Breville Mini Smart Oven Review

The Breville Mini Smart Oven proves that downsizing doesn't mean downgrading. During our extensive testing, we were consistently impressed by how much capability Breville managed to pack into this 15.75" x 12.5" x 8.75" footprint.

Toasting Performance

The Breville Mini delivered consistently golden-brown toast. The toast emerged with a satisfying crunch on the outside while maintaining a tender interior—exactly what we look for in perfect toast.

The Mini produced moderately even toasted bread with minimal variation between cycles. We noticed only slight variations in shade between the top and bottom of each slice, which is exceptional for a non-convection model. The smart heating elements automatically adjust their power to compensate for the natural heat rise in the cavity, resulting in more consistent results than we typically see in smaller ovens.

The seven shade settings provide a good range from barely warmed to deeply browned, though we found ourselves gravitating toward settings 3 and 4 for optimal results with standard white bread. Heartier breads like sourdough and whole grain required slightly higher settings to achieve the same level of browning, but the control was precise enough that we could dial in our preferences after just a few uses.

Baking and Roasting Performance

A 10-inch pizza fit perfectly in this oven and cooked evenly, with the crust achieving a pleasant crispness while the cheese bubbled beautifully. However, without convection, we noticed the cooking took slightly longer than that of larger Breville models with fan assistance. The cheese melted evenly, but the edges of the crust finished a touch before the center—nothing deal-breaking, but noticeable to discerning pizza lovers.

Cookie baking showcased the Mini's temperature stability. Our batch of chocolate chip cookies spread evenly and baked to golden perfection, though we needed to rotate the tray halfway through for optimal results. The lack of convection meant slightly less even browning than we've seen in fan-equipped models, but the cookies still emerged delicious with crispy edges and chewy centers.

Frozen tater tots proved a pleasant surprise. Despite the absence of an air-frying function, the Breville Mini crisped them admirably. We achieved golden-brown exteriors with fluffy interiors, though they required a turn halfway through cooking. On the batch we didn't turn, we noticed a few dark spots where they lay in contact with the pan. While dedicated air fryer ovens produced slightly crispier results, the Mini exceeded our expectations for a standard heating element design.

Chicken thighs presented the biggest challenge. The Mini cooked them thoroughly and safely, achieving crispy skin after about 35 minutes at 400°F. However, without convection to circulate hot air, the skin wasn't quite as uniformly crispy as we've achieved in fan-assisted ovens. The meat remained juicy and flavorful, but those seeking restaurant-quality crispy skin might find the results slightly lacking.

Ease of Use

The control panel features three simple dials: function, temperature, and time. The function dial offers eight presets including Toast, Bagel, Bake, Roast, Broil, Pizza, Cookies, and Reheat. Each preset automatically configures recommended temperature and time settings, though both can be easily adjusted to preference.

We particularly appreciated the backlit LCD display that clearly shows all settings at a glance. The orange backlighting activates when you adjust any control and remains lit during cooking, making it easy to monitor progress even in dim lighting. The display counts down cooking time and emits a pleasant chime when complete — loud enough to hear from another room but not jarring.

The magnetic auto-eject rack deserves special mention. When you open the door, the rack automatically extends halfway out, making it safe and easy to retrieve food without reaching into the hot cavity. This feature alone prevented numerous potential burns during our testing, especially when checking on dishes mid-cook. The non-stick interior coating also simplified cleaning, requiring just a quick wipe after most uses.

One minor quibble: the exterior does get quite warm during extended use, particularly on top. While not dangerous, we recommend maintaining clearance above the unit and being mindful when touching the exterior during or immediately after cooking.

Temperature Accuracy

While other ovens sometimes sometimes deviated by nearly 40°F, the Breville managed to keep its temperatures within less than 15°F, making it one of the more accurate ovens we tested and reaching 96.3% accuracy. While it runs slightly hot, the consistency matters more than absolute precision, and the Mini delivered remarkably stable temperatures throughout each cooking cycle. None of the food we cooked in this oven was burnt or overcooked, so the deviation didn't negatively impact the taste.

Interestingly, we observed minimal temperature fluctuation during cooking. Many toaster ovens swing wildly as their elements cycle on and off, creating hot and cold spots that lead to uneven results. This stability translates directly to more predictable cooking results—once you learn how your specific unit performs, you can reliably reproduce results.

The preheat performance particularly stood out. Reaching 350°F in just 1.7 minutes on average, the Mini was among the fastest ovens we tested. This rapid heating saves time and energy, making it perfect for quick meals or when you need to get dinner on the table fast. The preheat alert ensures you don't add food too early, and we found the indicated temperature closely matched our probe readings.

Should You Buy the Breville Mini Smart Oven?

This unit makes an excellent choice for singles, couples, or anyone with limited counter space who values quality over quantity. Its combination of smart features, rapid preheating, and consistent cooking delivers delectable results in a compact package that won't overwhelm small kitchens. If you primarily toast, bake small batches, reheat leftovers, and occasionally roast smaller proteins, this oven provides all the functionality you need with the build quality and thoughtful design Breville is known for. The higher price point is justified by the superior construction, intuitive controls, and reliable performance that will serve you well for years.

What Other Toaster Ovens Should You Consider?

If you have slightly more counter space and want convection capabilities, the Ninja Foodi Digital Oven delivers exceptionally great meals with added air-frying that make our chicken crispier and juicier than most. The digital controls and multiple cooking modes provide greater versatility, though it does require more counter real estate.