There was a time when a microwave was just a “reheating box” – a noisy, clunky appliance hidden in a corner. But as kitchen technology has evolved, so has our expectation of what these machines can do. Recently, I spent a month testing the two crown jewels of the Breville lineup: the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 and the Breville Smooth Wave.
These aren’t your average appliances. From the moment you feel the “Soft Close” door glide shut without a sound, you realize you’re dealing with a different level of engineering. Both machines are stunning in brushed stainless steel, featuring Breville’s signature tactile dials and intuitive “Shortcuts” panels. However, after roasting chickens, air-frying snacks, and delicately melting chocolate for baking, I found that these two “Waves” serve entirely different culinary purposes.
One is a versatile multi-tool designed to replace three separate appliances, while the other is a specialized instrument aimed at perfecting the science of microwave cooking. If you are struggling to decide which one deserves a permanent spot on your counter, it comes down to whether you need a kitchen “generalist” or a “specialist.”
The Key Difference: Breville Combi Wave vs. Smooth Wave Microwave Oven
The fundamental divide between the Breville Combi Wave and the Smooth Wave is Operational Scope.
- The Breville Combi Wave (The All-In-One) is a hybrid powerhouse. It functions as a Microwave, an Air Fryer, and a Convection Oven. It uses “Element IQ” technology to move heat exactly where it’s needed, allowing you to bake, grill, and crisp food. It is the ultimate space-saver for smaller kitchens.
- The Breville Smooth Wave (The Precision Microwave) is a dedicated microwave oven that focuses on “Sensor iQ” and “Power Smoothing Inverter” technology. It offers a slightly larger 2 cubic foot capacity and is engineered to eliminate the hot and cold spots common in cheaper microwaves. It doesn’t air fry or bake; it simply aims to be the best microwave you’ve ever owned.
In short, the Combi Wave is for the person who wants to do more with less equipment, while the Smooth Wave is for the cook who wants absolute precision for reheating, defrosting, and melting.
Comparison Table: Combi Wave vs. Smooth Wave
| Feature | Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 | Breville Smooth Wave |
| Primary Function | Microwave, Air Fryer, Convection | High-Precision Microwave |
| Cooking Logic | Element IQ (Smart Heat Steering) | Sensor iQ (Steam Sensing) |
| Capacity | 1.1 Cubic Feet | 1.2 Cubic Feet |
| Wattage | 1400W Convection / 1200W Micro | 1250 Watts |
| Special Modes | Fast Combi, Cook from Frozen, Air Fry | Smart Reheat, Smart Defrost |
| Door Tech | Soft Close (80% Quieter) | Soft Close (80% Quieter) |
| Internal Dimensions | Compact / Multi-level | Standard / Large Plate Ready |
| Best For | Apartments, RVs, Studio Living | Families, Home Bakers, Gourmet Prep |
| View Current Price On Amazon | cView on Amazon | cView on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My Kitchen Experience
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Design: The Luxury of Silence
Both the Combi Wave and the Smooth Wave share the same “premium” DNA. The brushed stainless steel finish is fingerprint-resistant, and the backlit LCD screens are easy to read from across the room. I particularly loved the “Sound Suite” feature on both. You can adjust the volume of the beeps or change the tone to something less abrasive than the standard “screaming” microwave alarm.
The Soft Close door is the hidden star of the show. Whether I was sneaking a late-night snack or prepping a quiet breakfast, the lack of a “slam” made the kitchen feel much more high-end. The Combi Wave feels a bit denser due to the internal heating elements, while the Smooth Wave feels slightly roomier inside, accommodating my largest 12-inch dinner plates with ease.
- 3-IN-1 APPLIANCE: Combines Air Fryer, Convection Oven and Microwave into one versatile kitchen appliance; Create French fries with Air Fry function; Enjoy chocolate...
- ELEMENT IQ SYSTEM: Smart algorithms steer power where and when it's needed to create a specifically tailored cooking environment; Enjoy crispy golden results and...
- The Breville Smooth Wave Microwave takes the guesswork out of cooking with Sensor iQ technology and 15 in-built smart presets, including Smart Cook, Smart Defrost...
- SENSOR iQ TECHNOLOGY: Automatically adjust power to precisely cook or reheat; Countertop microwave's Smart Reheat feature detects steam released and automatically...
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Ease of Use: Smart Logic at Your Fingertips
Breville has mastered the interface. On both machines, you’ll find a “Shortcuts” panel hidden just inside the door. This is a game-changer. Instead of guessing how long to soften a stick of butter, you just press the dedicated button.
- Combi Wave Utility: The “Fast Combi” mode is brilliantly executed. It uses a combination of microwave and convection heat to cook food in about half the time of a standard oven. I used it to roast a small chicken, and the result was juicy meat with actual browned skin – something a standard microwave could never achieve.
- Smooth Wave Utility: The “Sensor iQ” on the Smooth Wave is incredibly reliable. I placed a bowl of cold soup inside and hit “Smart Reheat.” The machine sensed the steam being released and automatically calculated the perfect time. I never had to deal with an overboiled mess or a cold center.
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Functions: Air Frying vs. Inverter Precision
This is the “make or break” section for most buyers.
