Breville Joule Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro review A versatile kitchen powerhouse

Description

Design and Build Quality: Sleek and Durable Stainless Steel

The Breville BOV950BSS Joule Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro Countertop Oven immediately catches the eye with its brushed stainless steel finish, giving it a professional and modern appearance. It feels sturdy and well-constructed, weighing a solid 38.8 pounds. While it does take up a fair amount of counter space with dimensions of 17.3″D x 21.5″W x 12.8″H, the versatility it offers justifies its size. The adjustable rack system is a thoughtful addition, allowing for customized setups depending on what you’re cooking. I appreciated the nonstick coating inside, which made cleaning less of a nightmare, even after cooking greasy air-fried wings.

Performance: Precision Cooking with Smart Features

This oven doesn’t just look good; it performs exceptionally well. The 1800-watt power output ensures quick preheating, and the Element IQ system is a game-changer. This technology uses five independent quartz elements to adjust power intelligently, eliminating uneven cooking or annoying cold spots. I tested it with everything from cookies to roasted chicken, and the results were consistently impressive—crispy outsides and juicy insides.

The temperature range of 80°F to 480°F makes it incredibly versatile, letting me try recipes that require both low and high heat. What really stood out was the Joule Autopilot feature, which automates multi-event cooking. I could start a recipe, and the oven smoothly transitioned between cooking modes without me needing to babysit it. This feature was particularly handy when I made homemade bread—proofing, baking, and warming all happened seamlessly.

Key Benefits

• 13 pre-set cooking functions make it suitable for baking, broiling, air frying, dehydrating, and more.
• The app integration provides access to over 1,000 guided recipes, which is fantastic for experimenting with new dishes.
• Hands-free cooking with voice activation compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa.
• The air fry and dehydrate presets eliminate the need for separate appliances, saving space and hassle.

Limitations

• The oven is quite heavy, making it less portable if you need to move it around frequently.
• I noticed the app connectivity could be spotty at times, requiring a restart to re-establish the connection.
• While the brushed stainless steel exterior is sleek, it tends to attract fingerprints and smudges, requiring regular cleaning.

Guided Recipes and User Experience

One of the most exciting features of this oven is its Breville+ app integration. The app opens up a world of possibilities with recipes from Epicurious, America’s Test Kitchen, and more. I tried a New York Times Cooking recipe for air-fried Brussels sprouts, and the step-by-step guidance made the process foolproof. The push notifications kept me updated on the cooking progress, so I didn’t have to hover around the kitchen.

The voice activation feature was another unexpected delight. Saying, “Hey Google, set the oven to bake,” felt like living in the future. It’s not just a gimmick—it’s genuinely useful when your hands are covered in flour or oil.

Competing Products

Comparing this smart oven to other brands like the Ninja Foodi Smart XL or the Cuisinart TOA-95, a few things stand out. The Breville model outshines competitors with its highly intelligent features, such as the Element IQ system and Joule Autopilot, which are absent in many other ovens. However, the Ninja Foodi offers larger cooking capacity in a slightly more compact design, which might appeal to users with limited counter space. On the other hand, the Cuisinart excels in ease of use, with more traditional manual controls for those less inclined to rely on apps or smart features.

True Value

In terms of cost-effectiveness, the Breville Joule Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro provides a lot of bang for your buck. While it is priced higher than some alternatives, the advanced cooking technology, app connectivity, and multifunctionality justify the investment. It’s essentially replacing multiple kitchen appliances—an air fryer, dehydrator, toaster oven, and even a proofing box—all in one sleek package. If you value precision cooking and smart capabilities, this oven is worth every penny.

Who Should Buy This?

This product is ideal for tech-savvy home cooks who enjoy experimenting with recipes and want an appliance that offers both convenience and versatility. Families will appreciate the large capacity (6 quarts), which can handle meals for multiple people. However, if you’re someone who prefers simplicity and doesn’t want to rely on an app or voice commands, a more traditional model might be a better fit.

Good Aspects

• Brushed stainless steel design adds a modern touch to any kitchen.
• Nonstick interior coating simplifies cleaning, even after cooking messy dishes.
• 13 pre-set smart cooking functions provide versatility for various recipes.
• Rapid preheating saves time during busy meal prep moments.

Areas for Improvement

• Heavyweight construction might be a drawback for those needing portability.
• Fingerprint-prone exterior requires frequent cleaning to maintain its sleek appearance.
• Inconsistent app connectivity can disrupt the otherwise smooth experience.

In my honest opinion, this countertop oven delivers on its promises with only minor compromises, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of users.

Additional information