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You are standing in your kitchen, staring at a countertop cluttered with a toaster, an air fryer, and a slow cooker. You want one appliance that does it all, but the choices are overwhelming. This guide compares the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and the Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro, two top contenders in the countertop oven market, to help you decide which one fits your cooking needs in 2026. Whether you are a tech enthusiast or a home cook seeking versatility, we have you covered.
Pros
- Versatile with 10 cooking functions including air frying, toasting, and roasting.
- Crispy Reheat mode delivers crunchy leftovers without drying them out.
- Element IQ ensures even cooking and reduces hot spots.
- Compact design fits easily on countertops while offering ample capacity.
- Guided recipes and live classes enhance the cooking experience.
Cons
- Higher price point compared to basic air fryers.
- Limited capacity (0.08 cubic feet) may not suit large families.
- Some users may find the interface complex initially.
The Breville BOV680BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer is a versatile countertop appliance that combines air frying with traditional oven functions. It is designed for home cooks who want speed, precision, and variety in their cooking. With 5 dedicated air fry modes and 5 smart cooking functions, it can handle everything from crispy fries to perfectly toasted bagels.
Standout features include the Crispy Reheat mode, which uses super convection to reheat leftovers without losing moisture. The Element IQ System intelligently directs power to the heating elements for even results. Testers report that air frying reduces cooking time by up to 30% while delivering crunchy exteriors and tender interiors.
The build quality is excellent, with a brushed stainless steel finish that resists stains and fingerprints. The compact size fits well on most countertops, though the interior capacity is modest. The dial controls and Almost There button make operation intuitive, but the initial setup may require reading the manual.
Drawbacks include a higher price than basic air fryers and limited space for large roasts or multiple dishes. The 0.08 cubic foot capacity is best for individuals or small families. Additionally, some users may prefer a more straightforward interface without the smart features.
Overall, the Breville BOV680BSS is a top choice for those who value versatility and performance. It excels at air frying, reheating, and baking, making it a worthwhile investment for serious home cooks. If you have the budget and counter space, this oven delivers consistent, delicious results.
Product Dimensions: 15.67"D x 9.96"W x 16.93"H
Color: Stainless Steel
Capacity: 0.08 cubic feet
Material: Stainless Steel
Special Feature: Stain Resistant
Pros
- Outstanding cooking performance with crispy air-fried results and even baking
- Intuitive app with step-by-step recipes and firmware updates for ongoing improvements
- Versatile functions eliminate the need for separate air fryer, dehydrator, and toaster oven
- Fast preheating and precise temperature control from 80°F to 480°F
- Premium build quality with stainless steel construction and thoughtful accessories
Cons
- Premium price point may not fit all budgets
- Occasional quality control issues reported, such as dents or defects out of the box
- Requires Wi-Fi for full smart features and app functionality
The Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro (model BOV950BSS) is a high-end smart countertop oven designed for home cooks who demand precision and convenience. It combines 13 cooking functions, including air fry and dehydrate, with a powerful Element IQ system that adjusts heat distribution for perfect results every time. This oven is ideal for tech enthusiasts and families who want to streamline their kitchen with one versatile appliance.
Standout features include the Joule Autopilot, which automates multi-step recipes, and the companion app that offers over 1000 guided recipes from renowned sources like New York Times Cooking and Serious Eats. Real-world performance impresses: air-fried foods come out crispy, frozen pizzas cook evenly, and preheating is remarkably fast. Users consistently praise the even cooking and the convenience of app-based monitoring and voice control.
Design and build quality are top-notch, with a brushed stainless steel exterior, solid metal dials, and a large 16x13.5x7-inch interior. The included accessories, such as two wire racks, a pizza pan, and an air fry basket, are high-quality and versatile. The oven's footprint is substantial but justified by its capacity and performance.
Drawbacks include a high price and occasional reports of cosmetic defects out of the box. Additionally, the smart features rely on a stable Wi-Fi connection, and some users may find the app dependency unnecessary for basic tasks. However, these issues are outweighed by the oven's exceptional cooking capabilities and long-term value.
Verdict: The Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro is a best-in-class countertop oven that delivers professional-grade results. It's a worthwhile investment for anyone who cooks frequently and values smart features, versatility, and consistent performance. Despite minor quality control concerns, it earns strong recommendations from satisfied users.
