Thinking about a compact countertop oven that promises convection, air frying, and a smart element control system all in one?
Breville BOV670BSS Smart Oven Compact Convection — quick overview
I spent time cooking with the Breville BOV670BSS Smart Oven Compact Convection, Small, Brushed Stainless Steel to see whether its promises match real-world performance. I want to give you an honest and practical look at how it behaves with everyday meals, from toast and bagels to roast chicken and homemade fries.
What this model is designed to do
This compact oven is aimed at people who need a versatile appliance without sacrificing counter space. I appreciate that it tries to replace a toaster, small oven, pizza oven, and even an air fryer, which makes it appealing to those who want fewer single-purpose machines.
Who it’s best for
I think it’s a great fit for small households, busy singles, students in dorms who can use an apartment-legal appliance, and cooks who want a convenient second oven. I also find it useful for anyone who needs faster cooking via convection but doesn’t have the space for a full-size oven.
Key specifications
I like to start with the specs so I know what I’m working with before I evaluate performance and usability. Below is a concise breakdown of the main numbers and features that matter for daily use.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | Breville BOV670BSS Smart Oven Compact Convection |
| Power | 1800 Watts |
| Voltage | 110–120 Volts |
| Interior capacity | 12 x 10 x 4.25 inches |
| Max pizza size | 12 inches |
| Cooking functions | 8 preset functions (Toast, Bagel, Bake, Broil, Pizza, Roast, Cookies, Reheat) + Air Fry & Dehydrate capability via super convection |
| Element iQ | 4 independent quartz elements with smart algorithms |
| Display | Backlit easy-read LCD (orange during cooking, blue when complete) |
| Accessories included | 10″ x 10″ enamel baking pan, 10″ x 10″ enamel broiling rack, interior oven light |
| Warranty | 1 Year Limited Product Warranty |
I keep this table handy when I’m comparing models, and I find it especially useful when checking whether a particular oven will fit a baking pan or a designated shelf space.
Design and build quality
I was pleasantly surprised by how solid the oven feels despite its compact footprint. The brushed stainless steel finish gives it a modern look that resists fingerprints better than some polished finishes, and it sits comfortably on my countertop without wobbling.
Exterior and finish
The stainless steel is brushed and not overly reflective, which makes cleaning easier and the appliance look upscale without being flashy. I also like that the controls have a tactile feel; the knob and buttons are responsive and don’t feel cheap.
Interior and capacity
I judged the interior by what I regularly cook, and the 12 x 10 x 4.25 inch cavity fits a 12-inch pizza with a bit of clearance and can hold a small roast chicken comfortably. I was able to fit four slices of bread on the rack for toasting at once, and the interior light makes it easy to check food without opening the door.
Element iQ System explained
I found the Element iQ System to be one of the most interesting features on paper, and I wanted to know how it translated into cooking performance. In simple terms, the system uses four independent quartz heating elements and smart algorithms to direct power intelligently based on the selected function.
How Element iQ works in practice
In my tests, I noticed the oven adjusted its element use depending on what I was cooking, which seemed to reduce cold spots compared with standard toaster ovens. The result was more even browning and fewer instances where I had to rotate pans mid-cycle to get consistent results.
Benefits I observed
I appreciated the elimination of obvious hot and cold zones for many dishes, especially baked goods where even heat matters. When roasting, the oven held temperature well and the PID temperature control helped reduce overshoot that can dry out meats.
Cooking functions and presets
This Breville model offers a suite of functions that make it more than a toaster oven. It includes Toast, Bagel, Bake, Broil, Pizza, Roast, Cookies, and Reheat as built-in presets, and it supports air fry and dehydrate tasks using super convection.
Toast and Bagel settings
I used the Toast and Bagel settings multiple times and found they produced consistent color control across different breads. The Bagel mode toasts the cut side while gently warming the outside side, which I appreciated for bagel sandwiches.
Bake, Broil, and Roast
For baking cookies and roasting vegetables or chicken, the oven delivered solid results thanks to even heat distribution. I frequently used Bake for small casserole dishes and Broil for finishing glazes; the broiler heats quickly and gives a crisp top without burning.
