The Cuisinart TOB-135 series and popular Breville Toaster Ovens appeal to different home cooks, differing primarily in technology, design, and price. Cuisinart delivers a reliable, budget-friendly workhorse with manual controls and essential functions, while Breville offers a premium, tech-forward oven with smart heating technology, a digital display, and a higher price tag.
Here’s a detailed guide to help you decide which countertop oven is the right choice for your kitchen and cooking style.
Cuisinart TOB-135N Deluxe Convection Toaster Oven Broiler
The Cuisinart TOB-135N is a practical and versatile countertop oven that focuses on delivering solid performance without complicated tech. It’s known for its user-friendly manual dials, dependable convection heating, and spacious interior that competes with more expensive models, making it a favorite for everyday cooking needs.
- What it is: A mid-sized convection toaster oven with straightforward manual controls for toasting, baking, and broiling.
- Key features: 0.6 cubic foot capacity, convection baking and broiling, multiple cooking modes (toast, bake, broil, warm), and an extra-long 180-minute timer.
- Price: Around $150 to $180
- Dimensions: 18.5" x 15.35" x 9.84". It’s compact enough for most countertops.
- Materials/Construction: A classic build with durable stainless steel and heat-resistant glass suitable for daily kitchen tasks.
- Style: Functional and classic. Its simple stainless steel and black accents fit easily into almost any kitchen decor without drawing too much attention.
- Pros: Excellent value for the price. Simple manual dials are intuitive and easy to use. The convection fan ensures even cooking. Surprisingly spacious interior can fit a 12-inch pizza. It also comes with a generous limited 3-year warranty.
- Cons: Lacks the precise temperature control of digital models. The design is practical but not as modern or sleek and lacks an interior light and digital readouts.
The Cuisinart TOB-135N is ideal for anyone who prioritizes reliability and value on a budget and prefers the simplicity of tactile knobs over a digital interface.
Breville Smart Oven Pro
The Breville Smart Oven Pro is a premium countertop appliance that features advanced technology and sleek modern design. Its "Element IQ" system automatically adjusts power for precise heat where and when it is needed, making it a favorite for serious cooks who want performance and consistency.
- What it is: An advanced countertop oven with smart heating technology and a digital display.
- Key features: Element IQ technology for precision cooking, 10 preset cooking functions (toast, bagel, roast, broil), an LCD screen, interior oven light, and a slow-cook feature.
- Price: Typically around $250 to $300. It's an investment for a top-tier appliance.
- Dimensions: 18.5" x 15.7" x 11". A little larger footprint but still manageable.
- Materials/Construction: High-quality brushed stainless steel, premium components, and better insulation compared to older models.
- Style: Modern and stylish with a minimalist aesthetic, designed to be a statement piece on the countertop.
- Pros: Precise temperature control thanks to the Element IQ smart technology. The digital interface is intuitive and easy to use after a brief learning curve. The 10 preset functions cover everything from toasting and baking to slow cooking, and the built-in oven light is very helpful.
- Cons: The higher price is a jump over Cuisinart. The larger footprint may take more space on your counter. Some users might prefer manual knobs over navigating menus.
The Breville is for home chefs who want a high-performance appliance that can almost replace a full-size oven, offering advanced features, design, and the willingness to spend for that performance.
Cuisinart TOB-135N vs Breville Smart Oven: Comparison
Dimensions & Capacity
The Cuisinart TOB-135N offers a good 0.6 cubic foot of space, enough to fit a 12-inch pizza, while Breville's Smart Oven Pro is larger at 0.8 cubic feet. This means while both offer generous capacity for daily cooking, the Breville will more easily accommodate larger dishes like a roast chicken or a 6-cup muffin tray, making it suitable for larger families. However, the Cuisinart is slightly smaller externally (18.5" x 15.35" x 9.84"), making it a solid choice for kitchens where counter space is at a premium. The Breville, at 18.5" x 15.7" x 11", requires more dedicated space but pays off with its ability to handle larger meals.
Functions & Functionality
Here is where the two showcase their different approaches. Cuisinart focuses on simplicity with manual dials controlling temperature, function, and timer. It's a straightforward system that does its job well. It has all the essentials you need, including convection, without any gimmicky screens or menus. Breville, on the other hand, has elevated the experience with "Element IQ," which provides intelligent heating settings that redirect heat where and when it's needed. With its 10 preset cooking functions (like "Cookie" or "Pizza") and an LCD screen, the oven takes the guesswork out of many dishes. An interior light and slow-cook feature here add to its versatility, making it a truly "smart" appliance.
