Choosing the right air fryer can feel overwhelming. If you’re looking at the Breville brand, you might be wondering which Breville Air Fryer is best for your kitchen. This guide will compare the top models feature by feature. We’ll help you understand the differences so you can pick the perfect one. You’ll get clear facts without any confusing jargon.
Which Breville Air Fryer Is Best
Breville stands out in the crowded air fryer market for a good reason. Their machines, often sold under the “Breville Smart Oven” name, are known for versatility and build quality. Unlike many basic basket-style fryers, Breville models are typically countertop ovens with air frying as one of many functions. This means you get a whole lot more appliance for your money. Let’s break down what makes them special and which one might suit you.
Key Features That Set Breville Apart
Before we compare models, it’s good to know the shared strengths. All Breville air fryer ovens use what they call “Element IQ.” This is a smart system where multiple heating elements work together under computer control. It directs heat precisely where and when it’s needed. This leads to better cooking results compared to simple, single-element ovens.
Most models also include these helpful features:
- Convection fan for even baking and crisping.
- Multiple cooking functions (air fry, bake, roast, toast, etc.).
- Large capacity that fits a 13″ pizza or a whole chicken.
- Sturdy, non-stick interior that’s easy to clean.
- Clear, intuitive digital interfaces with preset programs.
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro: The All-Rounder
Often considered the flagship model, the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a powerhouse. It’s designed for serious home cooks and families who use their oven daily. It replaces a lot of tasks you’d use your big oven for, saving on energy.
Its standout specs include:
- Capacity: The largest at 1 cubic foot. It can handle a 14″ pizza or 6 slices of toast.
- Elements: It boasts 6 independent heating elements (including a dedicated super convection fan for air frying).
- Function Modes: 13 functions, including Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Broil, Pizza, Reheat, and even Proof for dough.
- Interface: A bright LCD screen with a knob for easy selection.
Who it’s for: Families, avid cooks, and anyone who wants a true secondary oven that air fries brilliantly. If you cook large batches or entertain often, this is a top contender.
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer: The Popular Choice
This is the slightly more compact and affordable sibling to the Pro. Don’t let the simpler name fool you—it’s still an incredibly capable machine. It offers most of the Pro’s functionality in a bit less space and for a lower price point.
Key features of this model:
- Capacity: A generous 0.8 cubic feet. Still fits a 13″ pizza or a 9″ x 13″ pan.
- Elements: It uses 5 independent heating elements with Element IQ.
- Function Modes: 10 smart cooking functions, covering all the essentials like Air Fry, Bake, and Toast.
- Interface: A simple digital dial and button interface.
Who it’s for: Couples, small families, and cooks who want premium Breville quality without the absolute maximum size. It’s the best-selling model for good reason—it hits a sweet spot.
Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro: The High-Tech Option
This is Breville’s venture into connected cooking. Developed with ChefSteps, the Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro integrates with an app for guided cooking. It uses computer vision to recognize food and cook it perfectly. This is a different beast from the classic Smart Ovens.
What makes it unique:
- Smart Technology: The built-in camera and app provide step-by-step guidance, doneness tracking, and automatic program selection.
- Capacity: Similar to the standard Air Fryer at 0.8 cubic feet.
- Elements: Features 6 heating elements for precise control.
- Function Modes: All the standard modes, but controlled largely through the app for a high-tech experience.
Who it’s for: Tech enthusiasts and those who love gadgetry and precise, app-guided cooking. It’s fantastic if you want help getting perfect results every single time.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Here’s a quick visual guide to see the differences at a glance.
| Feature | Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro | Smart Oven Air Fryer | Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model Number | BOV900BSS | BOV860BSS | BOB900BSS |
| Capacity | 1.0 cu ft (Largest) | 0.8 cu ft (Large) | 0.8 cu ft (Large) |
| Heating Elements | 6 with Super Convection | 5 | 6 |
| Cooking Functions | 13 | 10 | 10+ (App Guided) |
| Key Differentiator | Size & Power | Value & Balance | Smart App & Camera |
| Best For | Large Families, Frequent Entertaining | Most Households, General Use | Tech Lovers, Precision Cooking |
How to Choose Your Perfect Breville Air Fryer
Now that you’ve seen the models, follow these steps to make your decision.
Step 1: Assess Your Kitchen Space
Measure your counter space carefully. All Breville ovens need significant room, especially at the back for ventilation. The Pro model is the biggest. Make sure you have a dedicated spot with a few inches of clearance on all sides, especially the back. Don’t forget about overhead clearance for opening the door fully!
