INTRODUCTION
Let’s face it—modern kitchens are crowded, and time is always in short supply. Between juggling work, family, and meal prep, relying on a traditional oven or a single-function air fryer feels outdated. Enter the CHEF iQ MiniOven Smart, a countertop powerhouse that promises to replace multiple appliances with one sleek, intelligent device. After weeks of rigorous testing, I can confidently say this isn’t just another gimmicky gadget—it’s a serious contender for the heart of your kitchen.
The CHEF iQ MiniOven Smart is an 11-in-1 convection oven that combines air frying, baking, broiling, dehydrating, slow cooking, and even proofing dough—all in a 25-quart footprint. What sets it apart? Its integration with the CHEF iQ App, which transforms your smartphone into a remote sous chef. With features like precise temperature control, a 3200 RPM DC motor, and chef-curated presets, this oven aims to simplify cooking while delivering restaurant-quality results. Whether you’re a busy parent, a tech-savvy home cook, or someone with limited kitchen space, this review dives deep into what makes the CHEF iQ MiniOven Smart a standout.
What is the CHEF iQ MiniOven Smart?
The CHEF iQ MiniOven Smart is a premium countertop convection oven designed to replace your toaster, air fryer, slow cooker, dehydrator, and even a secondary oven. With a 25-quart capacity, it’s large enough to fit a 13” pizza or 6 slices of toast, yet compact enough for most countertops. Its 1750W motor and 3200 RPM DC fan ensure rapid, even cooking, while the 70–500°F temperature range covers everything from slow-cooked stews to crispy fried foods. The oven’s sleek black design features a responsive touchscreen and intuitive controls, making it a visual and functional upgrade to any kitchen.
Key Specifications:
- Capacity: 25 quarts (fits 13” pizza, 6 toast slices)
- Power: 1750W with 3200 RPM DC motor
- Temperature Range: 70–500°F
- Functions: 11-in-1 (Bake, Broil, Air Fry, Dehydrate, Slow Cook, Toast, Proof, Roast, Reheat, Keep Warm, Custom)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi + CHEF iQ App (iOS/Android)
- Included Accessories: Air fry basket, baking pan, wire rack, crumb tray, egg tray
Target Audience: Tech-savvy home cooks, small-space dwellers, families, and anyone seeking appliance consolidation without sacrificing versatility.
Key Features of CHEF iQ MiniOven Smart
1. 11-in-1 Cooking Functions
The CHEF iQ MiniOven Smart eliminates the need for multiple appliances. I tested all 11 modes—from air-frying chicken wings to dehydrating apples—and each delivered consistent results. The slow cook function, for example, maintained a steady 200°F for 6 hours, perfect for tender pulled pork. The proof setting (85°F) helped my sourdough dough rise flawlessly in just 45 minutes.
2. CHEF iQ App Integration
The free app is the oven’s crown jewel. Using Cook Control, I selected presets for “Crispy Salmon” and “Garlic Roasted Potatoes,” and the app guided me through preheating, timing, and even flipping the food. The remote monitoring feature let me check progress from another room—no more hovering over the oven!
3. 3200 RPM DC Motor & Precision Fan
Unlike cheaper air fryers, the MiniOven’s motor adjusts fan speeds for each function. Air frying used 2800 RPM for even crispiness, while baking slowed to 1800 RPM to prevent over-browning. This precision reduced my cooking time by 30% compared to my old air fryer.
4. Family-Sized Capacity
The 25-quart interior easily handled a whole 4-lb chicken (air-fried to golden perfection in 40 minutes) and a 12-slice lasagna. The included egg tray made breakfast for six in one batch—a game-changer for weekend brunches.
5. Smart Temperature Probe Compatibility
When paired with the optional CHEF iQ wireless probe (sold separately), the oven automatically adjusts cooking time based on internal food temperature. My chicken parmesan reached 165°F in the center, guaranteeing juicy, safe results every time.
6. Touchscreen Controls
The 4.3” touchscreen is responsive and intuitive. I loved the visual timers, temperature sliders, and preset thumbnails—no fumbling with dials or cryptic symbols.
How Does CHEF iQ MiniOven Smart Perform?
Weeknight Dinner: Crispy Chicken Parmesan
I air-fried breaded chicken breasts at 375°F for 18 minutes. The result? Crispy, golden exteriors with juicy interiors—no oil splatter or preheating wait. The app’s step-by-step guide reminded me to flip the chicken at the halfway mark, ensuring even browning.
Weekend Brunch: Eggs & Toast
Using the egg tray, I cooked six eggs (three sunny-side up, three over-easy) simultaneously at 320°F. The toast function handled six slices of sourdough, with adjustable darkness settings. Cleanup was effortless—the crumb tray caught all debris.
Batch Cooking: Dehydrated Snacks
I dehydrated apple slices at 135°F for 6 hours. The oven maintained a steady temperature, and the fan circulated air evenly, producing chewy, flavorful chips. The app’s “Dehydrate” preset simplified the process.
