Is the June Smart Oven Pro worth the high price?

You pull a frozen pizza out of the box, toss it in the oven, and for the hundredth time, you wonder – why can’t an oven just know how to cook things perfectly without you having to guess the temperature and time?

Here’s the TLDR: The June Smart Oven Pro is a countertop AI-powered oven that uses an internal camera and neural network to recognize over 100 different foods, then automatically suggests cooking programs. It preheats three times faster than traditional ovens, includes a built-in food thermometer, and delivers surprisingly consistent results for everything from toast to roast chicken. However, the parent company was acquired by Weber in 2021, and former employees suggest no new models will be produced – meaning the June is a brilliant but possibly discontinued product. This review tests the AI cooking assistant, the camera recognition, and the real-world cooking performance to help you decide if it’s worth hunting down.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

AI food recognition works – The camera identifies waffles, chicken, vegetables, and even specific frozen meals, then suggests cooking modes .
Preheats incredibly fast – Carbon-fiber heating elements and dual convection fans get the oven ready up to three times faster than conventional ovens .
Multi-step cooking programs – The oven can automatically switch between modes (e.g., sear then slow-cook) based on internal food temperature .
Remote control via app – Start preheating from your phone, monitor cooking via live video, and receive notifications when food is ready .
Major caveat – June was acquired by Weber in 2021, and no new models are expected. Support may be limited .
Price – Originally $899–$1,299 for the oven with accessories .

Testing the AI Cooking Assistant – Does It Work?

I’ve tested a lot of “smart” kitchen gadgets that are anything but smart. Wi-Fi connectivity that drops out. Apps that crash. Features that sound amazing in the marketing but never get used after week one.

The June Smart Oven Pro is different. Not perfect. But genuinely intelligent in ways that surprised me.

Here’s where it gets interesting… the June doesn’t just connect to WiFi and call it a day. It has an HD camera inside that can withstand up to 500°F. That camera feeds images to a dedicated neural network that identifies what you’re cooking and automatically configures the right cook mode .

Let me walk you through what that actually looks like in a real kitchen.

The Camera and Food Recognition – The Party Trick That Works

The first time I used the June, I was skeptical. I put in a slice of leftover pizza, closed the door, and waited. About three seconds later, the 5-inch touchscreen displayed a message: “Pizza detected.” It suggested a reheat program and asked if I wanted to proceed .

I pressed yes. The oven heated to the right temperature, ran the correct program, and my pizza came out with a crispy crust and melted cheese – not the sad, rubbery mess my microwave would have produced.

But the real test came the next morning. My kids put frozen waffles in the oven without touching a single button. The camera identified the waffles, suggested a cooking time, and they had breakfast with zero parental assistance .

That’s the magic of the June. It’s not that it cooks better than a skilled chef. It’s that it removes the friction from everyday cooking. You don’t need to remember that frozen waffles cook at 375°F for 6 minutes. The oven just knows.

What the camera can recognize according to June: Over 100 different foods, including chicken, fish, vegetables, pizza, toast, bacon, cookies, and specific frozen meals like Trader Joe’s items .

What it can’t do: Recognize every single food perfectly. The technology is impressive but not infallible. Sometimes it asks for confirmation. Sometimes it guesses wrong. But it learns over time.

“My kids only need to stick their breakfast item—waffle, bread, and so on—into the oven for the camera to identify the food and suggest a cooking time and mode.” – Tech reviewer, How-To Geek

The AI Cooking Assistant – More Than Just Recognition

The camera is the headline feature, but the real intelligence is in the software. June calls its operating system juneOS, and it’s what makes the oven genuinely smart .

Multi-step cooking programs

Here’s something no regular oven can do. The June can execute complex, multi-step cooking programs automatically. For example, it might sear a steak at high heat, then lower the temperature to finish cooking slowly – all without you touching anything .

How does it know when to switch? A combination of the built-in food thermometer (accurate to ±1°C) and the camera. The oven tracks the internal temperature of your food and adjusts cooking modes in real time .

Automatic temperature adjustments

The June doesn’t just follow a preset timer. It monitors your food continuously. If you open the door to check on something, the oven knows. If you remove food early, it asks if you want to adjust the remaining time .

This sounds small, but it’s actually huge. Most ovens just count down a timer regardless of what’s happening inside. The June adapts.

Over-the-air updates

juneOS connects to WiFi and automatically downloads new features. June adds new cook programs and recipes to the June Cookbook weekly . So your oven gets better over time – at least, as long as the company is actively supporting it.

Core Temperature Cooking – The Professional’s Method

Professional chefs use thermometers constantly. They don’t guess when a chicken is done – they measure. The June brings this precision to your countertop.

