Few countertop appliances inspire the near-cult devotion of the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro. At around $400 it costs several times what a basic toaster oven does, yet fans insist it earns every dollar by replacing a full-size oven, an air fryer, a dehydrator, and a toaster in one handsome brushed-stainless box. That is a bold promise and a lot of counter space, so the fair question every shopper asks is simple: is it actually worth the hype, or are you paying a premium for a name and a nice display?
We spent real time cooking with the BOV900BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, roasting, air frying, toasting, baking, and dehydrating, to separate genuine performance from marketing. The short answer is that it largely lives up to its reputation, with a couple of honest caveats. Here is the full review.
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Watch: Review: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro – Is It Worth the Hype? — Video Review
Design & Build
The Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a substantial appliance, roughly the footprint of a microwave, wrapped in brushed stainless steel with a bright, legible LCD and a satisfying tactile dial. Its 1-cubic-foot interior fits a 13-inch pizza or a 9-by-13 baking pan, and Element IQ technology drives six quartz heating elements that adjust power across the cavity for even results. The build feels premium and durable, with an interior light, three rack positions, and included accessories like an air fry basket, broil rack, and baking pan. It is genuinely large, so measure your counter before committing.
Performance
This is where the Breville justifies itself. Thirteen preset functions, from air fry and roast to toast, bagel, dehydrate, and slow cook, cover nearly everything, and the results are consistently even thanks to the Element IQ system distributing heat intelligently. Air frying produces crisp, golden fries and wings that rival a dedicated air fryer, with the bonus of far more capacity. Preheating is fast, toasting is precise and repeatable, and the convection roast turns out evenly browned chicken and vegetables. For anyone cooking for a family or wanting to avoid firing up a full oven, it is a genuine daily workhorse rather than a novelty.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Truly versatile with 13 functions replacing several separate appliances.
- Pro: Even, reliable cooking from Element IQ and six quartz elements.
- Pro: Large 1-cubic-foot capacity fits a 13-inch pizza or 9-by-13 pan.
- Pro: Premium build, intuitive controls, and a clear LCD.
- Con: Expensive at around $400, a real investment.
- Con: Large footprint demands significant counter space.
- Con: More features than casual cooks may ever use.
Alternatives to Consider
If the price stings, the Breville Smart Oven Pro (BOV845BSS) offers similar Element IQ cooking without the air-fry function at a lower cost, while the Smart Oven Air Fryer Compact (BOV680BSS) shrinks the footprint and price for smaller kitchens. Going the other direction, the Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro (BOV950BSS) adds app connectivity and Joule integration for those who want the most advanced version. Which fits depends on your budget, counter space, and how much smart functionality you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro worth the money?
For cooks who will use its versatility, yes. By replacing a toaster oven, air fryer, dehydrator, and often a full oven, it consolidates several appliances into one high-performing unit. Casual users who only toast and reheat may not need its full capability and could save with a simpler model.
Does it air fry as well as a dedicated air fryer?
It produces crisp, evenly cooked results that rival standalone air fryers, with the major advantage of much larger capacity. You can air fry a full tray of wings or fries at once, though a basket-style air fryer may crisp very small batches marginally faster.
How big is it and will it fit my counter?
It is a large appliance with roughly a microwave-sized footprint and a 1-cubic-foot interior. Measure your available counter space and clearance before buying, since its size is the most common complaint from otherwise happy owners.
What is the difference between the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and the Joule version?
The standard Pro (BOV900BSS) is controlled entirely on the unit, while the Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro adds app connectivity and integration with Breville’s Joule ecosystem for guided cooking. If you want smart-app features, the Joule is the upgrade; if not, the standard Pro delivers the same core cooking performance for less.
Verdict
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro largely lives up to its hype. It is expensive and it is big, but it delivers even, reliable, genuinely versatile cooking that can replace multiple appliances and, for many households, the full-size oven itself. If you cook often and value performance and flexibility, it is one of the best countertop ovens you can buy and worth the investment. If you only need occasional toasting and reheating, a simpler, cheaper model will serve you just as well.
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