Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 Review 2026: Worth the Hype?

Are you tired of cluttered countertops filled with a microwave, a convection oven, and an air fryer? The Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 claims to replace all three with a single, sleek machine. But does it actually deliver on that bold promise?

In this detailed review, we put the Breville Combi Wave through its paces. We tested its microwave mode, convection baking, and air frying capabilities. We checked how easy it is to use, how it looks on a countertop, and whether the price tag makes sense for everyday home cooks.

If you have been thinking about upgrading your kitchen setup, you need to read this before making a decision. This review covers everything from build quality and cooking performance to cleaning tips and real world user feedback. Let’s dive right in.

Key Takeaways:

• Three appliances in one body. The Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 combines a 1200W inverter microwave, a convection oven, and an air fryer. This means you can reheat, bake, roast, and air fry all in one compact unit. It saves significant counter space in small and medium kitchens.
• Element iQ System distributes heat smartly. Breville’s proprietary Element iQ technology adjusts power delivery across multiple heating elements. This results in more even cooking and browning across all three modes. You get consistent results whether you are baking cookies or air frying chicken wings.
• Soft close door and quiet operation. The door is 80% quieter than standard microwave doors. The unit itself runs about 50% quieter than typical microwaves. This is a big plus for open plan kitchens and late night snacking.
• Includes helpful accessories. The box comes with a Combi Crisp pan and a trivet. The Combi Crisp pan has adjustable legs that raise food closer to the top heating element for extra crispiness.
• Premium price point. This appliance typically retails between $400 and $500. It is an investment, but many long term users say it pays for itself by replacing multiple appliances.
• Minor drawback: slightly slower microwave reheating. Some users report that reheating food takes about 30 seconds longer compared to a standard standalone microwave. This is a small trade off for the added features.

Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 Overview

The Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 (model BMO870) is a countertop appliance that serves as a microwave, convection oven, and air fryer. Breville designed it for people who want versatility without sacrificing counter space. The unit measures roughly the size of a standard microwave and fits comfortably on most kitchen counters.

It features a 1.1 cubic foot (32 liter) capacity, which is large enough to fit a whole chicken or a standard baking dish. The microwave function delivers 1200 watts of inverter power. The convection oven heats up to 425°F. The air fryer circulates hot air around your food for crispy results without deep frying.

Breville packed this appliance with smart presets including Smart Cook, Smart Defrost, Smart Reheat, Fast Combi, Cook From Frozen, and dedicated Air Fry and Oven modes. The front panel uses an intuitive dial system and clearly labeled buttons. Even first time users find it easy to operate within minutes.

Design and Build Quality

The Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 looks premium. It comes in brushed stainless steel or black stainless steel finishes. Both options blend well with modern kitchen decor. The overall build feels solid and heavy, which gives it a quality feel on your countertop.

The soft close door is one of the standout design features. Instead of slamming shut like a typical microwave door, it closes gently and quietly. This small detail makes a big difference, especially early in the morning or late at night. The control panel sits on the lower portion of the front face. It includes clearly marked buttons and two adjustable dials for time and temperature.

The interior uses a ceramic enamel coating that resists stains and makes wiping down spills easier. The turntable is removable for cleaning. One design note: the heating coils on the top interior can be tricky to clean around. Crumbs and grease may accumulate near them over time. A damp cloth and mild detergent handle most messes, but expect some extra effort around those coils.

How the Microwave Function Performs

The Breville Combi Wave uses inverter microwave technology. This is different from standard microwaves that cycle power on and off. Inverter technology delivers a steady stream of power. This means your food heats more evenly and gently.

This makes the Combi Wave excellent for tasks like softening butter, melting chocolate, and defrosting meat. Many users rave about how perfectly it softens a stick of butter without turning it into a puddle. The Smart Defrost function automatically adjusts the time and power level based on the weight of your food.

However, the microwave function is not perfect. Several long term users note that reheating leftovers takes about 30 seconds longer than a conventional standalone microwave. What used to take one minute in a regular microwave takes closer to ninety seconds here. This is a minor inconvenience, but it is worth mentioning for those who rely heavily on quick reheating.

Top 3 Alternatives for Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1

1. Panasonic HomeChef 4 in 1 Microwave Oven

2. Toshiba 6 in 1 Inverter Countertop Microwave Air Fryer Combo

3. Galanz 3 in 1 SpeedWave with TotalFry 360

Air Fryer Mode: Does It Deliver Crispy Results?