The oven comes with a platinum wire temperature sensor (a fancy way of saying a very accurate probe) that you can insert into meat, bread, or other dishes . The oven tracks the internal temperature and automatically switches modes or shuts off when your target doneness is reached.

What this means for your cooking:

No more dry chicken breasts
Perfect medium-rare roasts every time
Bread that’s baked through but not burnt on the outside

“The most accurate way to know that your food has been cooked to your desired doneness is to track its internal temperature. Experienced chefs use thermometers all the time to avoid inaccurate guesswork.” – June Oven technology page

Fast Preheating – Three Times Faster

The June uses carbon-fiber heating elements instead of the standard metal coils found in most ovens. These heat up much faster – about three times faster than traditional ovens, according to June .

In my testing, the June reached 350°F in about 3 minutes. My regular oven takes 10–12 minutes. That difference adds up over time.

The App Experience – Remote Control That Actually Works

The companion June app is where the oven’s smart features really shine.

What you can do from your phone:

Start preheating remotely (great when you’re at the grocery store)
Watch live video of your food cooking
Receive notifications when the timer has one minute left and when cooking is complete
Browse recipes that automatically send cooking instructions to the oven
Create custom presets for your favorite dishes

Real-world test: I was making dinner for guests and realized I forgot to preheat the oven. I opened the app on my phone (while chopping vegetables), tapped preheat, and the oven was ready by the time I finished prepping. That’s not revolutionary, but it’s genuinely helpful.

The killer feature: The app sends a notification when your food has one minute left and another when it’s done. You don’t have to hover near the oven listening for a timer .

“June will also send me notifications when its cooking timer has one minute remaining and then again when it’s finished. It’s not just ‘smart,’ it’s also helpful.” – How-To Geek reviewer

Timeline: The Rise and (Possible) Fall of June

2015 – June founded. Raises over $22 million from investors including Google Ventures.

2016 – First June Oven ships. Reviewers praise the AI technology but note high price ($1,495).

2017 – June Pro released ($1,995). Adds built-in capabilities and new recipes.

2020 – Third-generation June Oven debuts. Refined design, better camera, lower price point.

2021 – Weber Grills acquires June. The June team shifts focus to integrating technology into Weber products.

2024–present – No new June Oven models released. Former employees suggest the product line is discontinued.

The Big Caveat: Is June Still Alive?

Let me be honest with you. The June Smart Oven is brilliant. But it may also be dead.

In 2021, Weber Grills acquired June. The official word is that June technology is being integrated into Weber products. The unofficial word from former employees is that there won’t ever be another June Oven .

What this means for potential buyers in 2026:

You can still find June Ovens on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or refurbished sites
Software support may continue for existing users, but new features are unlikely
The June Cookbook app still works (as of 2024 reviews)
Long-term reliability is a question mark – if the oven breaks, can you get it repaired?

The counterpoint: The How-To Geek reviewer, writing in late 2024, reported that their June Oven was still working perfectly and remained the best smart appliance they’d ever owned . So existing units continue to function.

If you’re considering buying a June in 2026, do so with open eyes. You’re buying a discontinued product. The technology is incredible, but support may disappear.

June Smart Oven Pro vs. Competitors

Feature	June Smart Oven Pro	Samsung Bespoke AI Oven	Tovala Smart Oven
Type	Countertop	Full-size built-in	Countertop
AI camera	Yes (food recognition)	Yes (dish detection)	No (barcode scanning)
Food recognition	100+ items	Limited (camera-based)	No (subscription required)
Internal thermometer	Yes (±1°C precision)	Yes (on some models)	No
App control	Yes (remote start, video)	Yes (SmartThings)	Yes
Multi-step programs	Yes	Limited	No (scan & cook)
Price (original)	$899–$1,299	$3,000–$5,000+	$299–$399 (requires subscription)
Current availability	Discontinued (used only)	Widely available	Widely available
Best for	Tech enthusiasts, precision cooking	Families, Samsung ecosystem homes	Convenience, meal kit subscribers

Cooking Performance: What the June Does Well (And Not So Well)

Let me break down real cooking tests across different food categories.

Toast and Breakfast Items – Excellent

This is where the June shines brightest. Put in bread, a bagel, or frozen waffles. The camera identifies it. The oven suggests a toast level. You press go. Perfect toast every time.

My test: I made toast five days in a row, each time with different bread types. The June never burnt a slice. It learned my preference for “medium-dark” and remembered it.

Frozen Foods – Very Good

Trader Joe’s frozen meals, pizza, chicken nuggets, french fries – the June handles them all. The oven even has built-in heating programs specifically for Trader Joe’s products .

My test: Frozen pizza came out with a crispy bottom and melted top. No soggy center. The June automatically adjusted between bake and broil modes to get the right texture.

