The Emeril 360 Oven and countertop ovens from Breville are both versatile kitchen appliances, but they cater to very different needs and budgets. The Emeril 360 Oven is positioned as a multi-functional, value-driven appliance that combines an air fryer, convection oven, and more into one compact unit, perfect for budget-conscious buyers. Breville focuses on the premium market, offering high-performance smart ovens known for precise temperature control, superior build quality, and a significantly higher price tag.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which countertop oven is the right fit for your kitchen.
Emeril 360 Oven
The Emeril Lagasse 360 Power AirFryer Oven is an all-in-one countertop cooking device famous for its 360-degree “Cyclone Heat” technology. It's designed to be a jack-of-all-trades, combining 12 different cooking functions like air frying, toasting, rotisserie, dehydrating, and baking. It's built for home cooks who want convenience and versatility without cluttering their countertops with multiple single-purpose appliances.
- What it is: A multi-functional countertop appliance with convection and air frying technology.
- Key features: 360-degree "Cyclone Heat" for even cooking, 12 preset cooking functions, large capacity that fits a whole chicken, digital display panel, and stainless steel construction.
- Price: Typically ranges from $150 to $250.
- Dimensions: Approximately 14" D x 12" W x 14" H.
- Materials/Construction: Stainless steel exterior and interior with non-stick surfaces to simplify cleaning.
- Pros: Excellent value for the price, replaces several kitchen gadgets, quick preheating and cooking times, simple one-touch presets for easy use, relatively compact footprint.
- Cons: Build quality is less robust than premium competitors, the exterior can get hot during operation, non-stick coatings may degrade over time, and the fan can be noisy for some users.
This oven is ideal for anyone who needs a versatile and budget-friendly workhorse for quick weeknight meals, from air-fried snacks to roasted vegetables.
Shop this product: emeril.com
Breville Smart Ovens
Breville is a premium kitchen appliance brand known for its high-end construction, sophisticated technology, and sleek design. Their line of Smart Ovens, like the popular Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, embodies this philosophy. They feature the brand's Element IQ technology, which uses smart algorithms and independent heating elements to direct heat precisely where it's needed, ensuring perfectly consistent cooking results every time.
- What it is: A premium, high-performance smart countertop oven with precise heating technology.
- Key features: Element IQ smart heating system, intuitive user interface with an LCD screen, super convection for faster cooking, and a range of functions including air fry and dehydrate.
- Price: Generally priced from $250 to $500, depending on the model.
- Dimensions: Varies by model, but a popular size is around 17" D x 15" W x 9" H.
- Materials/Construction: Heavy-duty brushed stainless steel housing, reinforced glass door, and high-quality internal components built for longevity.
- Pros: Exceptional build quality and durability, incredibly precise and even cooking, quiet operation, beautiful high-end aesthetic, often includes thoughtful accessories.
- Cons: Significantly higher price point, larger countertop footprint, and can have a steeper learning curve to master all features.
A Breville oven is built for serious home cooks who demand precision, are willing to invest in appliance longevity, and appreciate a refined kitchen aesthetic.
Shop this product: breville.com
Emeril 360 Oven vs. Breville Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
The Emeril 360 Oven is generally more compact, with dimensions around 14" x 12" x 14", making it a solid choice for kitchens with limited counter space. Despite its smaller footprint, it offers a surprisingly generous interior capacity, often large enough for a whole chicken or a family-sized portion of fries.
Breville's Smart Ovens tend to be wider and shorter, with a larger overall footprint (e.g., 17" x 15" x 9"). This larger size accommodates bigger items like a 13-inch pizza or a small Dutch oven. It feels more substantial on the counter, so be sure to measure your space before buying a Breville.
Materials & Construction
The Emeril 360 Oven uses stainless steel for its construction, which gives it a modern look and is easy to clean. However, the materials feel lighter compared to a Breville. The focus is on providing good, serviceable quality for its price point, which is perfectly suitable for daily home use.
