You’re standing in your kitchen. It’s 6:30 PM on a Tuesday. You’ve got three chicken breasts, a bag of broccoli, and a soul-crushing lack of motivation. You could fire up the big oven, wait fifteen minutes for it to preheat, and then realize you overcooked the meat because you got distracted by a YouTube rabbit hole. Or, you could use the Breville Joule Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro.
But here’s the thing. This isn't just a toaster. It’s basically a computer that happens to roast chickens.
Most people see the price tag and flinch. I get it. Five hundred bucks for something that sits on your counter is a lot of money. But after spending weeks digging into what actually makes this thing tick—beyond the shiny brushed stainless steel—the "Smart" part of the name starts to make sense. It’s not just marketing fluff. It’s about the "Autopilot" feature.
What Actually Sets the Breville Joule Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro Apart?
Honestly, the "Pro" market is crowded. You’ve got the Ninja Foodi, the Cuisinart options, and even Breville’s own older models like the Smart Oven Air. So why does this one exist?
Connectivity.
The Joule app is the brain here. While other ovens just sit there, this one talks to your phone. It uses something Breville calls the "Element iQ" system. Think of it as a smart grid for heat. Instead of just turning on a heating element and hoping for the best, the oven directs power to exactly where it needs to be based on what you’re cooking. If you're air frying, the fans kick into high gear and the top elements blast heat. If you're slow cooking a pot roast, it settles into a gentle, steady hum.
It’s sophisticated. It's also kinda intimidating at first.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that the "Smart" features are just a gimmick. They aren't. When you use the Autopilot mode, the oven actually changes temperatures and fan speeds during the cooking process. Imagine you're making a sourdough loaf. The oven can start with high heat and steam (if you put a water tray in) to get that crust, then automatically drop the temperature to finish the interior without burning the outside. You don't have to touch a dial.
The App is the Real MVP
Let's talk about the Joule app. I know, I know. Nobody wants another app on their phone. But this one is actually helpful because it’s integrated with recipes from ChefSteps and Epicurious.
When you pick a recipe, you press "Send to Oven." That’s it. The oven knows exactly what to do. It’ll even send a notification to your Apple Watch or phone when it’s time to flip the steak or when the food is done. It’s the closest thing to having a professional chef standing over your shoulder, whispering "don't mess this up" in the nicest way possible.
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The voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant is a nice touch, too. "Alexa, tell the oven to preheat to 400 degrees." It works. It's great when your hands are covered in raw turkey juices and you forgot to hit the start button.
Does the Air Fryer Actually Work?
Air frying is basically just convection cooking on steroids.
The Breville Joule Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro has a massive fan. In the "Super Convection" mode, it moves a ridiculous amount of air. This is where most toaster ovens fail—they just don't have the CFM (cubic feet per minute) to actually crisp things up. This one does.
But be warned. It’s loud. When that fan is at max speed, it sounds like a small jet taking off on your countertop. That’s the price of crispy wings.
I’ve seen people complain that it’s not as fast as a dedicated basket-style air fryer like a Phillips or a Ninja. They’re right. It’s not. Because the internal cavity is much larger, it takes longer to circulate that heat. However, you can fit a 13-inch pizza or a 12-cup muffin tray in here. You can't do that in a basket. It’s a trade-off between speed and capacity.
Space: The Final Frontier
This thing is huge.
Don't buy this if you live in a tiny studio apartment with six inches of counter space. You need room. Not just for the oven itself, but for the heat it puts out. It gets hot. Like, "don't leave your plastic bread bag touching the side" hot.
Internal dimensions are impressive:
- It fits a 9" x 13" baking pan.
- It fits a 5-quart Dutch oven (if you remove the racks).
- You can toast 9 slices of bread at once.
If you have a big family, this is a lifesaver. During Thanksgiving, it’s basically a second oven that can handle the side dishes while the big bird is in the main range.
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The Build Quality and Long-Term Durability
Breville is generally known for high-end builds, but let’s be real: electronics and heat don't always get along.
The door feels solid. The knobs have a satisfying click. The LCD screen is crisp and easy to read even in direct sunlight. But there have been reports in the enthusiast community—places like the Houzz forums or the r/Breville subreddit—about the thermal fuse blowing after a few years of heavy use.
Is it a dealbreaker? Probably not for most, but it’s worth noting that these aren't "buy it for life" items in the way an old-school cast iron skillet is. You're buying a high-tech appliance. It has a one-year limited warranty, which, frankly, feels a bit stingy for a $500 machine. I’d love to see a three-year window here, given the complexity of the Joule integration.
Cleaning: The Part Everyone Hates
Cleaning this oven is... fine. It’s not fun.
The crumb tray slides out easily from the front, which is a massive improvement over older designs that required you to reach around the back. The interior has a non-stick coating, but after a few months of air frying bacon, you will get grease buildup on the top heating elements.
Pro tip: Don't use caustic oven cleaners. They will wreck the finish. Use a bit of baking soda and vinegar paste or a specialized non-toxic degreaser. And do it often. If you let the grease bake on for six months, it’s never coming off.
Real-World Performance: Beyond the Marketing
I've watched people try to dehydrate fruit in this thing. It takes forever, but the results are consistent because the temperature control is so precise. Unlike cheaper ovens that swing 20 or 30 degrees in either direction, the Joule stays within a very tight range.
This precision is why people love it for proofing bread. You can set it to a low, moist 85 degrees and your dough will rise perfectly every time.
What about toast? It’s a toaster oven, after all.
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It makes great toast. Evenly browned, no weird white spots. But if you only want toast, you are overspending by about $450. The Breville Joule Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is for people who actually want to cook—not just reheat pizza.
Actually, it reheats pizza better than anything else on the planet. The "Reheat" setting uses the convection fan to crisp the crust while gently warming the cheese. It’s better than it was when it was fresh.
Why You Might Want to Skip It
Let's look at the downsides, because nothing is perfect.
- The Price: As mentioned, it's expensive. You can buy a decent full-sized range for the price of two of these.
- The App Dependency: While you can use the oven manually, you lose 40% of the value if you don't use the Joule app. If you hate tech in the kitchen, this is your nightmare.
- The Size: It’s a "Pro" model, and it takes up "Pro" space. Check your cabinet clearance before you click buy. It needs at least 4-6 inches of air space on the sides and top.
- Heat Output: It will heat up your kitchen. In the winter, that's great. In a Texas summer? Not so much.
Is It the Right Move for Your Kitchen?
If you’re someone who values precision and loves the idea of "set it and forget it" cooking, then yes. The Autopilot feature is a genuine innovation in a category that hasn't seen much change in a decade. It bridges the gap between a "dumb" appliance and a professional-grade tool.
However, if you just want to air fry some frozen fries once a week and make a piece of toast in the morning, save your money. Get the standard Breville Smart Oven or even a dedicated air fryer. You’ll save $200 and be just as happy.
The Breville Joule Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a luxury. It’s for the person who wants the best and is willing to navigate a slight learning curve to get it. It turns out incredible roast chicken, perfectly proofed bread, and the best wings you’ve ever had at home.
Next Steps for New Owners:
If you’ve just unboxed your unit, your first move should be to download the Joule app and run the "Oven Calibration." It ensures the sensors are synced with your specific home environment. After that, try the "Autopilot" roast chicken recipe. It’s the gold standard for testing whether the heat distribution and smart sensors are working correctly. Also, make sure to buy a dedicated 13-inch pizza stone—the oven is designed to maximize the heat from the bottom elements when used with stone, resulting in a much better crust than the included tray. Keep the vents clear, and don't forget to wipe down the interior glass after every greasy cook to prevent permanent staining.