The Cuisinart Toaster Oven Airfryer TOA-60 and the Breville Smart Oven BOV800XL are two top-tier countertop appliances that go far beyond making toast, but they cater to very different cooks. The Cuisinart TOA-60 is a budget-friendly multitasker with a dedicated air fry function, controlled by simple manual dials, making it a high-value choice. In contrast, the Breville Smart Oven is a premium, high-performance appliance with advanced "Element IQ" heating technology for incredibly precise cooking, controlled by a digital interface at nearly double the price.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide which of these popular appliances is the right fit for your kitchen.
Cuisinart Toaster Oven Airfryer TOA-60
The Cuisinart TOA-60 has become a kitchen staple by successfully combining the functions of a toaster oven, convection oven, and a powerful air fryer into one compact appliance. It's known for being an excellent value, bringing the crispy results of air frying to a multifunctional device without a hefty price tag. Its straightforward, manual controls make it popular among those who prefer simplicity over complex digital menus.
- What it is: A combination appliance offering seven cooking functions, with a prominent and effective air frying feature.
- Key features: Dedicated air fry function, convection baking and broiling, 0.6 cubic foot interior, adjustable thermostat, 60-minute timer with auto shutoff. Fits a 12-inch pizza or 4 slices of bread.
- Price: Typically around $150.
- Dimensions: Approximately 15" D x 16.5" W x 14" H.
- Materials/Construction: Stainless steel body with manual control dials for function, temperature, and time.
- Style: Functional with a classic, commercial-kitchen aesthetic. The stainless steel finish fits well in most traditional and modern kitchens.
- Pros: Excellent value, powerful and dedicated air fryer, simple-to-use manual knobs, compact footprint for its capabilities, cooks quickly.
- Cons: Manual timer is less precise than a digital one, the interior coating can show wear and be harder to clean over time, and the fan can be noisy for some users.
This appliance is ideal for budget-conscious home cooks who primarily want a powerful air fryer but also need the utility of a standard toaster oven for everyday tasks.
Shop this product: https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-TOA-60-Convection-Toaster-Stainless/dp/B01K0W8LTE
Breville Smart Oven BOV800XL
The Breville Smart Oven BOV800XL is a premium convection oven designed for cooks who demand precision and consistency. Its standout feature is Breville’s Element IQ technology, which intelligently distributes heat from five independent quartz elements where it's needed most for perfect results every time. Wrapped in a sleek stainless steel body with an intuitive LCD screen, this oven is built for performance and durability.
- What it is: A high-end, 1800-watt countertop convection oven with smart heating technology for precise cooking.
- Key features: Element IQ technology for even heating, nine preset cooking functions (toast, bake, roast, pizza etc.), user-friendly LCD screen, digital controls, larger interior capacity, and a high-quality non-stick interior.
- Price: Usually retails for approximately $300.
- Dimensions: Approximately 18" D x 16" W x 11" H.
- Materials/Construction: A robust, brushed stainless steel exterior with high-quality components and a durable non-stick interior.
- Style: Sleek, modern, and minimalist. The polished finish and digital display give it an upscale look that complements high-end kitchens.
- Pros: Extremely even and consistent cooking results due to Element IQ. Precise digital temperature and time controls. Larger capacity can handle bigger meals. Premium build quality and easier-to-clean interior.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive. Does not have a dedicated "air fry" pre-set, though its convection setting is very effective. Takes up more counter width.
The Breville Smart Oven is perfect for serious home cooks and bakers who prioritize flawless cooking performance and are willing to invest in an appliance that delivers precision and quality.
Shop this product: https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/ovens/bov800.html
Cuisinart TOA-60 vs. Breville Smart Oven BOV800XL Comparison
Dimensions & Capacity
While both are countertop ovens, their profiles are different. The Cuisinart TOA-60 has a more compact width (~16.5") but is taller (~14"), making it suitable for narrower spaces. The Breville Smart Oven is wider (~18") and shorter (~11"), giving it a lower profile that feels more spacious inside. The Breville's larger interior is better suited for cooking family-sized portions, like roasting a whole chicken or baking a full batch of cookies, whereas the Cuisinart is ideal for smaller meals and households.
Cooking Functions & Performance
This is where the two ovens diverge most. Cuisinart's primary draw is its powerful, dedicated air frying function, which produces a deep, even crisp. Its other functions (baking, broiling) are effective, but controlled by classic analog dials. The Breville’s secret weapon is its Element IQ technology, which intelligently controls five heating elements to eliminate hot spots. This provides surgical precision for baking, roasting, and toasting, making it a baker’s favorite. While it lacks an "air fry" button, its powerful convection fan achieves a similar crispy texture for foods like wings and fries.
