Countertop ovens: who doesn’t love them?
They save plenty of time and energy, they’re not as big as full-sized ovens, and they’re well known for their multitude of functions.
Especially now, near the winter holidays, when everybody strives for the perfect holiday table, setting variety is a valuable aspect as it helps you cook as many dishes as you want.
Unfortunately, there are plenty of models to choose from, due to countertop ovens’ popularity.
As a result, picking the right one for you can be a pretty difficult and demanding job.
There is a big list with things to pay attention to, such as size, capacity, functions, accessories.
By analyzing three countertop ovens, this article will guide you through the process of buying the one that meets all your needs.
1. Wolf Gourmet Elite Countertop Oven
The name of the product itself hints that you have to deal with a “first-class” oven, which is true.
It’s considered Wolf Gourmet’s most modern countertop oven.
The knobs come in three colors, therefore the models’ name varies depending on them: WGCO150S corresponds to models with red knobs, WGCO170SR – black/brushed stainless steel.
It means that if you buy the second model, you’ll own two color options.
Wolf Gourmet Elite Countertop Oven has a power of 1800 W and a 120 V voltage.
They ensure significant amounts of saved time.
One of the most jaw-dropping things about it is the five-year warranty, making it a great purchase.
The temperature varies from 80 to 450 Fahrenheit degrees and can be adjusted in 5-degree increments.
The timer can be set up to 4 hours.
Because of its measurements (16.7 x 22.4 x 12.5 inches) and spacious interior, this Wolf Gourmet oven can fit even a 5.5-pound chicken.
Also, you can toast six slices at the same time!
Thanks to the BPA and PFOA free non-stick interior, you don’t have to worry about any health effects.
Additionally, the rack system is fully removable, and the drip tray is dishwasher safe, which means that the cleaning process cannot get any easier than this.
The product comes with two easy-glide racks that can be moved into three positions.
It’s a sure thing that with its seven functions (Bake, Roast, Broil, Warm, Proof, Bagel, and Toast), you will never run out of meal ideas.
Besides the two racks, among accessories, there is a baking pan with a broil rack, a slide-out drip tray, and a temperature probe.
The latter helps you know whether your food is properly cooked or not in Roast and Bake mode.
To switch between °F and °C, you have to hold the probe for 6 seconds.
Wolf Gourmet Elite Countertop Oven also has interior halogen light, which helps you check your food without interrupting the cooking process, and a removable glass cover for bulb replacement. Moreover, the LCD display is perfect for monitoring the oven and probe temperature.
The oven’s door is a spring-loaded one with steel to help to retain heat and to ensure gentle opening and closing.
Keep in mind that the exterior of the oven gets pretty hot, especially the top of it, so it is recommended to place it in a safe area.
An important feature is the convection fan, which can be started and stopped whenever you want while using the Bake and Roast functions.
It uses forced heated air that circulates through the cavity to speed the baking/roasting process.
The digital, advanced controls maximize the precision of temperature and time and they make sure that you’ll enjoy well-cooked meals every single time.
2. Wolf Countertop Oven WGCO100S
Another great option is the Wolf Countertop Oven (WGCO100S).
As you might have probably noticed already, the name is quite similar to the one of the first model.
As a matter of fact, Wolf Countertop Oven is the older version of Wolf Gourmet Elite Countertop Oven!
This multifunctional model is one of the best choices for people with intermediate cooking skills, because of its six modes (Proof, Warm, Roast, Bake, Broil, Toast).
The diverse color choice of the knobs can be very helpful for those who are looking for a stylish gadget.
Furthermore, its silver exterior goes well with almost any other devices you have in your kitchen.
Are you always in a rush or impatient?
If so, the 1800 W power and the convection function (which is available for Bake and Roast settings) are here to help you spend as little time cooking as possible.
Besides saving time, the fan also maintains the same temperature throughout the entire cycle.
Although powerful, the fan won’t bother you with any loud noises.
The oven’s temperature can be set to a minimum of 80°F and a maximum of 450°F.
The cooking cycle can reach 4 hours.
Its surprising warranty will get you covered for five years, so there’s nothing to worry about.
The oven has enough room to fit quarter sheet pans and most 9” x 13” dishes.
Also, thanks to its non-stick interior, the only things that you’ll need in order to keep it spotless are a damp cloth and some soap.
Even the most persistent stains can be removed with a plastic scouring pad.
When compared to other toaster ovens, Wolf Countertop Oven is slightly heavier, weighing approx. 36 pounds.
