Breville Air Fryer vs. Pro: Which One Should You Buy?

If you're weighing the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer against the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, you're looking at two excellent countertop appliances from a trusted brand. The main difference comes down to capacity and specialized functions. The larger Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer (model BOV900BSS) handles bigger batches and includes a dehydrate function, making it ideal for larger families or more diverse cooking needs.

For most households that want strong air frying in a slightly more compact and affordable package, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (model BOV860BSS) delivers great value.

Why trust this list

I've spent years comparing kitchen appliances, looking closely at specs, user feedback, and real-world performance. This article comes from a deep dive into the features of both Breville Smart Oven models, focusing on how their differences translate to daily use in a busy kitchen. My recommendations are based on verified product details and widespread user experiences, not hands-on testing in my own kitchen.

I aim to help you pick the right oven for your specific needs, laying out clear pros and cons for each.

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer (BOV900BSS): The Large-Capacity Powerhouse

This is the top choice for larger families, people who entertain often, or anyone serious about expanding their countertop cooking capabilities beyond just air frying. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer, known by its model number BOV900BSS, offers the most space and the widest range of functions in Breville's air fryer oven lineup. It's a true workhorse, built to handle almost any task you throw at it.

Best for: Large families, advanced cooks, those who dehydrate or slow cook.

Price range: Expect to pay between $399 and $449, though prices can change. Always confirm current pricing from retailers like Breville's official site Breville.com before making a purchase.

Pros:

• Largest capacity: Fits a 14-pound turkey, 9 slices of toast, or a 12-cup muffin tray.
• 13 cooking functions: Includes Air Fry, Dehydrate, Proof, and Slow Cook, which many other ovens lack.
• "Super Convection" technology: Uses two fan speeds for faster, more even cooking and crispier air frying.
• Element IQ System: Smart sensors redirect power to where it's needed most, keeping temperatures precise.
• Interior oven light: Lets you check progress without opening the door and losing heat.
• Durable construction: Stainless steel exterior and a non-stick interior make it feel premium.

Cons:

• High price point: This is Breville's most expensive air fryer oven model.
• Large kitchen footprint: It takes up a significant amount of counter space due to its size.
• Slower preheat for some functions: Its larger cavity means it can take longer to reach target temperatures compared to smaller models.
• Dehydrate function is slow: While present, dehydrating can take many hours, as expected for any appliance of this type.

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer (BOV900BSS) stands out mainly for its generous capacity. If you're regularly cooking for four or more people, or you like to prepare larger meals, this oven fits the bill. You can roast a whole chicken, bake multiple trays of cookies, or even fit a substantial holiday turkey inside.

That kind of room means fewer cooking rounds and easier meal prep for bigger gatherings.

Beyond just size, the BOV900BSS also brings more specialized cooking functions to your countertop. The Dehydrate function lets you make your own dried fruits, jerky, or herbs, something typically found only in dedicated dehydrators. For bakers, the Proof function creates the ideal warm, humid environment for dough to rise, leading to better bread.

The Slow Cook setting makes it a convenient alternative to a separate slow cooker, great for stews or pot roasts. These extra functions mean this one appliance handles a wider array of culinary tasks, potentially freeing up space by replacing other single-purpose gadgets.

Performance-wise, both the BOV900BSS and the BOV860BSS use Breville's "Super Convection" system, which involves a two-speed fan. This high-speed fan circulates hot air more effectively, leading to faster cooking times and that desirable crispy texture for air-fried foods. However, the larger internal volume of the BOV900BSS means the convection has more space to work with, which can sometimes translate to more even heat distribution over larger items.

Its Element IQ system uses five independent quartz elements to direct power precisely. This helps maintain a very stable temperature throughout the cooking process, something crucial for delicate baking or precise roasting.

The construction quality of the BOV900BSS feels solid. The brushed stainless steel exterior looks great in most kitchens, and the interior has a non-stick coating that helps with cleanup. It includes an interior light, a small but welcome detail that lets you check on your food without opening the door and letting heat escape.

The bright LCD display is easy to read, and the control dials feel robust.

This oven is not just an air fryer; it's a versatile countertop oven that can do almost everything a full-size oven can, often more efficiently for smaller dishes. If your main oven is occupied during holidays, or you want to avoid heating up a large appliance for a small meal, this Breville excels. It cooks pizza quickly, roasts vegetables beautifully, and bakes cookies perfectly.

Who should skip it: If you have a small kitchen with limited counter space, or if your budget is tight, this large and premium oven might be more than you need. People who only plan to air fry small portions or don't need niche functions like dehydrating could find a better fit with a less expensive, smaller model.

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (BOV860BSS): The Smart Choice for Everyday Air Frying

For most kitchens and cooking habits, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (model BOV860BSS) hits a sweet spot. It delivers excellent air frying performance and many of the smart features of its bigger sibling, but in a slightly more compact and more affordable package. This model is often the one I recommend for people who want robust air frying capabilities alongside other common oven functions without taking over their entire kitchen counter.

Best for: Most households, everyday air frying, value, kitchens with moderate counter space.

