Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven review is it worth the countertop space

Description

Sleek Design and Build Quality

As soon as I unpacked the Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven, I couldn’t help but admire its brushed stainless steel finish and premium build quality. The drop-down door style adds a touch of elegance, and the button controls feel sturdy and responsive. It’s not just about looks—this oven fits perfectly on my countertop without taking up too much space, thanks to its dimensions of 13.9″ D x 19″ W x 14.1″ H. What stood out immediately was how solid and well-made it felt. At 18.7 pounds, it’s hefty enough to stay in place but not so heavy that moving it is a hassle.

Versatility of 9 Cooking Functions

This countertop oven is like having multiple appliances in one. With 9 cooking functions—including Toast, Bagel, Bake, Roast, Broil, Pizza, Cookies, Reheat, and Warm—it caters to practically every cooking need. I tested each one to see if it delivered as promised. The pizza function was a game-changer for me, as the 13-inch pizza pan included handles larger pizzas with ease. The toast setting evenly browned my bread, while the bake and roast functions worked brilliantly for muffins and chicken. It’s clear that this oven isn’t just versatile—it’s intuitive, too.

Impressive Convection Technology

The convection feature, powered by an inbuilt fan, is one of this oven’s standout attributes. It claims to reduce cooking time by up to 30%, and I found that to be largely accurate. The fan does an excellent job of circulating hot air, which ensures even cooking. When I roasted vegetables, they came out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, all without needing to rotate the tray. The 1800-watt preheat system is another plus, as it gets the oven ready in no time. I’ve used other ovens that take ages to heat up, so this was a welcome change.

Key Benefits

• Highly versatile with 9 cooking functions for different meals and snacks.
• Convection technology ensures faster and more even cooking results.
• Includes useful accessories like an enamel baking pan, broil rack, and non-stick pizza pan.
• LCD display simplifies operation and gives real-time updates.

Non-Stick Interior and Ease of Cleaning

Cleaning up is often the least fun part of cooking, but this oven makes it easier. The non-stick cavity coating on the interior walls is a lifesaver. After baking sticky cookies and roasting greasy chicken, all I needed was a damp cloth to wipe everything clean. The removable trays and racks are dishwasher-safe, which saves even more time. However, I did notice that the stainless steel exterior smudges easily, so it requires regular wiping to keep it looking pristine.

Areas for Improvement

• The stainless steel exterior is prone to fingerprints, making it hard to maintain its polished look.
• Cable length of 3 feet may be limiting for some kitchen setups.
• While the fan is effective, it’s a bit louder than I expected during operation.

Competitive Options

When comparing this oven to similar products, the Cuisinart TOB-260N1 Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven comes to mind. While both ovens offer multiple cooking functions and convection capabilities, the Breville model outshines with its Element iQ system, which uses 5 independent quartz elements for precise heat distribution. On the other hand, the Cuisinart oven has dual cooking settings, which some users may find more versatile. However, the non-stick coating and included accessories make the Breville more user-friendly in daily use.

Another competitor is the Ninja Foodi 8-in-1 Digital Air Fry Oven. It features an air fry function, which the Breville lacks, but its smaller size limits its cooking capacity. The Breville oven’s large interior can accommodate a 6-cup muffin tray or 6 slices of bread, making it far more practical for larger families or entertaining guests.

Cost-Effectiveness

Given its features and performance, I’d say this oven offers excellent value for its price. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but the combination of versatility, build quality, and cooking efficiency makes it worth every penny. If you’re someone who frequently cooks or bakes, investing in this appliance will likely save you both time and effort. Compared to less expensive models that lack advanced features like the Element iQ system, this oven is a much smarter choice for serious home cooks.

Overall, this is a well-rounded appliance that delivers on its promises. The small drawbacks are far outweighed by the host of features designed to make cooking more efficient and enjoyable. Whether you’re roasting a chicken, baking cookies, or simply toasting bread, this oven handles it all with ease.

Additional information