Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Compact Review Highlights Performance and Versatility

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Compact offers a compact and affordable option with smart presets and customization. However, it faces challenges with airflow and even cooking, making it less crisp than other models. While versatile, it doesn't quite match the performance of Breville's higher-end ovens like the Smart Oven Pro.

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Compact is the latest addition to Breville's esteemed line of premium toaster ovens, offering a smaller and more affordable option for consumers. Priced at $250, this compact model aims to deliver the same high-quality performance that Breville is known for, but with a few trade-offs.

One of the standout features of the Smart Oven Air Fryer Compact is its powerful 1,800-watt superconvection oven, which allows for faster preheating and more precise temperature control compared to traditional ovens. The appliance comes equipped with smart presets tailored to popular American favorites like wings, fries, and bacon, making it a convenient choice for home cooks. The customization options for these presets are particularly noteworthy, allowing users to adjust cook times and temperatures based on personal preferences and the thickness of the food.

Despite its strengths, the compact size of the oven presents some challenges. The smaller interior does not allow for optimal airflow, which can result in uneven cooking and browning. This is particularly evident when air frying, as the fries and wings may not achieve the desired crispiness. Additionally, the lack of an interior light can make it difficult to monitor the cooking process without opening the door, potentially affecting temperature consistency.

The oven's broiler is another area of concern, as its proximity to the heating elements can lead to fast charring, making it less suitable for longer cooking times. However, the versatility of the oven is evident in its ability to handle a variety of cooking tasks, from air frying to broiling and toasting, all within a compact footprint.

While the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Compact offers a range of features and a lower price point, it does not quite match the performance of Breville's higher-end models like the Smart Oven Pro. The Pro model provides more consistent cooking results, precise temperature control, and a powerful convection fan, making it a more reliable choice for those seeking a premium cooking experience.

In conclusion, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Compact is a versatile and convenient option for those looking for a compact air fryer oven, but it may require some adjustments and patience to achieve the best results. For those willing to invest a bit more, the Smart Oven Pro remains a superior choice in terms of performance and reliability.