A countertop oven can be a game-changer in the kitchen, offering speed, versatility, and the ability to replace multiple appliances. I recently spent time testing two popular Breville models: the BOV450XL Mini Smart Countertop Oven and the BOV650XL Compact Smart Oven. After using both, I’m sharing my hands-on experience, including their design, performance, and overall usability.
Key Difference Between Breville Mini vs Compact Countertop Oven
The Breville Mini Oven (BOV450XL) is perfect for small kitchens or single households, providing a 0.45 cubic feet cooking capacity and fast, precise cooking with 8 functions. The Breville Compact Oven (BOV650XL) offers a slightly larger 0.6 cubic feet capacity, extra accessories, and a wider interior, making it better suited for families or those who want to cook larger meals while retaining the same smart features.
- The Breville Mini Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster Oven with Element iQ System is for cooks interested in...
- ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: Using 5 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer small oven's power where and...
- The Breville Compact Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster Oven with Element iQ System has most features of a...
- ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: Using 5 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer this small oven's power where...
Comparison Table: Breville Mini vs Compact Countertop Oven
| Feature | Breville Mini BOV450XL | Breville Compact BOV650XL |
| Capacity | 0.45 cu ft | 0.6 cu ft |
| Wattage | 1800 W | 1800 W |
| Cooking Functions | 8 (Toast, Bagel, Bake, Broil, Pizza, Roast, Cookies, Reheat) | 8 (Toast, Bagel, Bake, Broil, Pizza, Roast, Cookies, Reheat) |
| Element iQ | Yes | Yes |
| Preheat Time | Fast 1800 W | Fast 1800 W |
| Display | LCD | LCD |
| Included Accessories | 10 x 10 in Enamel Pan | 10 x 10 in Enamel Pan, 10 x 10 in Broiling Rack |
| Dimensions | 13.6″D x 16″W x 8.8″H | 15.5″D x 17″W x 10.25″H |
| Weight | 10.7 lbs | 14.1 lbs |
| Control | Knob Control | Knob Control |
| Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Design
The Mini BOV450XL immediately feels compact yet sturdy. Its brushed stainless steel finish looks professional on the countertop, and the LCD display is clean and easy to read. I appreciated the smaller footprint; it fit neatly in a limited counter space without sacrificing accessibility to the oven cavity.
The Compact BOV650XL shares a similar aesthetic but is slightly larger and heavier. Its increased interior space allows me to fit a 12-inch pizza or a small roast chicken comfortably. Both ovens feature non-stick cavity coatings for easier cleanup, but the extra enamel broiling rack included with the Compact model adds flexibility for broiling and elevated cooking.
- The Breville Mini Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster Oven with Element iQ System is for cooks interested in...
- ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: Using 5 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer small oven's power where and...
- The Breville Compact Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster Oven with Element iQ System has most features of a...
- ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: Using 5 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer this small oven's power where...
Ease of Use
Both ovens are user-friendly. The Mini Oven offers intuitive knob controls and a clear LCD that guides through 8 cooking functions. Toasting, baking, or reheating is as simple as selecting the function and adjusting time and temperature. The automatic shut-off is a useful safety feature, giving peace of mind if I get distracted while multitasking.
The Compact Oven operates similarly but feels slightly more versatile due to its larger interior and additional rack. It still maintains knob control simplicity and the LCD display, so there’s no steep learning curve. Preheating is fast on both ovens, thanks to the Element iQ system, which smartly distributes heat for precise cooking.
Functions
Both models feature 8 cooking functions: Toast, Bagel, Bake, Broil, Pizza, Roast, Cookies, and Reheat. The Element iQ system ensures even heat distribution, preventing overcooked or undercooked spots. In practice, both ovens handled cookies, pizza, and toast with excellent results, producing evenly browned slices and perfectly baked cookies.
The Compact Oven has a slight edge when cooking larger items or multiple trays simultaneously. Its extra interior space allows me to cook a muffin tray while baking a small pizza on the rack above, something the Mini Oven struggles with due to limited volume.
- The Breville Mini Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster Oven with Element iQ System is for cooks interested in...
- ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: Using 5 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer small oven's power where and...
Performance
I was impressed by the speed and consistency of both ovens. The Mini BOV450XL is ideal for quick meals or snacks, with fast preheat times and accurate cooking. Small meals, single servings, or reheating leftovers are hassle-free. The Compact BOV650XL performs similarly but with the added ability to accommodate family-size meals, making it more versatile for daily cooking or entertaining.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Cleaning is straightforward on both ovens. The non-stick interior ensures crumbs or grease wipe away easily, and the removable crumb tray simplifies maintenance. The Compact Oven’s additional broiling rack requires a bit more cleaning but enhances cooking flexibility. Overall, both models are low-maintenance and dishwasher-safe for the included accessories.
Breville Mini BOV450XL Smart Countertop Toaster Oven
- The Breville Mini Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster Oven with Element iQ System is for cooks interested in...
- ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: Using 5 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer small oven's power where and...
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Fast preheat with Element iQ system
- 8 versatile cooking functions
- Non-stick interior for easy cleaning
- Automatic shut-off for safety
Cons:
- Limited interior space for larger meals
- Only one included accessory (baking pan)
Breville Compact BOV650XL Smart Countertop Toaster Oven
- The Breville Compact Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster Oven with Element iQ System has most features of a...
- ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: Using 5 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer this small oven's power where...
Pros:
- Slightly larger interior capacity (0.6 cu ft)
- Includes broiling rack in addition to baking pan
- Element iQ ensures precise cooking
- Versatile cooking options for larger meals
- Professional brushed stainless steel design
Cons:
- Slightly heavier footprint
- Takes up more counter space
Conclusion & Recommendation:
After using both ovens extensively, here’s my verdict: the Breville Mini BOV450XL is perfect for singles, couples, or small kitchens, providing fast, precise cooking without taking up much space. It’s ideal for quick breakfasts, snacks, or small-batch baking.
The Breville Compact BOV650XL is better suited for families or anyone who cooks larger meals. Its increased interior space, additional broiling rack, and versatile design make it ideal for everyday use and entertaining.
In my kitchen, I keep the Mini Oven for quick weekday meals and the Compact Oven for weekend cooking or when hosting friends. Both models deliver excellent performance, so the choice boils down to your kitchen space and cooking needs.
