The Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Oven and the Breville Smart Oven are two of the most popular countertop ovens, but they solve very different problems. The Ninja Foodi is an all-in-one workhorse designed for versatility, excelling at high-volume jobs like air frying for a family, while the Breville Smart Oven is a precision tool built with premium materials for discerning cooks who demand perfect, repeatable results in baking and roasting.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right countertop oven for your kitchen.
Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Oven
The Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Oven is a large-capacity, multifunctional appliance designed to be a true all-in-one countertop cooking solution. It's built for speed, capacity, and versatility, combining the features of a convection oven, air fryer, dehydrator, and more into a single unit that's perfect for busy households.
- What it is: A large countertop convection oven with an emphasis on air frying and multi-level cooking.
- Key features: Ten cooking functions (including air fry, whole roast, air roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate), two-level cooking capacity, and powerful True Surround Convection for fast, even results.
- Price: Typically around $250 to $300.
- Dimensions: 17.09" D x 20.22" W x 13.34" H, requiring a significant amount of counter space.
- Materials/Construction: Built with a combination of durable plastic and metal components, with non-stick interior surfaces for easier cleanup. The focus is on function over form.
- Style: A modern, utilitarian aesthetic with a straightforward digital interface. Generally comes in a dark gray or stainless steel finish.
- Pros: Excellent value for the sheer number of functions. Large capacity can fit a 12-inch pizza or a 5-lb chicken. Powerful air frying capability is a standout feature. Heats up extremely fast.
- Cons: Has a large footprint and may be too big for smaller kitchens. The powerful fan can be loud in operation. Construction feels less premium than its competitors.
This oven is ideal for families or anyone who needs a convenient, high-capacity appliance that can quickly handle everything from air-fried chicken wings to roasted vegetables without turning on a full-size oven.
Shop this product: ninjakitchen.com/ninja-foodi-xl-pro-air-oven
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
The Breville Smart Oven is a premium countertop oven for home cooks who prioritize precision, build quality, and superior cooking performance. It uses smart technology to deliver the right power at the right time to each of its heating elements, ensuring perfectly cooked food, whether you're baking a delicate pastry or toasting bread.
- What it is: A high-end convection oven with smart heating technology designed for precise cooking results.
- Key features: Element IQ system with 6 independent quartz heating elements for precise temperature control, multiple cooking presets, and a helpful LCD screen.
- Price: Ranges from $300 to $500 depending on the specific model.
- Dimensions: 21.5" W x 17.5" D x 12.7" H, a sleeker profile designed for countertop placement.
- Materials/Construction: Features a high-quality brushed stainless steel exterior and a robust build, making it both durable and elegant. The interior has a non-stick coating.
- Style: Sleek, minimalist, and upscale. Its polished stainless steel finish complements modern kitchens and other premium appliances.
- Pros: Unmatched cooking precision and evenness thanks to the Element IQ system. Superior build quality and materials ensure longevity. Elegant, high-end appearance. Operates more quietly than the Ninja.
- Cons: Significantly higher price point. While it has an air fry function, its primary strength is in precise baking and roasting.
The Breville Smart Oven is for a user who sees their countertop oven as a serious cooking tool and is willing to invest in premium craftsmanship and pinpoint accuracy for stellar culinary results.
Shop this product: breville.com/smart-oven-air-fryer-pro
Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Oven vs. Breville Smart Oven Comparison
Dimensions & Capacity
The most immediate difference is size. The Ninja Foodi is unapologetically large, designed to cook for a crowd. Its two-level capacity is its key selling point, allowing you to roast a tray of vegetables while a chicken roasts below. This generous interior comes at the cost of countertop real estate.
The Breville Smart Oven is more compact and space-efficient. While it has a generous interior that can fit a standard 13-inch pizza or a 9-cup muffin tray, its design prioritizes fitting neatly on an average kitchen counter. It’s wide but not as tall or boxy, giving it a sleeker footprint.
