BOV845BSS model adds a convenient interior oven light and a dedicated "Slow Cook" function, while the older BOV800XL offers the core smart oven experience for a slightly lower price.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which high-performance Breville oven is right for your kitchen.
Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven Pro
The BOV845BSS Smart Oven Pro is Breville's feature-rich countertop oven designed to be a versatile workhorse in the kitchen. It builds upon the success of the original Smart Oven by adding thoughtful upgrades like an interior light to check on your food without opening the door and a slow cook function that expands its capabilities to include pot roasts, braises, and stews.
- What it is: A powerful countertop convection oven with 10 preset cooking functions, including a dedicated slow cooker setting.
- Key features: 10 cooking presets (Toast, Bagel, Bake, Roast, Broil, Pizza, Cookies, Reheat, Warm, Slow Cook), interior oven light, Element IQ technology for precise heating, convection fan, easy-to-read LCD screen.
- Price: Around $279.95
- Dimensions: 18.5" x 15.7" x 11" (fits a 13" pizza or a 6-slice toaster).
- Materials/Construction: Brushed stainless steel body with a non-stick interior cavity for easy cleanup. Features a tempered glass door.
- Pros: Contains a built-in oven light, making it easy to monitor cooking. The Slow Cook function adds versatility and can replace a separate appliance. An intuitive interface simplifies operation. It delivers even, consistent cooking results across all functions.
- Cons: Has a higher price point than the BOV800XL. The exterior can get hot during use, requiring clear counter space. A slightly larger footprint might be an issue for very small kitchens.
The BOV845BSS is the ideal choice for home cooks who want maximum functionality and don't mind a slightly higher price for helpful upgrades like the interior light and slow cook setting.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/ovens/bov845bss.html
Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven
The Breville BOV800XL is the original Smart Oven that set the standard for high-performance countertop appliances. It earned a loyal following by delivering incredibly reliable and even cooking performance using smart heating technology. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles of the newer "Pro" model, it offers the essential features and quality that make Breville a top name in kitchen appliances.
- What it is: A highly-rated countertop convection oven with 9 essential cooking functions powered by intelligent heating technology.
- Key features: 9 cooking presets (Toast, Bagel, Bake, Roast, Broil, Pizza, Cookies, Reheat, Warm), Element IQ technology, convection fan, backlit LCD screen.
- Price: Around $249.95
- Dimensions: 18.5" x 16.25" x 11.25" (fits a 13" pizza or a 6-slice toaster).
- Materials/Construction: Durable brushed stainless steel housing with a non-stick interior.
- Pros: Cheaper than the "Pro" model. Provides excellent, consistent baking and toasting performance. Proven durability with thousands of positive user reviews. Has a solid build quality that feels premium.
- Cons: Lacks an interior oven light. Does not have a dedicated slow cook function. Still not inexpensive compared to other brands.
This oven is perfect for anyone looking for the core performance and quality of a Breville Smart Oven without needing the extra features of the Pro version.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/ovens/bov800xl.html
Breville BOV845BSS vs. BOV800XL Comparison
Features & Functions
The biggest distinction between these two models is in their feature set. Both machines are built on Breville's Element IQ technology, which intelligently directs power to five quartz heating elements for precise and stable heat exactly where it's needed. They also both share a convection setting that circulates hot air for faster, crispier results.
The BOV845BSS Smart Oven Pro pulls ahead with two key additions: an interior oven light and a dedicated "Slow Cook" function. The light is a major convenience, letting you check the progress of your food without opening the door and releasing heat. The slow cook function allows for long, low-temperature cooking for up to 10 hours, essentially adding the functionality of a whole other appliance to your countertop. The BOV800XL does not have either of these features.
Dimensions & Capacity
The external dimensions and internal capacity of both ovens are nearly identical. Both are designed to toast six slices of bread, roast a small chicken, or bake a 13-inch pizza. The footprint on your counter will be virtually the same for either model, so space considerations are not a major deciding factor between the two.
Materials & Construction
Breville is known for its high-quality construction, and both ovens live up to that reputation. They each feature a sleek brushed stainless steel exterior that looks great in modern kitchens and is easy to wipe down. The interiors are coated with a non-stick material for easier cleanup, and both come with a removable crumb tray, a wire rack, and a baking pan. You won't find a noticeable difference in build quality or durability, both are built to last.
Price & Value
The Breville BOV800XL is typically about $30 cheaper than the BOV845BSS Smart Oven Pro. Whether the price difference is worth it comes down to how much you value the added features of the Pro model. If you frequently make recipes that benefit from an interior light (like delicate baked goods) or you plan to make pot roasts and stews, the extra cost for the BOV845BSS offers excellent value. If you just need a top-tier toaster oven for baking, roasting, and toasting, the BOV800XL provides nearly all of the performance for less money.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both Breville ovens are fantastic choices for any kitchen, but they're tailored for slightly different priorities and cooking styles.
Choose the Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven Pro if:
- You want the convenience of an interior light to monitor cooking progress.
- You plan to use a slow-cooking function for roasts, stews, or braising.
- You want the newest model with the most functionality available.
- You're willing to pay a small premium for those key quality-of-life upgrades.
Choose the Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven if:
- You're looking to save money but still want premium performance.
- You don't need a dedicated slow cook function or can live without an oven light.
- Your main uses will be toasting, baking, reheating, and roasting.
- You prefer a proven, reliable model with a long track record of success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the BOV845BSS and BOV800XL?
The primary differences are two features present in the BOV845BSS Pro model that are not in the BOV800XL: an interior oven light and a dedicated slow cooking function. Otherwise, their core performance, size, and build quality are very similar.
Does the Breville BOV800XL have an oven light?
No, the BOV800XL Smart Oven does not have an interior light. You must open the oven door to get a clear view of your food. The oven light is a main selling point of the upgraded BOV845BSS model.
Does the convection fan make a big difference?
Yes. Both ovens have an optional convection fan feature that circulates hot air inside the oven. This speeds up cooking times by as much as 30% and is great for achieving crispier skins on roasted meats or a more even browning on baked goods.
Which Breville Smart Oven is bigger?
The exterior dimensions and interior capacity of both ovens are nearly identical. Both can fit a 13-inch pizza, six slices of bread, or a small whole chicken. They require the same amount of counter space.
Is the Breville Smart Oven Pro worth the extra money?
Whether the extra cost is worth it is a personal decision. If you often bake delicate items where opening the door is disruptive, the oven light provides huge value. Similarly, if you enjoy slow-cooked meals, consolidating that function into one appliance makes the BOV845BSS more valuable. If those features aren't important to you, you're not missing out on core cooking performance by choosing the BOV800XL.
Are these Breville ovens easy to clean?
Yes, both models are designed for easy cleaning. They feature non-stick interior walls and a front-access, removable crumb tray that slides out for quick discarding of debris. The included pans are also non-stick.
What is Element IQ technology?
Element IQ is Breville's smart cooking technology. It uses five independent quartz heating elements and sensors to monitor temperature and adjust power output to each element for precise and even cooking. It intelligently directs heat where it's needed most, whether that's for searing the top for a broil or providing gentle ambient heat for baking.
What accessories come with each oven?
Both the BOV845BSS and BOV800XL come standard with one oven rack, one 12"x12" non-stick baking pan, and one 13" non-stick pizza pan. (Note: accessory lists can occasionally change, always check the product page before purchasing).
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