Small countertop ovens have become essential tools in my kitchen for quick meals, snacks, and the occasional late-night cookie craving. Over the past month, I tested two of the most talked-about compact models—the Panasonic FlashXpress NB-G110P and the Breville Mini Smart Oven BOV450XL—to see which one truly earns a permanent spot on a crowded counter. Both promise big performance in small packages, but they cater to slightly different needs. Here’s my in-depth comparison after cooking dozens of everyday meals in each.
Key Difference at a Glance: Panasonic FlashXpress vs Breville Mini Smart Oven
The Panasonic FlashXpress is all about speed and simplicity. Its double infrared heating means no preheat is required, making it ideal for quick toasts or reheating leftovers. The Breville Mini Smart, on the other hand, is a more versatile “mini oven” with Element iQ technology, 8 cooking functions, and a larger interior that can handle small pizzas and a muffin tray.
If you prioritize instant heat and compact size, Panasonic leads. For broader cooking options and precision, Breville takes the edge.
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- A Compact, Easy-to-Use Oven Toaster: Toast, bake, brown, and reheat to perfection, no preheat required—two infrared oven heating elements are positioned at the front and back for maximum efficiency
- Six 1-Touch Controls: Six preset cooking functions for the foods you love, plus reheat, defrost, and more, so that making it just right couldn’t be simpler
- 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 countertop oven; It's a mini oven,...
- 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 for precise results; Fast 1800...
Comparison Table: Panasonic FlashXpress vs Breville Mini Smart Oven
| Feature | Panasonic FlashXpress | Breville Mini Smart Oven |
| Dimensions (D × W × H) | 12″ × 13″ × 10.25″ | 13.6″ × 16″ × 8.8″ |
| Capacity | 0.03 cu ft (approx. 4 slices) | 0.45 cu ft (4 slices, 11″ pizza) |
| Wattage | 1300 W | 1800 W |
| Heating | Double infrared (front & back) | 5 quartz elements with Element iQ |
| Cooking Functions | 6 auto presets + manual | 8 functions: Toast, Bagel, Bake, Broil, Pizza, Roast, Cookies, Reheat |
| Preheat Required | No | Yes (fast) |
| Controls | Touch panel | Knob control with LCD |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs | 10.7 lbs |
| Included Accessories | Removable rack | 10″ × 10″ enamel baking pan |
| Price Range | Lower | Higher |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Design & Build Quality
The FlashXpress immediately wins on footprint. Its compact, upright design fits even my narrowest counter corner. At just 7.5 pounds, it’s easy to move or stash when not in use. The matte silver finish and glass door give it a clean, modern look. One clever touch: the baking rack slides out automatically when the door opens, which kept me from singeing fingers more than once.
The Breville Mini Smart feels more substantial and premium. Its brushed stainless steel body, slightly wider stance, and heavier 10.7-pound build give the impression of a true oven in miniature. The interior is roomier, and the pull-out crumb tray is smooth and easy to clean. If aesthetics and sturdiness matter, Breville leans more upscale.
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- A Compact, Easy-to-Use Oven Toaster: Toast, bake, brown, and reheat to perfection, no preheat required—two infrared oven heating elements are positioned at the front and back for maximum efficiency
- Six 1-Touch Controls: Six preset cooking functions for the foods you love, plus reheat, defrost, and more, so that making it just right couldn’t be simpler
- 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 countertop oven; It's a mini oven,...
- 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 for precise results; Fast 1800...
Ease of Use
The Panasonic’s touch panel is a dream for quick snacks. Six one-touch presets (toast, waffle, pizza, quick reheat, etc.) plus simple temperature and timer buttons mean I can drop in frozen waffles and have them crisp in minutes without thinking. No preheating is huge—I went from frozen pizza slice to bubbling cheese in under 4 minutes.
The Breville requires a short preheat (thanks to its 1800-watt power it’s fast, usually under 5 minutes) but rewards with more control. The knob-based interface and LCD screen are intuitive. I especially appreciated the three rack positions and the ability to fine-tune settings for cookies or roasting veggies. For anyone who likes to tweak recipes, Breville’s flexibility wins.
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- A Compact, Easy-to-Use Oven Toaster: Toast, bake, brown, and reheat to perfection, no preheat required—two infrared oven heating elements are positioned at the front and back for maximum efficiency
- Six 1-Touch Controls: Six preset cooking functions for the foods you love, plus reheat, defrost, and more, so that making it just right couldn’t be simpler
Cooking Performance
FlashXpress: Those double infrared elements are lightning quick. Toast is evenly browned on both sides without flipping. Leftover pizza came out with a crispy crust that rivaled a full oven. However, the tiny cavity limits what you can cook—it fits about four slices of bread or a small 9-inch pizza at best.
Breville Mini Smart: With five quartz elements and Element iQ technology, heat distribution is excellent. I baked a half dozen cookies and roasted a small tray of vegetables with even browning. The 11-inch pizza capacity and ability to handle a 6-cup muffin tin make it feel like a genuine mini oven, not just a toaster. If you plan to bake or roast more than toast, Breville is the workhorse.
Cleaning
Both are easy to maintain. The Panasonic’s nonstick rack and crumb tray wipe clean quickly. The Breville adds a nonstick interior coating, which made removing baked-on cheese from my pizza night far less painful. Breville’s removable crumb tray is slightly larger and easier to slide out.
Panasonic FlashXpress Countertop Toaster Oven
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- A Compact, Easy-to-Use Oven Toaster: Toast, bake, brown, and reheat to perfection, no preheat required—two infrared oven heating elements are positioned at the front and back for maximum efficiency
- Six 1-Touch Controls: Six preset cooking functions for the foods you love, plus reheat, defrost, and more, so that making it just right couldn’t be simpler
Pros:
- Ultra-compact and lightweight
- No preheat required—lightning fast results
- Six handy one-touch presets
- Auto rack pull-out for safety
- Lower price point
Cons:
- Very small interior—limited to simple meals
- Touch panel can be a bit sensitive if you brush it accidentally
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 countertop oven; It's a mini oven,...
- 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 for precise results; Fast 1800...
Pros:
- Larger capacity fits 11″ pizzas and muffin trays
- 8 versatile cooking functions with precise Element iQ heating
- Premium stainless steel design and sturdy build
- Nonstick interior and removable crumb tray for easy cleaning
- Excellent baking and roasting results
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Requires a brief preheat (though fast)
- Slightly larger footprint and heavier to move
Conclusion and Recommendation:
After weeks of side-by-side use, my verdict depends on how you cook:
- Choose the Panasonic FlashXpress if you value speed, simplicity, and the smallest footprint. It’s perfect for quick breakfasts, reheating leftovers, or anyone in a dorm or tiny apartment who mostly toasts and reheats.
- Pick the Breville Mini Smart Oven if you want a true mini oven capable of baking cookies, roasting vegetables, or cooking small pizzas with precise control. It’s more versatile and feels like a premium appliance worth the higher price.
In my own kitchen, the Breville Mini Smart ultimately stayed on the counter because I love to bake and appreciate the extra capacity. But when I need a lightning-fast toast or late-night snack without preheating, the Panasonic FlashXpress still wins for pure convenience. Either way, both ovens prove you don’t need a full-size range to get golden, crispy, perfectly cooked results.
