If you’re anything like me, you want appliances that do more without making more noise. That’s exactly what Breville brings to the table with their Wave line of microwaves. Known for thoughtful design and advanced tech, Breville has taken the everyday microwave and turned it into something way more useful—and way quieter.
Whether you're short on space or want an all-in-one kitchen helper, these smart microwave ovens are built to make life easier without the loud hums and annoying beeps.
After using a few models myself, I can confidently say: this brand understands how real people cook. Below, I break down three standout options—the Combi Wave™ 3 in 1, the Smooth Wave™, and the Compact Wave™ Soft Close—so you can figure out which one suits your kitchen best.
Breville Combi Wave
Let’s start with the most advanced: the Breville Combi Wave Review. It’s more than a Breville Smart Microwave—it’s a full-on multitasker that replaces your air fryer, convection oven, and standard microwave in one sleek unit. If you’re working with limited counter space but don’t want to compromise on cooking methods, this is your dream machine.
The real magic is in the Element iQ® system, which uses smart algorithms to direct heat exactly where it’s needed. You’ll notice meals cook more evenly, with less scorching or cold spots. The Power Smoothing Inverter™ keeps the heat consistent, not jumpy like traditional ON-OFF microwaves. This is a big deal for reheating pizza (no rubbery crusts!) or defrosting without partially cooking the food.
Another standout? You get time-saving presets that work together across multiple functions. Fast Combi and Cook From Frozen combine different heating methods to get meals done faster while keeping them tender and tasty.
And let’s not forget the sound. The soft-close door and reduced operating noise (up to 50% quieter) make this a Quiet Microwave Oven worth the hype. If you’ve got a sleeping baby or just value a more peaceful kitchen, that alone is a win.
The Combi Wave™ 3 in 1 also wins in the versatility department—it’s one of the best Breville Microwave Air Fryer Combo options out there. From crispy fries to reheated lasagna, it gets it right.
Best for: Busy households, tech lovers, or anyone looking to upgrade multiple appliances in one go.
Breville Smooth Wave
Sitting in the middle of the lineup is the Smooth Wave™, which I’d call the quiet genius of the group. It shares many of the same smart presets as the Combi Wave—like Smart Cook, Smart Reheat, and Smart Defrost—but without the added oven or air fryer functionality. Still, it feels just as intelligent thanks to its Sensor iQ tech.
Sensor iQ means the microwave automatically adjusts power based on humidity and time, so your leftovers aren’t boiling on the edges and cold in the center. Combine that with the Power Smoothing Inverter™ and you’ve got evenly heated food without babysitting the controls.
Design-wise, it’s got that same Breville DNA: soft-close door, muted alerts, and a clean, minimal interface. It’s quieter than most conventional microwaves, making it an ideal Quiet Microwave Oven for apartments or open-concept homes.
With 1250 watts under the hood, it offers more power than the Compact Wave and nearly matches the Combi Wave’s performance. So you’re still getting fast performance without going all-in on extra features you may not need.
Best for: Those who want a high-performance Inverter Microwave without the extras like baking or air frying.
Breville Compact Wave
If space is your biggest limitation, the Compact Wave™ Soft Close delivers simplicity with a surprising dose of thoughtfulness. As a Compact Microwave for Small Kitchens, this one punches above its weight.
Its 25L capacity makes it roomy enough for full dinner plates but small enough to fit in tight spaces. With 900W of power, it’s not the fastest, but it’s ideal for reheating, gentle defrosting, or quick meals.
Presets like Popcorn, Beverage, and Reheat make this model more intuitive than your average small microwave.
It still features Breville’s signature soft-close door to reduce kitchen noise significantly. Alongside that, you’ll find thoughtful safety and convenience elements like the child lock and a mute button, which really enhance the experience for daily use.
You won’t get the Element iQ or Sensor iQ features here, but that’s the trade-off for keeping it compact and affordable.
Best for: Dorms, studio apartments, or anyone who just needs a microwave that’s reliable, quiet, and doesn’t eat up space.
Inverter Tech
All three models take advantage of Inverter Microwave Benefits—particularly the Combi Wave and Smooth Wave. Instead of blasting full power in intervals (which leads to uneven heating), inverter technology delivers a steady stream of power. This is especially useful when reheating or defrosting. You get fewer hot spots, less overcooked edges, and more evenly warmed food.
If you’ve ever tried to reheat soup and ended up with lava on top and ice on the bottom, inverter tech solves that.
Noise Matters
One of the biggest things Breville gets right is quiet cooking. Every model in the Wave lineup includes a soft-close door, which really makes a difference. The sound of a microwave slamming shut is something we’ve all tolerated for too long.
The Combi Wave and Smooth Wave go beyond with even quieter performance inside and added noise-reducing touches like a mute function. In real-life use, especially during early mornings or late-night snacks, that subtle silence is a surprisingly big perk.
Final Take
So, which Breville microwave should you go for?
- If you want everything in one (air fryer, oven, and microwave) with whisper-quiet cooking and smart presets, the Combi Wave™ 3 in 1 is your winner.
- If you care about precision cooking but don’t need air fry or baking, the Smooth Wave™ gets it done with less space and a lower price.
- When countertop space is limited, the Compact Wave™ Soft Close is a quiet, efficient option that handles everyday tasks without dominating your kitchen.
Across the board, Breville proves that a microwave can be more than just a buzzy box that nukes your food. With features designed for how people actually cook—smart presets, inverter power, and peace and quiet—they’ve set a new bar.
No more clunky reheating. No more dry edges. Just smarter, quieter cooking that fits your space and your life.
READ MORE: How to Choose the Right Smart Home Gadgets for Your Needs