Wattage: 1800 watts
Temperature Range: 80°F to 480°F
Capacity: 6 quarts (fits 13-inch pizza)
Dimensions: 17.3"D x 21.5"W x 12.8"H
Weight: 38.9 pounds
Material: Brushed Stainless Steel
Control Method: App, Voice, and Manual Dials
Special Features: Joule Autopilot, Element IQ, 13 Presets, Voice Activation
Included Accessories: 13" Pizza Pan, 2 Wire Racks, Broiling Rack, Roasting Pan, Air Fry/Dehydrate Basket
Compatibility: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, iOS/Android App
Pros
- Exceptional versatility with 13 cooking functions eliminates need for toaster, air fryer, pizza oven, and slow cooker
- Element iQ smart technology with digital PID temperature control ensures consistent, perfectly cooked meals
- Large interior capacity handles full-size meals and accommodates most standard baking pans and Dutch ovens
- Super convection fan with dual speeds offers flexible cooking options for air frying, roasting, and dehydrating
- Breville+ app integration provides 200+ professionally tested recipes with guided cooking instructions
Cons
- Premium price point makes it a significant investment compared to single-function appliances
- Countertop footprint is substantial, requiring adequate kitchen counter space and clearance
- Learning curve for maximizing all 13 functions and smart features may take time for some users
The Breville BOV900BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a premium countertop appliance designed for home cooks who want professional-grade results without cluttering their kitchen with multiple single-function devices. This 1800-watt powerhouse combines air frying, convection roasting, baking, dehydrating, slow cooking, and more into one intelligent machine. It's perfect for families who cook frequently and appreciate versatility, precision, and convenience.
What truly sets this oven apart is its Element iQ smart system, which uses 5 independent quartz heating elements and intelligent algorithms to create the ideal cooking environment for each dish. The super convection technology reduces cooking time by up to 30% while the 2-speed convection fan ensures even heat distribution and crispy golden results. With 13 cooking functions including Toast, Bagel, Broil, Bake, Roast, Air Fry, Pizza, Proof, Dehydrate, Slow Cook, Warm, Reheat, and Cookies, this oven truly replaces multiple appliances.
The design is sleek brushed stainless steel with a large LCD display that makes navigation intuitive. The extra-large 16x13.5x7 inch interior capacity accommodates 9 slices of bread, a 14-pound turkey, full-size 9x13 inch baking pans, and 12-cup muffin trays. An integrated oven light automatically turns on at the end of cooking, and the smart display shows preheating completion and provides automatic countdown timers for precision cooking. Breville+ integration adds 200+ professionally tested recipes with step-by-step guidance.
The main drawbacks are the premium price and substantial countertop footprint. This is a significant investment, though it eliminates the need to buy separate toasters, air fryers, and specialty ovens. The size requires adequate counter space and clearance from cabinets. Additionally, mastering all 13 functions and smart features takes time and experimentation.
The Breville BOV900BSS is an excellent choice for serious home cooks who want professional results, versatility, and smart cooking technology. If your kitchen has the space and your budget allows, this oven delivers exceptional value by consolidating multiple appliances into one intelligent, reliable machine with impressive cooking performance.
Dimensions and Capacity: 16 x 13.5 x 7 inches interior capacity. Fits 9 slices of bread, 13-inch pizza, 9x13 inch baking pans, 12-cup muffin trays, and 5-quart Dutch oven.
Power and Performance: 1800 Watts, 120 Volts. Element iQ system with 5 independent quartz heating elements and digital PID temperature control. Super convection with 2-speed fan for flexible cooking control.
Cooking Functions: 13 total functions including Toast, Bagel, Broil, Bake, Roast, Warm, Pizza, Proof, Air Fry, Reheat, Cookies, Slow Cook, and Dehydrate. Dehydrate setting handles up to 4 trays simultaneously.
Smart Features: LCD display with smart preheating indicator, automatic countdown timer, and Breville+ app integration with 200+ tested recipes and step-by-step guidance.
Accessories Included: 13-inch pizza pan, two oven racks, 9x13 inch broil rack, enamel roasting pan, and mesh basket rack for dehydrating and air frying. Replaceable components like traditional ovens.
Warranty: 2-year limited product warranty.
Who Should Buy This Oven: The Breville BOV900BSS is ideal for home cooks who frequently prepare diverse meals, from weeknight dinners to entertaining guests. It's perfect for those who value smart cooking technology, want to reduce kitchen clutter, and appreciate consistent, professional-quality results. Families with varying dietary preferences (air frying, dehydrating, slow cooking) benefit greatly from the versatility.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere: If you have limited counter space, a tight budget under $300, or only need basic toasting and baking capabilities, a simpler single-function appliance may be more practical. Those who prefer traditional full-size ovens for large-batch cooking should also consider their actual capacity needs.
Key Considerations: Measure your counter space carefully, as this is a substantial appliance. Plan to spend time learning the 13 functions and exploring the Breville+ app to maximize your investment. If you'd spend $600+ buying these separately, the Breville BOV900BSS offers exceptional value and superior cooking precision through its Element iQ smart system.
Pros
- Versatile 11-in-1 functionality replaces multiple kitchen appliances.
- Fast and even cooking thanks to Element iQ and super convection.
- Large enough for family meals yet compact enough for countertop use.
