The Breville Smart Oven has garnered significant attention in the world of countertop cooking appliances, and for good reason. Known for its versatility and performance, it often becomes a topic of comparison against other toaster ovens and even larger ovens. This article delves into a comparison, drawing insights from user experiences to help you determine if a Breville Smart Oven is the ideal choice for your kitchen needs.
Users in online forums often discuss the Breville Smart Oven, sometimes referred to as BSO, alongside other models they’ve owned or considered. One user, “boilsover,” mentioned owning the 800XL model, clarifying it’s not their primary toaster, as they prefer a vintage Sunbeam for that task. This highlights that even within the realm of “smart ovens,” specific models and features cater to different priorities.
Another user, “gfweb,” pointed out the importance of considering interior dimensions, suggesting that the initial hype around the BSO might overshadow practical aspects like size. While acknowledging the BSO as a “nice little oven,” this comment underscores the necessity of aligning oven size with cooking habits.
The topic of size and specific cooking tasks continues with “boilsover” noting the BSO’s suitability for pizzas. They found the closer proximity of heating elements advantageous for pizza making and were pleased with the included 13″ pizza pan. This user had previously been limited to rectangular pizzas in a Toastmaster oven due to depth constraints. In contrast, they mention the Oster Digital Oven (ODO), which reportedly accommodates up to a 16″ pizza, showcasing a clear difference in capacity. The design of both the BSO and ODO includes a bulge in the back to accommodate larger round pans, a feature worth noting for pizza enthusiasts.
Control and user interface are also brought into the comparison. “boilsover” praised the “large and very solid feeling” control knobs on the ODO, along with its mechanical timer. The ODO’s timer audibly ticks, rings, and automatically shuts off the oven, offering both timed and continuous operation. Function knobs for bake, broil, etc., and a separate temperature knob provide a traditional and tactile control experience.
Reflecting on their oven choices, “boilsover” stated that had they known about the ODO beforehand, it might have been their single choice to “cover all the bases.” However, they express satisfaction in utilizing both the BSO and ODO for their respective strengths. The discussion concludes with a common kitchen dilemma – counter space limitations, especially when considering multiple appliances like the BSO, ODO, a GE toaster oven, and a dedicated toaster.
In conclusion, when considering a Breville Smart Oven, it’s beneficial to compare it against other options like the Oster Digital Oven and to reflect on your specific cooking needs. Factors such as interior size, desired cooking functions (pizza, baking, toasting), control preferences, and available counter space should all play a role in your decision-making process. User experiences, like those shared in forums, provide valuable real-world insights to aid in your comparison and help you choose the best countertop oven for your kitchen.