The air fryer function is a major selling point for the Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1. It uses superheated air circulation combined with the top heating element to crisp food on all sides. The included Combi Crisp pan plays a key role here. It has a perforated surface that allows hot air to reach the bottom of your food.

The adjustable legs on the Combi Crisp pan let you raise your food closer to the top heating element. This is great for items like french fries, chicken wings, tater tots, and frozen snacks. In our testing, fries came out golden and crispy in about 15 to 20 minutes. Chicken wings had a satisfying crunch on the outside and stayed juicy inside.

One thing to keep in mind is that the air fryer capacity is smaller than a dedicated countertop air fryer. You can cook food for one or two people easily. Cooking for a family of four may require multiple batches. But for the space savings and versatility, most users find this trade off acceptable.

Convection Oven Mode: Baking and Roasting

The convection oven mode turns the Breville Combi Wave into a mini oven capable of baking and roasting. It reaches temperatures up to 425°F and uses a fan to circulate hot air evenly throughout the cavity.

Users have baked cookies, banana bread, muffins, and even small cakes in this mode with excellent results. The Element iQ system ensures that heat reaches every corner of the oven. Cookies come out evenly browned. Banana bread develops a nice golden crust.

Roasting also works well. You can roast sweet potatoes, vegetables, and even a small whole chicken inside the Combi Wave. The convection fan keeps the temperature consistent, and the results rival a full size oven for small to medium portions. One major advantage is that no preheating is required for many cooking modes. This saves time compared to a traditional oven that needs 10 to 15 minutes to preheat.

Fast Combi and Cook From Frozen Modes

These two smart modes set the Breville Combi Wave apart from basic combo appliances. Fast Combi mode combines microwave power with convection heat to cook food faster. It uses both energy sources at the same time, cutting cooking times significantly.

For example, you can roast a chicken in Fast Combi mode in less time than a traditional oven. The microwave energy heats the inside of the food while the convection element browns the outside. The result is food that is cooked through and crispy in a fraction of the time.

Cook From Frozen mode is equally impressive. You can place frozen sausages, chicken breasts, or other proteins directly into the Combi Wave. The appliance automatically determines the right combination of power and time to cook the food safely and evenly. No thawing required. This feature alone makes the Combi Wave a fantastic option for busy families who often forget to defrost dinner.

Ease of Use and Control Panel

The control panel on the Breville Combi Wave is simple and intuitive. Breville placed clearly labeled buttons for each major function: Fast Combi, From Frozen, Air Fry, Oven, Microwave, and Food Menu. Two rotary dials let you adjust time and temperature with a simple twist.

The Food Menu button opens access to preset shortcuts for common tasks like cooking, reheating, and defrosting. You select the type of food, and the Combi Wave handles the rest. It sets the ideal power level, temperature, and cook time automatically.

There is also a handy “A Bit More” button. If your food needs just a little extra time, press this button instead of manually adjusting settings. It adds a small increment of cooking time based on the current mode. This small feature saves a surprising amount of effort in daily use. The child lock feature is also included for households with young children, adding peace of mind.

Noise Level and Door Mechanism

Noise is a common complaint with microwaves. The Breville Combi Wave addresses this head on. The soft close door is 80% quieter than a standard microwave door. No more loud slams that wake up the household.

The unit itself operates about 50% quieter than a typical microwave during cooking. The convection fan produces a gentle hum. The air fryer mode is slightly louder due to the fan speed, but it remains quieter than most dedicated air fryers.

This quiet operation is a real benefit for open plan living spaces where the kitchen connects to the dining or living area. You can run the Combi Wave while watching TV or having a conversation without raising your voice. For night owls who like late snacks, the quiet door and low operating noise make this appliance a welcome upgrade.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the Breville Combi Wave is mostly straightforward. The ceramic enamel interior resists stains and wipes clean with a damp cloth. For stuck on food or grease, a mild detergent and soft sponge do the job. The turntable is removable and dishwasher safe.

The Combi Crisp pan and trivet are also easy to clean. A quick soak in warm soapy water loosens any baked on residue. Both accessories are durable and hold up well over time.

The one area that requires extra attention is the top heating element. Grease and food splatters can accumulate around the coils. These coils are not removable, so you need to carefully wipe around them. A small brush or cloth wrapped around a utensil helps reach tight spots. Regular cleaning after messy cooking sessions prevents buildup and keeps the interior looking fresh.