- High build quality with brushed stainless steel and durable components.
- Easy to operate with clear LCD display and automatic countdown timer.
Cons
- Heavy at 22.8 pounds and requires significant counter space.
- Premium price compared to basic toaster ovens, though justified by features.
- A few users reported initial defects, but warranty and customer service are generally reliable.
The Breville BOV860BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer is a powerful countertop convection oven that does it all. Designed for home cooks who want to reduce reliance on their full-size oven, it offers 11 cooking functions including air fry, bake, broil, toast, and slow cook. With a 4.5 star rating from thousands of reviews, it has earned a reputation for reliability and performance.
Standout features include the Element iQ system, which uses five independent quartz elements and smart algorithms to direct heat exactly where it is needed. This eliminates cold spots and ensures even cooking. The dedicated air fry function reaches higher temperatures and uses super convection for up to 30% faster cooking times. Real-world users report it replaces a microwave and traditional toaster oven, making it a central kitchen workhorse.
Build quality is excellent with brushed stainless steel exterior and a sturdy feel. The large 0.8 cubic foot interior fits a 13-inch pizza or a whole chicken, yet the oven remains compact enough for countertop use. The LCD display is intuitive, and included accessories like the air fry basket and pizza pan add immediate value. It is heavy at nearly 23 pounds, so it needs a stable spot.
Potential drawbacks include a higher price point and substantial counter footprint. Some users mention initial quality control issues, but Breville offers a 2 year warranty. The oven also heats up the exterior slightly during long cooking sessions. However, for anyone who cooks frequently and wants speed and versatility, these concerns are minor.
Overall, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer is a top tier investment that pays for itself by replacing several appliances. It delivers consistent, crispy results and saves time in the kitchen. If you value convenience, performance, and space saving, this oven is an excellent choice for daily use.
Pros
- Element IQ system intelligently distributes heat for consistent, professional-quality results across multiple cooking functions
- Convection setting delivers significant time savings for busy home cooks without sacrificing food quality
- Exceptional versatility replaces multiple appliances, freeing up valuable counter and cabinet space
- Large interior capacity accommodates family-sized meals and specialty cookware like Dutch ovens
- Includes quality accessories that would cost extra with competing brands
Cons
- Premium price point may be steep for occasional home cooks or those with limited budgets
- Countertop space requirements due to substantial size may challenge kitchens with limited counter real estate
- Learning curve required to master all 10 cooking functions and Element IQ optimization features
The Breville Smart Oven Pro is a premium countertop convection oven designed for serious home cooks who want restaurant-quality results without a full-size built-in oven. It combines the functionality of a toaster, pizza oven, slow cooker, and roasting oven into one intelligent appliance. This is ideal for home cooks who value precision, versatility, and time savings in meal preparation.
The standout feature is the Element IQ system with 5 independent quartz heating elements that automatically adjust power distribution based on your cooking selection. Combined with convection technology that actively circulates hot air, this system reduces cooking times by up to 30% while delivering even browning and precise temperature control. The 10 cooking functions cover everything from quick toast to 10-hour slow cooking, making it remarkably versatile for different meal types and cooking styles.
Build quality is excellent with brushed stainless steel construction that looks professional and professional-grade components throughout. The 1800-watt fast preheat gets you cooking quickly, while the interior oven light with automatic on-off functionality lets you monitor progress without opening the door. The LCD display provides clear feedback on preheating status and cooking countdown, taking guesswork out of meal timing.
The main drawback is the substantial countertop footprint and premium price tag, which may not suit everyone's kitchen space or budget. Additionally, mastering all the cooking functions and Element IQ settings requires some experimentation and learning. For those willing to invest in quality and appreciate cooking versatility, however, these limitations are minor.
Verdict: The Breville Smart Oven Pro delivers exceptional performance and versatility for home cooks who demand precision results. The Element IQ technology and convection system genuinely improve cooking outcomes, while the 10 functions make it a true multi-purpose kitchen workhorse. Highly recommended for anyone serious about countertop cooking.
