Breville Smart Oven vs. Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven: The Ultimate Kitchen Showdown
You’re standing in front of your old, trusty toaster oven, contemplating its inevitable retirement. But what to replace it with? The kitchen appliance market is flooded with options, and two titans frequently emerge: the multi-talented Breville Smart Oven and the air-frying sensation, the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven. Both promise convenience and culinary prowess, but which one truly deserves a spot on your countertop? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the smartest choice for your home.
Comparison Table: Breville Smart Oven vs. Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven
| Feature | Breville Smart Convection Oven Pro (BOV845BSS) | Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven (TOA-60) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Smart Convection Oven / Toaster Oven | Air Fryer Toaster Oven |
| Power | 1800 Watts | 1800 Watts |
| Cooking Functions | 10 (Toast, Bagel, Bake, Roast, Broil, Pizza, Cookies, Reheat, Warm, Slow Cook) | 7 (Air Fry, Toast, Convection Bake, Bake, Convection Broil, Broil, Grill, Warm) |
| Special Features | Element iQ System, Convection Powered (up to 30% faster), Slow Cook (up to 10 hrs), Interior Oven Light, LCD Display | AirAdvantage Technology, Adjustable Temperature Dial, 60-minute Timer/Auto-Shutoff, Toast Shade Selector, Ceramic Non-Stick Reversible Grill/Griddle |
| Capacity | 6 slices of toast, 13-inch pizza, roast chicken, 9-cup muffin tray, 4.4 qt Dutch oven | 6 slices of toast, 3 lbs. chicken wings, 12-inch pizza, 4-lb. roast chicken |
| Temperature Range | Not explicitly stated, but includes Slow Cook function for low temps. | Warm-450°F |
| Included Accessories | Oven Rack, 12×12 inch Enamel Baking Pan, 12×12 inch Enamel Broiling Rack, 13 inch Non-Stick Pizza Pan | Oven Rack, Baking Pan/Drip Tray, Air Fry Basket, Ceramic Non-Stick Reversible Grill/Griddle |
| Warranty | 1 Year Limited Product Warranty | Not explicitly stated in provided data. |
| Further Info | Check Price for Breville Smart Oven | Check Price for Cuisinart Air Fryer review |
Design & Build Quality
Breville Smart Oven
The Breville Smart Oven immediately impresses with its premium, brushed stainless steel finish and robust construction. It feels like a miniature version of a high-end traditional oven. The clear LCD display and intuitive dials contribute to its sophisticated aesthetic. While its substantial footprint means it commands significant counter space (18.5 x 15.7 x 11.1 inches), the quality of materials and attention to detail are evident. The interior oven light, a seemingly small detail, truly enhances the user experience.
Anecdote: “My first impression of the Breville was how solid it felt. Unboxing it, I noted the weighty feel of the baking pan and the smooth action of the door. When I turned it on, the interior light flickered on, illuminating my aspiring roast chicken perfectly – it felt like a true kitchen upgrade, not just another appliance.”
Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven
The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven also sports a sleek stainless steel design, giving it a professional yet approachable look. Its design prioritizes functionality, with clear dials for temperature, function, and timer. While it might not have the same “smart” interface as the Breville, its traditional controls are straightforward and reliable. The internal stainless steel is easy to clean, a practical design choice for busy kitchens. Its footprint is comparable to a standard toaster oven, making it a good fit for most countertops.
Anecdote: “I appreciate the straightforward design of the Cuisinart. My grandmother, who isn’t tech-savvy, found the dials easy to use. She just turned the knob for toast, and it worked. Plus, the easy-clean interior has saved me from scrubbing burnt cheese off the walls more times than I can count – a real win for practical build quality.”
Performance & Features
Breville Smart Oven
The Breville Smart Oven lives up to its name with its “Element iQ System.” This intelligent system uses five independent quartz elements to direct power precisely where and when it’s needed, ensuring even cooking. The convection setting reduces cooking time by up to 30%, making weeknight meals faster. With 10 versatile presets including Toast, Bagel, Bake, Roast, Broil, Pizza, Cookies, Reheat, Warm, and a dedicated Slow Cook function (up to 10 hours!), it truly acts as a multi-purpose appliance. The fast 1800 Watt preheat means less waiting and more eating. This appliance excels in versatility, going beyond just basic toasting.