Who Should Buy the Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1?

This appliance is ideal for several types of users. Small apartment dwellers benefit the most. If you have limited counter space and cannot fit three separate appliances, the Combi Wave solves that problem instantly.

Busy professionals and parents will love the Cook From Frozen and Fast Combi modes. These features cut down meal prep time and remove the hassle of planning ahead. Throw frozen chicken in, press a button, and dinner is ready.

Home bakers also find value here. The convection oven mode handles cookies, quick breads, and small cakes beautifully. You do not need to fire up a full size oven for a small batch of cookies.

However, if you regularly cook for large groups or need to use multiple cooking methods at the same time, a dedicated oven and separate air fryer may still be the better choice. The Combi Wave can only run one function at a time. You cannot air fry and microwave simultaneously.

Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 Pros and Cons

Let’s start with the pros. The three in one design saves counter space and money compared to buying separate appliances. The Element iQ system delivers even heat distribution across all modes. The inverter microwave technology heats food gently and evenly. The soft close door and quiet operation make it pleasant to use at any hour. The preset cooking modes and smart functions simplify daily cooking tasks. The build quality and design look premium and modern.

Now for the cons. The microwave reheating is slightly slower than a standalone microwave. The air fryer capacity is limited for larger families. Cleaning around the top heating coils takes extra effort. The price point is higher than most countertop microwaves. You can only use one function at a time. The learning curve is minimal, but exploring all the features takes a few cooking sessions.

Is the Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 Worth the Price in 2026?

At a retail price between $400 and $500, the Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 is undeniably a premium appliance. But consider what you are getting. A quality standalone microwave costs $150 to $250. A good air fryer runs $100 to $200. A countertop convection oven adds another $100 to $250. Together, those three appliances cost $350 to $700 and occupy three times the counter space.

The Combi Wave replaces all three in a single footprint. It performs each function well, with the convection oven and air fryer modes being particularly strong. The build quality suggests long term durability. Many users report using theirs daily for over two years with no issues.

If you value counter space, versatility, and quality construction, the Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 offers excellent value. It is not the cheapest option, but it is one of the smartest investments you can make for a modern kitchen. For 2026, it remains one of the best combo kitchen appliances on the market.

Final Verdict on the Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1

The Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 earns a strong recommendation. It excels as a convection oven and air fryer. Its microwave function is very good, though slightly slower at reheating than dedicated units. The build quality, quiet operation, and smart cooking modes make it a joy to use daily.

It fits best in kitchens where space is limited or where you want to simplify your appliance lineup. The included accessories boost its cooking versatility. The preset modes remove guesswork from common tasks. And the Element iQ technology ensures your food cooks evenly every time.

If you can afford the upfront cost, this appliance will likely become the most used tool in your kitchen. It has earned that reputation among thousands of satisfied users, and after thorough evaluation, we agree completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It can handle many tasks a full size oven does, including baking and roasting. However, it has a 1.1 cubic foot capacity, so it cannot fit large dishes like a full size turkey or multiple racks of cookies. For small to medium cooking jobs, it works as a great oven replacement. For large meals or holiday cooking, you will still need a full size oven.

How loud is the Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1?

It is significantly quieter than most microwaves. The soft close door is 80% quieter than standard doors. The operating noise is 50% lower than typical microwaves. The air fryer mode is the loudest function, but it still runs quieter than most standalone air fryers.

Does the Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 need preheating?

No preheating is required for most cooking modes. This is one of its biggest advantages over a traditional oven. You can start cooking immediately, which saves time on every meal.

What accessories come with the Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1?

The appliance comes with a Combi Crisp pan and a trivet. The Combi Crisp pan features adjustable legs and a perforated surface for air frying. The trivet supports baking dishes and pans inside the oven cavity.

Is the Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 easy to clean?

The ceramic enamel interior is easy to wipe down. The turntable is removable and dishwasher safe. The main challenge is cleaning around the top heating coils, which require careful wiping with a cloth or small brush. Regular maintenance after each use keeps it in great condition.

Can I cook frozen food directly in the Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1?

Yes. The Cook From Frozen mode is specifically designed for this. It automatically adjusts power and time to cook frozen proteins and other foods safely. No thawing is necessary, making it a huge time saver for busy households.