The three rack positions will surely make a significant difference in the overall taste of your food.
Accessories include a baking pan with a broil rack, an oven rack, a slide-out crumb tray, and a temperature probe (which can be easily attached with only one hand).
Thanks to it, every meal can be cooked to your preferred internal temperature without the need to open the oven door.
There is also a book with techniques and recipes that can help you master your culinary skills.
Now you can cook delicacies, such as smoky lime-glazed salmon, pavlova with berries, and many more!
3. Breville BOV860BSS Air Fryer Smart Toaster Oven
Lastly, we’ll take a look at the Breville Air Fryer Smart Toaster Oven (BOV860BSS).
As the name suggests, it has an Air Fry setting.
Because of this, you will be able to make your own tasty, crunchy, and chewy french fries.
Additionally, they won’t contain as many calories and as much fat.
Besides Air Fry, this Breville oven has another ten cooking modes: Toast, Bagel, Bake, Roast, Broil, Pizza, Cookies, Reheat, Warm and Slow Cook.
Beginners to professionals: everyone will be astonished by its multifunctionality!
Besides the 1800 W power and 120 V voltage, the oven is powered by the company’s Element IQ® system, which preserves and maintains heat, by steering power exactly when and where there’s a need for it.
The gadget also has a two-year warranty.
Temperature, like functions, is versatile. It ranges from 120 to 500°F.
When it comes to time, it can be adjusted in 1-minute increments for cooking cycles that last under an hour and in 5-minute increments for over an hour.
For some temperatures and settings, the timer can be set up to 10 hours.
When it comes to size, the oven is a medium-sized one (15.9 x 18.9 x 10.9 inches), and it has an estimated weight of 28.6 pounds.
You can toast six slices of bread at the same time.
Also, there is a darkness control that you can use for the Bagel and Toast settings, according to your own preferences.
Additionally, there is also dual-speed convection that considerably speeds the cooking process by raising hotter air and sinking the colder, less dense one.
Besides, the fan remains quiet throughout the entire time.
Besides the oven itself, you also get a 13-inch non-stick pizza pan, a wire rack, a broiling rack, an 11 x 13 inches enamel roasting pan, an Air Fry basket, and a crumb tray.
Breville Air Fryer Smart Toaster Oven features a non-stick interior.
Dirty surfaces can be quickly and easily cleaned with a soft, damp sponge.
A gentle solution can be used to avoid accumulating stains.
However, be aware of the fact that it’s not recommended to place the accessories in the dishwasher.
The rack can be placed in three positions, based on the functions you’re planning to use.
Therefore, the top position is used for Air Fry and Broil, the middle one is for Toast, Cookie, Bagel, Pizza, and the bottom position – Bake, Roast, Reheat, and Slow Cook.
The outer surface of the oven gets hot, particularly the top, so make sure not to place it under any cabinets.
Moreover, since the door is vented to release steam created from high moisture content foods, the steam coming out from it can be hot as well.
To help you check on your food without opening the door, there is also an interior light.
It automatically turns on during the last 30 seconds of the cooking cycle, but you can turn it on manually whenever you want.
4. Differences
We’re about to say the verdict very soon, but first, let’s see what sets the devices apart from each other.
Appearance-wise, there aren’t considerable differences.
All three of them are silver-colored (however, the Breville oven seems to be slightly lighter).
While both Wolf Gourmet gadgets have three knob color options to choose from, the Breville Air Fryer has only one.
The same power and voltage correspond to each one of them.
The first two products share the same minimum and maximum temperature reach (80 – 450°F).
As for the Breville oven, it ranges from 120 to 500°F. In addition to that, the Wolf Gourmet warranty (5 years) lasts more than twice as much as Breville’s (2 years).
If you’re planning to buy an oven that can cook for long periods of time, then Breville BOV860BSS might be the one for you.
The timer can be set up to ten hours, in contrast to the other two, whose limit is four hours.
Both the exterior measurements and the volume are almost the same.
All of them can toast six slices at the same time. Of all three, Breville Countertop Oven is the lightest; Wolf WGCO100S is the heaviest.
After analyzing the models, we came to the conclusion that Breville BOV860BSS is the most versatile, thanks to its 11 cooking settings.
It’s also the one with the highest amount of accessories.
None of the ovens should cause any cleaning difficulties, because all of them have a non-stick interior.
In case you’re a detail-oriented person in the kitchen and always strive for perfection, take into account that of all three, Breville BOV860BSS is the only one equipped with a darkness button.