Pizza, Cookies, and Reheat
I made a 12-inch thin-crust pizza and got a nicely crisped crust when I used the Pizza setting and placed the pizza on the included rack. Cookies turned out evenly baked on the enamel pan, and the Reheat setting warmed leftovers without drying them out as long as I monitored timing closely.
Air Fry and Dehydrate capabilities
Although it’s not a dedicated countertop air fryer with a large basket, the super convection function lets me make crisped fries and air-fried vegetables with less oil. Dehydrating worked fine for small batches of fruit slices and herbs; because of the compact interior, I used thin slices and rotated trays for uniform drying.
Performance and cooking results
I measured performance across several meal types, and I was focused on speed, evenness, and consistency. Overall, I found it faster than my conventional oven for small items, and it often matched full-size oven results for modest portions.
Speed and super convection
I observed up to about 20–30% faster cook times for some convection tasks, which lines up with Breville’s claims of reduced cooking times. For a small roast and thin-crust pizza, preheat times were short and actual cook times felt noticeably quicker than in my home oven.
Evenness and temperature control
The PID temperature control and Element iQ combined to reduce the cold spots I usually deal with in countertop ovens. My roast chicken and baked goods showed even browning and fewer undercooked centers, which made me trust the oven for delicate tasks.
User interface and controls
I was pleased with the control layout; it’s intuitive and requires a short learning curve to use well. The backlit display gives clear feedback about time and temperature, and the color shift from orange to blue is a helpful visual cue when a cycle completes.
Backlit easy-read LCD
The LCD is easy to read from a few feet away and changes color during different stages of cooking, which I found useful when I was multitasking in the kitchen. The lights are bright enough without being distracting, and the simple icons make the modes clear at a glance.
Presets and programmability
I liked that presets calculate appropriate times and temperatures, which helps when I’m in a hurry or feeding guests. At the same time, I used manual adjustments frequently because I prefer tailoring the time and temperature to the thickness and volume of what I cook.
Accessories and included items
The oven ships with a 10″ x 10″ enamel baking pan and a 10″ x 10″ enamel broiling rack, which cover most basic needs right out of the box. I used the rack for pizzas, broiling, and some roasting tasks, and the pan worked well for cookies, small casseroles, and catching drips.
Baking pan and broiling rack in daily use
The enamel pan is sturdy and cleans easily, while the broiling rack slides in smoothly and supports heavier items like a small roast. I often placed the pan on the included rack to create multi-level cooking when I wanted crisper results.
Optional accessories to consider
I found that a perforated pizza pan or a nonstick air fry basket sized for the 10×10 interior can expand functionality. If you plan to bake regularly, an oven thermometer and a small baking stone can help you fine-tune temperatures and crust crisping.
Cleaning and maintenance
I clean the oven after every few uses and found maintenance to be straightforward, though the interior is not removable for deep cleaning. I recommend cleaning spills promptly to prevent baked-on residue, and using warm soapy water for the enamel pan and rack.
Oven interior and racks
The interior is simple to wipe down using a non-abrasive cleaner; avoid harsh scouring pads to preserve the coating. Removable racks make it easy to soak and scrub them in the sink, which keeps the oven performing well.
Exterior and stainless steel care
I clean the brushed stainless exterior with a mild cleaner and a microfiber cloth to minimize streaks. I avoid abrasive cleaners and steel wool, which can mar the finish; a rub with a stainless-specific cleaner keeps it looking new.
Noise and heat output
I monitored both sound levels and ambient heat during use because both matter in small living spaces. The fan does run during convection and air fry cycles, producing a steady hum that’s louder than a microwave but quieter than many full-size hood fans.
During operation
When the fan is active, I noticed a consistent but not intrusive sound level that didn’t interfere with conversation in my kitchen. The oven also vents heat outward, so I position it away from walls and flammable surfaces to avoid heat damage.
For small kitchens and confined spaces
In smaller kitchens, the heat output can raise room temperature slightly, especially during longer cooking sessions; I recommend adequate ventilation. For apartment cooking, it’s manageable if you plan short or staggered cooking cycles rather than prolonged use.