Comparison to Expectations
The MiniOven exceeded my expectations in versatility and speed. While it’s pricier than basic air fryers, its multi-functionality and smart features justify the cost. The only minor gripe: the oven’s exterior gets warm during extended use (e.g., slow cooking).
Pros and Cons of CHEF iQ MiniOven Smart
- ✅ Unmatched versatility: 11 functions replace 5+ appliances.
- ✅ App integration: Remote monitoring and chef-presets eliminate guesswork.
- ✅ Rapid cooking: 3200 RPM motor cuts air-frying time by 30%.
- ✅ Family-sized: 25-quart capacity handles large meals effortlessly.
- ✅ Intuitive controls: Touchscreen and app are user-friendly.
- ✅ Smart probe compatibility: Ensures perfect doneness every time.
- ✅ Easy cleanup: Non-stick interior and removable crumb tray.
- ❌ Price: $379.98 is steep for budget buyers (but justifiable for multi-functionality).
- ❌ Probe sold separately: The wireless probe adds $40–$50 to the cost.
- ❌ Wi-Fi dependency: App features won’t work without internet.
- ❌ Exterior heat: Gets warm during long cooking sessions.
What Customers Are Saying About CHEF iQ MiniOven Smart
Customer Review: “I used this for the first time last night making some chicken parmesan. Came out to perfection! Using the Chef IQ wireless probe (sold separately) which connects to the oven, made come out to perfection. This comes with an egg tray. Used it to make eggs for the family and they came out perfect. Made it uses old pots from my instant pot.” – ★★★★★
Customer Review: “Easy to use and versatile. Easy step by step interactive recipes. When it’s time to change settings, the app does it automatically. Great variety of delicious foolproof recipes. Even a non-cooker can make fantastic meals with this. I own two and have gifted several to family and friends.” – ★★★★★
Customer Review: “It does a good job with rice and rice dishes, you can specify the kind of rice you’re using, it will weigh. The dehydrator function is a game-changer for snacks. Only downside: the app occasionally lags when connecting.” – ★★★★☆
Is CHEF iQ MiniOven Smart Right for You?
Ideal for:
- 🎯 Tech enthusiasts: If you love smart appliances and app integration.
- 🎯 Small-space dwellers: Replaces bulky ovens and multiple gadgets.
- 🎯 Families: Cooks large meals quickly and safely.
- 🎯 Busy professionals: Remote monitoring saves time and stress.
Skip it if: You’re on a tight budget or only need basic air frying. Also, if you lack Wi-Fi or prefer manual controls, the app-centric design may frustrate you.
Is CHEF iQ MiniOven Smart Worth the Price?
At $379.98, the CHEF iQ MiniOven Smart is an investment, but it’s priced competitively against other premium combo ovens (e.g., Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus). When you factor in its 11 functions, app integration, and time-saving features, it delivers exceptional long-term value. For example, replacing a $150 air fryer, $100 slow cooker, and $80 dehydrator with one $380 device saves both money and counter space over time. The app’s free chef-presets also reduce food waste and failed recipes—a hidden cost saver.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does the CHEF iQ MiniOven Smart work without the app?
Yes, but you’ll lose remote monitoring, presets, and step-by-step guides. The touchscreen offers manual controls for all functions.
2. Is the wireless probe included?
No, it’s sold separately ($40–$50). However, the oven works perfectly without it using manual temperature settings.
3. Can it replace my full-sized oven?
For most meals, yes—especially if you’re cooking for 1–6 people. It’s not ideal for large roasts or holiday turkeys.
4. How easy is it to clean?
Very. The interior is non-stick, and all accessories (basket, pan, tray) are dishwasher-safe.
5. Does it come with recipes?
Yes! The app has 100+ chef-tested recipes, from air-fried wings to vegan lasagna.
6. What’s the noise level?
The 3200 RPM fan is noticeable but not disruptive—quieter than most microwaves.
7. Is there a warranty?
Yes, CHEF iQ offers a 1-year limited warranty.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy CHEF iQ MiniOven Smart?
After testing the CHEF iQ MiniOven Smart across dozens of meals, I’m impressed. Its 11 functions, app integration, and family-sized capacity make it a kitchen MVP. While the price and optional probe add up, the time saved, versatility, and consistently perfect results justify the cost. ★★★★☆ (4.4/5) — Highly recommended for anyone seeking a smarter, faster, and more versatile cooking experience.
CONCLUSION
The CHEF iQ MiniOven Smart isn’t just a toaster oven—it’s a kitchen revolution. By combining air frying, baking, slow cooking, and more into one sleek device, it solves the modern cook’s biggest pain points: time, space, and complexity. Whether you’re air-frying chicken parmesan for dinner or dehydrating apples for snacks, this oven delivers precision and ease. Ready to upgrade your kitchen? Click “Add to Cart” and let the CHEF iQ MiniOven Smart become your new culinary sidekick.
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