Breville’s smart ovens, particularly the models at the top end of the Australian appliance brand’s lineup, have consistently ranked highly in reviews of toaster ovens. Among these, the flagship Joule model and the comparable Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro are noteworthy for their performance, with the latter achieving a WIRED rating of 8 out of 10. These ovens are often favored for their precise temperature control, quick preheating, and ability to function without excessively heating the surrounding area, offering more versatility than traditional full-sized ovens.
One of the standout elements of Breville’s countertop ovens is their integration with the ChefSteps brand, further enhanced through partnerships with various recipe developers. This collaboration provides users with access to a substantial library of tested recipes and techniques via a smartphone app tailored for use with these appliances.
Despite many strengths, Breville’s air fryer feature has not been as well-received as other aspects of their ovens. The air frying capability is sometimes considered less effective in producing a crispy texture compared to other products, such as the Instant Pot basket fryer or the Cuisinart TOA-70 oven. This discrepancy may stem from the larger interior space of Breville appliances, which may not facilitate optimal airflow, a necessity for achieving well-textured fried results. Breville’s introduction of a smaller Smart Oven Air Fryer Compact intends to address this issue by allowing for better air circulation.
Launched quietly in March, the Compact model is the most affordable and smallest Breville air fryer yet. Despite its size, the 1,800-watt Compact model boasts several intelligent features, particularly regarding its presets. Typically, the use of preset buttons for specific dishes is not universally favored, but in this case, it proves to be quite advantageous. The model is designed for versatility, offering multiple rack positions, an air fryer basket, a roasting pan that also functions as a grease catcher, and a broiler rack.
However, reduced size does not necessarily equate to improved air frying performance, particularly for achieving the desired crispiness with fries and wings.
The Smart Oven Air Fryer Compact stands out for its thoughtful design and features. Breville has perfected the art of integrating convenience into home cooking appliances, offering automation and utility that benefit users. This model is equipped with air fryer presets for popular American food items such as wings, fries, and bacon, catering particularly to regions like the Rust Belt, Midwest, and plains states. The oven’s interior design includes markings for proper rack positions, and the customization options allow for personalized cooking settings.