Comparison to other Breville Smart Oven models
I often compare compact models against larger Breville Smart Oven variants to see where trade-offs occur. This compact model sacrifices some capacity for space savings, but it retains many of the core advantage features like Element iQ and consistent convection.
vs larger Breville Smart Oven models
Compared with the larger Smart Oven models, I found this compact version is best for single-person households or those without much counter space. If you regularly cook large roasts or multiple trays at once, a larger model might make more sense than the compact BOV670BSS.
vs dedicated air fryer appliances
Against dedicated air fryers, this unit provides broader functionality, acting as a toaster oven and mini-oven beyond air frying. The trade-off is that targeted air fryers sometimes deliver more aggressive crisping due to a more concentrated airflow design, but the Breville balances multiple functions well.
Pros and cons based on my testing
I like to list strengths and limitations after a period of use so you can weigh what matters for your kitchen. Here’s what stood out for me after cooking a variety of meals.
Strengths I observed
The Element iQ system provides more consistent results than many similar countertop ovens I’ve used, and the compact footprint fits comfortably on crowded counters. The multiple cooking modes and solid build quality make it a versatile, reliable appliance for everyday use.
Limitations I noticed
The interior is relatively shallow, which limits the height of items I can cook; taller roasts or stacked dishes may not fit. Although it handles air frying reasonably well, it isn’t a full replacement for a high-volume air fryer when you want large batches of crispy fries.
Who should consider buying this oven?
I find that the right buyer is someone who values multifunctionality in a small package and cooks moderate portions regularly. If you’re cooking for one or two people, live in an apartment, or want a second oven to free up your main range, this model makes a strong case.
Small households and singles
For people cooking mostly for themselves or two, it’s efficient and saves energy compared with heating a large oven for small tasks. I personally used it daily for toast, reheating, small bakes, and quick roast dinners, and it served all those needs well.
Apartment cooks and limited-space kitchens
If counter space is at a premium, the compact size is a real advantage and I found it fits into tight corners without looking cramped. The relatively low power requirement (1800 W) also helps if you’re concerned about circuit load in older apartments.
Tips and tricks for best results
I developed a few practical habits while testing that consistently improved my results, and I want to share them so you can get the most from the oven. These are small adjustments that helped me avoid common pitfalls like uneven browning or overcooking.
Preheating and rack positioning
I recommend allowing a full preheat cycle when baking or roasting; the oven reaches set temperatures quickly, but preheating helps Element iQ settle into the correct pattern. Position racks so air can circulate freely around the food — don’t pack items too tightly if you want crisping.
Using Element iQ effectively
Trust the presets for common foods, but don’t hesitate to manually adjust time and temperature based on past experience and your preferences. For delicate baking tasks, I used a lower temperature and slightly longer time; for air-fried items I watched for color and texture and reduced oil for crispness.
Warranty and support
I checked the warranty and support resources because long-term reliability matters. The oven comes with Breville’s standard 1 Year Limited Product Warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal household use.
1 Year Limited Warranty details
During my period of use, I felt confident that the warranty would handle typical manufacturing issues; I would still recommend registering the product and keeping your receipt. Breville’s warranty process is straightforward in my experience, but always read the fine print if you plan heavy commercial usage.
Customer service and resources
Breville provides online resources such as user manuals, FAQs, and replacement part listings that I found useful when I wanted to learn more about settings or accessory compatibility. If you need direct support, their customer service team is reachable and responsive in my experience, though wait times can vary.
Final verdict and recommendation
After extensive use, I can say the Breville BOV670BSS Smart Oven Compact Convection, Small, Brushed Stainless Steel is a strong contender in the compact countertop oven category. I appreciate the Element iQ system for even cooking, the thoughtful presets for convenience, and the compact footprint that fits into most kitchens.
I recommend it to anyone who wants one reliable, multi-function appliance to handle everything from toast and bagels to roast chicken and air-fried sides. If you need frequent large-batch cooking or a very deep interior, consider a larger model, but for everyday versatility and consistent results in a small package, this oven earned a permanent spot on my countertop.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