Anecdote: “I once used the Breville Smart Oven to slow cook a pork shoulder all day, then switched it to roast vegetables for dinner. The pork was incredibly tender, and the Element iQ system ensured the veggies had that perfect slight char. It felt like I had a full-sized oven with dedicated settings, but right on my counter.”
Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven
The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven shines in its primary function: air frying. Its “AirAdvantage technology” and top fan/heater assembly ensure optimized hot air flow, delivering incredibly fast and crispy results. It features 7 functions, including Air Fry, Toast, Convection Bake, Bake, Convection Broil, Broil, Grill, and Warm. With a wide temperature control range from Warm to 450°F and a robust 1800-watt heating element, it offers ample power for various tasks. While it doesn’t boast the “smart” features of the Breville, its focused performance on air frying is exceptional, and the included grill/griddle adds unique cooking options.
Anecdote: “After a long day, I crave quick, crispy food. My Cuisinart Air Fryer turned frozen chicken tenders into a golden, crunchy delight in under 15 minutes. No soggy bits, just pure crispy satisfaction. It effortlessly handles a batch of wings or a small roast chicken, making it my go-to for fast, delicious dinners.”
Ease of Use
Breville Smart Oven
The Breville Smart Oven prioritizes a user-friendly experience with its intuitive LCD display and clearly labeled functions. Selecting a cooking mode is as simple as turning a dial, and the display provides feedback on temperature and remaining time. The integrated oven light is a godsend for monitoring food without opening the door, and it even has an auto shut-off feature. Cleaning is straightforward, though the capacity can sometimes make reaching all corners a stretch for smaller hands. The included non-stick pizza pan and enamel baking/broiling racks are a bonus.
Anecdote: “The first time I used the Breville, I was impressed by the auto-start timer after preheating. I just set my desired bake time, and once it hit temperature, the countdown began automatically. No more guessing if the oven was ready. And that interior light? A game-changer for checking on my baking cookies without letting out heat.”
Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven
The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven keeps things simple with traditional dials for function, temperature, and timer, making it very easy for anyone to pick up and use without a learning curve. The 60-minute timer with auto-shutoff is a handy safety feature, and the toast shade selector ensures your breakfast is perfect every time. Cleanup is made easier with a stainless steel easy-clean interior, baking pan/drip tray, and an air fry basket that’s simple to wash. Its focused design means less complexity, contributing to overall ease of use.
Anecdote: “My kids can actually operate the Cuisinart safely to make their own toast or warm up leftovers. The simple dials mean they don’t get confused by digital menus. And for me, the stainless steel interior and removable crumb tray make cleaning after a messy batch of fries a breeze. It’s designed for real-world, everyday use.”
Verdict
Both the Breville Smart Oven and the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven are excellent countertop appliances, but they cater to slightly different needs and priorities. This review and comparison highlights their distinct strengths.
Choose the Breville Smart Convection Oven Pro if:
- You want the most versatile appliance possible, with dedicated functions for almost every cooking task, including slow cooking.
- You value advanced “smart” features like the Element iQ System and precise digital controls.
- You’re looking for a premium build quality and a truly multi-functional appliance that can stand in for a full-sized oven for many tasks.
- You appreciate an interior oven light and a clear LCD display for monitoring.
- You’re willing to invest a bit more for superior performance across a broader range of cooking methods.
Choose the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven if:
- Your primary goal is excellent air frying performance for crispy, delicious results.
- You prefer straightforward, traditional dial controls over digital displays.
- You value an appliance with a good range of functions (toast, bake, broil) but with a strong emphasis on air frying.
- You appreciate easy cleanup and practical features like a grill/griddle accessory.
- You’re looking for a great all-around toaster oven with exceptional air frying capabilities at a potentially more accessible price point.
In conclusion, if you’re seeking a true kitchen workhorse with unparalleled versatility and advanced features, the Breville Smart Oven is likely your best bet. However, if your heart is set on achieving the crispiest air-fried foods with solid supplemental functions and user-friendly controls, the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven will not disappoint.
I am a passionate recipe developer and food enthusiast specializing in heart-warming traditional dishes and simple, everyday meals. My goal is to inspire you to find joy and confidence in the kitchen through my easy-to-follow recipes.