Breville BOV650XL Review – The Breville Compact Smart Oven Reviewed

If your old bulky space-consuming oven has stopped meeting your needs, you should read my Breville BOV650XL review to learn why it would be an excellent purchase.

Are you looking for a new modern oven? Or are you looking for an easy-to-operate non-conventional oven?

Well, if those mentioned are the criteria you’ve been looking for for your new gadget, then you will definitely love Breville BOV 650XL Compact 4-Slice Smart Oven with Element IQ.

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Let’s begin my Breville Compact Smart Oven review with a quick overview of its features.

Breville BOV650XL Functions & Features

The BOV650XL is an 1800- watt 3/5- cubic foot 4- slice oven. It has a modern design that will definitely complement the interior design of your kitchen. The best thing about it is that it is a smart appliance in a portable size.

The BOV650 features a backlit LCD screen, a Time/Temp control dial, defrost button, and a temperature switching button for smooth operation.

The Breville compact toaster oven has a durable tempered glass door that smoothly slides down when opening.

The rack comes out easily, preventing you from getting burnt. The door is wide enough to allow easy viewing of your food inside the machine.

Breville Element IQ™ Cooking Technology

Breville’s Element IQ “smart” technology is designed to put the power where it’s needed the most. Ensuring energy-efficient operations.

The Element IQ technology automatically adjusts the power and calculates the cooking time. For each of the 8 pre-set functions available, you will have a computed cooking time.

8 Preset Cooking Programs

This toaster oven has 8 preset programs:

• Reheat
• Roast
• Broil
• Toast
• Bagel
• Bake
• Pizza
• Cookies

You can also modify each of the pre-sets. Set your own time and temperature for each program to accommodate your individual preference.

These new settings for each pre-set are stored in the oven’s own memory. So you don’t have to change anything next time you use it.

Backlit Easy-Read LCD

The oven has an easy-to-read LCD screen. This screen displays the current function, temperature, and adjustments made.

The screen illuminates orange, indicating preheating and cooking. The screen lights up blue, marking the end of the cooking cycle.

• When using the “Toast” and “Bagel” functions, the screen displays the browning settings. Settings range from 1 (lightest) to 7 (darkest), and the number of slices in the range between 1 to 4.

• When using the “Bake,” “Roast,” “Pizza,” “Cookie,” and “Reheat” functions, the screen displays the temperature that you are using. The temperature is measured in Fahrenheit or Celsius.
• When using the “Broil” function, the screen displays the preset BROIL temperature of “HI.” The pre-set “HI” can range from “HI” (high) to “LO” (low).

Pull-Out Crumb Tray

The Breville 650XL toaster oven comes with a pull-out crumb tray.

The tray is a great feature, and you can remove it without opening the glass door.

It is as straightforward to clean as the stainless steel exterior of the toaster oven. Hot water and soap make it look new.

Other Features

• Auto-eject rack – no
• Interior light – no
• 3 designated rack position options:
  • Top position – BROIL function
  • Middle position – TOAST, BAGEL, PIZZA and COOKIE functions
  • Bottom position: BAKE, ROAST, and REHEAT functions
• 1-year warranty

Breville Compact Smart Oven Dials and Buttons

The appliance comes with 5 dials and buttons.

1. Start/Cancel button
2. Function dial
3. Temperature & time dial
4. Temperature conversion button
5. Frozen Foods defrost button

START/CANCEL

Press the START/CANCEL button to start the oven.

When you first use the oven, pressing the START/CANCEL will activate the unit. The button will illuminate red, the LCD screen will light up orange. After that, the oven will be ready to use.

After the cooking cycle is finished, the oven will alert a sound 3 times. The START/CANCEL button will stop illuminating, and the LCD will display a blue color.

You can press the button at any moment to stop the cooking cycle at any point.

Function Dial

Use the function dial button for selecting one of the 8 pre-set programs available to you.

Temperature Control & Time Dial

Use the TEMP/TIME dial to change the cooking temperature or time.

Pressing the dial will activate the display. The corresponding temperature or time will be displayed on the screen afterward.

