Breville Joule Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro review Compact yet powerful cooking solution

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Breville BOV950BSS Joule Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a showstopper in the kitchen. Its brushed stainless steel finish not only looks sleek but also feels durable. The dimensions (17.3″ D x 21.5″ W x 12.8″ H) make it compact enough to sit on a countertop without dominating the space, yet spacious enough to handle a variety of dishes. I particularly appreciated the 6-quart capacity, which comfortably accommodates larger meals—great for a weekend family dinner or hosting friends.

The intuitive layout of the controls is another standout feature. The Joule Oven app compatibility means I could adjust settings effortlessly from my phone, which made multitasking in the kitchen a breeze. However, the unit’s weight of 38.8 pounds might be a hurdle for those who frequently move appliances around. It’s not exactly portable, but once I found the perfect spot for it, it became the centerpiece of my kitchen.

Performance and Cooking Features

This smart oven is no joke when it comes to cooking. The 1800-watt output paired with the Element IQ system ensures even heat distribution. I tested everything from air frying to baking, and the results were consistently impressive. Foods came out crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, thanks to the adjustable rack and precise temperature control (ranging from 80°F to 480°F).

One of my favorite features has to be the 13 pre-set cooking functions. Whether I was roasting a chicken, baking cookies, or dehydrating fruit, it felt like the oven knew exactly what it was doing. The guided recipes available through Breville+ were a lifesaver. I tried the air fryer setting for homemade fries, and let me tell you, they were better than anything I’d ever pulled out of a deep fryer.

Key Benefits

• Smart cooking functions make meal prep foolproof.
• Voice activation lets you control it hands-free using Google Assistant or Alexa.
• The guided recipes and cooking modes simplify complex dishes.
• Multi-event cooking transitions seamlessly between functions.
• The app connectivity allows you to monitor progress remotely.

Areas for Improvement

• The oven is quite heavy, making it less portable.
• Some users, myself included, noticed a slight learning curve with the app interface.
• The air fryer mode, while excellent, is noisy during operation.
• Price point might deter those on a tight budget.

Versatility and Usability

The Joule Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is more than just an air fryer. Its ability to dehydrate, broil, and even execute complex recipes with the help of Breville+ is truly impressive. I found the voice activation feature particularly helpful when my hands were covered in flour or grease. Saying, “Hey Google, set the oven to bake,” felt like living in the future.

The non-stick interior simplified cleanup, although I’d recommend being cautious with certain sticky ingredients. I also loved that it could switch modes automatically, which meant fewer interruptions when I was juggling multiple dishes.

Competing Products

There are some strong contenders in the countertop oven market, like the Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven and the Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Airfryer. The Ninja Foodi is known for its flipping design, which saves space, and it’s a bit lighter than the Breville. However, it doesn’t offer the same level of smart connectivity or guided recipes.

The Cuisinart TOA-60 is a solid choice for those who prioritize simplicity, but it lacks the multi-event cooking capabilities and app integration that make the Joule Oven stand out. If you’re someone who loves experimenting with recipes and leveraging technology, the Breville model undoubtedly takes the lead.

Price to Quality Ratio

While the Breville Joule Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro isn’t the cheapest option on the market, the features it offers make it a worthwhile investment. From precise temperature control to hands-free operation, it feels like every dollar spent is justified. Comparing it to other models, the combination of multi-functionality, high-quality build, and smart features provides excellent value for the price.

If you’re serious about elevating your cooking game and integrating technology into your kitchen, this oven is a game-changer. It’s not just an appliance; it’s a partner in culinary creativity.

Additional information