Price range: You'll typically find this model between $349 and $379. As always, pricing can shift, so check current retail sites for the latest figures.

Pros:

• Excellent air frying: Uses "Super Convection" (two fan speeds) for crispy results.
• Good capacity for everyday use: Fits a 5-pound chicken, 6 slices of toast, or an 11-inch pizza.
• 11 cooking functions: Covers Toast, Bagel, Bake, Roast, Broil, Pizza, Cookies, Air Fry, Reheat, Warm, and Proof.
• Element IQ System: Provides precise temperature control for even cooking.
• More compact footprint: Smaller than the BOV900BSS, fitting better in average-sized kitchens.
• Lower price point: A more accessible option compared to the larger model.

Cons:

• Smaller capacity than the BOV900BSS: May not suit very large families or big batch cooking.
• No dehydrate function: If making jerky or dried fruit is important, you'll miss this.
• Fewer specialized functions: Lacks the dehydrate and slow cook modes of the bigger oven.

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (BOV860BSS) offers a compelling balance of performance, features, and size. Its capacity is perfectly adequate for preparing meals for a family of three or four. You can easily roast a whole chicken, air fry a generous batch of fries, or bake a standard-sized pizza.

While not as cavernous as the BOV900BSS, it still gives you plenty of room for daily cooking tasks, often faster than a full-size oven.

One of the standout aspects of the BOV860BSS is its air frying performance. Like the BOV900BSS, it uses Breville's Super Convection system, which employs a two-speed fan. This high-speed setting is key to achieving truly crispy results, whether you're making chicken wings, sweet potato fries, or even reheating leftovers to a fresh crunch.

The fan distributes hot air powerfully and evenly around the food, leading to rapid browning and that satisfying texture. I find that its air fry function consistently performs well, making it a go-to for quick, healthy meals.

The Element IQ system in the BOV860BSS is just as effective as in the larger model. This technology uses smart sensors and five independent quartz heating elements to maintain consistent temperatures and cook foods precisely. It means less guesswork and more predictable results for everything from delicate pastries to hearty roasts.

You don't get hot spots or uneven cooking, which is a common problem with less sophisticated toaster ovens.

While the BOV860BSS has 11 cooking functions compared to the BOV900BSS's 13, it still covers all the essential bases for most home cooks. You get modes for toast, bagel, bake, roast, broil, pizza, cookies, air fry, reheat, warm, and proof. The absence of a dedicated dehydrate or slow cook function is the main difference here.

For many users, these aren't critical features, making the BOV860BSS a more streamlined choice. If you don't envision making your own fruit leather or slow-cooking for hours in your countertop oven, you won't miss them.

The physical design of the BOV860BSS is also well-thought-out. It features a brushed stainless steel exterior that resists fingerprints and looks good on any counter. The intuitive LCD display and sturdy control dials make it easy to select functions and adjust settings.

It includes an interior light, just like the larger model, which I find very useful for monitoring food without disturbing the cooking process. The non-stick interior simplifies cleanup, which is always a bonus for everyday appliances.

Its more compact size is a significant advantage for many. While it's still a substantial countertop appliance, it doesn't dominate the kitchen as much as the BOV900BSS. If you have limited counter space, or simply prefer a slightly less imposing machine, the Pro model fits better without sacrificing much in terms of core performance.

It is still hefty, but its dimensions are noticeably smaller than its bigger sibling.

Who should skip it: If you have a very large family, regularly cook for many guests, or specifically need the dehydrate and slow cook functions, the larger Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer (BOV900BSS) offers more capacity and features. Also, if your kitchen is truly tiny, even the Pro might feel too big.

Comparison Table

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer vs Air Fryer Pro: Which One is Right for You?

Choosing between the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer (BOV900BSS) and the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (BOV860BSS) comes down to a few key considerations: capacity, specific cooking functions, kitchen space, and budget. Both are excellent appliances, but one will likely fit your lifestyle better than the other.

If sheer capacity is your top priority, the BOV900BSS is the clear winner. Its ability to fit a 14-pound turkey or nine slices of toast means you can cook for larger families or entertain a crowd without needing to run multiple batches. For big Sunday roasts, multiple trays of cookies, or if you simply prefer more wiggle room when cooking, the BOV900BSS gives you that freedom.

The BOV860BSS, while still capable, is better suited for typical family meals, accommodating a five-pound chicken or six slices of toast. It's great for daily cooking but might feel restrictive for very large meals.

When it comes to cooking functions, the BOV900BSS again offers more. Its extra Dehydrate and Slow Cook modes are significant differentiators. If you're into making your own healthy snacks like dried fruit or jerky, or if you want to replace a standalone slow cooker with a multi-functional appliance, the BOV900BSS gives you those options.

Both models offer the essential functions like Toast, Bake, Roast, and of course, Air Fry, along with the Proof function for bakers. So, if dehydrating or dedicated slow cooking isn't on your radar, the BOV860BSS covers all the common ground perfectly well.

