A capable steam-and-crisp solution that keeps food juicy and crunchy.
You want fried crunch without dry chicken, soggy veg, or rubbery leftovers. That’s exactly where a steam-and-air system shines. In this breville halo steam air fryer review, I break down how the steam-crisp approach helps weeknight meals taste better with less oil and less fuss. I also compare the Halo-style promise to Breville’s current Smart Oven Air Fryer lineup available in the US, plus a classic halogen oven option and must-have liners. If you’re sick of guessing times, cleaning greasy trays, and wasting energy heating your big oven, this guide will help you pick the right countertop workhorse.
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (BOV900BSS)
The Breville BOV900BSS is the benchmark for countertop versatility. It’s a large-capacity convection oven that can air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, and more. Breville’s Element iQ System balances heat across multiple quartz elements for fast, even browning. Super Convection speeds up air movement, which gives you that golden crunch on wings, fries, and cutlets.
This is not a steam oven. But it does an outstanding job holding moisture when you roast at high heat and then finish with a blast of Super Convection. I use it to crisp battered fish, reheat pizza to near-fresh, and batch roast veg. It fits a 14-pound turkey or a 9×13 pan, so it can replace your big oven many nights.
Pros:
- Huge capacity for families and entertaining
- Element iQ with Super Convection for fast, even crisping
- Dehydrate, proof, slow cook, and air fry in one unit
- Excellent heat recovery when opening the door
- Clear interior light and intuitive LCD controls
Cons:
- Large footprint on the counter
- Higher price than smaller air fryers
- No built-in steam function
My Recommendation
If you searched for a breville halo steam air fryer review because you want juicy food with crisp edges, the Pro is a smart alternative in the US. It delivers top-tier air frying and oven results with very even heat. Use a light spritz of water on veg or bread before air frying to mimic some steam benefits. It’s best for cooks who want one oven that can do almost everything.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Large families | Big interior fits sheet pans, whole chickens, and more |
| Meal preppers | Batch cooking with dehydrate, roast, and air fry |
| Air fry enthusiasts | Super Convection gives fast, even crunch |
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Compact
The Compact Smart Oven Air Fryer packs Breville’s heat tech into a smaller shell. It’s great for apartments, dorms, and small kitchens. You still get convection, air fry, and core bake/roast/toast functions with a clean, bright display. It preheats fast and doesn’t overheat the room.
While it can’t match the Pro’s capacity, the output is impressive for its size. I like it for small batches of wings, toast, and single-pan dinners for one or two. To emulate steam-crisp results, tent delicate proteins with foil for part of the cook, then uncover and hit Air Fry to finish. It’s a practical pick if space is tight.
Pros:
- Smaller footprint with strong performance
- Quick preheat and responsive heat control
- Simple controls and clear display
- Energy efficient for small meals
- Solid build quality for the price
Cons:
- Limited capacity for bigger families
- Fewer accessories than larger models
- No steam function built in
My Recommendation
If your breville halo steam air fryer review search is about saving space and getting crisp food fast, this compact model hits the mark. It excels at daily basics like toast, fries, and chicken thighs. It’s best for singles, couples, and small kitchens where every inch matters. Add a little water mist to veg or bread before cooking to help moisture.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Small kitchens | Compact, efficient, and easy to store |
| Students | Simple to use with quick preheats |
| Couples | Right-sized capacity for two servings |
Disposable Liners for Breville BOV900BSS (100 Pack)
These disposable parchment liners are sized for the Breville BOV900BSS trays. They catch grease, protect the nonstick finish, and make cleanup easy. I use them for fish, saucy wings, and cheesy melts to prevent baked-on mess. They also help airflow under food when you punch a few holes.
Using liners is a small move that makes air frying more enjoyable. You spend less time scrubbing and more time actually cooking. Just avoid blocking the fan or covering the heating elements. If you want a smoother “steam-crisp” effect from this breville halo steam air fryer review context, liners trap a touch more moisture around food.
Pros:
- Fast cleanup with less scrubbing
- Fits BOV900BSS trays well
- Reduces sticking for delicate foods
- Helps keep grease off the pan
- Good value for frequent air fryer users
Cons:
- Disposable, so ongoing cost and waste
- Can reduce airflow if overused
- Not for use during preheat without food weight
My Recommendation
When people read a breville halo steam air fryer review, they often want less cleanup along with better texture. These liners deliver both in a small way. They are best for messy foods, sticky glazes, and breaded items. Keep some on hand for weeknights when you don’t want to scrub pans.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Busy weeknights | Drop-in liners make cleanup quick |
| Breaded foods | Reduces sticking and keeps crust intact |
| Saucy cooks | Catches drips from glazes and marinades |
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer (BOV860BSS)
The BOV860BSS sits between the Compact and the Pro in size. It brings Super Convection and Element iQ to a mid-size chassis that’s easy to place. The interface is approachable, and the performance is consistent across toast, pizza, frozen snacks, and air-fried mains. It’s a true everyday oven.
I use this model a lot for 13-inch pizzas, wings, and sheet-pan dinners for four. While it doesn’t have steam, it manages moisture well. Start covered for a juicy cook, then finish on Air Fry to get the crunch. It’s often the sweet spot for cost, capacity, and counter space.