Breville is in a different league when it comes to build quality. It uses heavy-duty, reinforced stainless steel and premium components that contribute to its weight and feeling of durability. The doors feel more solid, the dials are more responsive, and the overall construction is designed for years of reliable, heavy use. It’s an appliance built to last.
Price & Value
There is a clear divide here. The Emeril 360 Oven offers an excellent value proposition, packing numerous cooking functions into an appliance that typically costs less than $250. For that price, you're getting a ton of versatility that can save you from buying a separate air fryer, dehydrator, and toaster oven.
Breville justifies its higher price (often $250-$500) through superior performance, longevity, and technology. The Element IQ system provides cooking results that rival a built-in oven, and the robust construction means you're investing in an appliance that will likely outlast its cheaper competitors. The value is in the precision and long-term durability, not just the number of functions.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Emeril 360 Oven is best for families, college students, or home cooks who are price-sensitive but want the convenience of an all-in-one appliance. It is perfect for anyone looking to experiment with air frying, roasting, and dehydrating without committing to a high-end machine. Its ease of use with presets makes it great for busy individuals who prioritize convenience.
A Breville Smart Oven is aimed at passionate home cooks, aspiring bakers, and anyone who sees their kitchen tools as a long-term investment. If you consistently find yourself disappointed with unevenly cooked food from other appliances and value precision above all else, the Breville is the clear choice. It’s for the user who wants professional-grade results from a countertop machine and values a refined design.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both ovens are excellent choices, but they are designed for completely different kinds of cooks.
Choose the Emeril 360 Oven if:
- Your budget is under $250.
- You want to replace several appliances with a single, multi-functional unit.
- You value convenient, one-touch cooking presets for quick meals.
- Counter space is a primary concern for you.
Choose a Breville Smart Oven if:
- Performance, precision, and consistent cooking results are your top priorities.
- You're willing to pay a premium for exceptional build quality and longevity.
- You appreciate a sleek, high-end design that complements your kitchen.
- You want advanced features and smart technology to elevate your cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Emeril 360 and a Breville oven?
The main difference comes down to value versus performance. The Emeril 360 offers incredible versatility and multiple functions at a budget-friendly price. Breville offers professional-grade precision, superior build quality, and advanced cooking technology for a premium price.
Which oven is better for air frying?
The Emeril 360 is heavily marketed as an air fryer and performs that function very well, thanks to its 360-degree heat circulation. Breville models with an air fry function also excel, often circulating air more powerfully with a "super convection" setting for even crispier results. Both are great, but Breville offers a bit more power and precision.
Is the Breville oven worth the extra money?
For cooks who prioritize precision and durability, yes. The heavy-duty construction means it's likely to last much longer, and the Element IQ technology provides more even and reliable cooking results than most other countertop ovens on the market.
Which oven is easier to clean?
The Emeril 360 often has non-stick interior surfaces, which can make initial cleaning easier. However, these coatings can scratch or wear over time. Breville ovens typically use durable stainless steel interiors and often feature a non-stick pull-out crumb tray, making them straightforward to maintain long-term.
Can the Emeril 360 Oven replace a conventional oven?
For many daily cooking tasks like roasting chicken, baking small batches of cookies, or reheating leftovers, it can absolutely replace a larger oven, saving time and energy. However, it cannot accommodate very large items like a Thanksgiving turkey or multiple full-size baking sheets.
What exactly is Breville's Element IQ technology?
Element IQ is a smart heating system that uses sensors to detect where heat is and isn't needed. It then directs power to independent heating elements inside the oven to maintain a perfectly stable and precise cooking environment, eliminating hot spots and ensuring even results.
Which brand offers a better warranty and customer support?
Breville is widely recognized for having robust customer support and typically offers a 1 to 2-year warranty on its smart ovens. Emeril also provides customer support and a standard warranty, but Breville's reputation for service is generally stronger in the premium appliance category.
How much counter space do I need for these ovens?
Always measure first. The Emeril 360 is more compact, generally needing about 14 inches of depth and 12 inches of width. Breville ovens are larger, often requiring at least 17 inches of depth and 15 inches of width. Ensure you have a few inches of clearance around the appliance for ventilation as well.
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