Finding the right countertop oven often feels like a game of inches. I’ve spent countless mornings testing various Breville models, and the struggle usually boils down to one question: how much counter space am I willing to sacrifice for that extra bit of internal room? The Breville BOV450XL (The Mini Smart Oven) and the Breville BOV650XL (The Compact Smart Oven) are two of the most popular answers to that question.
While they both belong to the legendary “Smart Oven” family and share the same intelligent DNA, they serve two distinct roles. One is a high-performance replacement for a standard toaster that can actually cook a meal, while the other is a true miniature oven designed for small-scale roasting and baking. After baking batches of cookies and reheating plenty of leftovers in both, I’ve found the nuances that set them apart.
The Big Picture: Mini vs. Compact (Breville BOV450XL vs BOV650XL Smart Oven)
The fundamental difference here is the vertical and depth clearance. While both are “small” by Breville standards, the BOV650XL gives you that crucial bit of extra headroom and depth that allows for a 12-inch pizza, whereas the BOV450XL is strictly an 11-inch-and-under machine.
- The Breville Mini Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster Oven with Element iQ System is for cooks interested in making pizza, delicious cookies and golden toast in their...
- ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: Using 5 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer small oven's power where and when it's needed, creating a tailored cooking environment...
- The Breville Compact Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster Oven with Element iQ System has most features of a larger Smart Oven in a compact footprint; Choose from 8...
- ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: Using 5 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer this small oven's power where and when it's needed, creating a tailored cooking...
Comparison Table: Breville BOV450XL vs BOV650XL Smart Oven
| Feature | Breville BOV450XL (Mini) | Breville BOV650XL (Compact) |
| Interior Capacity | 0.45 Cubic Feet | 0.60 Cubic Feet |
| Dimensions | 13.6″D x 16″W x 8.8″H | 15.5″D x 17″W x 10.25″H |
| Heating Tech | Element iQ (4 Quartz Elements) | Element iQ (4 Quartz Elements) |
| Cooking Functions | 8 Functions | 8 Functions |
| Pizza Capacity | 11-inch Pizza | 12-inch Pizza |
| Power | 1800 Watts | 1800 Watts |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited | 1-Year Limited |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My Experience
Design and Countertop Footprint
The first thing I noticed when placing the BOV450XL on my counter was how “tucked away” it felt. At only 8.8 inches tall, it fits under almost any cabinet with room to breathe. It’s the perfect size for a studio apartment or a dorm room where every square inch is precious. The brushed stainless steel looks premium, and the build quality doesn’t feel “mini” even if the size is.
The BOV650XL, while labeled “Compact,” has a much more traditional oven profile. It’s nearly two inches taller and deeper. In my kitchen, this meant it occupied a more permanent-looking spot on the counter. However, that extra height is a blessing—it doesn’t feel as “cramped” when you’re trying to slide in a small roast or a tray of muffins.
- The Breville Mini Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster Oven with Element iQ System is for cooks interested in making pizza, delicious cookies and golden toast in their...
- ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: Using 5 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer small oven's power where and when it's needed, creating a tailored cooking environment...
- The Breville Compact Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster Oven with Element iQ System has most features of a larger Smart Oven in a compact footprint; Choose from 8...
- ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: Using 5 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer this small oven's power where and when it's needed, creating a tailored cooking...
Performance: The Element iQ Advantage
Both ovens utilize Breville’s Element iQ system, which I consider the “secret sauce” of countertop cooking. It’s not just about heat; it’s about where that heat goes.
- In the BOV450XL, the heat is intense because the elements are closer to the food. When I toasted bread, it was incredibly fast. However, you have to be careful with cookies; because the ceiling is lower, they can brown on top quite quickly.
- In the BOV650XL, the extra internal volume allows for better air circulation. When I roasted a small chicken, the skin got that perfect golden hue without the top of the bird getting too close to the quartz elements. It feels more like a “real” oven in terms of heat distribution.
Ease of Use: Dials and Displays
Both models feature a clear LCD screen that turns from blue to orange when the oven is heating. I find this visual cue incredibly helpful during a busy morning. The dials on both feel sturdy and responsive.
One minor difference I noticed in daily use is the rack positions. The BOV450XL has 3 rack positions, which is impressive for its size, but the BOV650XL handles taller items (like a 6-cup muffin tin) with much less fuss.1 If you’re someone who actually “cooks” rather than just “toasts,” the extra height in the 650XL removes a lot of the frustration of things hitting the top elements.