Pros:
- Balanced capacity without hogging counter space
- Even heat with Super Convection
- Reliable pizza, toast, and roasting results
- Easy controls and bright display
- Strong build quality and fan design
Cons:
- No dedicated steam mode
- Single basket may limit big batches
- Accessories vary by retailer
My Recommendation
For readers deep into a breville halo steam air fryer review, the BOV860BSS offers much of what you want in a smaller footprint than the Pro. It’s best for households that cook four to five nights a week and want strong air fry results. It nails pizza, fries, wings, and roasted veg with an easy learning curve.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Families of 3–4 | Good capacity for dinner staples |
| Frequent pizza nights | Fits a 13-inch pie with even browning |
| Weeknight cooks | Fast preheat and reliable results |
Classic Cuisine Halogen Air Fryer Oven (12–17 Qt)
This glass-bowl halogen oven uses a powerful lamp and fan to cook. It’s a throwback style that still has fans because you can see your food as it browns. The adjustable ring expands capacity from 12 to 17 quarts, which is handy for larger cuts. It can roast, broil, toast, steam, and grill with basic dials.
It’s not as precise as Breville’s Element iQ, but it delivers honest, high-heat cooking. Place a small metal or silicone cup of water inside when you want a steam boost for dumplings or buns. For readers comparing in a breville halo steam air fryer review, this is a budget-friendly path to moist-and-crisp results with a classic feel.
Pros:
- Large capacity with expansion ring
- See-through bowl to monitor browning
- Simple dial controls
- Can add water to create steam inside
- Budget-friendly countertop cooker
Cons:
- Halogen bulbs can wear out over time
- Bulky to store when not in use
- Less precise temperature control
My Recommendation
If your breville halo steam air fryer review journey has you eyeing value first, this halogen oven is a fun option. It’s best for big batches, visual cooks, and those who want to experiment with steam cups and racks. It isn’t as refined as Breville’s quartz systems, but it can deliver juicy centers and crispy edges on a budget.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Budget buyers | Lower price with solid capacity |
| Visual cooks | Glass bowl lets you watch browning |
| Large meals | 12–17 qt space for big cuts |
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer (BOV860DBL, Blue)
This is the same mid-size Smart Oven Air Fryer as the BOV860BSS but in a stylish Damson Blue. If you care about the look of your kitchen, this adds a design pop without giving up features. You still get Super Convection, Element iQ, and a balanced interior that cooks fast and even.
The color finish is durable and easy to wipe clean. Performance mirrors the stainless model, so choose based on your style. If aesthetics matter in your decision after reading a breville halo steam air fryer review, this model lets you match form and function. Crisp fries, roast veg, and toast all look and taste great.
Pros:
- All the performance of BOV860BSS
- Attractive Damson Blue finish
- Even heat and strong air fry results
- Fast preheat and simple controls
- Easy to clean surfaces
Cons:
- Color options can cost more
- No steam feature
- Availability may vary by season
My Recommendation
If your breville halo steam air fryer review also weighs kitchen style, pick this blue model. It’s best for cooks who want proven performance with a unique look. It turns out crisp, even food with minimal fuss, and it feels like a design piece on the counter.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Design lovers | Color finish upgrades kitchen style |
| Daily cooks | Reliable performance for staples |
| Gift buyers | Standout look with trusted brand |
JAYOBGO Reusable Liners for Breville BOV900BSS
These reusable liners and mesh mats fit the BOV900BSS and similar air fryers. They’re non-stick, easy to wash, and better for the planet than disposable sheets. The mesh pieces help air flow under fries and wings, improving browning and crunch. The solid liners protect trays from grease and sauces.
I like a kit like this because it covers both use cases: airflow and drip control. After a few washes, they still release food well and wipe clean. For anyone digging into a breville halo steam air fryer review with an eye on waste and cost, this set is a smart add-on that pays for itself over time.
Pros:
- Reusable to cut waste and cost
- Mesh for airflow, solid for drip control
- Non-stick and easy to clean
- Sized for BOV900BSS trays
- Great for fries, wings, and sticky glazes
Cons:
- May need trimming for perfect fit
- Requires washing after use
- Not for direct contact with heating elements
My Recommendation
From a practical breville halo steam air fryer review angle, these liners are a no-brainer. They’re best for frequent users who want easy cleanup and better airflow. Pair the mesh with fries and the solid mats with messy meats. It’s a simple upgrade that makes every air fry session smoother.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Eco-conscious cooks | Reusable and durable |
| Fry fans | Mesh mats boost airflow and crisp |
| Messy recipes | Solid liners keep trays clean |
FAQs Of breville halo steam air fryer review
Does the Breville Halo Steam Air Fryer have a true steam function?
In some regions, the Halo-branded units combine steam and air fry. US availability is limited. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer models listed here do not include built-in steam.
How can I get steam-crisp results without a steam oven?
Cover food for part of the cook to trap moisture, then finish on Air Fry. Mist veg or bread lightly with water before cooking. Use liners to retain a touch more humidity.
Which Breville is closest to a steam air fryer?
For US buyers, the BOV900BSS Pro offers the most control and even heat. While it lacks steam, its Super Convection and capacity help balance juicy interiors with crisp edges.
Are disposable or reusable liners better?
Disposable liners save time on busy nights. Reusable liners save money and waste. Many cooks keep both and choose based on the recipe.
Can I steam dumplings or buns in these ovens?
Use a covered pan or small water cup to create moisture. Finish uncovered on Air Fry for a light crust. It mimics some steam oven benefits.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you came for a breville halo steam air fryer review, know that US options with built-in steam are rare. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (BOV900BSS) is the most capable pick for moist-and-crisp results without true steam.
Choose the BOV860BSS/DBL if you want a smaller footprint, or the Compact for tight spaces. Add disposable or reusable liners to boost cleanup and texture. This combo nails juicy food with golden crunch.
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