Review
AI summary based on real user insights
The Breville BOV860 has earned a devoted following as a countertop oven that many users say has made their built-in ovens obsolete. Reviewers consistently call it the single best appliance I own, and a striking number report that they hardly ever use their regular ovens anymore. Much of that loyalty comes down to its super precise temperature control and a convection system so efficient it roasts veggies better than most full-sized ovens. Users also highlight practical versatility, noting it can bake cookies, cakes, bread, and a whole chicken and even holds a full large 12-muffin pan.
Where the BOV860 draws the most consistent criticism is its air frying performance. Many reviewers are candid that it is not a great air fryer compared to dedicated basket-style units, largely because it doesn't move air around as well as a basket-style air fryer and the fan is noticeably loud in air fry mode. Cleanup is another recurring frustration, with users warning that air frying is messy and hard to clean, and one reviewer advising to avoid frying anything that will drip on the heating elements. Some longer-term owners also flag that the convection fan, control panel, and door spring can fail prematurely, and the interior features Teflon, which is a concern for some buyers.
This oven shines brightest for people who want a true countertop replacement for their main oven rather than a pure air fryer. It performs better than many full-size domestic ovens and cooks far more quickly than a regular oven, making it ideal for everyday baking, roasting, and reheating. Users rave about specifics like fabulous chicken and wings, great toast and reheated pizza, and the convenience of an oven that heats up so fast. With 11 cooking options and a keep-warm setting that goes down to 110 degrees, it covers a wide range of everyday cooking needs.
The price is the most common barrier for prospective buyers, with reviewers acknowledging it is very expensive and more than twice the price of competing countertop ovens. That said, many who take the plunge consider it worth every dollar, calling it an absolute best purchase we've made in recent years, and one owner noted it is still going strong after 10 years. The unit's footprint is also worth noting upfront, as it takes up a significant amount of counter space, so kitchen real estate matters when considering this purchase.
One theme that stands out across dozens of reviews is just how frequently and enthusiastically people use it — many say they use it almost every day or nearly every time they cook a meal. The oven has even received external validation, with users pointing out that America's Test Kitchen ranked the Breville tops in its category. Its generous capacity — more than any other air fryer many users have tried — combined with straightforward controls that users describe as easy to use and not over-engineered, makes it a product that earns the label, as one reviewer put it, of best toaster oven ever made.
