Quick Verdict: Buy the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (BOV900) if you want a powerful countertop oven that can replace an air fryer, dehydrator, and even handle 9×13-inch pans. Choose the Breville Smart Oven Pro (BOV845) if you mainly bake, toast, and reheat daily meals and want a smaller, more efficient footprint.
Breville Smart Oven Pro vs Air Fryer Pro: Comparison Table
| Feature | Smart Oven Pro (BOV845) | Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (BOV900) |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Capacity | 0.8 cu. ft. (13-inch pizza) | 1.0 cu. ft. (9×13-inch pans) |
| Convection System | Standard convection (single-speed fan) | Super Convection (2-speed fan) |
| Air Fry Function | No (convection only) | Yes (true air frying) |
| Heating Technology | Element iQ with PID control | Phase II Element iQ + PID control |
| Counter Space Required | Moderate | Large (needs more clearance) |
| Best For | Baking, toast, daily cooking | Air frying, roasting, large meals |
- The Breville Smart Convection Oven Pro with Element iQ System is a high performance...
- ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: Using 5 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer countertop...
- CONVECTION POWERED: The Smart Oven Pro's convection setting reduces cooking time by up to...
- 10 COOKING FUNCTIONS: Versatile countertop oven with 10 cooking functions to bring a new...
- SMART OVEN WITH SLOW COOK FUNCTION: Take your time to tenderize and develop complex...
- The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro with Element iQ System is a versatile countertop...
- ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: With 5 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer oven's power...
- AIR FRY AND DEHYDRATE SETTINGS: Air fry family favorites like French fries; Higher...
- SUPER CONVECTION TECHNOLOGY: Electric air fryer's 2 speed convection fan (super & regular)...
- 13 COOKING FUNCTIONS: Versatile countertop oven and air fryer with 13 functions for your...
The “Turkey Test”: Capacity Differences That Matter
On paper, the difference between 0.8 and 1.0 cubic feet may seem small, but in real use it is dramatic. The Smart Oven Pro comfortably fits a 13-inch pizza and standard bakeware, making it ideal for everyday meals.
The Air Fryer Pro, however, is taller and deeper. It can fit most 9×13-inch pans with handles, a 12-cup muffin tin, and even small turkeys. If you plan to cook “real oven meals” instead of just reheating food, the BOV900’s size is a major advantage.
Air Fryer vs Convection: What’s the Real Difference?
This is the most misunderstood part of the comparison.
The Smart Oven Pro uses standard convection, meaning a single-speed fan circulates hot air to promote even cooking. This works extremely well for cookies, casseroles, and bread.
The Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro uses Super Convection, a two-speed fan system. On its highest setting, it moves air far more aggressively. This high-velocity airflow is what creates crispy fries, wings, and roasted vegetables without deep frying.
In short: the Smart Oven Pro can brown food evenly, but only the Air Fryer Pro can truly “crunch” food.
Temperature Accuracy: PID Control Explained
Both ovens use PID temperature control, which acts like cruise control for your oven. Instead of allowing wide temperature swings, the oven constantly adjusts power to stay within about ±5°F of your target temperature.
The Air Fryer Pro goes a step further with Phase II Element iQ, an updated heating system that redistributes power more aggressively during air frying and roasting for better browning.
Exterior Heat, Safety & Counter Clearance
This is one of the most common complaints from real owners.
Both ovens get hot on the outside during long cooking sessions. However, because the Air Fryer Pro is larger and more powerful, it radiates more heat.
Important: We recommend leaving at least 4–6 inches of clearance around the Air Fryer Pro to avoid heat damage to cabinets. The Smart Oven Pro also needs space, but is easier to accommodate in smaller kitchens.
The Toast Factor: A Surprising Difference
Ironically, the larger Air Fryer Pro is not always better for simple toast.
Because the Smart Oven Pro has a smaller interior, its heating elements sit closer to the bread. This allows it to toast 1–2 slices faster and more evenly than the much larger BOV900, which has more empty air to heat.
If toast is a daily ritual, the Smart Oven Pro often feels more responsive.
Final Recommendation
Choose the Breville Smart Oven Pro if you want a premium toaster oven that excels at baking, reheating, and everyday cooking with less counter space.
Choose the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro if you want a true multi-function countertop oven capable of air frying, dehydrating, roasting large meals, and replacing multiple appliances.
The price difference is worth it only if you will actually use the Air Fry, Dehydrate, or large-capacity cooking features.
- The Breville Smart Convection Oven Pro with Element iQ System is a high performance...
- ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: Using 5 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer countertop...
- CONVECTION POWERED: The Smart Oven Pro's convection setting reduces cooking time by up to...
- 10 COOKING FUNCTIONS: Versatile countertop oven with 10 cooking functions to bring a new...
- SMART OVEN WITH SLOW COOK FUNCTION: Take your time to tenderize and develop complex...
- The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro with Element iQ System is a versatile countertop...
- ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: With 5 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer oven's power...
- AIR FRY AND DEHYDRATE SETTINGS: Air fry family favorites like French fries; Higher...
- SUPER CONVECTION TECHNOLOGY: Electric air fryer's 2 speed convection fan (super & regular)...
- 13 COOKING FUNCTIONS: Versatile countertop oven and air fryer with 13 functions for your...