Construction
Both ovens are sturdy and constructed from stainless steel, but Breville takes it further. Its brushed stainless steel finish not only looks more premium, but it's also more substantial and scratch-resistant. The Breville's construction also includes better insulation, which helps maintain more consistent temperatures during cooking and means less heat escapes to the kitchen.
Price & Value
The Cuisinart TOB-135N is a value champion, typically priced around $150 to $180. It offers great functionality at a budget-friendly price point. It provides serious value for anyone needing a basic countertop oven without breaking the bank. Meanwhile, the Breville Smart Oven Pro, costing around $250 to $300, is an investment in performance, design, and technology. The value here lies in its precision, versatility, and its ability to replace multiple kitchen appliances. For serious home cooks who will utilize all its features, it can justify the cost.
Style
The Cuisinart is built with a functional, classic aesthetic. Its silver and black design blends well into most kitchen decors without standing out. Breville offers a strikingly modern, sleek appearance, with digital displays and touches of sophistication to any kitchen countertop. It's clearly designed to be as much an artful appliance as it is a functional one.
Which One Works Best For You?
The Cuisinart is perfect for the practical cook who wants a reliable appliance that can handle basics like toast and smaller meals in a kitchen without fuss. It's a great choice for smaller families or anyone who prefers the simplicity of manual dials. The affordable price tag makes it an excellent entry point for someone considering a countertop oven. The Breville Smart Oven Pro is tailored for the passionate home chef who enjoys cooking with precision and uses their countertop oven frequently. It's ideal for those who value advanced technology, versatility of preset modes, appreciate a premium look in their kitchen, and are willing to spend more for performance and durability.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these toaster ovens are excellent options but cater to very different needs and budgets.
- Choose the Cuisinart if:
- You’re on a budget and want a dependable appliance without paying premium prices.
- You prefer the simplicity of manual dials over an LCD screen and programmable settings.
- You need a value appliance that has all the core functions for baking, broiling, and convection without any bells and whistles.
- You appreciate a generous limited 3-year warranty which offers more peace of mind compared to the standard 1-year industry offering.
- Choose the Breville if:
- Precision cooking and precise temperature control are your top priorities.
- You enjoy settings that cook perfectly every time.
- You appreciate smart technology and the convenience of intelligent cooking settings like "Pizza" or "Roast."
- You want a sleek, modern appliance that complements a contemporary kitchen design and adds a refined touch.
- You plan to use your countertop oven frequently for a variety of dishes, making the investment worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What's the main difference between Cuisinart and Breville toaster ovens?
The main difference lies in technology and philosophy. The Cuisinart TOB-135N focuses on functionality and value, offering a straightforward appliance with manual controls. The Breville Smart Oven Pro focuses on advanced technology and design, with smart features like Element IQ and digital control.
2. What is Breville's Element IQ?
The "Element IQ" is Breville's marketing term for its intelligently adjusted heating system that delivers even cooking and greater control. It provides heat where it is most needed, making it ideal for home cooks who prepare a wide range of dishes and value consistency in every preparation.
3. Which is better for baking?
This is a subjective decision. The Cuisinart TOB-135N can typically accommodate a larger pizza, making it great for casual family-sized pies. The bigger Breville Smart Oven Pro can fit an even larger pizza.
4. Which one is easier to clean?
Both ovens are designed with easy-to-clean interiors, including removable crumb trays and non-stick interiors. Breville's semi-automated cleaning aids might give it an edge in terms of maintenance, but Cuisinart’s simpler design can also be less cumbersome.
5. Is the Cuisinart TOB-135N a powerful oven?
The convection feature of the Cuisinart TOB-135N provides effective heating for a crisp distribution of temperature, making it powerful for its class.
6. Does Breville generate a lot of external heat?
All ovens generate some heat, but models like the Breville Smart Oven Pro have better insulation to minimize heat transfer to the outer surface. As a result, it is safe to maintain clearance around its exterior during use.
7. Which one has the best warranty?
This is subjective. Cuisinart TOB-135N typically includes a limited 3-year warranty, which is excellent for an appliance in this price range. The Breville Smart Oven Pro comes with a limited 1-year warranty, which is typical. If a long-term warranty coverage is a priority, the Cuisinart may be the better choice.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