- The Breville Mini Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster Oven with Element iQ System is for cooks interested in making pizza, delicious cookies and golden toast in their...
- ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: Using 5 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer small oven's power where and when it's needed, creating a tailored cooking environment...
- The Breville Compact Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster Oven with Element iQ System has most features of a larger Smart Oven in a compact footprint; Choose from 8...
- ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: Using 5 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer this small oven's power where and when it's needed, creating a tailored cooking...
Cleaning and Maintenance
Both ovens feature a non-stick cavity coating. In my experience, this makes a huge difference. After a week of making tuna melts and reheating pizza, a simple wipe with a damp cloth kept the interior looking new. Both have front-access crumb trays, which is a design feature I wish every toaster oven had—it makes it so much easier to prevent that “burnt toast” smell from lingering in your kitchen.
Breville BOV450XL (Mini Smart Oven)
- The Breville Mini Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster Oven with Element iQ System is for cooks interested in making pizza, delicious cookies and golden toast in their...
- ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: Using 5 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer small oven's power where and when it's needed, creating a tailored cooking environment...
Pros:
- Ultra-Compact: Fits in the tightest of spaces without compromising on power.
- Rapid Preheat: The 1800-watt system heats that small cavity in seconds.
- Value: Usually the most affordable entry point into the “Smart Oven” ecosystem.
- Efficiency: Great for single servings or small snacks.
Cons:
- Limited Height: You can’t fit most standard roast chickens or taller baking pans.
- 11-inch Limit: Most store-bought frozen pizzas are 12 inches, which won’t fit here.
Breville BOV650XL (Compact Smart Oven)
- The Breville Compact Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster Oven with Element iQ System has most features of a larger Smart Oven in a compact footprint; Choose from 8...
- ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: Using 5 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer this small oven's power where and when it's needed, creating a tailored cooking...
Pros:
- Perfect Balance: Small enough for a counter, big enough for a 12-inch pizza.
- Roast-Ready: High enough to handle a small chicken or a 4-lb roast comfortably.
- Better Airflow: More internal space leads to more even baking for delicate items like cookies.
- Accessories: Often includes a broiling rack, which the Mini sometimes lacks.
Cons:
- Bigger Footprint: It takes up noticeably more depth on your counter.
- Price: It’s a step up in cost for only a small increase in volume.
The Verdict: My Recommendation
Which one should you go with? It depends on your “maximum” meal size.
I recommend the Breville BOV450XL if you are primarily using this for toast, bagels, and reheating. If you live alone, have a tiny kitchen, or already have a full-sized oven for big roasts, the Mini is a spectacular, high-performance tool that won’t clutter your life. It’s the king of “fast and small.”
I recommend the Breville BOV650XL if this is going to be your primary cooking appliance for one or two people. If you want the ability to cook a standard frozen pizza, bake muffins, or roast a chicken on a Tuesday night without heating up your entire house, the Compact is the much better “all-rounder.”
Personally, I would pay the extra bit for the BOV650XL. That jump from an 11-inch to a 12-inch pizza capacity sounds small on paper, but in the real world of grocery shopping and meal prep, it makes all the difference.
- The Breville Mini Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster Oven with Element iQ System is for cooks interested in making pizza, delicious cookies and golden toast in their...
- ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: Using 5 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer small oven's power where and when it's needed, creating a tailored cooking environment...
- The Breville Compact Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster Oven with Element iQ System has most features of a larger Smart Oven in a compact footprint; Choose from 8...
- ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: Using 5 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer this small oven's power where and when it's needed, creating a tailored cooking...
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I fit a 9×13 inch baking pan in either of these?
A: No. Neither of these models is wide enough for a standard 9×13 pan (which usually requires the BOV800XL or larger). You are better off with 10×10 pans or 9-inch square tins.
Q: Do these ovens get hot on the outside?
A: Yes, like all toaster ovens, the stainless steel exterior does get quite warm during use. I always recommend leaving at least 4 inches of clearance on the top and sides for safety.
Q: What is the benefit of Quartz elements over Calrod elements?
A: Quartz elements (found in both these Brevilles) respond much faster to changes in power and heat up more quickly than traditional metal coils.2 This is why the “Element iQ” system is so effective at maintaining precise temps.
Q: Is the interior light replaceable?
A: Unlike the larger “Air Fryer” models, these smaller units do not have an internal oven light. You’ll have to rely on the large viewing window and the kitchen lights to see your food.
