When it comes to cooking, having the right tools for the job can make all the difference. Dutch ovens are versatile pots that are great for braising, stewing, baking bread, and more. But not all Dutch ovens will fit in all ovens and appliances. So what size Dutch oven will fit in the popular Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer?
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Dimensions
First, let’s look at the dimensions of the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer itself:
- Interior Width: 13.5 inches
- Interior Depth: 12 inches
- Interior Height: 5 inches
So the maximum width and depth a Dutch oven could be to fit in the air fryer is about 13 inches by 12 inches. But we also need to consider handle size and shape.
Standard Dutch Oven Sizes
Dutch ovens come in a variety of sizes, but some common sizes are:
| Dutch Oven Size | Quart Capacity |
|---|---|
| Small | 3-4 quarts |
| Medium | 5-6 quarts |
| Large | 7-9 quarts |
Dutch oven sizes are measured by their liquid quart capacity. A quart is approximately 0.95 liters.
Some key measurements of different size Dutch ovens are:
- 3 quart: 9-10 inches wide x 4.5 inches deep
- 5 quart: 10-11 inches wide x 5 inches deep
- 7 quart: 12-13 inches wide x 6 inches deep
So based on the width, a 3 or 5 quart Dutch oven has the best chance of fitting into a Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer. But the handle size and shape can also be a limiting factor.
Dutch Oven Handle Considerations
Many Dutch ovens have large loop handles on either side. These stick out several inches from the sides of the pot. A pot with a wide loop handle likely would not fit into the 13.5 inch width of the air fryer, even if the pot itself is under 13 inches wide.
However, some Dutch oven options have smaller, arched handles. These may fit within the air fryer if positioned carefully.
Some Dutch ovens have no handles, featuring just protruding lips on either side to grasp them. These handle-less versions can easily fit into tighter spaces.
Best Dutch Oven Options for Breville Air Fryer
Taking into account size, handle shape, and other factors, here are some good Dutch oven options that can fit within the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer:
- Le Creuset Signature 3.5 Quart Round Dutch Oven – This enameled cast iron Dutch oven measures 10.25 inches wide and 4.5 inches deep. With arched side handles, it should fit into the air fryer with some room to spare.
- Lodge 3.6 Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven – This budget-friendly and popular option measures 10.25 inches wide x 4.5 inches deep. With small loop handles, it may fit if positioned carefully.
- Staub 3.75 Quart Round Cocotte – Staub makes excellent Dutch ovens with matte black enameled cast iron. The 3.75 quart cocotte is 10.5 inches wide x 4.5 inches deep with compact loop handles.
- Chasseur 2 Quart Dutch Oven – This French-made Dutch oven has no handles at all – just lips on the sides to grab it. The compact 2 quart size of 9.4 inches wide x 3.5 inches deep should have no issues fitting.
While you can likely fit a 5 or even 6 quart Dutch oven into the air fryer cavity width-wise, the problem is the interior height of just 5 inches. Many larger Dutch ovens are 6 inches or taller in height, which would not fit in the unit when the door is closed.
Tips for Using a Dutch Oven in Breville Air Fryer
If you want to use a smaller Dutch oven in your Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer, keep these tips in mind:
- Use oven-safe mitts or pot holders when handling the hot Dutch oven.
- Ensure pot handles are not sticking out over edge of the air fryer cavity.
- Use Dutch oven recipes meant for smaller capacities when cooking.
- Adjust cook times and temperatures for the smaller Dutch oven size.
- Do not preheat empty Dutch oven in Air Fryer at high temps (can damage appliance).
- Allow plenty of clearance around Dutch oven for air flow.
- Use foil sling to help remove hot Dutch oven safely after cooking.
Conclusion
While the interior of the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer may look spacious, its 13 inch width limits the size of Dutch oven that can realistically fit inside. The best options are smaller Dutch ovens of 3-4 quarts in size, with curved or compact handles.
Le Creuset, Lodge, Staub, and Chasseur all make excellent Dutch ovens that can work within the size constraints of the Breville Air Fryer. With some care and common sense, a small Dutch oven can be a versatile addition to cooking in your Air Fryer.