Sometimes, some of us are thinking about getting a Breville Smart Oven but can’t decide between the Air Fryer and the Pro. You might get confused by these two. Well, I’m here to clear your confusion. Both ovens promise to revolutionize your countertop cooking with crispy air frying, convenient baking, and faster roasting. There are some key differences that could make or break your decision. But we’ll cover everything from how much counter space they hog to how well they actually cook your food. By the end, you should have a pretty good idea of which one is right for you and the difference between Breville smart oven air fryer and Pro.
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Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer vs Pro: A Side-by-Side Comparison
So you’re torn between the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer and the Pro. Both promise to be your new favorite kitchen gadget, but you might not know which one actually delivers. Let’s break down the key differences and see which one comes out on top.
What Sets Them Apart?
Both ovens are pretty darn good at what they do. The Air Fryer, as you might guess, is great for air frying, which is a healthier alternative to deep-frying all your favorite snacks. But the Pro model has a few extra tricks up its sleeve, like slow cooking, dehydrating, and proofing bread dough. Whether those are worth the extra cost depends on your cooking style.
Size Matters (Especially if Your Kitchen is Tiny):
The Pro is noticeably bigger. So, if you’re constantly cooking for a small army or need to fit a whole chicken in there, it’s the way to go. But if you’re like me and your kitchen counter is already overflowing with junk, the regular Air Fryer might be a better fit. It’s not tiny, but it won’t take over your entire kitchen.
Smart Features:
Both ovens come with that special Element IQ technology that’s supposed to cook your food more evenly. They also have preset cooking functions for things like pizza, cookies, etc., but we all just end up adjusting the time and temperature anyway. They’re convenient for the first few uses; then you realize you know how to cook your chicken nuggets without the preset button.
Overview of Breville Smart Ovens: More Than Just a Toaster Oven
The basic Air Fryer model definitely delivers on that crispy, air-fried promise. It’s great for quickly cooking up frozen snacks or healthier versions of those fried favorites (like chicken nuggets, veggies, etc.). If that’s what you’re mainly interested in, it’s a good choice. The Pro, on the other hand, is a bit of a kitchen overachiever, with extra features like slow cooking and dehydrating. That might be worth it if you’re someone who really likes experimenting in the kitchen, but for most people, those features can be confusing. The Pro is also bigger, so it’s better for larger meals, but it’s definitely going to take up more counter space.
Both models are well-made and cook food more evenly than a regular toaster oven (no more burnt toast!). But be prepared for a bit of a learning curve. These ovens have a ton of settings and features, so you might need to actually crack open the manual to figure it all out. If you’re the kind of person who’s happy with just a basic bake function, all the bells and whistles might feel like overkill.
Features of the Air Fryer model: Compact and Efficient
This version is smaller than the Pro, which is a relief for those of us without endless counter space. It’s still big enough to fit a 4-quart air fryer basket (which is bigger than it sounds), so you can cook a decent amount of food at once.
The Air Fryer model lacks the pro’s extra functions, but that doesn’t mean it’s basic. You still get the essentials – air fry, bake, roast, broil, and more. I found the controls super easy to navigate, which is a nice change of pace from some of those overly complicated appliances out there. You can check out our full Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer review.
Features of the Pro model: The Kitchen Powerhouse
If you’re the type who spends half your life in the kitchen, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro might tempt you. It’s basically the Air Fryer model, but it has a few extra bells and whistles that might actually be useful.
The Pro is noticeably bigger inside, so you can cook more food at once. If you’ve got a big family to feed or love cooking large batches of stuff to freeze later, this could be really helpful. The Pro also has an extra preset cooking option compared to the regular Air Fryer, which might be cool if you’re into things like dehydrating fruit or proving bread dough. But I’m not sure how often I’ll actually use those.
One thing I do like is that it has a light inside the oven, so you can actually see how your food is doing without opening the door and letting all the heat out. That’s especially handy if you’re trying to be precise with cooking times.
The Pro is a more versatile appliance than the regular Air Fryer. But more features also mean a higher price tag, so you have to decide if those extra functions are actually worth it for you.
Performance Comparison
Both models have their strengths and weaknesses, and which one is right for you depends on what you’re actually trying to cook.
Air Frying: Both ovens do a pretty good job of air frying, so if that’s your main priority, you don’t necessarily need the Pro. I’ve made everything from frozen chicken nuggets to homemade sweet potato fries both, and they come out crispy without that greasy feeling of deep-fried food.
Baking and Roasting: The Pro’s larger size makes it more suitable for baking and roasting larger dishes, while the Air Fryer is still capable of handling everyday baking and roasting needs. It’s more of a true oven replacement if you want to make things like a whole chicken or a casserole.
Other Functions: The Pro model has some extra settings like slow cooking and dehydrating, which is really helpful sometimes but not always.
Price and Value
Now, for the part that always makes us cringe a little, it’s the price. Let’s just say that neither of these Breville Smart Ovens is going to be your cheapest kitchen appliance purchase. There’s a noticeable price difference between the Air Fryer and the Pro models, with the Pro definitely sitting at the higher end.
For the regular Air Fryer model, you’re definitely paying a premium compared to those basic toaster ovens your grandma probably had. But you’re also getting a lot more than just toast. It’s a solid little appliance that can handle air frying, baking, and roasting pretty well. Plus, it looks pretty sleek on the counter, which is always a bonus if you’re into that kind of thing.
If you’re looking at the Pro model, get ready to open your wallet a bit wider. You’re getting everything the Air Fryer model offers, plus those extra functions like slow cooking and dehydrating, along with a bit more space.
The price tag on the Pro is nothing to sneeze at. You’re going to have to really think about whether those extra functions justify the extra cost. Consider how much you cook, what kind of things you usually make, and how much counter space you have to spare.
Which one to choose?
If you just need a basic appliance to heat up frozen snacks or occasionally bake a potato, the regular Air Fryer model is probably good enough. It does air fry well, has decent cooking capabilities, and is not that pricey.
But, if you like to experiment and spend a lot of time in the kitchen, the Pro could be a good fit. The extra settings, like slow cooking and dehydrating, might actually get some use, and you’ll appreciate having the extra space if you need to cook larger meals or batch cook for the week.
FAQ
Is the Pro model larger than the Air Fryer model?
Yes, the Pro model has a larger capacity, which allows you to cook more food at once.
Are there any additional accessories included with either model?
The Pro model comes with additional accessories, such as a pizza pan and bamboo cutting board.
Does the Air Fryer model have a dehydrate function like the Pro model?
No, only the Pro model has a dehydrate function for making dried fruits or jerky.
Can I use both models for baking, roasting, and toasting?
Yes, both models can perform various cooking functions, including baking, roasting, and toasting.
Which model would be better for a small kitchen with limited counter space?
The Air Fryer model would be more suitable for smaller kitchens due to its compact size compared to the Pro model.
Can both models be used for baking and toasting?
Yes, both models can be used for baking and toasting, as well as for other cooking functions such as broiling and slow cooking.
Which model is better for someone who wants to air fry?
The Smart Oven Air Fryer is the better option for someone who wants to primarily use the air frying function, as it is specifically designed for this purpose.
Can both models be used for rotisserie cooking?
Yes, both models have the option for rotisserie cooking, making them versatile options for a variety of cooking needs.