Kitchen counter space is a practical concern for many. The BOV900BSS is a large appliance, measuring approximately 21.5 inches wide, 17.5 inches deep, and 12.7 inches high. It demands a dedicated spot and might feel overwhelming in a smaller kitchen.

The BOV860BSS is noticeably more compact, at around 18.5 inches wide, 16.25 inches deep, and 11 inches high. While still a substantial oven, it tucks away more easily and leaves more usable counter space. Before deciding, measure your available counter space to ensure a comfortable fit.

Finally, your budget plays a role. The BOV900BSS is Breville's premium offering in this category, and its higher price reflects its larger size and expanded feature set. The BOV860BSS comes in at a lower price point, offering a solid blend of performance and features for less money.

If you're looking for the best value without sacrificing core air frying and oven capabilities, the BOV860BSS often makes more sense. The price difference, typically around $50-$100, can be a deciding factor if you don't strictly need the BOV900BSS's larger capacity or niche functions.

Both models excel at air frying thanks to Breville's Super Convection technology, and both use the precise Element IQ system for consistent results. You won't compromise on cooking quality with either choice. Your decision hinges on whether the extra space and specialized functions of the BOV900BSS justify its higher price and larger footprint for your specific cooking needs.

For most everyday tasks, the BOV860BSS is more than capable and a smart investment.

How to Choose Your Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer

Picking the right Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer depends entirely on your personal needs, kitchen setup, and cooking habits. There isn't a single "best for everyone," but by considering a few key factors, you can narrow down your choice.

First, think about capacity needs. How many people do you typically cook for? Do you often prepare large meals or roast whole chickens?

If you have a big family, frequently entertain, or like to batch cook, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer (BOV900BSS) with its generous 1-cubic-foot capacity is probably the better fit. It handles larger items and more food at once. If you're mostly cooking for one to four people, or if you typically prepare smaller portions, the 0.8-cubic-foot capacity of the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (BOV860BSS) will be perfectly adequate.

Overbuying on capacity just means a larger appliance taking up space.

Next, consider your cooking habits and desired functions. Are you just looking for an excellent air fryer with basic toaster oven capabilities? Both models do this extremely well.

However, if you have specific interests like dehydrating fruits and vegetables, or if you want to slow cook stews and roasts in your countertop oven, only the BOV900BSS offers those dedicated functions. Both have the "Proof" function for baking, which is a nice touch. If you don't foresee yourself using dehydrate or slow cook, you won't miss them with the BOV860BSS.

Kitchen counter space is a practical limitation. Measure your available space carefully. The BOV900BSS is a sizable appliance, requiring ample room.

The BOV860BSS is smaller, making it a better choice for more compact kitchens or if you simply prefer to keep your counter space clear. Don't underestimate the physical footprint of these appliances; they are much bigger than standard pop-up toasters.

Finally, set a budget. The BOV900BSS is Breville's premium option, coming with a higher price tag. The BOV860BSS offers many of the same core features and excellent performance at a more accessible price point.

Decide how much you're willing to spend, and then see which model offers the best value for your specific needs within that range. Both are significant investments compared to basic air fryers or toaster ovens, but they offer far more versatility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer and the Air Fryer Pro?

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer (BOV900BSS) has a larger capacity (1 cubic foot), includes more specialized functions like dehydrate and slow cook, and typically costs more. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (BOV860BSS) has a slightly smaller capacity (0.8 cubic feet), offers 11 core functions, and comes in a more compact, budget-friendly package.

Is the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer (BOV900BSS) worth the higher cost?

The BOV900BSS is worth its higher cost if you need its larger capacity for big families or entertaining, or if you plan to use its exclusive dehydrate and slow cook functions regularly. For those specific needs, it offers unmatched versatility in a countertop oven. If you don't require these specific features, the BOV860BSS provides better value for most everyday cooking.

Can either model truly replace a full-size oven for daily use?

Yes, for many daily cooking tasks, both Breville Smart Oven Air Fryers can replace a full-size oven. They preheat faster and are more energy-efficient for smaller meals, roasting vegetables, baking cookies, or air frying. However, for very large roasts or multiple dishes at once, your full-size oven will still be necessary.

Do both Breville models use the same air frying technology?

Yes, both the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer (BOV900BSS) and the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (BOV860BSS) use Breville's "Super Convection" technology. This involves a two-speed fan that circulates hot air powerfully and evenly, leading to faster cooking times and superior crispy results for air-fried foods.

Final Verdict

For most households seeking a powerful, versatile countertop oven with excellent air frying capabilities, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (BOV860BSS) is the smarter buy. It hits a sweet spot with its capable capacity, strong performance, and more manageable size and price. It covers all the essential cooking functions you'll use daily, delivering crispy air-fried meals and perfectly baked goods.

If, however, you consistently cook for a large crowd, frequently need to roast oversized items, or specifically want the dehydrate and slow cook functions, then the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer (BOV900BSS) justifies its premium. It offers that extra space and versatility for those niche culinary adventures. Consider your counter space and budget carefully, but for overall value and daily utility, the Pro model is my top pick.

You can find both models and confirm current pricing on the Breville official website or major retailers.