- The Air Fryer Experience: On the Combi Wave, the Air Fry function works best when using the included “Combi Crisp Pan.” I made a batch of frozen fries, and they came out genuinely crunchy. However, because the cavity is larger than a standard basket air fryer, it takes a few minutes longer to get that “deep fried” texture. It is excellent for “Cook from Frozen” meals where you want the microwave to thaw and the convection to crisp simultaneously.
- The Inverter Experience: The Smooth Wave uses a true “Power Smoothing Inverter.” Standard microwaves just cycle 100% power on and off to simulate 50% power. This machine actually delivers a steady, low-intensity stream of energy. When I was melting white chocolate for a dessert, it didn’t seize or burn – it stayed perfectly fluid. For delicate tasks like poaching or defrosting fish, the Smooth Wave is noticeably superior.
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Maintenance: The Cleanup Comparison
Cleaning a microwave usually involves wiping away splattered soup, but these machines require different levels of care.
- Smooth Wave Cleaning: Since it’s a dedicated microwave, the walls stay relatively cool. Food doesn’t “bake” onto the sides, so a quick wipe with a damp cloth keeps it looking new.
- Combi Wave Cleaning: Because this unit also functions as an oven and air fryer, the internal walls get hot. If you air-fry something fatty, the grease can splatter and then get baked on during the next convection cycle. I found that I had to be much more diligent about wiping down the interior of the Combi Wave after every “oven” use to prevent odors and buildup.
Breville Combi Wave (The Versatile Hero)
- 3-IN-1 APPLIANCE: Combines Air Fryer, Convection Oven and Microwave into one versatile kitchen appliance; Create French fries with Air Fry function; Enjoy chocolate...
- ELEMENT IQ SYSTEM: Smart algorithms steer power where and when it's needed to create a specifically tailored cooking environment; Enjoy crispy golden results and...
Pros:
- 3-in-1 Design: Eliminates the need for a separate air fryer and toaster oven.
- Fast Combi: Perfect for cooking “real” meals from frozen in record time.
- Browning Capability: Can actually sear and crisp food.
- Smart Thawing: Combines heat types for better texture.
Cons:
- Extra Cleaning: Air-frying creates grease that requires maintenance.
- Smaller Interior: The convection fan takes up some internal space.
- Higher Price: A significant investment for a countertop unit.
Breville Smooth Wave (The Microwave Master)
- The Breville Smooth Wave Microwave takes the guesswork out of cooking with Sensor iQ technology and 15 in-built smart presets, including Smart Cook, Smart Defrost...
- SENSOR iQ TECHNOLOGY: Automatically adjust power to precisely cook or reheat; Countertop microwave's Smart Reheat feature detects steam released and automatically...
Pros:
- Sensor iQ: Takes the guesswork out of reheating leftovers perfectly.
- Larger Capacity: Fits oversized plates and large casserole dishes.
- Inverter Technology: Ideal for delicate tasks like melting and poaching.
- Simplicity: No learning curve; it’s the ultimate “plug and play” luxury.
Cons:
- Single Purpose: Cannot air fry or bake; it only microwaves.
- Still Large: Takes up the same counter “real estate” as the multi-tool.
The Verdict: Which Wave Is Right for Your Kitchen?
After testing both, I’ve found that the “right” choice depends on your existing kitchen setup.
I recommend the Breville Combi Wave if: You have a small kitchen, live in a studio apartment, or travel in an RV. If you want to declutter your counters and have one machine that can microwave your coffee, air-fry your wings, and bake a small tray of cookies, the Combi Wave is an incredible feat of engineering. It’s for the person who values versatility above all else.
I recommend the Breville Smooth Wave if: You already have a high-end oven and a dedicated air fryer. If you want a microwave that treats food with respect – someone who values perfect defrosting and “smart” reheating – the Smooth Wave is the best standalone unit on the market. It is for the cook who wants the most intelligent, quiet, and precise microwave experience possible.
My Personal Choice: I prefer the Breville Smooth Wave. I already own a dedicated air fryer that I love, so I value the extra interior space and the incredible precision of the Sensor iQ reheating. It makes my daily leftovers taste like they were freshly cooked.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does the Combi Wave replace a toaster?
Not exactly. While it can “toast” bread using the grill and convection functions, it won’t be as fast as a standard pop-up toaster. It is much better suited for “toasting” things like open-faced sandwiches or reheating pizza.
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Is the “Soft Close” door on both models?
Yes! Both the Combi Wave and the Smooth Wave feature the patented soft-close door. It prevents slamming and significantly reduces kitchen noise, which is one of the best “luxury” features Breville offers.
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Can I use the Combi Wave for baking a cake?
Absolutely. The convection oven mode is very capable. Because the internal space is smaller than a standard oven, it preheats much faster and is excellent for small batches of muffins, brownies, or a 9-inch cake.
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What is “Sensor iQ” exactly?
It is a steam-sensing technology. As food heats up, it releases steam. The Smooth Wave has a sensor that detects this steam and uses an algorithm to determine exactly when the food is hot through to the center, preventing overcooking.
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Are these microwaves loud during operation?
No. Breville has engineered both units to be roughly 50% quieter during operation than standard microwaves. You will hear a low hum, but you won’t have to raise your voice to speak over them.
