Both share Breville’s Element iQ System — 5 independent quartz elements steering power where it’s needed — but the BOV860BSS is the larger model, with 11 cooking functions against the BOV680BSS’s smaller, more compact body.
Quick verdict
- Choose the BOV680BSS if counter space is your top constraint and you want the smallest Breville body.
- Choose the BOV860BSS if you want more functions and capacity for the same Element iQ precision.
How they compare
| Model | Tier | Functions | BestTop Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Smart Oven Air Fryer Compact (BOV680BSS)Entry, compact |
Entry | Fewer, compact body | 8.5 | Check price |
 Smart Oven Air Fryer (BOV860BSS)Mid-tier |
Mid-tier | 11 functions | 8.9 | Check price |
What’s actually different
Function count. The BOV860BSS runs 11 cooking functions, including slow cook and pizza settings, on top of the shared Element iQ heating. The BOV680BSS’s compact design trims the function set to fit its smaller body.
Size. The BOV680BSS is Breville’s most compact air fryer oven — a genuine advantage for tight counters, at the cost of overall capacity and function range.
Shared technology. Both use the same Element iQ System with 5 independent quartz elements, so the core heating precision doesn’t change between tiers.
Who should buy which
Buy the BOV680BSS if counter space is the deciding factor and you don’t need the full function range.
Buy the BOV860BSS if you want more versatility — slow cooking, pizza settings — in exchange for a larger footprint.
Frequently asked questions
Does the BOV680BSS cook any worse than the BOV860BSS? No — both share the same Element iQ heating precision; the difference is function count and physical size, not core cooking quality.
Is the price difference mainly about size? Largely, plus the added functions on the BOV860BSS — check current pricing for both before deciding.
Which is easier to fit under cabinets? The BOV680BSS, given its compact design, is the easier fit for tighter spaces.
See our full Breville lineup for every current model and tier.