Breville Combi Wave vs Smooth Wave: Choosing the Best Smart Microwave and Air Fryer Combo

I’ve always been drawn to Breville appliances for their sleek design and intelligent cooking features, and the moment I started using the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 and the Breville Smooth Wave, I knew this would be a close competition. Both look nearly identical from the outside, but once you start cooking, their differences begin to show. Whether you’re reheating leftovers, baking cookies, or crisping fries, these two smart ovens have distinct personalities that cater to different kitchen needs.

If you’ve been struggling to decide between the Combi Wave’s air frying versatility and the Smooth Wave’s precision microwave cooking, this review will help you make the right choice. After spending a good amount of time testing both, here’s my full comparison and verdict.

Key Difference Between Breville Combi Wave vs Smooth Wave Countertop Oven

The Breville Combi Wave is a 3-in-1 powerhouse that combines a microwave, convection oven, and air fryer into a single machine. The Smooth Wave, on the other hand, is a high-end microwave with smart sensor technology focused purely on heating, defrosting, and reheating with precision.

So, while both share Breville’s signature look and smart features like Sensor iQ and Power Smoothing Inverter, the Combi Wave is designed for multi-function cooking, whereas the Smooth Wave focuses on microwave perfection.

Comparison Table: Breville Combi Wave vs Smooth Wave Countertop Oven

Feature	Breville Combi Wave (BMO870BSS)	Breville Smooth Wave (BMO850BSS)
Functions	Microwave, Convection Oven, Air Fryer	Microwave Only
Cooking Programs	19 Smart Presets including Air Fry, Smart Cook, Smart Reheat, Smart Defrost, Fast Combi	15 Smart Presets including Smart Cook, Smart Reheat, Smart Defrost
Capacity	1.1 cu. ft.	1.2 cu. ft.
Power	Microwave: 1200W, Convection: 1400W, Grill: 1100W	1250W
Technology	Element IQ + Power Smoothing Inverter	Sensor iQ + Power Smoothing Inverter
Quiet Operation	Yes, 80% quieter door	Yes, 80% quieter door
Special Feature	Air Fry & Convection Bake Modes	Smart Sensor Cooking
Accessories	Combi Crisp Pan & Trivet	None
Best For	All-in-one cooking versatility	Precision microwave performance
Price Range	Higher	Lower
Check Latest Price & Deals	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Detailed Comparative Review

Before diving into each aspect, let me say this — both models deliver on Breville’s promise of smart cooking without guesswork. But your experience with them will vary based on how you cook. If you want a true microwave-oven-air fryer hybrid, the Combi Wave will amaze you. If you just need a quiet, accurate, and fast microwave, the Smooth Wave is a joy to use.

Design & Build Quality

Both appliances sport Breville’s signature brushed stainless steel finish, giving them a premium presence on the countertop. The control panel layout is nearly identical, featuring a bright LED display and intuitive dial control.

However, the Combi Wave is slightly bulkier because it houses convection and air-frying hardware inside. Its internal fan and heating element mean you’ll need more counter depth to accommodate it.

The Smooth Wave, by contrast, has a cleaner, simpler build — no fan at the back, no air-fry tray — making it easier to fit under cabinets or tight kitchen spaces. Both feature the Soft Close Door, which Breville claims is 80% quieter than traditional microwave doors — and yes, it’s actually true. The soft, muffled click feels almost luxurious compared to the clunky slam of budget models.

Ease of Use

In day-to-day cooking, both models are incredibly easy to operate. The Smooth Wave offers 15 smart presets that automatically adjust time and power using its Sensor iQ technology, which detects steam and humidity to fine-tune cooking. I loved how it reheats pizza slices and pasta — the edges stay soft, and the middle gets hot evenly.

The Combi Wave, however, adds a whole new dimension with its 19 smart functions, including Fast Combi, Cook from Frozen, and Air Fry modes. The control panel can feel a bit more complex initially, but once you get familiar, it’s surprisingly intuitive.

One standout feature is the Shortcuts Panel inside the door — you’ll find buttons for melting chocolate, softening butter, and reheating pizza. This small touch shows how much Breville understands real-world cooking needs.

Cooking Performance

Now, let’s talk results — because that’s where these two really part ways.

The Smooth Wave is a dream for everyday reheating and defrosting. Thanks to Sensor iQ and Power Smoothing Inverter, it delivers smooth, even heat instead of those hot and cold patches you get in regular microwaves. My leftovers and soups came out perfectly warm without drying out or overheating at the edges.

The Combi Wave, on the other hand, is a full-blown culinary multitasker. The Air Fry function alone makes it worth the price difference — crispy fries, crunchy chicken wings, and even roasted vegetables turned out golden and evenly cooked. The Convection Oven mode also bakes surprisingly well; I made cookies and small cakes that came out evenly browned with a soft center.

What impressed me most was the Fast Combi feature, which uses a combination of convection, grill, and microwave power to reduce cooking time without sacrificing texture. A frozen lasagna that normally takes 40 minutes in a traditional oven was done in just under 20 — with crispy edges and bubbling cheese on top.

Noise & Operation

Breville has done a fantastic job keeping both models quiet. The Breville Sound Suite truly works — no excessive beeping, no whirring fan sounds. Both have a Mute button if you prefer total silence, which is great for late-night reheating.

However, the Combi Wave does produce a bit more sound when using air fry or convection modes because of the fan circulation. It’s not loud, but definitely more noticeable than the Smooth Wave’s whisper-quiet operation.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Both models are easy to clean thanks to their smooth interior coating and removable turntable. The Combi Wave comes with a Crisp Pan and Trivet, which do require a bit of extra washing, especially after air frying greasy foods. The Smooth Wave, with fewer accessories and no additional heating element, is faster to wipe down after use.

If minimal maintenance is your goal, the Smooth Wave wins. But if you don’t mind a quick rinse of an extra tray, the Combi Wave’s cooking versatility makes the trade-off worth it.

Breville Combi Wave (BMO870BSS) Microwave, Air Fryer and Convection Oven

Pros:

• 3-in-1 appliance: microwave, convection oven, and air fryer
• Excellent Fast Combi and Air Fry functions
• Comes with accessories (Crisp Pan & Trivet)
• Smart Cook, Smart Defrost & Smart Reheat modes
• Quiet operation and premium build

Cons:

• Slightly larger and heavier
• Pricier than Smooth Wave
• More functions mean a steeper learning curve

Buy on Amazon

Breville Smooth Wave (BMO850BSS) Countertop Microwave Oven

Pros:

• Perfect microwave for everyday cooking and reheating
• Sensor iQ ensures precise results every time
• Compact and easy to use
• Quieter than most microwaves
• Ideal for users who don’t need convection or air fry

Cons:

• No air fry or convection options
• Fewer accessories
• Slightly less powerful versatility compared to Combi Wave

Buy on Amazon

Conclusion & Recommendation:

After using both extensively, my verdict depends on what kind of cook you are.

If you love experimenting with recipes, want to air fry, bake, and reheat all from one countertop appliance, the Breville Combi Wave is absolutely worth the higher price tag. It essentially replaces three separate kitchen gadgets — and does it with impressive precision and style.

However, if your primary goal is reliable reheating and defrosting with flawless microwave performance, the Smooth Wave is more than enough. It’s quieter, slightly larger inside, and perfect for families who mainly rely on the microwave for daily meals.

My Recommendation:

Go for the Breville Combi Wave if you want the ultimate all-in-one cooking experience. But if you’re looking for simplicity, elegance, and smart reheating — the Smooth Wave is your dependable daily performer. Both are excellent choices; it’s just a matter of how much you want your microwave to do.