Pros
Precise toasting and consistent results
Digitally timed and temperature control
Versatile cooking functions (toast, bake, broil)
Compact size with decent capacity
High-quality construction
Energy-efficient, faster cooking
Smart features and easy-to-use controls
Good for reheating and crisping food
Attractive design
Convenient for frequent use
Cons
Expensive compared to other toaster ovens
Plastic knobs feel flimsy
Generates a fair amount of heat
Main Product Advantages
10 Heating Consistency
The Breville Compact Smart Oven excels in providing consistent and precise heating, with digital timers and temperature settings ensuring uniform cooking results. Numerous reviews praised its ability to toast, bake, and reheat food without hot spots or uneven cooking.
9 Versatility
This toaster oven is versatile enough to handle a variety of tasks including toasting, baking, broiling, and reheating. It accommodates different types of food ranging from simple toast to more complex dishes like pizza and pies, making it a multi-functional kitchen appliance.
9 Ease of Use
Users find the controls on the Breville Compact Smart Oven intuitive and simple to use. The digital interface, pre-set cooking functions, and the ability to easily adjust cooking times and temperatures make it user-friendly.
8 Build Quality
The oven is generally well-constructed with a high-quality look and feel. However, some users noted that the plastic knobs feel flimsy compared to the overall solid build of the unit.
8 Design and Aesthetics
The brushed stainless steel exterior is both attractive and durable, fitting well into modern kitchens. The compact size is advantageous for countertops, but the necessity for clearance due to heat emission is a downside.
8 Customer Support
Customer support received positive feedback, particularly for handling returns and replacements efficiently. However, some minor complaints about misleading user manuals have been noted.
7 Safety Features
While the oven has good safety features like automatic shutoff and cool-touch handles, some reviews mentioned unexpected hot spots on the exterior, which could be a safety concern.
7 Price vs. Value
Despite being on the higher end of the price spectrum for toaster ovens, many users felt it was worth the investment due to its performance and reliability. However, some felt the price was a bit steep for the features offered.
7 Longevity
Several reviews reported long-term use without issues, though some mentioned that the heating elements could become unreliable after a few years. The overall durability is considered good, but with room for improvement.
6 Included Accessories
The inclusion of a broiler pan and other accessories is appreciated, but their quality was criticized as being subpar, with some users noting sharp edges and lack of durability.
Product Review: Breville Compact Smart Toaster Oven, Brushed Stainless Steel, BOV650XL
The Breville Compact Smart Toaster Oven is akin to the original Breville Smart Oven but comes in a more compact design, making it ideal for those with limited counter space. Despite its smaller size, it retains its powerful 1800-watt cooking capability, offering exceptional convenience for everyday cooking.
Design and Capacity
The brushed stainless steel finish gives this toaster oven a sleek, modern look. The 3/5-cubic-foot nonstick interior is spacious enough to accommodate a 12-inch pizza or four slices of bread at a time, making it versatile for various cooking needs.
Ease of Use
The user-friendly push-button and turn-knob control panel simplifies programming. You can easily select from a variety of functions including Toast, Bagel, Bake, Roast, Broil, Pizza, Cookies, and Reheat. The Element IQ "smart" sensor technology ensures energy-efficient operation by distributing power where it's needed the most, automatically adjusting the power and calculating cooking time for each pre-set function.
Users also have the flexibility to manually adjust time and temperature to suit individual preferences, and the oven will remember these settings for future use. The second control dial allows for precise settings of time (from one minute up to two hours) and temperature (from 120 to 450 degrees F). You can also select the number of slices and set the toast shade from light to dark. The control panel also includes a start/cancel button, a defrost button for frozen foods, and a temperature-conversion button for Celsius-based recipes.
Display and Additional Features
The backlit LCD screen is easy to read, showing the current function, temperature, and any adjustments made. It changes color to indicate the cooking status: orange for preheating and cooking, and blue to signal the end of the cycle. Additional features include a tempered-glass door, three rack positions, and a front-access removable crumb tray for quick cleanup.
Accessories and Dimensions
This toaster oven comes with a 10-by-10-inch enamel baking pan and a 10-by-10-inch enamel broil rack. Its compact dimensions (16-1/2 by 14-1/4 by 10 inches) make it a great fit for smaller kitchens. The device carries a one-year limited warranty, adding to its appeal.
Conclusion
In summary, the Breville Compact Smart Toaster Oven offers a perfect blend of functionality, efficiency, and modern design. Its smart features, user-friendly controls, and compact size make it an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile and reliable countertop oven. With its multiple cooking functions and customizable settings, it can easily adapt to your specific cooking needs, all while saving valuable counter space.
