The Breville Smart Oven Air and the Emeril Air Fryer 360 are two leading countertop ovens, but they cater to very different kitchen needs. The Breville is a premium, high-performance appliance with superior build quality, precision cooking, and a larger capacity, reflected in its higher price. The Emeril 360, on the other hand, is a budget-friendly and compact multi-cooker focused on versatility and value.
Here’s a detailed comparison of these two popular appliances from Breville and Emeril to help you decide which one deserves a spot on your countertop.
Breville Smart Oven Air
The Breville Smart Oven Air is a top-tier countertop oven designed for home chefs who demand precision, power, and versatility. Known for its durable stainless steel construction and advanced features like the Element iQ system, this appliance can handle everything from air frying and dehydrating to slow cooking and proofing dough, often replacing multiple other kitchen gadgets.
- What it is: A premium, multi-function countertop convection oven with air frying and dehydrating capabilities.
- Key features: 13 cooking functions, super convection technology for faster cooking, Element iQ system with 6 independent quartz heating elements for precise heat, and a large interior with an oven light.
- Price: Around $350 - $400
- Dimensions: Approximately 18.5" x 16" x 11.25", with the capacity to fit a 9x13 inch pan, 12-cup muffin tray, or even a 14-lb turkey.
- Materials/Construction: Entirely built with brushed stainless steel for durability and a premium look. It includes a non-stick interior.
- Style: Sleek and modern, its minimalist stainless steel design fits perfectly in contemporary kitchens alongside other high-end appliances.
- Pros: Exceptional build quality and durability. Extremely precise temperature control for consistent results. Large capacity is great for families or entertaining. Highly versatile with 13 different cooking modes. Cooks food quickly and evenly due to its super convection system.
- Cons: A significantly higher price point. Its large size takes up a lot of valuable counter space. Some users may find the numerous functions to have a slight learning curve.
This oven is for the serious home cook who treats their countertop appliance as an investment in quality and is willing to pay a premium for powerful, precise performance.
Shop this product: amazon.com/Breville-BOV900BSS-Convection-Brushed-Stainless/dp/B01N5UPRZY/
Emeril Air Fryer 360
The Emeril Air Fryer 360 by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse is a multi-function countertop oven that aims to deliver versatility and convenience at an accessible price. It packs nine cooking functions - including air fry, rotisserie, and dehydrate - into a compact and user-friendly package, making it an excellent all-in-one solution for everyday cooking without a hefty price tag.
- What it is: A budget-friendly, all-in-one countertop air fryer and convection oven with a rotisserie function.
- Key features: 9-in-1 cooking functionality with 12 presets, 360° Quick Cook Technology, digital display for easy operation, and a range of included accessories like a rotisserie spit and crisper tray.
- Price: Between $200 - $250
- Dimensions: Approximately 15" x 13" x 9.5", which is a relatively compact footprint suitable for smaller kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: A mix of stainless steel accents and sturdy plastic components, designed for functionality over luxury.
- Style: Functional and approachable, with a friendly digital interface. Its appearance is straightforward and blends into most casual kitchen environments.
- Pros: Excellent value for the price. Very versatile with its numerous functions and presets. Compact size saves counter space. Is very easy to use straight out of the box with its digital interface. Includes handy accessories like a rotisserie spit.
- Cons: Build quality is less premium than the Breville, using more plastic. The smaller capacity is not ideal for large families. It may not cook as evenly as higher-end models.
This appliance works best for the budget-conscious cook or small family looking for a versatile machine that can handle many tasks without taking up too much space.
Shop this product: amazon.com/emeril-lagasse-fryer-family-stainless-accessories/dp/B07YPRXGC1/
Breville Smart Oven Air vs. Emeril Air Fryer 360 Comparison
Dimensions & Capacity
The most immediate difference is size. The Breville Smart Oven Air is a larger, more substantial appliance, measuring around 18.5" wide. Its spacious interior is designed to handle big jobs, like roasting a 14-lb turkey or baking a standard 9x13 pan with ease. This size makes it perfect for families or those who frequently cook larger meals.
In contrast, the Emeril Air Fryer 360 is significantly more compact at approximately 15" wide, making it a better fit for smaller kitchens, apartments, or homes where counter space is at a premium. While it's great for couples or small families, you won't be able to fit a large roasting pan or full-sized chicken inside most of the time.