Cooking Performance & Functions
The Ninja is all about power and versatility. Its air frying function is aggressive and effective, producing crispy results quickly thanks to a powerful fan. Its primary advantage is serving as a multi-cooker replacement for families who want to air fry, roast, and dehydrate in large batches.
Breville's expertise is in precision. The Element IQ system intelligently moves heat where it's needed most, resulting in exceptionally even baking, toasting, and roasting. It is the better choice for tasks requiring finesse, such as baking cakes or getting a perfect, even brown on a whole lasagna. While its air frying function is capable, it does not match the sheer power and speed of the Ninja.
Materials & Construction
This is where the price difference becomes clear. The Breville Smart Oven is built like a premium appliance, with a thick, brushed stainless steel shell, sturdy racks, and a solid feel. It's designed for longevity and looks like a permanent fixture in an upscale kitchen.
The Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Oven is also well-built, but its construction relies more on plastic and thinner metal components. It’s durable and completely functional, but it prioritizes performance-per-dollar over a luxury feel.
Price & Value
Both ovens offer excellent value, but for different buyers. The Ninja Foodi offers incredible functional value: for around $300, you get an appliance that performs the job of a large convection oven, a high-capacity air fryer, and a dehydrator. For the cook who wants to do it all, its price is hard to beat.
The Breville Smart Oven's value is in its quality and precision. The higher price (up to $500) buys you superior build quality, more sophisticated heating technology, and the promise of years of reliable, professional-level results. It's an investment in a specialized, best-in-class cooking tool.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both are excellent countertop ovens, but they cater to very different home cooks' needs and priorities.
Choose the Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Oven if:
- You're cooking for a family and need a large-capacity, all-in-one appliance.
- Fast and powerful air frying is a top priority for you.
- You want maximum versatility and functions for the best possible price.
- You have ample counter space and prioritize capacity over a sleek design.
Choose the Breville Smart Oven if:
- Cooking precision for baking, roasting, and toasting is more important than air frying.
- You value premium materials and a long-lasting, durable build.
- A sleek, elegant kitchen aesthetic matters to you.
- You are a serious home cook willing to invest in a specialized tool for better results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Ninja Foodi Air Oven and Breville Smart Oven?
The main difference is versatility versus precision. The Ninja is a highly versatile multi-cooker designed for high-capacity, powerful cooking like air frying. The Breville is a high-precision oven that uses smart technology for flawlessly even baking and roasting.
Which oven is better for air frying?
The Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Oven is generally considered better for air frying due to its more powerful convection system and larger capacity, which delivers faster, crispier results for bigger batches of food.
Is the Breville Smart Oven worth the extra money?
For discerning cooks who bake frequently or prioritize even, reliable heating, the extra cost is justified by its superior build quality, Element IQ precision, and overall longevity. If you treat cooking as a craft, the Breville is worth the investment.
How much counter space do these ovens need?
The Ninja is larger, measuring roughly 20" W x 17" D. The Breville is slightly wider but less deep, at about 21.5" W x 17.5" D. Always measure your counter space before buying, making sure to leave room for ventilation around the unit.
Can the Ninja Foodi oven replace my regular oven?
For many families, yes. Its two-level capacity is large enough to cook main courses and side dishes simultaneously, making it a viable replacement for a full-size oven for most daily meals.
How easy are these ovens to clean?
Both feature non-stick interiors and removable crumb trays to simplify cleaning. The Ninja’s back panel can open for deeper cleaning, which is a key advantage. The Breville's sleek stainless steel exterior is easy to wipe down.
Which one will last longer?
While both are well-made, the Breville Smart Oven is constructed with heavier-gauge stainless steel and more premium components, suggesting it is engineered for a longer lifespan than the more value-oriented Ninja.
What temperature range do they offer?
Both ovens have similar temperature ranges capable of going up to 450-500°F, tackling everything from low-and-slow dehydrating to high-heat roasting and broiling.
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