The De'Longhi and Breville toaster ovens both offer high-quality performance, but they cater to different priorities in the kitchen. De'Longhi emphasizes a classic Italian design, user-friendly controls, and strong value at a more accessible price point. Breville is known for its advanced cooking technology, ultra-modern aesthetic, and professional-grade features, positioning it as a premium option for serious home chefs.
Here's everything you need to know to decide between these two top-tier countertop oven brands.
De'Longhi Livenza Toaster Ovens
De'Longhi toaster ovens are celebrated for blending elegant Italian style with reliable everyday functionality. These appliances are designed for home cooks who appreciate an appliance that looks great on the counter while delivering consistent toasting, baking, and roasting results without overly complex controls. They strike a balance between performance, design, and affordability.
- What it is: A line of countertop ovens known for Italian design, ease of use, and dependable cooking performance.
- Key features: Many models include convection heating for faster, more even cooking, interior lights, non-stick interiors, and presets for common foods like pizza and cookies. Controls are typically intuitive, using a mix of dials and buttons.
- Price: Generally ranges from $150 to $300.
- Style: Classic yet modern with rounded edges, sleek stainless steel finishes, and an overall sophisticated but approachable look.
- Materials/Construction: Solidly built with stainless steel exteriors, double-glass doors for insulation, and durable internal components designed for even heat distribution.
- Pros: Stylish Italian aesthetic that complements various kitchen decors, generally more affordable than Breville, intuitive and straightforward controls, reliable performance for daily tasks.
- Cons: May lack the advanced "smart" heating technology of Breville, fewer cooking presets on some models, top-tier performance is more general-purpose than specialized.
A De'Longhi oven is ideal for those who want a capable and stylish appliance for daily cooking needs and value a good balance between price and performance.
Shop this product: delonghi.com/en-us/products/kitchen/kitchen-appliances/toaster-ovens
Breville Smart Ovens
Breville's Smart Oven series is engineered for precision and power, aiming to bring professional-quality cooking to the countertop. These toaster ovens are packed with innovative technology, most notably the Element IQ system, which intelligently directs heat where and when it's needed for perfect results. They are built for culinary enthusiasts who demand superior control and versatility.
- What it is: A premium line of high-tech countertop ovens designed for precise cooking control and professional-grade results.
- Key features: Key features on most models include the Element IQ system with multiple independent quartz heating elements, an intuitive LCD display, and numerous preset cooking functions (e.g., air fry, dehydrate, proof).
- Price: Typically ranges from $200 to over $400.
- Style: Modern, minimalist, and high-tech, characterized by brushed stainless steel, clean lines, and a large digital screen.
- Materials/Construction: Made with premium, high-quality materials, with a focus on a robust build, durable heating elements, and a solid, premium feel.
- Pros: Unmatched cooking precision with Element IQ technology, extremely versatile with up to 10+ cooking functions, durable and high-quality construction, sleek and modern design.
- Cons: Significantly higher price point, can have a larger countertop footprint, the number of features can be overwhelming for casual users.
The Breville Smart Oven is for the home chef who prioritizes advanced features and precise results, and sees the appliance as a primary cooking tool rather than just a toaster.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/ovens
De'Longhi vs. Breville Comparison
Dimensions & Sizing
Both brands offer a variety of sizes to fit different needs and counter spaces. De'Longhi provides a range from more compact models, perfect for smaller kitchens, to larger convection ovens that can handle roasts or full-size pizzas. Their designs are generally well-proportioned, balancing interior capacity with exterior footprint.
Breville toaster ovens tend to occupy a slightly larger footprint, partly due to their emphasis on robust construction and advanced internal technology. However, they are designed to maximize interior cooking space, often fitting standard 9x13” pans or 13” pizzas comfortably. Always be sure to measure your available counter space, paying attention to overhead cabinet clearance.
Materials & Construction
De'Longhi constructs its ovens to be durable for everyday use. They typically feature solid stainless steel housings, well-insulated doors, and quality heating elements designed for longevity. The build feels sturdy and reliable, consistent with what you'd expect from a respected Italian appliance brand.