Capacity and Dimensions: 13.5 x 11.5 x 5.5 inch interior, fits 6 bread slices, 13-inch pizza, whole roasted chicken, 9-cup muffin tray, and 4.4 qt Dutch oven
Power and Performance: 1800 watts, 110-120 volts, fast preheat with 5 independent quartz heating elements via Element IQ system
Cooking Functions: Toast, Bagel, Bake, Roast, Broil, Pizza, Cookies, Reheat, Warm, and Slow Cook (up to 10 hours)
Features: Convection powered, LCD display with smart functionality, interior oven light with auto on-off, element IQ technology, slow cook with auto keep-warm transition
Included Accessories: One oven rack, 12 x 12 inch enamel baking pan, 12 x 12 inch enamel broiling rack, 13-inch non-stick pizza pan
Warranty: 1 year limited product warranty with replaceable components
Ideal For: Home cooks who value precision and versatility, small households wanting to replace multiple appliances, pizza and bread enthusiasts, busy professionals who want faster cooking times, anyone with limited kitchen space looking to consolidate appliances
Consider Alternatives If: You rarely cook or primarily eat simple meals, you have severe counter space limitations, you have a very tight budget and don't need convection speed, you want a basic toaster oven without advanced features
Real-World Use Cases: Baking artisan pizzas and bread, meal prepping for the week with roasted vegetables and proteins, slow cooking tough cuts of meat for tender results, quickly reheating leftovers without using the full-size oven, experimenting with different cooking techniques and recipes
Buying Guide
Cooking Functions and Versatility
The number of cooking functions is a major differentiator. The Breville BOV950BSS Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro offers 13 smart preset functions, including air fry, dehydrate, and slow cook, plus guided recipes via the Breville+ app. The Breville BOV900BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro also has 13 functions, but without the smart connectivity. If you want a connected experience with voice control, the Joule is the clear winner.
For those who prefer simplicity, the Breville BOV860BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer provides 11 functions and a dedicated air fry setting. The Breville BOV680BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer Compact is a smaller option with 10 functions (5 air fry + 5 smart), ideal for smaller kitchens or quick meals. For a budget-friendly choice, the Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven Pro offers 10 functions, including slow cook, but lacks air fry capability.
Capacity and Size
Oven capacity matters for families. The Breville BOV900BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro has an extra-large interior (16 x 13.5 x 7 inches) that fits a 14-pound turkey or a 5-quart Dutch oven. The Breville BOV950BSS Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro is slightly smaller but still roomy for a 13-inch pizza. The Breville BOV860BSS and BOV845BSS models offer a 13.5 x 11.5 x 5.5 inch interior, enough for a 9-cup muffin tray or a 4.4-quart Dutch oven.
If counter space is tight, the Breville BOV680BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer Compact is a smaller footprint, but it still fits a 13-inch pizza. Consider your typical cooking needs: will you roast a whole chicken or just reheat leftovers? For more on choosing the right size, check our guide on best multi-purpose air fryer picks.
Smart Features and Connectivity
The Breville BOV950BSS Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro is the only model with full smart features: Wi-Fi connectivity, voice control via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, and access to over 1,000 guided recipes through the Breville+ app. It can automate multi-event cooking, switching between modes without your input. This is a game-changer for busy cooks who want precision without monitoring.
Other models, like the Breville BOV900BSS and BOV860BSS, lack smart connectivity but still offer the Element iQ system for even heating. The Breville BOV680BSS includes a “Crispy Reheat” mode and guided recipes via Breville+, but without voice control. If you value convenience and automation, the Joule is worth the investment. For a simpler approach, the BOV900BSS delivers excellent performance without the app.
Air Frying Performance
All models with air fry capability use super convection for crispy results. The Breville BOV950BSS Joule and BOV900BSS Pro both have dedicated air fry and dehydrate settings, with the Joule offering guided recipes for air-fried favorites. The Breville BOV860BSS has a dedicated air fry setting that reduces cooking time by up to 30%. The Breville BOV680BSS Compact includes 5 air fry modes, including a “Crispy Reheat” for leftovers.
For the best air frying, the BOV900BSS and BOV950BSS are top choices due to their larger capacity and dual-speed convection fan. The BOV845BSS does not have an air fry function, so skip that model if air frying is a priority. Learn more about air fryer options in our air fryers category.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and the Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro comes down to your need for smart features. If you want a connected, app-driven experience with voice control and guided recipes, the Breville BOV950BSS Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro is the best pick. For those who prefer a more traditional but powerful countertop oven with extra-large capacity and 13 functions, the Breville BOV900BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro offers exceptional value. Both deliver reliable, even cooking and versatile performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and the Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro?
The main difference is smart connectivity. The Joule model includes Wi-Fi, voice control, and guided recipes via an app, while the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro lacks these features but offers the same 13 cooking functions and larger capacity. Both use Element iQ for even heating.
Can the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro replace a traditional oven?
Yes, for most cooking tasks. It can roast a 14-pound turkey, bake a 13-inch pizza, and air fry family favorites. However, for very large meals or multiple dishes at once, a full-sized oven is still useful. It is a great secondary oven for everyday use.
Is the Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro worth the extra cost?
If you value convenience and smart features like voice control and automated cooking, the Joule is worth it. For those who prefer a straightforward oven without the app, the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro offers similar performance at a lower price point. Consider your lifestyle and kitchen habits.
How do I clean the Breville smart oven air fryer?
Most models have a removable crumb tray and non-stick interior coating. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth after each use. The exterior can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaners to protect the brushed stainless steel finish.