Materials & Construction
Build quality is where the price difference between these two ovens becomes most apparent. The Breville features a robust, all-stainless-steel construction that feels premium and durable, designed for longevity and superior heat retention. Every knob and button provides positive, tactile feedback, reinforcing its high-end feel.
The Emeril Air Fryer 360 uses a combination of stainless steel accents on a primarily plastic and composite metal body. While perfectly sturdy for everyday use, it lacks the hefty, built-to-last feel of the Breville. For most users, its construction is more than adequate, but those who prioritize durability may find the Breville a better long-term investment.
Price & Value
The Emeril Air Fryer 360 is the clear winner on a pure price comparison, often costing nearly half as much as the Breville. For under $250, you get a highly versatile machine that can air fry, bake, roast, and even act as a rotisserie. It delivers incredible value for shoppers who want maximum functionality on a budget.
The Breville justifies its higher $400 price tag with superior materials, more precise cooking technology (Element IQ), and a larger capacity. While the initial cost is higher, you're paying for better build quality, more consistent cooking results, and an appliance that feels like a professional piece of kitchen gear. The question of value really depends on whether you'll capitalize on these premium features.
Style & Aesthetics
Stylistically, the two ovens appeal to different tastes. The Breville Smart Oven Air features a sleek, minimalist design with its brushed stainless steel finish and uncluttered interface. It integrates perfectly into modern kitchens and often matches the look of high-end, built-in appliances.
The Emeril Air Fryer 360 has a more commercial and utilitarian appearance with a prominent digital touchscreen and bold branding. Its approachable design is more focused on function than high fashion, fitting well into busy, family-friendly kitchens where ease of use is the main attraction.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both countertop ovens offer tremendous utility, but they are clearly designed for different types of cooks and kitchens.
Choose the Breville Smart Oven Air if:
- You prioritize premium build quality and long-term durability as an investment.
- Cooking precision and perfectly even results are your top priority.
- You need a large capacity to cook for a family or entertain guests.
- You have ample counter space and a higher budget for a performance-focused appliance.
- You appreciate a sleek, modern stainless steel design in your kitchen.
Choose the Emeril Air Fryer 360 if:
- You're on a tighter budget and want the absolute best value.
- You need a compact appliance for a kitchen with limited counter space.
- You prefer simple presets and straightforward controls over complex settings.
- All-in-one versatility for easy, everyday meals is more important than gourmet precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Breville and Emeril ovens?
The main difference comes down to three things: price, build quality, and performance. The Breville is a high-end appliance with superior materials, size, and cooking precision, while the Emeril is a budget-friendly option focused on providing value and versatility in a compact design.
Which oven is bigger?
The Breville Smart Oven Air is significantly larger in both its external footprint and its internal cooking capacity. It can handle larger dishes like a whole turkey or a 9x13 inch pan, which the compact Emeril oven cannot.
Is the Breville Smart Oven Air worth the extra money?
If you're a serious home cook who will frequently use the precise temperature controls, large capacity, and advanced features, then yes, it's worth it for the durability and consistent results. For casual cooks who just need a machine for reheating pizza and air frying, the Emeril provides enough functionality for a fraction of the cost.
How well do they actually air fry?
Both do an excellent job air frying. The Breville's Super Convection system often provides more consistently crispy and evenly cooked results. The Emeril also performs very well for everyday air frying of things like fries and chicken wings.
Are these ovens easy to clean?
Both models feature non-stick interiors and removable crumb trays to simplify cleaning. The Emeril often comes with dishwasher-safe accessories, which can make cleanup a bit easier.
Can the Emeril Air Fryer 360 replace my oven?
For small households, it can replace a traditional oven for many common tasks like baking, roasting, and toasting. However, its limited capacity prevents it from cooking large items you can fit inside a full-sized range/oven.
Does the Breville get hot on the outside?
Yes, like all countertop ovens that reach high temperatures, the exterior can get very hot to the touch. It's important to ensure there is plenty of clearance around the appliance while it's being used.
Which one is better for a family?
The Breville Smart Oven Air is better for larger families of four or more due to its generous capacity. The Emeril 360 is perfectly suited for couples, small families of up to four people, and individuals in smaller kitchens.
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