Breville Mini vs Compact Smart Oven: Which One Deserves the Space on Your Countertop?

Countertop ovens have evolved far beyond the days of basic toast and frozen pizza. Among modern kitchen companions, Breville’s Smart Oven series has earned its reputation for delivering high-end performance in compact form. Two of its most popular models — the Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Oven and the Breville BOV650XL Compact Smart Oven — both promise power, precision, and space efficiency.

I spent several weeks testing both side by side, using them for everything from morning bagels to roasted chicken. At first glance, they seem nearly identical, but subtle differences in size, performance, and usability make one a better fit depending on your cooking style and kitchen space.

Key Difference Between Breville Mini vs Compact Smart Oven

The Breville Mini Smart Oven (BOV450XL) is designed for smaller kitchens and lighter tasks — it’s compact, energy-efficient, and ideal for single servings or quick meals. The Breville Compact Smart Oven (BOV650XL), meanwhile, offers a larger capacity and slightly more versatility, capable of handling a full 12-inch pizza or even a small roast.

In short: the Mini is about convenience and compactness, while the Compact focuses on capacity and flexibility.

Comparison Table: Breville Mini vs Compact Smart Oven

Feature	Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Oven	Breville BOV650XL Compact Smart Oven
Brand	Breville	Breville
Color	Brushed Stainless Steel	Brushed Stainless Steel
Dimensions	13.6″D x 16″W x 8.8″H	15.5″D x 17″W x 10.25″H
Capacity	0.45 cubic feet	0.6 cubic feet
Power	1800 watts	1800 watts
Weight	10.7 lbs	14.1 lbs
Cooking Functions	8 preset functions	8 preset functions
Display Type	LCD with knob control	LCD with knob control
Material	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Special Feature	Automatic shut-off	Digital controls
Included Accessories	10″ x 10″ baking pan	10″ x 10″ baking pan & broiling rack
Warranty	1 year limited	1 year limited
Check Latest Price & Deals	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Design and Build Quality: Compact vs Mini

Both ovens share Breville’s signature brushed stainless steel finish, clean lines, and well-constructed feel. However, their footprints tell two very different stories.

The Mini Smart Oven is genuinely small — it fits comfortably on narrow counters and even in dorm-style kitchens. At just over 10 pounds, it’s easy to move around, which I appreciated when rearranging my limited counter space. The door mechanism feels solid, and the knobs are satisfyingly tactile.

The Compact Smart Oven, while slightly bulkier, feels more substantial and sturdy. The extra few inches in depth and height give it room to fit a wider range of dishes, and it still maintains Breville’s refined, professional aesthetic. Both models have non-stick interiors and clear glass doors, but the Compact’s slightly larger window gives better visibility when monitoring food.

If space is a premium, the Mini wins; if you can spare an extra inch or two, the Compact feels more like a real oven substitute.

Cooking Capacity and Performance

Here’s where the difference truly shows up in day-to-day use.

The Mini Smart Oven has a 0.45 cubic-foot capacity, perfect for toasting four slices of bread, baking a small pizza, or reheating leftovers. I used it frequently for small batches of cookies, and it baked them evenly without scorching the bottoms — thanks to Breville’s Element iQ System, which adjusts power among its five quartz heating elements to maintain even heat.

The Compact Smart Oven, however, steps things up with a 0.6 cubic-foot capacity. It easily handled a 12-inch pizza and even a small roast chicken. When I roasted vegetables alongside salmon, I could feel the convection-style airflow working efficiently. The temperature consistency was impressive across both models, but the Compact maintained slightly better heat distribution for larger portions.

If your cooking revolves around small meals and snacks, the Mini is fantastic. But if you frequently prepare family portions or like to multitask, the Compact is the smarter choice.

Ease of Use and Controls

Both ovens share Breville’s well-known LCD display and knob-based controls, which are intuitive and easy to master. The display clearly indicates your selected cooking function, time, and temperature, and even counts down remaining cook time once preheating is complete.

The Mini Smart Oven feels refreshingly simple — select your function, adjust time and temperature, and you’re good to go. It also includes auto shut-off, which adds peace of mind when multitasking in the kitchen.

The Compact Smart Oven offers a similar control experience but feels slightly more refined with its digital precision. The settings are a bit more responsive, and it includes a wider range of rack placements, which helps fine-tune cooking results for different dishes.

Both are beginner-friendly, but if you prefer more precise control and feedback, the Compact has a subtle edge.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning is easy with both ovens thanks to their non-stick interiors. After baking, I found that food residue wipes away quickly with a damp cloth. The pull-out crumb tray helps maintain cleanliness, especially after making toast or reheating pastries.

Because of its smaller cavity, the Mini is slightly easier to clean — there’s simply less surface area to deal with. However, both models are designed with accessibility in mind, and the stainless steel exterior holds up well against fingerprints and grease smudges.

Functions and Features

Both ovens feature 8 preset cooking functions: Toast, Bagel, Bake, Broil, Pizza, Roast, Cookies, and Reheat. Despite identical presets, performance can vary due to size differences.

The Mini Smart Oven is perfect for single servings — I often used it to bake muffins and toast sandwiches, and it consistently delivered golden, even results. It preheats quickly and cools down fast, making it great for spontaneous meals.

The Compact Smart Oven expands the possibilities. I could bake a small casserole or roast chicken comfortably without feeling cramped. It maintains heat slightly longer and feels closer to using a traditional oven, just in miniature.

Both models include Breville’s Element iQ heating system, which intelligently distributes power to the heating elements. It’s one of Breville’s signature technologies, and it truly makes a difference in achieving even, reliable cooking.

Price and Value

Both models are similarly priced within the mid-tier range, and value depends on your kitchen needs.

The Mini Smart Oven is a superb deal for its size — efficient, compact, and ideal for small households, dorms, or RVs. The Compact Smart Oven, for a bit more money, delivers greater versatility and cooking space, making it a more long-term investment for everyday use.

Both come with a 1-year limited warranty and Breville’s reliable after-sales service.

Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Oven

Pros:

• Space-saving and lightweight design
• 8 preset cooking functions
• Fast preheating and automatic shut-off
• Ideal for quick meals and small kitchens
• Non-stick interior and easy cleanup

Cons:

• Limited cooking capacity
• Only one accessory included
• Not ideal for large dishes or multi-serving meals

Buy on Amazon

Breville BOV650XL Compact Smart Oven

Pros:

• Larger 0.6 cubic-foot capacity
• Even cooking with Element iQ system
• Includes baking pan and broiling rack
• Great for 12-inch pizzas or small roasts
• Durable stainless steel build

Cons:

• Slightly heavier and bulkier
• Takes up more counter space
• Price is a bit higher than the Mini

Buy on Amazon

Conclusion: Which Breville Oven Fits You Best?

After testing both models extensively, it’s clear that the Breville Mini Smart Oven and the Breville Compact Smart Oven share the same DNA — precision, quality, and ease of use. The decision ultimately depends on your lifestyle.

If you live alone, cook small portions, or want an appliance that tucks neatly into any corner, the Mini Smart Oven (BOV450XL) is ideal. It’s efficient, quick, and surprisingly capable despite its small size.

If you cook for two or more, bake frequently, or prefer a little extra room to experiment, the Compact Smart Oven (BOV650XL) is absolutely worth the upgrade. The difference in capacity might seem minor on paper, but it’s noticeable in practice.

If I were choosing for my own kitchen, I’d lean toward the Compact Smart Oven — it simply feels more versatile without taking up much extra space. But for minimalist kitchens or light everyday use, the Mini remains one of Breville’s best small wonders.