Breville Joule Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro review is it worth it

Description

Initial Impressions and Key Features of the Breville BOV950BSS Joule Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

I’ve been using the Breville BOV950BSS Joule Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, and let me just say, this countertop oven is a modern kitchen marvel. The brushed stainless steel design instantly caught my eye. It’s sleek, feels premium, and fits effortlessly into any kitchen aesthetic. With a 6-quart capacity, it’s spacious enough for handling anything from a family-sized pizza to a full tray of roasted veggies. Honestly, the 13 pre-set cooking functions, from air frying to dehydrating, had me curious to experiment with meals I’d never tried before.

One of the standout features for me was the Element iQ system. It’s like having a chef in your oven. The system intelligently adjusts power across 5 quartz elements, ensuring that food cooks evenly. Whether I’m crisping up chicken wings or baking biscuits, the precision is unmatched. And the guided recipes available via the Joule app? An absolute lifesaver. I found myself exploring dishes I wouldn’t have dared to attempt otherwise.

Merits of the Product

The Joule Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is packed with features that make it a great addition to the kitchen. A few highlights stood out during my testing:

• Versatility: With 13 pre-set functions, I didn’t need to fiddle around with settings. From baking to slow cooking, it covers all bases.
• Voice Activation: The integration with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa made multitasking in the kitchen so much easier. Saying, “Hey Google, set the oven to roast,” felt like I was living in the future.
• Air Frying and Dehydrating: I loved being able to make crispy fries and homemade dried fruit without needing separate appliances.
• Smart App Integration: The Breville+ app isn’t just for recipes; it lets you monitor progress and adjust settings remotely. I could lounge on the couch while keeping tabs on my dinner.
• Temperature Precision: With the ability to cook between 80°F and 480°F, it handled everything from low-heat dehydrating to high-heat roasting perfectly.

Areas for Improvement

While I loved using this oven, a few things could be better. No product is perfect, right?

• Weight: At 38.8 pounds, moving it around the kitchen isn’t exactly easy. It’s best suited for a spot you don’t plan to change often.
• Price Point: Though feature-packed, it’s definitely a premium product. Budget-conscious buyers might hesitate.
• Learning Curve: The app is fantastic, but mastering all the settings and features took me a bit of trial and error.

Design and Build Quality

The brushed stainless steel exterior not only looks stunning but is also easy to clean. Spills and splatters wipe off without any hassle. The adjustable rack system inside is a thoughtful touch, allowing me to customize the interior space based on what I’m cooking. I appreciated the nonstick coating, which made cleaning up after cheesy casseroles or sticky sauces a breeze.

The controls, both on the oven and through the app, are intuitive. However, the real magic lies in the automated multi-event cooking. I was blown away by how the oven seamlessly transitioned between different cooking modes for complex recipes. For instance, it could air fry my chicken, then switch to baking mode for my potato wedges—all without me lifting a finger.

Performance and Cooking Results

This oven doesn’t just promise great results; it delivers. I tested the air fry function with chicken wings, and they came out crispy without needing much oil. The dehydrator preset turned a batch of apple slices into perfectly chewy snacks, and the baking function gave me evenly browned cookies with gooey centers. The oven’s temperature control is incredibly precise, thanks to the digital PID system—no cold spots or uneven cooking here.

One of my favorite features was how the Element iQ system directed heat exactly where it was needed. Whether I was broiling salmon or toasting bread, the results were consistently spot on. Plus, the 1800-watt power output means it heats up quickly, saving me time during meal prep.

Competing Products

I’ve tried other countertop ovens before, like the Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven and the Cuisinart TOA-60 Air Fryer Toaster Oven, but the Joule Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro stands out. The Ninja model has its strengths, particularly in compactness and affordability, but it lacks the smart app integration and the sheer versatility of the Breville. Meanwhile, the Cuisinart option is excellent for basic air frying and toasting but doesn’t come close to matching the precision and guided recipes offered here.

Where the Breville shines is in its multi-functionality and smart features. The ability to control it via app or voice assistant elevates the experience. However, compared to its competitors, it does come with a higher price tag and a bulkier design.

Value for Money

For those willing to invest in a high-end countertop oven, this product offers fantastic value for money. The combination of smart features, precision cooking, and versatility justifies the cost for me. You’re essentially getting an air fryer, dehydrator, toaster, and convection oven all in one—plus the added bonus of guided recipes and app control. While it’s not the most budget-friendly option, it’s definitely worth considering for anyone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen or loves experimenting with new recipes.

Additional information