Breville Compact Smart Oven BOV650XL review Perfect Countertop Toaster for Small Kitchens

Description

Compact Design and Space Efficiency

The Breville BOV650XL Compact Smart Oven immediately caught my attention with its sleek brushed stainless steel exterior. Its modern, compact design fits perfectly on my kitchen counter without dominating the space. Measuring 15.5″ D x 17″ W x 10.25″ H, it’s ideal for smaller kitchens or for those who prefer not to clutter their counters. Despite its smaller footprint, the interior is surprisingly spacious. It comfortably fits a 12-inch pizza, four slices of bread, or even a 6-cup muffin tray, which I found incredibly convenient. The dropdown stainless-steel door adds a touch of sophistication, and the tempered glass makes it easy to peek inside without opening the oven.

Performance and Cooking Versatility

Testing out the eight cooking functions was a delight. The product offers Toast, Bagel, Bake, Roast, Broil, Pizza, Cookies, and Reheat, covering virtually all day-to-day cooking needs. The standout feature for me was the Element IQ technology. This “smart” sensor system adjusts cooking power and timing automatically, ensuring even cooking results. For instance, when I baked cookies, they came out perfectly golden on the edges while staying soft in the center—no more guesswork or uneven results.

The ability to manually adjust time and temperature adds another layer of control, making it suitable for personal preferences or unique recipes. The oven even remembers custom settings for future use! I also appreciated the defrost function for frozen foods, which saved me from waiting hours for items to thaw.

Upsides

The Breville BOV650XL Compact Smart Oven has many favorable aspects that make it a strong contender for a countertop appliance. Some highlights include:

• Element IQ technology for smarter, energy-efficient cooking.
• A user-friendly digital control panel with a backlit LCD screen that changes from orange during cooking to blue once the cycle ends.
• Adjustable rack positions, offering flexibility for different types of dishes.
• Easy cleaning, thanks to the front-access crumb tray and the nonstick interior.

Bad Points

While the oven performs well overall, there are some caveats worth noting:

• The knob control system, while functional, might feel outdated to those accustomed to touchscreens.
• No internal light, which makes it trickier to check on food without opening the door.
• The exterior tends to get hot during operation, so extra caution is necessary if you have curious kids around.

Accessories and Build Quality

Included in the box are a 10-inch enamel broiling rack and a 10-inch enamel baking pan, both of which feel sturdy and high-quality. These accessories are a great fit for the oven’s size, and I’ve used them for everything from roasting vegetables to baking small casseroles. The overall build of the oven screams durability, with its stainless steel finish and solid knobs. It’s a kitchen appliance that seems built to last.

Competitive Options

Comparing the Breville Compact Smart Oven to other countertop ovens like the Cuisinart TOA-60 Air Fryer Toaster Oven and the Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven, it holds its own in terms of versatility and design. While the Cuisinart model boasts an air-frying function, it’s significantly bulkier and more expensive. The Ninja oven, on the other hand, excels in digital features but lacks the manual control flexibility of the Breville.

Where the Breville shines is in its straightforward functionality and compact size. It’s perfect for those who don’t necessarily need air frying but still want reliable cooking performance. However, if you’re someone who values multifunctionality over space-saving, one of the competitors might be worth considering.

Worth Every Penny

For its features, the Breville BOV650XL strikes an excellent balance between price and performance. While it doesn’t come with the bells and whistles of some higher-end models, it delivers consistent cooking results without breaking the bank. Its smart energy efficiency, durable build, and versatile functions make it a solid investment for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen appliances.

Overall, this oven feels like a well-thought-out tool for home cooks who value convenience and reliability. It has earned its spot on my counter, and I find myself using it far more often than I initially expected. The combination of modern design, smart features, and robust performance makes it a standout choice in its category.

Additional information