Finding the right convection toaster oven often feels like choosing between two equally talented chefs — both capable, yet each with its own signature style. That’s exactly how I felt when I spent a few weeks testing the Cuisinart TOB-260 and the Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven. Both are premium countertop ovens packed with power and precision, but their personalities couldn’t be more different.
The Cuisinart is all about capacity and flexibility, while Breville focuses on smart performance and elegant control. After using both for everything from morning toast to dinner roasts, I found distinct strengths that will appeal to different types of cooks.
Key Difference Between Cuisinart TOB-260 vs Breville BOV800XL Convection Oven
The Cuisinart TOB-260 stands out for its larger cooking space and dual-cook functionality, letting you run two temperatures in one cycle. On the other hand, the Breville BOV800XL shines through its Element iQ System, which adjusts power dynamically for precise, evenly cooked results. If you value versatility and size, Cuisinart wins; if you want intelligent heating and compact elegance, Breville takes the lead.
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: With 1800 watts of power you are able to dual cook, sandwich speed convection, pizza, bake, broil, toast, waffle, bagel, leftover, keep warm...
- The Breville Smart Countertop Convection Oven with Element iQ System is for home cooks who need a high performing and versatile convection countertop oven;...
Comparison Table: Cuisinart TOB-260 vs Breville BOV800XL Convection Oven
| Feature | Cuisinart TOB-260 | Breville BOV800XL |
| Brand | Cuisinart | Breville |
| Color | Stainless Steel | Silver |
| Dimensions | 16.93″D x 20.87″W x 11.42″H | 13.9″D x 19″W x 14.1″H |
| Capacity | 0.95 cu. ft. (fits 13-inch pizza, 9 slices bread) | 0.8 cu. ft. (fits 13-inch pizza) |
| Power | 1800 watts | 1800 watts |
| Weight | 32.4 lbs | 18.7 lbs |
| Cooking Functions | 15 functions including Dual Cook, Speed Convection, and Keep Warm | 9 functions with Element iQ and Convection |
| Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Display Type | Blue Backlit LCD | Orange LCD |
| Included Accessories | Pizza stone, 2 racks, baking and broiling pan | Pizza pan, baking pan, broiling rack |
| Warranty | 3 years limited | 1 year limited |
| Check Latest Price & Offers | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Design and Build Quality: Cuisinart vs Breville
Both ovens immediately impress with their stainless steel finish, but they communicate different design languages.
The Cuisinart TOB-260 feels like a mini professional oven — big, solid, and ready to handle serious cooking sessions. Its brushed metal surface and blue display give it a contemporary edge, though its larger footprint means you’ll need decent counter space.
By contrast, the Breville BOV800XL feels sleeker and lighter. It’s around 14 pounds lighter, and its design leans toward compact elegance. The silver housing, smooth dials, and orange-backlit LCD create a premium, modern vibe. If your kitchen is small or minimalist, Breville blends in effortlessly.
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: With 1800 watts of power you are able to dual cook, sandwich speed convection, pizza, bake, broil, toast, waffle, bagel, leftover, keep warm...
- The Breville Smart Countertop Convection Oven with Element iQ System is for home cooks who need a high performing and versatile convection countertop oven;...
Cooking Capacity and Performance
Here’s where the Cuisinart flexes its muscles. With a 0.95 cubic-foot capacity, it can hold a full 9×13 baking pan or a 13-inch pizza without crowding. When I baked a tray of lasagna and roasted veggies together, its dual cook feature allowed me to start at a high temperature and finish gently — the results were perfectly browned and moist.
The Breville BOV800XL, while slightly smaller, impressed me with precision. Its Element iQ System adjusts the heat automatically using five quartz elements. I noticed how evenly it browned my cookies and toast without the hot spots you often get in cheaper ovens. It’s ideal for smaller batches and for cooks who prefer automation over manual tweaking.
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: With 1800 watts of power you are able to dual cook, sandwich speed convection, pizza, bake, broil, toast, waffle, bagel, leftover, keep warm...
Ease of Use and Controls
The Breville offers a clean and intuitive control setup. Its LCD display clearly shows cooking functions, time, and temperature, and it even signals when preheating is done. Switching modes is effortless with its digital dial and smart presets.
The Cuisinart, on the other hand, uses a knob-based interface that’s equally functional but feels more traditional. The blue backlit screen is bright and responsive, and I appreciated the auto-slide rack that glides out when the door opens — a thoughtful touch during busy cooking sessions.
If you prefer digital clarity and automation, Breville wins this round. If you enjoy tactile controls and flexibility, Cuisinart feels more personal.
- The Breville Smart Countertop Convection Oven with Element iQ System is for home cooks who need a high performing and versatile convection countertop oven;...
Cleaning and Maintenance
Both ovens have non-stick interiors, which made cleanup straightforward after heavy cooking. However, the Cuisinart’s larger cavity means more surface to wipe down. Its pull-out crumb tray is convenient, though the interior corners require a bit more reach.
Breville’s smaller size makes it easier to clean overall, and the non-stick coating really helps prevent buildup. Both units include accessories that are dishwasher safe, which is a huge bonus.
Functions and Features
Cuisinart clearly wins in sheer variety — its 15 cooking functions include Dual Cook, Speed Convection, Pizza, Toast, Sandwich, Waffle, and more. It’s essentially a mini-oven replacement. I used it for everything from reheating leftovers to baking muffins, and it never disappointed.
The Breville, however, focuses on intelligence over quantity. Its 9 cooking modes — including Toast, Bake, Roast, Pizza, and Cookies — pair beautifully with its adaptive Element iQ system. I loved how it automatically optimized power to different heating elements depending on what I was cooking.
So, if you’re after versatility, Cuisinart is unbeatable. If you want consistent, smart precision, Breville earns its reputation.
Price and Value
Both ovens are priced in the upper midrange, though the Cuisinart typically offers more for the money given its larger capacity, accessories, and extended 3-year warranty.
The Breville, while pricier per cubic inch, justifies it through smarter technology and excellent build quality. If long-term reliability and precision matter most, it’s worth every dollar.
Cuisinart TOB-260 Convection Toaster Oven
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: With 1800 watts of power you are able to dual cook, sandwich speed convection, pizza, bake, broil, toast, waffle, bagel, leftover, keep warm...
Pros
- Larger 0.95 cu. ft. capacity
- Dual cook and speed convection features
- Auto-slide rack and interior light
- Comes with pizza stone and multiple pans
- Generous 3-year warranty
Cons
- Bulkier and heavier (32 lbs)
- Takes up more counter space
- Slightly longer preheat time
Breville BOV800XL Smart Convection Oven
- The Breville Smart Countertop Convection Oven with Element iQ System is for home cooks who need a high performing and versatile convection countertop oven;...
Pros
- Compact, elegant design
- Smart Element iQ system for precise heating
- Simple, digital controls with LCD display
- Even cooking performance
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- Smaller capacity (0.8 cu. ft.)
- Only 1-year warranty
- Fewer cooking functions compared to Cuisinart
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
After spending time with both ovens, I see them as two champions of different leagues. The Cuisinart TOB-260 is the ideal pick for families or anyone who needs to cook multiple dishes at once. It’s powerful, roomy, and packed with thoughtful features.
The Breville BOV800XL, in contrast, is perfect for smaller households or cooks who value precision and smart automation. It’s lighter, quicker to operate, and feels effortlessly modern.
If I had to choose one for my own kitchen, I’d lean toward the Cuisinart TOB-260 — mainly for its capacity and versatility. But if style, simplicity, and consistency top your list, the Breville BOV800XL won’t disappoint.
