The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a versatile countertop appliance that combines toaster oven functionality with air frying, baking, and dehydrating capabilities. It comes with multiple included accessories. Reviewers noted its spacious interior suitable for roasting whole chickens and large pizzas, though its short power cord and high wattage require careful placement and a dedicated circuit. The device is best suited for users seeking an all-in-one kitchen appliance.
Full review
Air frying performance
The air frying function in the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro delivers results that are competitive with dedicated air fryers, though not necessarily superior. Users report that frozen foods like French fries and chicken wings come out evenly golden and crispy, with minimal need for shaking the basket during cooking. PureWow noted that the air fryer setting automatically recommends 18 minutes for optimal cooking, which is longer than typical standalone air fryers, though this is adjustable. The mesh basket design allows for proper air circulation and easy food placement. The oven's SuperConvection setting reportedly cuts cooking times by up to 30% while maintaining excellent food quality. However, the air frying performance is somewhat hindered by the oven's larger footprint and the fact that it takes longer to heat up compared to smaller, single-purpose air fryers. The oven's ability to reheat fast food items and revive cold dishes is particularly praised, with one user noting that it can bring back the crispiness of previously fried foods.
Toasting and bagel functionality
The toasting and bagel functions are among the most praised features of the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro. The oven excels at creating perfectly browned slices of bread, with precise browning control that allows for settings from barely golden to dark brown. Barbara Bakes says the specialized Bagel setting is particularly effective, browning only the top while warming the bottom, which is ideal for everything from basic toast to cinnamon-raisin bagels with caramelized sugar toppings. Users report that the oven can toast up to nine slices of bread at once, making it convenient for larger households or meal prep. The digital interface and clear visual indicators make it easy to select the correct settings, and the suggested cooking times are generally accurate. One reviewer specifically noted that the oven's ability to lay slices flat versus having to flip them halfway through the toasting process was a significant advantage, especially with oversized bread slices.
Convection cooking capabilities
Convection cooking in the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro shows significant advantages over traditional baking methods, with cooking times reduced by up to 30% according to user reports. The SuperConvection setting is particularly effective for roasting vegetables, baking pastries, and cooking meats, delivering consistent results across various food types. Users have successfully prepared items such as sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and even entire roasts in the oven. The oven's ability to heat up faster than a traditional oven and not warm the kitchen environment is also noted as a benefit. The convection feature works well for reheating pizza, with one reviewer stating that the results were a dream and that the oven automatically jumps to a convection setting when reheating. The oven's versatility extends to cooking 9x13 pans, muffin trays, and even a 14-pound turkey, making it a substantial replacement for a full-sized oven in many situations.
Controls and Element iQ
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro has no companion app; the app-connected model with Autopilot is the separate Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro. This oven is run from three dials and a digital screen, which PureWow found clear and close to foolproof, and Barbara Bakes credits its smart sensors and Element iQ system with consistent results across all cooking methods.
Size and capacity considerations
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro's size is both a benefit and a drawback. It can toast up to nine slices of bread and fits most 9x13 pans and 12-cup muffin trays, making it suitable for larger households or those who entertain frequently. The oven is large enough to accommodate a 14-pound turkey, which is a significant advantage for those who want to replace their full-sized oven. However, the large footprint requires adequate counter space, with a recommendation of 4 inches on each side and 6 inches above for proper ventilation. The oven's size also makes it less ideal for smaller kitchens or those with limited counter space. One reviewer noted that while the oven's capacity is impressive, it can be challenging to store or move due to its substantial size. Additionally, the oven's dimensions restrict the use of certain standard bakeware, particularly 9x13 pans with handles and 12-cup muffin trays.
Cleaning and maintenance
Cleaning the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is generally manageable, though some users have noted that the oven's walls being closer to the food can make it more prone to getting dirty. The oven includes several accessories, such as a mesh basket for air frying and dehydrating, a pizza pan, oven racks, and a broil rack, which help with various cooking tasks. Arched Manor lines the bottom tray with foil to ease cleanup, but Barbara Bakes cautions that covering the crumb tray with aluminum foil is prohibited because it can cause overheating. The oven's magnetic auto-eject rack system is also appreciated, as it prevents burns and makes food removal safer. However, some users have expressed concerns about the oven's cleaning requirements, particularly when dealing with sticky or messy foods. The oven's interior light is helpful for monitoring food during cooking, but the overall cleaning process can be more involved than with smaller appliances.
Safety concerns and fire risk
Safety concerns have been raised regarding the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, with one class action lawsuit claiming that the oven's front window can spontaneously explode while in use. The lawsuit alleges that nickel sulfate within the glass matrix expands over time, causing stress that leads to window shattering. The suit claims that the product is prone to catching fire and that the window's failure renders the oven 'useless at best and dangerous at worst.' However, ClassAction.org reports the lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed without prejudice by the plaintiff on March 21, 2023, without stating a reason for dismissal. While the product has not been recalled, the potential for such safety issues has been noted by some users. The oven's large size and weight, at nearly 40 pounds, also present handling challenges, particularly for those with limited mobility or space constraints. Despite these concerns, the majority of user reviews indicate that the oven is safe and reliable when used according to manufacturer guidelines.
Strengths
- +13 cooking functions including air frying, baking, broiling, and dehydrating
- +Magnetic auto-eject rack and interior light, per Barbara Bakes
- +Spacious interior capable of roasting a whole chicken and cooking up to 13-inch pizza
- +Includes multiple accessories like wire rack, pizza pan, and broiling rack
Watch-outs
- −Short power cord limits placement flexibility
- −Requires dedicated circuit due to 1800 W heating element
How it compares
Unlike the Breville Air-Fryer Toaster Oven, which lacks convection and has a simpler design, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro offers 13 cooking functions with Precision Cooking technology. Compared to the Breville The Compact Smart Oven, it provides more features and a larger capacity but requires a dedicated circuit and has a shorter power cord. It's more versatile than the Breville The Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro but less user-friendly due to its complexity.
Rating sources
“The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro has become my new kitchen MVP.”
“The smart sensors and Element iQ system ensure consistent results across all cooking methods, from air frying crispy wings to baking delicate pastries.”
“Since purchasing it, we RARELY use our main oven. We are totally on the Breville bandwagon and let us tell you why: It saves us time. It is so quick to preheat unlike our regular oven.”
Our 4.2 score is the average of the 4 scored reviews above; 1 more reviewed it without printing a score and is not in the average. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
