My Journey with the Breville Smart Oven: Can It Really Replace My Microwave?
When it comes to kitchen appliances, there are a few that are always considered essential. One of these is the microwave. It’s a versatile appliance that can quickly heat up your leftovers, pop popcorn, or even cook a simple meal. However, recently I’ve come across a new contender in the kitchen appliance game – the Breville Smart Oven. Many claim that this countertop oven can replace your microwave altogether. Intrigued by the idea, I decided to put it to the test.
The Unboxing Experience
As soon as I received my brand new Breville Smart Oven, I eagerly ripped open the packaging. The sleek design and stainless steel finish immediately caught my eye. The oven was larger than I had anticipated, but it fit perfectly on my countertop. The unboxing was a breeze, and I was ready to start testing out its functionalities right away.
Getting to Know the Breville Smart Oven
Before diving into replacing my microwave, I wanted to familiarize myself with all the features and functions the Breville Smart Oven had to offer. The oven came with a comprehensive user manual that guided me through the setup process. It featured a digital display and easy-to-use knobs for temperature and cooking time adjustments.
One of the standout features of the Breville Smart Oven is its Element IQ technology. This technology adjusts the power of the heating elements, depending on the food you’re cooking. It ensures that your meals are cooked evenly and to perfection. Additionally, the oven had various pre-set cooking functions, including baking, roasting, toasting, and even dehydrating.
Overcoming My First Hurdle: Size and Capacity
As I started experimenting with the Breville Smart Oven, I quickly realized that its larger size and greater capacity allowed me to cook much more than what my microwave could accommodate. I could easily fit a 13-inch pizza or a whole chicken inside the oven. This was a major plus for someone like me who enjoys cooking for friends and family.
Replacing Microwave Functions
Now, onto the big question – could the Breville Smart Oven truly replace my microwave? To find out, I decided to put it through a series of tests.
1. Reheating leftovers: I took a plate of spaghetti leftovers and popped it into the oven. With the convection heating and Element IQ technology, the Breville Smart Oven evenly heated my dish without drying it out. The result was just as good, if not better, than using my microwave.
2. Popcorn: As a popcorn connoisseur, I was curious to see how the Breville Smart Oven would fare. To my delight, it had a dedicated popcorn function that ensured perfectly popped kernels every time. The even heating prevented any burnt or uncooked pieces, making this a win in my book.
3. Cooking frozen meals: A go-to for quick and easy dinners, I tested the oven’s ability to cook frozen meals straight from the freezer. The Breville Smart Oven outperformed my expectations. With its convection feature, my frozen lasagna cooked evenly and was ready to serve much faster than in a traditional oven.
Added Benefits and Features
After thoroughly testing the Breville Smart Oven, I discovered several added benefits and features that made it stand out from a traditional microwave.
1. Energy efficiency: The Breville Smart Oven uses less energy compared to a microwave, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
2. Crisping and browning: Unlike a microwave, the oven has various settings for achieving a crispy finish or browning the top of dishes. This feature was a game-changer when it came to gratins, casseroles, and even homemade pizzas.
3. Versatility: The Breville Smart Oven’s range of cooking functions and temperature control made it versatile enough for a wide array of recipes. I found myself using it not only for reheating but also for baking cookies, roasting vegetables, and toasting bread.
Final Verdict
After spending weeks using the Breville Smart Oven, I can confidently say that it has earned its place in my kitchen. While it may not completely replace my microwave, it offers a multitude of functions and advantages that make it a valuable addition. The added cooking capacity, energy efficiency, and versatility make the Breville Smart Oven a worthy investment for any home cook. So, if you’re looking for a kitchen appliance that can do more than just heat up your leftovers, I highly recommend giving the Breville Smart Oven a try.