Turning the dial to the right will increase the settings, and turning it to the left will decrease them.

The dial also controls the Darkness Level setting and Slice selection control. This is used for the TOAST and BAGEL toast settings.

Temperature Conversion Button

Use the Fahrenheit/Celsius Conversion button to convert the preset reading of the oven. It’s used to switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius readings.

Upon pressing the button, the “F” symbol will be replaced by the “C” symbol on the screen. Use this button when using one of these functions: BAKE, TOAST, BROIL, PIZZA, COOKIE, and REHEAT.

The button switches from Celsius to Fahrenheit as well.

Frozen Foods Defrost Button

Select this button while using the TOAST, BAGEL, BAKE, and COOKIE cooking functions. It is also the default setting on the PIZZA function.

The Frozen Foods button adds extra time required to defrost your food. It’s also used to toast frozen bread or bagels and cook frozen pizza or cookie dough.

While using the TOAST, BAGEL, BAKE, or COOKIE functions, the button can be selected before or during the cooking cycle. The setting can be de-selected again by pressing the button. The LCD screen will display the frozen symbol whenever this setting is in use.

When using the PIZZA function, frozen foods is the default setting. The symbol will show on display. The setting can be de-selected before or during the cooking cycle.

Specifications

• Wattage – 1800 Watts
• Quartz heating elements – 2 on top / 2 below
• 3 rack positions
• Weight – 19 lbs

Dimensions

• Exterior – 16-1/2in x 14-1/4in x 10in
• Interior – 12in W x 12in D x 5 1/2 in H (with 4 1/4 in usable height)

Breville BOV650XL Box Contents

• Toaster oven with a removable crumb tray
• 10″ × 10″ enamel baking pan
• 10″ × 10″ enamel broil rack
• Wire rack

Comparisons

Breville BOV650XL vs BOV800XL

People are often asking about the difference between Breville BOV650XL Compact Smart Oven and BOV800XL Smart ovens.

The critical difference is the convection feature – the more expensive Breville BOV800XL DOES have it.

The Breville BOV650 XL is a smaller version of the BOV800, ideal for small household and countertops. But it has the same “smart” feature, which allows you to bake small batches of cookies, a 12″ pizza, and bagels. The larger model can take a 13-inch pizza.

Also, you can toast 4 bread slices at a time, roast a chicken, or broil. And like the bigger BOV800XL model, BOV650 also has the Element IQ smart sensor technology, which puts the power where it is needed.

Breville BOV450XL vs BOV650XL

These two ovens have the same functionality (except A bit more button of BOV450XL that adds a couple of seconds of cooking time).

What sets them apart is the size and price. If you can afford to pay a bit more and have sufficient countertop space, go for the BOV650XL. if you want to save, get a Breville BOV450XL.

Breville BOV650XL vs BMO870

Here comes the comparison with Breville BMO870SS.

Breville BOV650XL Reviews From Users

Breville BOV650XL toaster oven is a ‘smart oven’ in both name and usage. It contains features that were never thought of before. It has been successful in gaining a significant level of interest after its initial release.

One of the owners in his Breville BOV650XL review points out how this oven has been working flawlessly for two years, which means durability is never an issue where the Breville Compact Smart Oven is concerned. Backed up by Breville’s outstanding service in kitchenware, this fantastic model can prepare almost all kinds of food, from sweets to savory to sour.

Keeping track of the food stored in the house and having them eaten at the right time is never a worry where this model is concerned. Like toast and desserts, common food can be re-heated using multiple available features, cementing the term Smart Oven by being a powerful device in all rights.

The controls are fully electronic, and no specific complaints have been raised about the Breville BOV650XL’s build quality. The lack of design flaws with a LED screen helps everyday users get more from the oven.

The door is easy to open, and the tray is made of solid metal that will never deform in excessive heat.

The strength of the Breville toaster oven BOV650XL is exactly what causes its downfall, as customers have reported the overall power of the machine to be strong enough to burn food if close attention is not paid. Still, this flaw is more or less subverted by the existence of an auto-off function.