Step 2: Consider Your Household Size
How many people are you regularly cooking for? For 1-2 people, the standard Air Fryer or Joule Oven is ample. For 3-4 people, all models work, but the Pro gives you more flexibility for big meals. For 4+ people or if you like meal prepping in large batches, the Pro’s extra capacity is a major advantage.
Step 3: Think About Your Cooking Style
Are you a set-it-and-forget-it cook, or do you enjoy tech gadgets? If you love following recipes on an app and want foolproof results, the Joule is compelling. If you prefer manual control with excellent presets, the classic Smart Ovens are ideal. Also consider what you cook most—if it’s lots of pizza or whole chickens, size matters alot.
Step 4: Set Your Budget
Breville appliances are an investment. The standard Smart Oven Air Fryer is typically the most affordable in the lineup. The Pro commands a higher price for its extra size and elements. The Joule Oven is usually priced at a premium for its smart technology. Decide what you’re comfortable spending for the features you’ll actually use.
Tips for Getting the Most From Your Breville
Once you’ve chosen your model, these tips will help you master it.
- Always preheat. For the best air frying and baking results, let the oven reach the set temperature first. It only takes a few minutes.
- Use the right pan. For air frying, use the included wire rack and tray. This allows maximum air circulation around the food. For baking, dark metal pans often work best.
- Don’t overcrowd. Even in a large oven, placing food in a single layer on the air fry tray gives the crispiest results. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Experiment with placement. The middle rack position is usually best for even cooking, but you can move food higher for more browning.
- Clean it regularly. Wipe out crumbs and grease after each use. The non-stick interior makes this easy with a damp cloth. The trays and racks are dishwasher safe for convenience.
Common Questions Answered
Let’s clear up some frequent points of confusion.
Is it really better than a basket air fryer?
It depends on your goals. A basket fryer is often smaller and heats up very fast, making it great for quick, small batches of fries or wings. A Breville oven is a multi-function powerhouse. It air fries very well, but also bakes, toasts, and roasts. If you want one appliance to do many things, Breville wins. If you only want to air fry small snacks, a basket might suffice.
How does the air fry function work in an oven?
It uses a powerful, high-speed convection fan. This fan circulates super hot air around the food at a rapid rate. This mimics the effect of deep frying by quickly removing moisture from the food’s surface, creating a crispy layer. The Element IQ system ensures the heat is applied evenly and powerfully from multiple directions.
Can I use regular bakeware inside?
Yes, absolutely. One of the biggest benefits is that you can use your own pans. A 9″ x 13″ baking dish, a cookie sheet, or even a cast iron skillet fits inside. Just make sure they are oven-safe and don’t touch the heating elements or glass door. This flexibility is a huge advantage over basket fryers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between the Breville Air Fryer Pro and regular?
The main differences are size and power. The Pro has a larger 1 cubic foot interior, an extra heating element (6 total), and a “Super Convection” system for even faster air frying. The regular model is slightly smaller at 0.8 cubic feet with 5 elements, but is more than enough for most households.
Which Breville oven has the best air fryer?
All Breville ovens with “Air Fry” in the name have excellent performance. The Pro model has the most powerful air fry function due to its dedicated Super Convection system. However, the standard Smart Oven Air Fryer and the Joule Oven also produce excellent crispy results that satisfy most users.
Are Breville air fryers easy to clean?
Yes, they are designed for easy cleaning. The interior has a non-stick coating that you can wipe down. The included air fryer basket, tray, and wire racks are all dishwasher safe. The crumb tray at the bottom pulls out for easy emptying. Regular wiping prevents stubborn, baked-on grease.
Final Recommendation
So, which Breville Air Fryer is best? For the majority of people, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer (the standard model) offers the best balance of size, price, and performance. It does nearly everything the Pro does for most everyday cooking tasks.
Choose the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro if you have a big kitchen, a large family, or you cook large roasts and pizzas regularly. Its extra capacity and power are worth the investment.
Opt for the Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro if you are passionate about connected kitchen tech and love the idea of an app guiding you to perfect doneness with it’s camera. It’s a unique and powerful tool for the modern cook.
No matter which you choose, you’re getting a well-built, versatile appliance that can handle much more than just air frying. It can become the most used piece of equipment in your kitchen, saving you time and energy while making great food. Take your time to consider your needs, and you’ll enjoy your Breville for years to come.