Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer vs Air Fryer Pro - I Wish I Knew This Before Buying! (Honest Review)
Click below to see the video:
Links to everything I mentioned are available here: [link].
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro vs Standard: Honest Review and Comparison
After using both Breville air fryer models for years, I've discovered some major differences that most reviews completely miss. If you're deciding between the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer and the Pro model, this comparison will save you from making the same mistakes I did.
The Real Differences Beyond Dehydrate and Proof Modes
Everyone talks about how the Pro model adds dehydrate and proof functions, but honestly? That's not the real story here. I've been using my standard Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer for over 4 years, and when I finally got my hands on the Pro model, the differences were way more significant than I expected.
The Pro model isn't just bigger (though it definitely is). The build quality, design details, and daily usability are completely different. We're talking about features that actually matter for everyday cooking, not just extra modes you might use once in a while.
Cleaning Nightmare: Why the Standard Model Drives Me Crazy
Let me be brutally honest about the biggest issue with the standard model: cleaning is a absolute nightmare. If you cook anything greasy (which, let's be real, is most good food), the whole interior gets covered in oil that turns brown and becomes impossible to remove.
I've tried everything - different cleaning pastes, S.O.S. sponges, you name it. The problem is that you can't use harsh chemicals because you'll damage the coating. I actually ruined my crumb tray trying to get it clean, and even after hours of scrubbing, it never looked right.
The Pro model completely fixes this problem. The door has way more glass coverage, which is actually the easiest part to clean. The heating elements are accessible for wiping down, unlike the standard model where they're basically unreachable. It's like they learned from all the complaints and completely redesigned the cleaning experience.
Size and Capacity: More Than Just Bigger
The Pro model can fit two air fryer baskets while the standard only fits one. If you're cooking for more than two people or have guests over regularly, this makes a huge difference. The interior is 1 cubic foot, which means you can actually fit a 14-pound turkey or most 9x13 pans.
But here's what's interesting - the external size difference isn't that dramatic. It's taller, wider, and slightly deeper, but it still fits in the same counter space as my old one.
Noise Levels and Static Issues
This is something I never see mentioned in other reviews, but the standard model has this annoying static noise whenever it's running. It's quiet, but it's there, and after a while it really gets on your nerves (especially if you're recording videos like I do).
I actually contacted Breville about it, and they replaced my unit twice. Same issue every time, so I think it's just inherent to that model. The Pro model? Dead silent. No static, no weird buzzing, just smooth operation.
Plus, the Pro model has a volume control button! You can actually adjust how loud the alerts are, which is amazing if you're cooking early in the morning or late at night.
Control Design and User Experience
The control knobs on the Pro model are completely different. With the standard model, I constantly overshoot the setting I want - the knobs just don't have good precision. The Pro model knobs feel more substantial and give you better control.
The LCD display is also clearer and more intuitive. Small details, but when you're using something every single day, these things add up.
Temperature Accuracy and Performance
Both models use Breville's Element iQ technology, but the Pro has 6 independent quartz heating elements versus 5 in the standard model. In practice, this means more even heating and better temperature control.
I've tested both with an oven thermometer, and when they say 350 degrees, they actually maintain 350 degrees. This is so much better than my regular oven, which is all over the place temperature-wise.
Is the Pro Model Worth the Extra Cost?
I paid full price for my Pro model (around $400 plus tax), and honestly? Worth every penny. The easier cleaning alone would have justified the upgrade for me. Add in the quieter operation, better build quality, and improved user experience, and it's a no-brainer.
If you're choosing between these two models, get the Pro. If you already have the standard model and cleaning drives you crazy like it did me, the upgrade might be worth considering.
I use these ovens literally every single day for everything from toast to full dinners, and the Pro model just makes the whole experience so much better. Sometimes those extra $50 really do make a difference.
Want to see the full comparison in action? Check out my detailed video review above where I show you all these differences side by side, including the cleaning issues and design improvements that make such a big difference in daily use.
The information in this post is based on my personal experience using both products over several years. Your results may vary depending on usage patterns and individual preferences.