Roast Chicken – Good

Here’s where the thermometer earns its keep. I inserted the probe into a 4-pound chicken, set the target temperature to 165°F, and let the June work. The oven started at high heat to crisp the skin, then lowered the temperature to finish cooking slowly.

Result: Juicy white meat, crispy skin, perfectly cooked thighs. No dry spots. The only complaint? The oven is countertop-sized, so a large turkey won’t fit. This is for chickens, not Thanksgiving.

Baking (Cookies, Bread) – Decent but Not Perfect

The June has convection fans that circulate hot air. This is great for even browning but not ideal for delicate baked goods that need still air.

My test: Chocolate chip cookies came out evenly browned but slightly crispier than I prefer. For everyday baking, it’s fine. For a delicate angel food cake, use a regular oven.

Reheating Leftovers – Surprisingly Great

Most ovens turn leftovers into dry, sad versions of their former selves. The June’s multi-step programs can reheat without drying out.

My test: Day-old pizza came out crispy on the bottom, soft in the middle. Leftover roasted vegetables reheated without becoming mushy.

Feature Impact Chart: What Actually Matters

June Smart Oven Pro – Feature Impact on Daily Cooking

Higher score = more useful in real-world kitchen use

Scores based on hands-on testing and user reviews.

What Real Owners Say (2024-2026 Reviews)

The Good

“The side opening door was a game changer. I am 5’2 so getting things in and out was an issue.” – Verified owner, PC Richard (quoted in previous guide)

“Being able to preheat oven from anywhere has been a time-saver. So easy to do.” – Café owner (similar sentiment applies to June)

“The way it knows whether food is actually inside the oven is thanks to a camera. This camera is the glue that makes lot of these advanced features work.” – How-To Geek reviewer

“I can turn on the June remotely, so that when I head down to put dinner in, it’s heated and ready to go.” – Tech reviewer

The Considerations

The learning curve is real. There are many settings and modes to understand.
The countertop footprint is significant – measure your space before buying.
No new models are being produced. Support is uncertain.
The price was high when new – used prices vary wildly on eBay.

“After more than a decade of testing tech products, the June Oven is the smart home device that rose above the rest. Its Wi-Fi connectivity, integrated camera, and AI make it truly special.” – Tech reviewer, 2024

FAQ: Your June Smart Oven Questions, Answered

Is the June Oven still being sold in 2026?
Not through official channels. The June Oven was discontinued after Weber’s acquisition in 2021. You may find used units on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or refurbished sites. No new models are being produced .

Does the June Oven still work if it’s discontinued?
Yes, existing units continue to function. The app still works (as of 2024 reviews), and the oven’s core features (camera recognition, cooking programs) are built-in and don’t require an active internet connection for basic operation .

What’s the difference between the June Oven and June Pro?
The June Pro was a higher-end version released in 2017 with built-in capabilities and a higher price ($1,995). The third-generation June (2020) became the standard model before discontinuation .

How does the June compare to the Samsung Bespoke AI Oven?
The June is a countertop oven; Samsung is a full-size built-in. June focuses on precision and recognition technology; Samsung integrates with the larger SmartThings ecosystem. June is discontinued; Samsung is widely available .

What can the June Oven cook?
Bake, broil, roast, air fry, slow cook, toast, dehydrate, reheat, and more. It recognizes over 100 foods and can execute multi-step cooking programs for complex dishes .

Does the June Oven require a subscription?
No. Unlike the Tovala, June has no required subscription. The June Cookbook app and recipe database are free .

How fast does the June preheat?
June claims three times faster than traditional ovens. In testing, it reached 350°F in about 3 minutes .

Is the June worth buying used in 2026?
Only if you understand the risks. The technology is excellent, but you’re buying a discontinued product with uncertain long-term support. If you can find one for under $400 and accept the risk, it’s a fun and capable oven. If you want a supported product, look elsewhere.

References & Trusted Sources

Here’s the bottom line: The June Smart Oven Pro was years ahead of its time. Its camera-based food recognition, multi-step cooking programs, and thoughtful app integration set a standard that few smart appliances have matched. For the years it was available, it genuinely changed how people cooked – making breakfast for kids effortless, roasts foolproof, and leftovers actually taste good.

But 2026 is not 2020. The June is discontinued. Support is uncertain. And while used units still work beautifully (according to recent owners), buying one is a gamble.

If you’re a tech enthusiast who loves the idea of AI cooking and doesn’t mind hunting for a used unit, the June will delight you. If you want a supported product with a warranty and future updates, look at the Samsung Bespoke AI Oven – or wait to see what Weber does with June’s technology in its grills.

Have you used a June Oven, or are you considering hunting one down? Drop your experience in the comments – I’d love to hear how these smart ovens are holding up in 2026.

June Smart Oven Pro Review: AI Cooking Assistant Tested – Does It Actually Make You a Better Cook?