Breville Smart Oven Pro

Alright, so the Breville Smart Oven Pro is basically like that friend who can do a little bit of everything. It’s not just a toaster oven; it's got way more tricks up its sleeve. This thing has a convection setting, which means it cooks faster and more evenly than your run-of-the-mill toaster oven. For folks who like to get their food cooked without frequent babysitting, this is a win. But remember, it’s not a full oven replacement. You’ll still want your regular oven for big meals.

Now, let’s talk about size. It’s not small, so if your kitchen’s tight on space, you might have to do some rearranging. But for its size, it’s pretty versatile. You can fit a decent-sized pizza in there, which is a solid plus. If you’re like me and tend to reheat leftovers more than actually cooking, this guy can handle that and more. Just don’t expect to roast a turkey in it — unless it’s a really small turkey.

The controls are intuitive enough, but they’re not perfect. I wish the display was a bit easier to read from a distance. Sometimes you have to lean in to see what's going on, which isn’t a dealbreaker but is a bit annoying. The pre-set functions are handy, though. They take the guesswork out of cooking times, which is great if you’re a bit lazy or just plain busy.

One thing to keep in mind is that it’s not whisper-quiet. The convection fan can be a bit noisy, but you get used to it. It’s sort of like having a background hum while you’re cooking. If you’re sensitive to noise, it might bug you. On the flip side, the noise is a trade-off for how well it cooks, so decide what matters more to you.

Cleaning the Breville Smart Oven Pro isn’t the worst, but it’s not the easiest either. The crumb tray is a lifesaver, though — it catches a lot of the mess. Just make sure you keep up with wiping it down, especially the door, to keep it looking nice. If you’re not into constant upkeep, it could get grimy fast. Overall, it’s a solid choice for a countertop oven if you’re looking for something reliable and versatile without going full-on gourmet.