Breville is known for its exceptional build quality. Its ovens use thick, brushed stainless steel and premium components that feel substantial and thoughtfully engineered. From the smooth-action door to the reinforced rack positions, every element is designed for durability and a high-end user experience, supporting their premium price tag.
Price & Value
This is one of the biggest differentiators. De'Longhi generally positions itself as the more budget-friendly option, with most models priced between $150 and $300. For this price, you get an excellent combination of Italian style, reliable convection performance, and user-friendly features, offering strong value for the average consumer.
Breville begins where De'Longhi tops out, with prices running from $200 to over $400. The higher cost is justified by their proprietary technologies like Element IQ, more extensive cooking presets, and superior build quality. The value here lies in performance and precision for those who will take advantage of the advanced oven capabilities.
Style & Aesthetic
De'Longhi’s aesthetic is rooted in modern Italian design. Their ovens often feature softer, rounded corners, polished chrome accents, and a timeless look that blends seamlessly into both traditional and contemporary kitchens. The look is elegant without being overly industrial.
Breville leans into a high-tech, professional aesthetic. Characterized by sharp lines, a brushed metal finish, and prominent LCD digital displays, these ovens look like they belong in a modern commercial kitchen. This style appeals to users who want their appliances to reflect a passion for cutting-edge technology and precision cooking.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands produce excellent toaster ovens, but they are built for different users with different priorities.
Choose the De'Longhi Toaster Oven if:
- You appreciate a classic, elegant Italian design that complements a wide range of kitchen styles.
- You are looking for an excellent cooking appliance for daily tasks with a budget under $300.
- You prefer straightforward knobs and button controls over a digital-heavy interface.
- Style and reliability are more important to you than having numerous specialized cooking functions.
Choose the Breville Smart Oven if:
- You are a keen home cook who requires precise temperature and heat control.
- You want maximum versatility, including functions like air frying, dehydrating, and proofing dough.
- Your budget allows for a premium appliance, and you are willing to invest in performance.
- You love a sleek, modern, tech-forward aesthetic on your countertop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between De'Longhi and Breville toaster ovens?
The primary difference comes down to design philosophy and technology. De'Longhi focuses on a blend of elegant Italian style and reliable, user-friendly performance at a moderate price. Breville prioritizes technological innovation and cooking precision with features like the Element IQ system, targeting serious home cooks with a higher budget.
Are Breville toaster ovens worth the extra money?
For many users, yes. If you are discerning about your cooking and will use the specialized functions like air frying, slow cooking, or need precise heat for baking, the superior control and consistent results from a Breville are worth the investment. For simple toasting and occasional baking, a De'Longhi might be all you need.
Which brand is easier to use?
De'Longhi ovens are often considered more straightforward out of the box due to their traditional dial and button controls. However, Breville's LCD screens and single-dial system are very intuitive and guide the user through a wide range of presets, making complex functions simple to access after a very short learning period.
Which brand is more durable?
Both brands have a reputation for building quality appliances. However, Breville is widely recognized for its heavy-duty construction and high-end components, which contribute to its reputation for long-term durability and performance consistent with its premium pricing.
Can a toaster oven from these brands replace a regular oven?
For many tasks, especially in smaller households, yes. Larger models from both De'Longhi and Breville can roast a chicken, bake a 13-inch pizza, and handle casserole dishes, making them excellent secondary ovens or even primary ovens for apartment living.
How effective is the convection feature in these ovens?
Both brands offer effective convection systems that circulate hot air for faster, crispier, and more evenly cooked food. Breville's higher-end models sometimes feature a two-speed "Super Convection" setting, which provides even greater air circulation for tasks like air frying and dehydrating.
How do you clean these toaster ovens?
Most models from both manufacturers feature non-stick interiors and a removable front crumb tray for easy cleaning. It is recommended to wipe down the interior after it cools and to empty the crumb tray regularly to prevent buildup and potential fire hazards.
Do these toaster ovens get hot on the outside?
Like any appliance that reaches high temperatures, the exterior surfaces, especially the glass door, can become hot to the touch. Both companies incorporate features like insulated doors to mitigate this, but it’s always best to use caution and keep them clear of flammable objects.
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