The Breville’s digital LCD screen offers a more modern and precise user experience with multiple presets, while the Cuisinart appeals to users who want simple, tactile control knobs without any learning curve.
Materials & Construction
Both ovens are built with stainless steel, but the Breville feels more premium and substantial. Its buttons, dial, and door have a more solid feel. A key difference is the interior: The Breville features a high-quality non-stick coating that makes it significantly easier to wipe clean after spills or splatters. The Cuisinart's interior is more basic and may require more effort to clean, with some users reporting wear on the coating over a long period of heavy use.
Price & Value
At around $150, the Cuisinart TOA-60 delivers exceptional value. For that price, you get a reliable convection oven that doubles as a powerful air fryer, a function often found in more expensive models. The Breville Smart Oven, at about $300, is a clear investment. The value here comes from its sophisticated heating technology, superior build quality, and precision results. The choice is clear: Cuisinart offers the best value for versatility, while Breville offers the best value for performance.
Who Each One Works Best For
Ultimately, your choice depends on your cooking style. The Cuisinart TOA-60 is built for enthusiastic home cooks who want the fun and flavor of air-fried foods quickly and easily, without a second dedicated appliance taking up space. It is perfect for weeknight meals, reheating leftovers to be perfectly crisp, and everyday convenience.
The Breville Smart Oven appeals to the detail-oriented cook, home baker, or anyone who frequently relies on their countertop oven for serious cooking tasks. If you are meticulous about your baking rising evenly or your roast cooking perfectly, the technical superiority of the Element IQ technology makes it a worthwhile upgrade. It's a true secondary oven, not just a toaster.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both appliances excel at what they do, but they are designed for very different users and priorities.
Choose the Cuisinart TOA-60 if:
- Your top priority is having a powerful and dedicated air fryer.
- You are shopping on a firm budget and want the best functionality for under $200.
- You prefer simple, straightforward manual dials over digital screens and menus.
- Versatility for quick, everyday meals is more important than culinary precision.
Choose the Breville Smart Oven BOV800XL if:
- You are a passionate home cook or baker who demands even heating and precise temperature control.
- You plan to use your countertop oven for complex tasks like roasting meats or baking cakes.
- You value premium build quality, a modern aesthetic, and an easy-to-clean interior.
- You are willing to invest more for a durable, high-performance appliance that may last longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Cuisinart TOA-60 and Breville Smart Oven?
The core difference is technology versus function at price. The Cuisinart is a budget-focused, high-value combo appliance whose main feature is an excellent air fryer. The Breville is a premium, high-performance oven that uses smart technology (Element IQ) to deliver precise, extraordinarily even cooking results for bakers and serious cooks.
Does the Breville Smart Oven air fry?
The BOV800XL does not have a specific "air fry" setting on its display. However, its powerful dual-speed convection fan creates the same high-heat, circulating air environment needed for air frying. Many users report it produces crispy results very similar to a dedicated air fryer when using the convection setting at a high temperature.
Which is easier to clean?
The Breville Smart Oven is generally easier to clean. Its interior walls have a durable, high-quality non-stick coating, allowing most food splatters to be wiped away easily. The Cuisinart’s interior is functional stainless steel, which can require more scrubbing for baked-on food.
Is the Breville Smart Oven worth the extra money?
If you're a serious baker or cook who will notice and appreciate the flawless, even heating for delicate tasks, then yes, it is absolutely worth it. For those who primarily want an appliance for toasting, reheating pizza, and making crispy fries, the Cuisinart TOA-60 offers better value and will meet your needs perfectly.
Which oven is quieter?
Generally, the Breville Smart Oven is considered quieter. While any appliance with a fan will make some noise, Breville's engineering is focused on a premium user experience, and its fans tend to be less obtrusive than the powerful air-frying fan on the Cuisinart, which some users note is quite audible.
Which one is better for a small apartment?
The Cuisinart TOA-60 has a slightly smaller overall footprint, particularly in width, making it a better choice where counter space is at an absolute premium. The Breville is wider and requires a bit more dedicated space.
How long do these toaster ovens last?
Both Cuisinart and Breville are reputable brands known for making durable appliances. With proper care, both ovens can last for many years. However, the premium components and more robust build quality of the Breville Smart Oven may give it an edge in long-term durability under heavy use.
Can you bake a cake in the Cuisinart TOA-60?
Yes, you can absolutely bake in the Cuisinart using its "Bake" or "Convection Bake" function. However, the Breville Smart Oven’s Element IQ technology gives it an advantage for baking because it excels at eliminating hot spots and maintaining a perfectly consistent temperature, which is critical for sensitive items like cakes and cookies.
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