Breville BOV800XL Review – Smart Countertop Oven
Read our in-depth review of the Breville BOV800XL Smart Countertop Convection Oven. Learn about features, benefits, performance, and whether it’s right for you.
Introduction
Tired of cluttered kitchen counters and limited cooking options? The Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven is designed to reclaim your space and elevate your cooking game. This countertop convection oven isn’t just a smaller version of a full-sized oven; it’s a powerhouse of culinary versatility, offering a range of functions from toasting and baking to roasting and broiling – all in a compact footprint. It’s a solution for anyone who wants restaurant-quality results without sacrificing valuable counter space or time.
Overview
The Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven is a premium countertop convection oven engineered for exceptional performance and convenience. Encased in brushed stainless steel, its sleek and modern design adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen. Powered by Breville’s innovative Element iQ® system and boasting a spacious interior, this oven delivers consistent results across a wide spectrum of cooking tasks. It’s the ideal choice for busy families, small-space dwellers, or anyone who appreciates a truly versatile cooking appliance – a true all-in-one kitchen workhorse.
Features
ELEMENT iQ System: The heart of the Breville BOV800XL is its Element iQ® system. Unlike traditional ovens that use a single element, this system utilizes five independent quartz heating elements controlled by sophisticated algorithms. This targeted heating ensures even temperature distribution, eliminates hot spots, and dramatically improves cooking precision.
9 Cooking Functions: From perfectly toasted bagels to crispy-crusted pizzas, the BOV800XL offers nine distinct cooking functions: Toast, Bagel, Bake, Roast, Broil, Pizza, Cookies, Reheat, and Warm. This broad range of options makes it a true multi-tasker, replacing multiple single-function appliances.
Convection Power: The convection setting reduces cooking time by up to 30% while ensuring even browning and faster cooking. The inbuilt fan circulates hot air throughout the oven cavity, eliminating the need for rotating pans and delivering consistently delicious results.
Large Capacity: Don’t let its compact size fool you; the interior of the BOV800XL is surprisingly spacious. It comfortably accommodates 6 slices of bread, a 6-cup muffin tray, or even a 13-inch pizza, making it ideal for families or entertaining guests.
LCD Display & Intelligent Controls: An intuitive LCD display provides easy access to all functions and automatically indicates when preheating is complete. The countdown timer helps with accurate cooking times, eliminating guesswork and ensuring perfect results every time.
Benefits
Faster Cooking Times: The convection technology significantly reduces cooking times, saving you valuable time in the kitchen, especially during busy weeknights.
Space-Saving Design: Its compact footprint minimizes counter clutter, making it ideal for apartments, condos, or smaller kitchens where space is at a premium.
Easy Cleaning: The non-stick interior cavity coating makes cleanup a breeze, allowing you to spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your creations.
Restaurant-Quality Results: The Element iQ® system and convection heating combine to deliver professional-level cooking results, from perfectly browned cookies to evenly roasted meats.
Versatile Cooking Options: The 9 cooking functions eliminate the need for multiple appliances, streamlining your kitchen and offering unparalleled versatility.
Usages
Useful for Beginners Learning to Cook: Consistent temperature and automatic features like the countdown timer offer a safety net and promote successful cooking results, even for those with limited experience.
Ideal for Compact Kitchens: The slim design maximizes counter space, making it a perfect addition to apartments, condos, or smaller kitchens.
Great for Busy Families: Quickly prepare family meals with the convection setting and multiple functions, reducing cooking time and minimizing stress.
Perfect for Meal Prepping: Roast vegetables, bake batches of cookies, or prepare individual servings with ease – the spacious interior and even heating make meal prep a breeze.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional cooking performance thanks to Element iQ® system
- Fast and efficient convection cooking
- Large capacity for a countertop oven
- Versatile with 9 cooking functions
- Sleek and modern brushed stainless steel design
- Easy-to-use LCD display and controls
- Easy to clean non-stick interior cavity coating
Cons
- Can be relatively expensive compared to basic countertop ovens
- Some users find the controls slightly complex initially
- Potential for uneven browning if food is placed too close to the heating elements
- Size may still be a consideration for extremely small kitchens
FAQs
Is the oven noisy when running the convection fan?: The convection fan produces a moderate hum, similar to a standard kitchen fan, which isn’t overly disruptive.
How do I clean the Breville BOV800XL?: Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth and mild soap. The crumb tray at the bottom is removable for easy cleaning.
What is the capacity of the oven?: The internal dimensions are 13.5” x 11.5” x 5.5”, and it holds 0.8 cubic feet.
What is the warranty on the Breville BOV800XL?: The oven comes with a standard 2-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects.
How consistent is the heating?: The Element iQ® system ensures remarkably consistent heating throughout the oven, eliminating hot spots and ensuring even cooking.
Product Specifications
| Heating Elements | 5 Independent Quartz Elements |
| Warranty | 2-Year Limited Warranty |
| Capacity | 0.8 Cubic Feet |
| Cooking Functions | Toast, Bagel, Bake, Roast, Broil, Pizza, Cookies, Reheat, Warm |
| Materials | Brushed Stainless Steel, Non-Stick Interior Coating |
| Voltage | 120V |
| Wattage | 1800 Watts |
| Dimensions | 13.9″D x 19″W x 14.1″H |
| Temperature Range | 175°F – 450°F |
Ratings
| Convenience | 4.3 |
| Build Quality | 4.5 |
| Safety & Maintenance | 4.2 |
| Performance | 4.7 |
| Motor/Heating Efficiency | 4.6 |
Recommendation
The Breville BOV800XL is an excellent investment for anyone who values exceptional cooking performance and versatility in a compact form factor. It’s perfect for serious home cooks who want the convenience of a countertop oven without sacrificing quality.
If you’re looking for a countertop oven that can truly replace multiple appliances, and you’re willing to invest in a premium product, the Breville BOV800XL is an exceptional choice, especially for small kitchens or those prioritizing cooking efficiency.
Conclusion
The Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven is more than just a countertop appliance; it’s a versatile cooking solution that delivers consistently excellent results. Its innovative technology, spacious capacity, and sleek design make it a standout choice in the countertop oven category. While the price point might be higher than some alternatives, the performance, durability, and convenience it offers make it a worthwhile investment for any serious home cook. From perfectly toasted bread to expertly roasted dinners, this oven elevates the everyday cooking experience.
