Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer BOV860BSS review versatile convection and air frying

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Breville BOV860BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer and Convection Oven immediately stands out with its brushed stainless steel finish. I found the design clean and modern, blending easily into my kitchen’s aesthetic. At 15.9 inches deep and 18.9 inches wide, it’s compact enough to sit on the countertop without hogging too much space but still large enough to handle a variety of cooking tasks. Its 0.8 cubic feet capacity was surprisingly spacious—I managed to fit a whole chicken for roasting and even a 13-inch pizza without any issues. The build feels sturdy; it’s clear that stainless steel materials were chosen for durability and a premium touch. The addition of an interior oven light was a thoughtful feature; it lit up the cooking area effectively, ensuring I could monitor my food without having to open the door.

Performance and Versatility

This oven isn’t just about looks; its performance blew me away. The Element iQ System uses five independent quartz elements, which means it adjusts the power distribution based on what you’re cooking. I noticed this when baking cookies—the heat distribution was even, and there were no burned edges. The dedicated Air Fry setting was a highlight for me. I whipped up crispy French fries and chicken wings that rivaled restaurant quality, all while using less oil. The super convection technology speeds up cooking, reducing time by up to 30%. I appreciated this feature when preparing meals for a group—it shaved valuable minutes off my cooking time.

The 11 cooking functions, including Toast, Bagel, Broil, Bake, Roast, Warm, Pizza, Air Fry, Reheat, Cookies, and Slow Cook, make this a versatile appliance. It really felt like I had multiple kitchen gadgets rolled into one. I particularly loved the Slow Cook function, which allowed me to prepare tender pulled pork that cooked evenly over several hours. The LCD display was intuitive, showing me exactly what settings were selected and how much time was left. Everything about the cooking process felt precise and customizable.

Highlights

• True air frying capabilities for healthier, crispy meals.
• The Element iQ System ensures even heat distribution.
• 11 versatile cooking functions for a wide range of recipes.
• Super convection speeds up cooking time by up to 30%.
• Spacious interior fits a 13-inch pizza or six slices of bread.

Areas of Concern

• Cleaning the air fry basket was a bit tedious, especially after making greasy foods like chicken wings.
• The exterior can get hot during extended cooking sessions, which might be a safety concern if you have kids around.
• While the LCD display is fantastic, it can be a bit overwhelming for someone who isn’t tech-savvy.

Included Accessories

Opening the box felt like Christmas morning because it comes with a non-stick pizza pan, an air fry basket, an enamel roasting pan, and wire racks. I used the pizza pan almost immediately, and the results were excellent. The non-stick coating worked perfectly, and cleanup was a breeze. However, I wish it had included a crumb tray that was easier to remove for cleaning.

Competing Products

Compared to other countertop ovens, this model competes with brands like Ninja and Cuisinart. The Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven is a strong contender due to its flip-away design, which saves more countertop space. However, I found that the Breville offered better heat distribution and a more robust air fry function. Cuisinart’s TOA-60 Air Fryer Toaster Oven also does a great job, but it doesn’t have as many cooking functions or the advanced Element iQ system that Breville provides. If you’re looking for a product that combines versatility and precision, this oven takes the cake.

Cost-Effectiveness

When considering the price-to-quality ratio, this oven feels like a solid investment. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, the features it offers—like the air fry capability, multiple cooking modes, and super convection technology—justify the cost. For someone who loves cooking, this product can replace a toaster, a pizza oven, and even some functions of a traditional oven. It’s the kind of purchase that feels like money well spent, especially if you’re looking for a multi-functional kitchen companion.

Final Verdict

While it’s not perfect, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer delivers impressive results across the board. Its durable stainless steel design, powerful convection technology, and versatility with 11 cooking functions make it a standout product in its category. Whether you’re air frying, slow cooking, or simply toasting bread, this appliance handles it all with ease. If cleaning and minor heat concerns aren’t deal-breakers for you, this oven could become a staple in your kitchen just as it has in mine.

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