The Breville Smart Oven 900 and the Smart Oven 860 are both top-tier countertop ovens, but they differ significantly in size, cooking functions, price, and extra features. The 900 model is larger, includes a dedicated air fry setting and a temperature probe for precision cooking, and comes at a higher price. The 860 is a slightly smaller, more affordable, yet highly versatile oven that covers all the essential baking, roasting, and toasting needs.
Here is a detailed comparison to help you choose the right smart oven from Breville for your kitchen and cooking style.
Breville Smart Oven Pro (BOV860)
The Breville Smart Oven 860 (also known as the Smart Oven Pro) is a powerful and efficient countertop oven designed to replace several kitchen appliances. It's built around Breville's Element IQ technology, which uses smart algorithms to direct heat to where it's needed most, ensuring consistent and precise cooking results across its 10 different functions.
- What it is: A versatile countertop convection oven with 10 preset cooking functions.
- Key features: Element IQ technology, backlit LCD screen, 10 functions (Toast, Bagel, Bake, Roast, Broil, Pizza, Cookies, Reheat, Warm, and Slow Cook), interior oven light.
- Price: Around $300 - $350.
- Capacity: Can fit 6 slices of toast, a 13-inch pizza, or a 9"x13" baking pan.
- Dimensions: Approximately 18.5" x 15.7" x 11".
- Materials/Construction: Brushed stainless steel exterior with a non-stick interior cavity.
- Pros: Excellent value for its performance, compact size fits most countertops, highly versatile with 10 cooking modes, Element IQ delivers exceptionally even cooking.
- Cons: Lacks some of the advanced features of the 900 model, such as a dedicated air fry setting or temperature probe. Slightly smaller capacity may not be enough for larger families.
This oven is ideal for home cooks who want countertop convenience and consistent performance for a wide range of tasks without investing in a top-of-the-line model.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/ovens/bov860.html
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (BOV900)
The Breville Smart Oven 900 (also known as the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro) is the larger, more powerful, and feature-rich upgrade. It has an expanded capacity and includes 13 cooking functions, most notably dedicated settings for air frying and dehydrating. A key addition is the temperature probe, which allows you to monitor the internal temperature of meats for perfect results every time.
- What it is: A premium, large-capacity countertop oven with dedicated air fry, dehydrate, and proofing functions.
- Key features: Element IQ technology, LCD screen, 13 functions (adds Air Fry, Dehydrate, and Proof to the 860's list), integrated temperature probe, two-speed convection fan ("Super" and regular).
- Price: Around $400 - $450.
- Capacity: Fits 9 slices of toast, a 14-inch pizza, a 14 lb. turkey, or a 5-quart Dutch oven.
- Dimensions: Approximately 21.5" x 17.5" x 12.7".
- Materials/Construction: Brushed stainless steel with improved insulation for better heat retention and quieter operation.
- Pros: Massive capacity is great for large families and entertaining, dedicated air fry function works extremely well, temperature probe ensures perfectly-cooked roasts, more versatile with 13 functions.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive, larger footprint takes up considerable counter space, may be overkill for individuals or small households.
This premium oven suits serious home cooks, large families, and anyone who wants an appliance that can do everything from air frying wings to roasting a turkey with precision.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/ovens/bov900.html
Breville Smart Oven 860 vs. 900 Comparison
Dimensions & Capacity
The most immediate difference is size. The Smart Oven 900 is noticeably larger (21.5" x 17.5" x 12.7") than the 860 (18.5" x 15.7" x 11"). This size difference translates directly to capacity. While the 860 can handle a substantial 13-inch pizza, the 900 can accommodate a 14-inch pizza, a full 14 lb. turkey, or even a 5-quart Dutch oven.
For individuals, couples, or anyone with limited counter space, the Smart Oven 860 offers plenty of room for most daily tasks. For larger families or those who frequently entertain, the added capacity of the Smart Oven 900 is genuinely useful and can often stand in for a full-sized wall oven.
