Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 Microwave Review 2026: Worth It?

Are you tired of cluttered countertops filled with separate kitchen appliances? The Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 might be the answer you have been looking for.

This single appliance combines a microwave, convection oven, and air fryer into one sleek package. It promises to save space, save money, and deliver restaurant-quality results at home.

But does it actually live up to the hype? In this detailed Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 microwave review for 2026, we break down everything you need to know. We cover the features, cooking performance, design, ease of use, and value for money.

Key Takeaways

• The Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 (model BMO870BSS) combines three appliances in one. It works as a microwave, a convection oven, and an air fryer. This saves valuable counter space and reduces the need for separate gadgets in your kitchen.
• It uses Breville’s Element iQ system to steer heat where it is needed most. This smart technology adjusts power distribution during cooking for even and consistent results across all three modes.
• The interior capacity is 1.1 cubic feet with 1200 watts of microwave power. This is enough space to cook a small chicken, a batch of cookies, or a full plate of leftovers without any issues.
• It comes with a Combi Crisp pan and a trivet as included accessories. The Combi Crisp pan has adjustable legs to bring food closer to the heating element for crispier results.
• The soft close door is 80% quieter than standard microwaves. The overall operation is also 50% quieter, which makes it ideal for open-plan kitchens and late-night snack sessions.
• The price point is premium, often around $400 to $500. This is a significant investment, but it replaces three separate appliances and delivers reliable performance over the long term.

Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 Microwave Overview

Last update on 2026-07-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 is a countertop appliance that brings together a microwave, convection oven, and air fryer. It carries the model number BMO870BSS and comes in brushed stainless steel or black stainless steel finishes.

Breville built this appliance with their Element iQ system. This system uses smart algorithms to distribute heat precisely during cooking. The result is food that cooks evenly whether you are microwaving, baking, or air frying.

The appliance offers 19 smart presets including intelligent cooking, warming, and defrosting. It also features a “Fast Combi” mode that blends microwave and convection cooking for quicker results. A “From Frozen” shortcut lets you cook frozen foods directly without manual defrosting first.

The front panel uses simple buttons and jog dials. You can easily adjust cooking time and temperature with a quick spin. This design keeps the interface clean and intuitive for everyday use.

Design and Build Quality

The Breville Combi Wave has a premium look and solid build. The brushed stainless steel exterior gives it a modern, professional appearance. It measures approximately 20.5 inches wide, 21 inches deep, and 12.5 inches tall.

Despite packing three cooking functions into one unit, it is roughly the size of a standard microwave. This compact footprint means it fits comfortably on most kitchen countertops without hogging too much space.

The soft close door is a standout feature. It closes gently and quietly, avoiding the loud slam typical of standard microwaves. The interior cavity measures 13 inches by 13 inches by 9 inches, which is spacious enough for most cooking tasks.

Build quality feels sturdy and well-engineered. The buttons respond cleanly, and the jog dials have a satisfying tactile feel. The child lock feature adds a layer of safety for families with young children.

Microwave Performance

The microwave function delivers 1200 watts of power with inverter technology. This is a significant advantage over standard microwaves. Inverter technology provides a steady stream of power instead of cycling on and off.

This means the Breville Combi Wave excels at delicate tasks like softening butter and melting chocolate. You get smooth, even results without hot spots or accidental overcooking. Reheating leftovers also produces more consistent results compared to basic models.

One minor drawback users have reported is that reheating can take about 30 seconds longer than a traditional standalone microwave. What might take one minute in a regular microwave could take closer to 90 seconds here.

The smart defrost feature works well for frozen meats and vegetables. You simply enter the food weight, and the appliance calculates the ideal time and power level automatically.

Air Fryer Function

The air fryer mode is one of the biggest selling points of the Breville Combi Wave. It circulates hot air around food to create a crispy, golden exterior without the need for deep frying.

French fries, chicken wings, tater tots, and frozen snacks all come out satisfyingly crunchy. The included Combi Crisp pan plays a key role here. Its perforated surface allows hot air to reach the bottom of food for all-around crispiness.

The adjustable legs on the Combi Crisp pan let you raise food closer to the top heating element. This gives you extra browning and crunch on items that benefit from direct heat.