 

Breville BOV650XL Pros and Cons

Pros

The door is effortless to open

The tempered glass door is elementary to open. The door has a large handle on it, so make sure you use the handle during cooking. The glass will let you check up on your food without pausing the food prep. Make sure you use the handle so you don’t get burned.

Quality made trays

Breville has included trays and racks made out of solid material. They don’t look or feel like cheap metal pans from a dollar store.

Auto shut off function

When the countdown timer reaches 0, the Breville Compact Smart Oven BOV650XL shuts off automatically. This function works excellently even with the desired timer set in place, not just the default.

LCD Display

The LCD screen displays the cooking settings and their properties.

The screen changes the background color to let you know if the machine is on. Also, it tells you when the oven is ready to use.

Cons

Lack of Convection Feature

Yes, you got it right. This oven does not have a convection fan for circulating hot air.

Lack of Tray Auto-Eject

You have to pull out the tray manually.

Price

One of the main problems of the Breville toaster oven is the price. But I feel that with all the features it is well worth it.

If the Breville BOV650XL oven significantly exceeds your budget, please check out my best affordable toaster oven review to see more affordable models.

Heating Problems

After a year or so of usage, there have been reported heating problems in some cases. The bottom heating elements of the Breville® Compact Smart Oven® toaster oven can burn out early on, leaving you to have to flip your meal to get it evenly toasted.

There has also been a reported problem that some toaster ovens never reach the desired maximum temperature of 450°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Breville BOV650XL have a convection feature?

No, it does NOT have convection. If you absolutely need a convection function, check out the more expensive Breville BMO870SS. In some markets, the manufacturer offers the  Breville BOV670, which is basically BOV650XL with an added convection function.

 Where is Breville BOV650XL made?

It is designed in Australia and manufactured in China.

Is the Breville BOV650XL toaster oven large enough to bake a chicken?

Yes, you can bake a chicken in the Breville BOV650XL, but you have to find a tiny chicken first.

How many rack positions are available in Breville BOV650XL?

There are 3 rack positions for 3 different cooking methods:

• top – broil
• middle – toast, bagel, cookies, pizza
• bottom – bake, reheat, roast

The rack slots are spaced 1 inch apart and marked on the glass door.

Does Breville BOV650XL have rack stops?

Ironically, users claim that the food often ends up on the floor because nothing stops the rack, while the manufacturer insists that there are rack stopping bumps on the rack holder tracks.

Can I bake bread loaves in the Breville BOV650XL oven?

The oven has a baking function, and it actually bakes great small fruit and nut bread, focaccia, and muffins. Still, it is not suited for baking 2-3 pound bread loaves.

Does the Breville BOV650XL rack automatically slide out when you open the door or push the button?

No, there is no auto-eject feature in Breville BOV650XL . You must pull out the rack using a hot pad or tongs.

Does the exterior of the Breville BOV650XL oven stay cool?

No, the appliance gets very hot when used, especially the top, sides, and the door glass. The control dials and handle stays cooler.

What size pizza will Breville BOV650XL hold?

Breville BOV650XL will hold a 12-inch pizza. You should consider getting a Breville BOV650PP12 12″ non-stick pizza pan if you plan baking or reheating pizza often.

Can I use the included baking pan on a stove top?

No, according to the manufacturer, it should not be used on a stovetop.

How long would it take to toast  4 slices of bread in Breville BOV650XL?

It depends on the type and freshness of bread and your preferences.

It can take from 3 min 15 sec on darkness setting 3 (of 10) up to 4 min on setting 6 and even longer if you prefer very dark toasts.

Conclusion

The Breville toaster oven is a handy appliance. Element IQ technology is something well thought. The 8 pre-set programs are excellent, giving you flexibility. You can change the settings on the programs to provide you the desired temperature.

The LCD screen is impressive, with different displaying properties for each cooking setting. It alerts you when the oven is ready to use and when the oven has finished cooking.

I believe for the price, the Smart Oven is an excellent buy for your kitchen. I hope that after reading my Breville BOV650XL review, you feel the same.

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