Cooking Functions & Features
This is where the models really diverge. The Smart Oven 860 comes with a very capable set of 10 presets, including Bake, Roast, and Slow Cook. However, the Smart Oven 900 expands this to 13 functions, adding Air Fry, Dehydrate, and Proof. The Air Fry setting, powered by a two-speed convection fan, is a major draw, providing crispy results on everything from fries to chicken wings without the need for a separate appliance.
Furthermore, the 900 includes an integrated temperature probe. You simply insert the probe into your food (like a roast chicken), connect it to the oven, and the oven will cook until the desired internal temperature is reached, then automatically shut off. This removes all the guesswork and is a significant advantage for anyone who regularly cooks meat.
Price & Value
The Smart Oven 860 typically costs around $300-$350, while the Smart Oven 900 is priced in the $400-$450 range. The $100+ price difference is substantial, but so are the upgrades. The 860 is an excellent appliance that provides enormous value for its price, delivering on almost every core cooking task you could want from a countertop oven.
The 900 model justifies its higher cost with larger capacity, the incredibly popular air fry function, and the temperature probe for precision. If you were planning to buy a separate air fryer, the 900's price becomes much more reasonable as it combines two high-performance appliances into one.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Breville Smart Oven 860 is a perfect fit for small to medium households, couples, or anyone who needs a reliable, top-performing toaster oven for everyday baking, reheating, and roasting. It is for the user who values performance and versatility but doesn't necessarily need the extra space or dedicated modes like air fry.
The Breville Smart Oven 900 is designed for larger families, enthusiastic home chefs, and frequent entertainers whose primary and regular usage warrants the upgrade in size. It's the right choice if you want to eliminate countertop clutter by combining your oven and air fryer, often cook large meals, and value the precision offered by the temperature probe feature.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both models are outstanding countertop ovens, but they are built for different users and kitchen needs.
Choose the Smart Oven Pro (BOV860) if:
- Your budget is comfortably under $400.
- You have limited counter space to spare.
- You typically cook for one to three people.
- You just need a fantastic toaster oven for baking, roasting, and toasting - and don't need a dedicated air fryer.
Choose the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (BOV900) if:
- You want a powerful, built-in air fryer for crispy foods.
- You often cook large meals for family or guests.
- Precise cooking for meat is a priority (you'll use the temperature probe).
- You have ample counter space and a higher budget for a top-of-the-line appliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Breville 860 and 900?
The three main differences are the cooking functions, size, and price. The Smart Oven 900 is larger, costs more, and includes dedicated Air Fry and Dehydrate functions plus an integrated temperature probe, which the 860 lacks.
Is the Breville 900 worth the extra money?
It's worth it if you will regularly use its exclusive features. If you are excited about air frying, cook large roasts often, or feed a big family, the extra cost is absolutely justified for the added functionality and capacity.
Which Breville Smart Oven is better for baking?
Both are excellent for baking due to the even heat from the Element IQ technology. However, the Smart Oven 900's larger size can accommodate bigger batches of cookies or larger cakes, and it also adds a Proof setting for bread dough, giving it a slight edge.
Does the Breville 860 have an air fry function?
No, the Smart Oven 860 does not have a dedicated air fry setting. This is one of the key upgrades you get with the Smart Oven 900 model.
How much counter space do these ovens need?
The 860 measures about 18.5" x 15.7" x 11", fitting on most standard counters. The 900 is significantly larger at 21.5" x 17.5" x 12.7", so you should measure your space before purchasing.
Is the temperature probe on the 900 model useful?
Yes, it's very useful for cooking meats and poultry. It ensures your food is cooked perfectly to the desired internal temperature (e.g., medium-rare for steak) without any guesswork, and the oven stops cooking automatically to prevent overdoing it.
Are these ovens easy to clean?
Yes, both ovens feature a non-stick cavity interior, a pull-out crumb tray, and fairly simple designs that make them relatively easy to wipe down and clean. Regular cleaning can prevent buildup from tough food stains that can become tough to remove over time.
Can you fit a Dutch oven inside the Breville 900?
Yes, the Breville Smart Oven 900 has enough capacity to fit a standard 5-quart Dutch oven, making it incredibly versatile for braising, slow cooking, and baking bread.
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