Air frying in the Combi Wave produces results comparable to a mid-range standalone air fryer. The main trade-off is capacity. A dedicated air fryer basket often holds more food, but for small to medium batches, the Combi Wave delivers excellent results.

Top 3 Alternatives for the Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1

Last update on 2026-07-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Convection Oven Mode

The convection oven function turns the Breville Combi Wave into a capable small oven. It can bake cookies, roast vegetables, cook bread, and even handle a small roast chicken.

Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate heated air evenly throughout the cavity. This reduces hot spots and ensures food cooks uniformly. You can set temperatures just like a regular oven, making the transition seamless for experienced cooks.

One major advantage is no preheating is required for many recipes. The compact cavity heats up much faster than a full-size oven, which saves both time and energy.

Users have reported excellent results with baked goods. Cookies come out evenly browned, and banana bread bakes through without a soggy center. Sweet potatoes roast perfectly with a caramelized exterior and soft interior.

Smart Presets and Cooking Shortcuts

The Breville Combi Wave comes loaded with 19 intelligent presets that simplify everyday cooking. These include Smart Cook, Smart Reheat, and Smart Defrost functions.

Each preset automatically calculates the optimal time, temperature, and power level based on the type of food you select. You just choose the preset, enter the weight or quantity, and press start.

The “A Bit More” button is a clever touch. If your food needs a little extra time after the cycle ends, one press adds more cooking time without resetting the entire program.

The “Fast Combi” mode combines microwave energy with convection heat. This cuts cooking time significantly while still delivering crispy, well-cooked results. It is perfect for busy weeknights when you want speed without sacrificing quality.

The “From Frozen” shortcut is another time saver. It lets you cook frozen foods directly, skipping the defrost step entirely.

Ease of Use and Controls

The control panel on the Breville Combi Wave is clean and straightforward. Six clearly labeled buttons sit on the front: Fast Combi, From Frozen, Air Fry, Oven, Microwave, and Food Menu.

The Start and Stop controls double as jog dials. Spin them to increase or decrease cooking time or select a temperature. This eliminates the need for a number pad and keeps the interface minimal.

The LED display is bright and easy to read. It shows the current mode, remaining time, and selected temperature at a glance.

First-time users can get comfortable with the controls within a day or two. The learning curve is gentle, especially if you start with the preset functions. The included instruction manual provides clear guidance for each cooking mode.

Even children can learn the basics quickly. The microwave function requires just a spin of the dial and a press of start. The child lock feature ensures safety when the appliance is not in use.

Included Accessories

The Breville Combi Wave ships with two essential accessories: the Combi Crisp pan and a trivet. Both are made from durable materials and fit perfectly inside the cooking cavity.

The Combi Crisp pan is the star accessory. Its perforated design allows hot air to circulate under and around food during air frying and convection cooking. This delivers even browning and crispiness from all sides.

The pan’s adjustable legs let you modify the height. Raising the food closer to the top heating element produces crispier results on items like fries, nuggets, and toasted sandwiches.

The trivet is useful for convection oven tasks. Place a baking dish or oven-safe container on the trivet, and it lifts the dish for proper air circulation underneath. This improves baking and roasting performance.

Breville does not include a traditional glass turntable with this model. The Combi Crisp pan and trivet replace the turntable for most cooking scenarios.

Noise Level and Quiet Operation

One of the most impressive aspects of the Breville Combi Wave is its quiet operation. Breville engineered this appliance to produce significantly less noise than standard microwaves.

The soft close door is 80% quieter than a conventional microwave door. No more loud slams that echo through the house, especially during late-night snacking sessions.

Overall operation is 50% quieter than typical models. The fan and motor run at reduced noise levels without sacrificing performance. This makes the Combi Wave ideal for open-plan living spaces where kitchen noise carries into other rooms.

The reduced noise is especially noticeable during convection and air frying modes. Standard combo appliances tend to be loud during these functions, but the Breville keeps things impressively restrained.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the Breville Combi Wave is mostly straightforward. The smooth interior walls wipe down easily with a damp cloth. For stuck-on food, a mild detergent and soft sponge do the job.

