Okay, real talk: counter space in my kitchen is a battleground. As a food blogger, I’m constantly juggling gadgets, gizmos, and the ever-present need to, you know, actually prep food. So, when my old toaster oven finally kicked the bucket, I knew I needed an upgrade – something that could pull its weight without hogging all the real estate. Enter the Breville BOV650XL Compact Smart Oven. I was skeptical, I’ll admit. Could a “compact” oven really do it all? After a few weeks of cooking up a storm, I’m here to spill the beans.
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First Glance & Cool Features:
Right out of the box, the Breville looks the part. The brushed stainless steel is sleek and modern, fitting right in with my other appliances. And the size? A genuine relief! We’re talking compact, people. But here’s the kicker: don’t let that label fool you. Breville’s pulled off some kind of magic trick, because the inside is surprisingly roomy. Seriously, I almost did a double-take when a 12-inch pizza slid in with room to spare. Friday night saved! i
The controls are a breeze to use – a mix of buttons and a dial that just makes sense. And the LCD screen? Crystal clear, showing you exactly what’s going on, from the temperature to the cooking time i. Plus, the way it glows orange while it’s heating up and then turns blue when it’s done? A small touch, but a nice one.
Smart Cooking? I’m a Believer:
Okay, let’s get to the heart of it: Breville’s Element IQ system i. This isn’t just about throwing heat; it’s about thinking about heat. With its clever quartz elements and even cleverer algorithms, the oven focuses the power exactly where it needs to be. Toasting? Forget unevenly browned bread. Seriously, this thing delivers golden perfection, whether it’s a delicate slice of sourdough or a hefty bagel.
And those eight pre-set functions (Toast, Bagel, Bake, Roast, Broil, Pizza, Cookies, and Reheat)? They’ve got my back for pretty much everything I cook i. That pizza setting is a game-changer – perfectly cooked crust, bubbly cheese, the works. And the reheat function? It’s like a magic trick, bringing leftovers back to life without turning them into shoe leather.
A Few Stories from My Kitchen:
- Toast Trauma, No More: My old toaster oven had one setting: “inferno.” Now? Golden, even toast every single time. Avocado toast, I can finally enjoy you without the charcoal garnish.
- Pizza Night, Elevated: Seriously, the 12-inch pizza capacity is a lifesaver. Homemade dough, frozen pizzas – this oven handles them all like a champ.
- Cookie Confidence, Achieved: Baking isn’t exactly my forte, but I decided to give the cookie setting a whirl. The result? Perfectly golden-brown chocolate chip cookies that vanished faster than I could say “sugar rush.”
- Roast Chicken? Why Not!: One Sunday, I even threw in a small roast chicken. Okay, it wasn’t quite as amazing as a full-sized oven roast, but it was surprisingly juicy and flavorful – perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Nitpicks (Because Nothing’s Perfect):
The non-stick interior is generally easy to clean, but I did have to put in a little extra effort to scrub off some baked-on cheese. And the included baking pan and broiling rack? They get the job done, but they feel a little basic compared to the overall quality of the oven.
The Final Slice:
Bottom line? The Breville BOV650XL Compact Smart Oven is a winner. It’s versatile, it’s smart, and it delivers consistent results. If you’re short on space, live in an apartment, or just want a reliable and efficient countertop oven, this is it. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but the quality and features are worth the investment. I’m giving it a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. Seriously, my countertop (and my stomach) have never been happier.