During the cooking cycle, all of them are not safe to touch, so you’ll have to pay extra attention if you have children.
If saving time is crucial for you, keep in mind that both Wolf Gourmet models have a convection fan that reduces cooking time by up to twenty-five percent.
Breville Smart Toaster Oven’s convection feature is slightly more efficient and can reduce it by up to thirty percent.
However, in comparison to the other two, Breville BOV860BSS doesn’t have a temperature probe.
5. Summary
After analyzing each product’s specifications, here are my conclusions about each one of them:
If you desire to buy a simple, yet powerful gadget and don’t mind the absence of interior light, then Wolf Countertop Oven (WGCO100S) will, most probably, be the right choice.
It has enough space and functions to satisfy your elementary cooking needs.
Those who like Wolf Countertop Oven, but want more features, should take a look at its newer version – Wolf Gourmet Elite Countertop Oven.
Its roomy interior makes it the ideal kitchen device for families of 4/5 members.
The fact that both Wolf ovens come with an extra set of knobs of a different color represents an advantage for people who care about appearance.
If you aim to become an expert in the cooking world or if you’re already one, then Breville Smart Toaster Oven (BOV860BSS) will help you reach this goal, thanks to its 11 functions.
Because of lighter construction, it’s a little bit easier to carry it around.
Students and those who live alone or with another person will find this model the most convenient out of all three.
Which oven has caught your eye?
6. Comparison Chart
Wolf Gourmet Elite Countertop Oven |
Wolf Countertop Oven |
Breville Air Fryer Smart Toaster Oven |
|
---|---|---|---|
Brand |
Wolf Gourmet |
Wolf Gourmet |
Breville |
Model (depending on the knob color) |
WGCO150S (red ), WGCO170SR (black), WGCO170SR (brushed stainless steel) |
WGCO100S |
BOV860BSS |
Color |
Stainless Steel |
Stainless Steel |
Brushed Stainless Steel |
Power |
1800 W |
1800 W |
1800 W |
Voltage |
120 V |
120 V |
120 V |
Warranty |
Five-year limited warranty |
Five-year limited warranty |
Two-year limited warranty |
Temp range and step |
80 – 450°F (5°F increments) |
80 – 450°F (5°F increments) |
120 – 500°F (5/10°F increments) |
Time (min-max and step) |
While setting the time, the timer adjusts in 1 minute increments, then in 5 minute increments, increasing to 15 minute increments as the knob is held. The maximum setting of the timer is 4 hours. |
While setting the time, the timer adjusts in 1 minute increments, then in 5 minute increments, increasing to 15 minute increments as the knob is held. The maximum setting of the timer is 4 hours. |
1 minute increments for cooking under 1 hour; 5 minute increments for over an hour. Maximum time: 10 hours. |
Auto shut Off Time |
4/5 hours |
4 hours |
|
Interior Dimensions |
16 x 12.5 x 5.5 inches |
||
Exterior Dimensions |
16.7 x 22.4 x 12.5 inches |
16.6 x 23.3 x 12.6 inches |
15.9 x 18.9 x 10.9 inches |
Non Stick Interior (Yes/No) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Interior Material Type (Stainless Steel etc) |
Stainless Steel |
Stainless Steel |
Stainless Steel |
Interior Cubic Foot |
1 cubic foot |
1.1 cubic feet |
0.8 cubic feet |
Capacity: # toast bread slices |
6 |
6 |
6 |
Interior Light (Yes/No) |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Weight |
34 pounds |
36 pounds |
28.6 pounds |
Rack Positions (1, 2,3,4) |
3 |
3 |
3 |
Rack size |
|||
Functions |
|||
Auto shut Off |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Air Fry |
No |
No |
Yes |
Bake |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Broil |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Warm |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Toast |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Dehydration |
No |
No |
No |
Rotisserie |
No |
No |
No |
Includes |
|||
Oven Rack |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Baking Pan |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Air Fryer Rack |
No |
No |
Yes |
Does this get really hot around the oven? |
Warm to hot |
Yes |
Yes |
Cleaning |
Easy |
Easy |
Easy |
Fan noise |
Quiet |
Quiet |
Quiet |
Racks and Drip tray Dishwasher Safe |
The drip tray is dishwasher safe. |
The drip tray is dishwasher safe. |
No |
Dual Voltage (Yes/No) |
No |
No |
No |
Cord length |
34 inches |
34 inches |