The Combi Crisp pan and trivet are also easy to hand wash. Their simple designs do not trap grease or food particles in hard-to-reach crevices.

One area that requires extra attention is the top heating element inside the cavity. The exposed coils can collect splatters and drips during air frying and convection cooking. Cleaning around these coils takes a bit of patience because the space is tight.

Breville recommends wiping the interior after each use to prevent buildup. Regular cleaning keeps the appliance performing at its best and prevents odors from developing over time.

The exterior stainless steel surface resists fingerprints reasonably well, but a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth keeps it looking polished.

Pros and Cons of the Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1

Pros:

• Three cooking functions in one compact appliance save counter space and reduce clutter
• Element iQ system delivers precise, even cooking across all modes
• Quiet operation with soft close door makes it suitable for any kitchen
• 19 smart presets simplify cooking for beginners and experienced users alike
• Inverter microwave technology provides superior reheating, defrosting, and melting
• Sleek stainless steel design adds a modern look to your kitchen

Cons:

• Premium price tag of $400 to $500 may not fit every budget
• Microwave reheating can be slightly slower than a dedicated standalone microwave
• Interior cleaning around the top heating coils requires extra effort
• You can only use one function at a time, so multitasking is limited
• The 1.1 cubic foot capacity may feel small for larger families or bigger dishes

Who Should Buy the Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1?

The Breville Combi Wave is a great fit for several types of buyers. If you live in an apartment, condo, or small home with limited counter space, this appliance replaces three separate devices with one.

Home cooks who value versatility will appreciate the ability to switch between microwaving, air frying, and convection baking without swapping appliances. It handles weeknight dinners and weekend baking projects with equal ease.

Families with a moderate cooking volume will find the 1.1 cubic foot capacity sufficient. It works well for reheating meals, cooking frozen snacks for kids, and baking small batches of cookies or bread.

This appliance is less ideal for large families that need to cook big quantities at once. The cavity cannot fit oversized baking sheets or large roasts. If your household regularly cooks for six or more people, a full-size oven will still be necessary.

Budget-conscious shoppers should weigh the upfront cost against the value of replacing three separate appliances. Over time, the investment pays for itself through reduced appliance purchases and lower energy use.

Final Verdict: Is the Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 Worth It in 2026?

Last update on 2026-07-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 remains one of the best multi-function kitchen appliances available. Its combination of microwave, convection oven, and air fryer functions delivers genuine versatility in a compact package.

The Element iQ system, smart presets, and quiet operation set it apart from cheaper alternatives. Build quality is excellent, and the included accessories add real value to the cooking experience.

The premium price is the main barrier for most buyers. But if your budget allows, this appliance earns its place on the countertop through daily usefulness and reliable performance.

For those who want a single appliance that handles reheating, baking, and air frying without compromise, the Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 is a strong buy in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 replace a regular oven?

It can handle many tasks a regular oven does, including baking and roasting. However, the 1.1 cubic foot capacity limits what you can fit inside. It works best as a supplement to a full-size oven or as a primary oven for small households and simple meals.

Does the Breville Combi Wave require preheating?

For many cooking modes, no preheating is needed. The compact cavity heats up quickly, which saves time compared to a traditional oven. Some convection recipes may benefit from a brief preheat, but the appliance handles this automatically through its presets.

How loud is the Breville Combi Wave during air frying?

The Breville Combi Wave operates at 50% less noise than standard models. The air frying mode is noticeably quieter than most standalone air fryers and competing combo appliances. You can comfortably use it in an open kitchen without disturbing conversations.

Is the Combi Crisp pan dishwasher safe?

Breville recommends hand washing the Combi Crisp pan and trivet with warm water and mild detergent. Hand washing helps preserve the non-stick coating and extends the life of the accessories.

What is the warranty on the Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1?

Breville typically offers a limited one-year warranty on this appliance. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal household use. Check with your retailer or Breville’s official website for the most current warranty details.

Can you cook a whole chicken in the Breville Combi Wave?

Yes, you can roast a small whole chicken using the convection oven function. The interior dimensions of 13 x 13 x 9 inches can accommodate a bird up to about 4 pounds. Larger chickens will not fit comfortably and may cook unevenly.