Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 Review: Is It Worth It?

The Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 is a premium countertop appliance that combines a microwave, air fryer, and convection oven into a single unit, offering a space-saving solution for cluttered kitchens. It is worth the investment for individuals seeking high performance, smart features, and the convenience of three appliances in one, particularly those with limited counter space or busy lifestyles.

What is the Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1, Exactly?

In simple terms, the Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 is a countertop appliance that combines the functions of a microwave, an air fryer, and a convection oven into a single unit. This isn’t just a microwave with a couple of extra buttons; it’s a fully-fledged cooking station designed to replace multiple devices.

Its core promise is to seamlessly switch between or even combine these functions to cook food faster and better. Here’s a breakdown of its three main personalities:

• Microwave: It uses advanced inverter technology for more even cooking and defrosting.
• Air Fryer: It can give you crispy, golden results on things like fries and chicken wings with far less oil.
• Convection Oven: It circulates hot air to roast, bake, and grill, just like a conventional oven.

First Impressions: Build Quality and Design

Right out of the box, the Breville Combi Wave screams quality. Its brushed stainless steel finish feels premium and sturdy, a far cry from the plastic-heavy microwaves most of us are used to. I remember the first time I closed the door—it didn’t slam shut with a cheap-sounding “clank.” Instead, it has a soft-close mechanism that’s whisper-quiet. It’s a small detail, but it immediately signals that you’re dealing with a well-engineered piece of equipment.

The interior is spacious, and the large LCD screen and intuitive dials are a welcome change from the typical sea of confusing buttons. It feels less like a basic appliance and more like a sophisticated piece of cooking technology.

A Real-World Test of the 3-in-1 Functions

Looks are great, but performance is what matters. I put each of the three main functions through its paces to see how they stacked up in a real kitchen environment.

How Does It Perform as a Microwave?

The secret sauce here is the Power Smoothing Inverter Technology. Traditional microwaves achieve lower power levels by cycling their magnetron on and off. This can lead to uneven results—think rubbery edges and cold centers when reheating food.

The Combi Wave’s inverter, however, delivers a continuous, even stream of low power. I tested this by melting a stick of butter and reheating a tricky plate of pasta. The butter melted perfectly evenly with no splattering, and the pasta was heated through without any of the dreaded cold spots or dried-out edges. The “Smart Reheat” function is genuinely smart, using sensors to get the job done right without any guesswork.

Is the Air Fryer Feature a Gimmick?

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1	BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft
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5	Cooks Innovations Non-Stick Oven Protector Mat - Heavy Duty Nonstick Oven Rack Liners to Protect Convection, Electric, Gas, & Microwave Ovens - BPA & PFOA Free Heat Resistant Baking Mat
6	COMFEE\' EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7cu.ft, 700W, Black
7	TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function & Child Lock, LED Lighting, Perfect for Apartment, 0.9 Cu Ft, 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, 900W, Black Stainless Steel
8	Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock - Stainless
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10	Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black

I was most skeptical about this feature. Could a microwave-oven combo really compete with a dedicated air fryer? I made a batch of frozen French fries, a classic air fryer test. Using the included Combi Crisp pan, I selected the “Fries” preset and let it run.

The result? Surprisingly fantastic. The fries were crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and a world away from the soggy results you’d get from a microwave alone. It might take a few minutes longer than some high-powered standalone air fryers, but the convenience of having it in the same unit is a massive win. This is not a gimmick; it’s a highly capable air fryer.

Can It Actually Work as a Convection Oven?

For the final test, I roasted a small chicken. The “Fast Combi” function is a game-changer here. It uses a combination of microwave, convection, and grill elements to cook food significantly faster than a conventional oven. My 3-pound chicken was perfectly roasted—with crispy, golden skin and juicy meat—in under an hour.

The convection performance is solid. It preheats quickly and holds its temperature well. While it won’t replace your full-sized oven for a Thanksgiving turkey, it’s more than capable of handling everyday baking, roasting, and grilling tasks for a small family.

A Word of Caution: Remember that even when using the oven or air fryer modes, the interior can get extremely hot. Always use oven mitts when removing the Combi Crisp pan or any other cookware.

A Closer Look: The Standout Features

Beyond its core functions, a detailed Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the smart features that set it apart.

The Element iQ System

This is Breville’s proprietary technology. Smart algorithms steer power to where and when it’s needed to create the ideal cooking environment. It’s the brain behind the operation, ensuring that whether you’re air frying, baking, or using a combination mode, the heat is being delivered intelligently for the best results.

Smart Presets and Intuitive Controls

The Combi Wave has a host of presets for everything from making popcorn to baking a cake. The “Smart Cook,” “Smart Reheat,” and “Smart Defrost” options take the guesswork out of common tasks. The controls, consisting of a few buttons and two dials, are incredibly easy to navigate. You simply select your function, time, and temperature, and press start.

The “A Bit More” Button

This is a genius touch. Ever feel like your food needs just 30 seconds more, but you don’t want to start a whole new cycle? The “A Bit More” button does exactly that, adding a little extra time with a single press. It’s a small feature that you’ll end up using all the time.

Who Should Buy the Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1?

This appliance isn’t for everyone, and its premium price tag reflects that. However, it’s an ideal choice for specific users:

• Those with small kitchens: If you live in an apartment, condo, or have limited counter space, this device is a godsend. It legitimately replaces three bulky appliances.
• Tech-savvy home cooks: If you appreciate well-designed technology and smart features that make cooking easier and more precise, you’ll love the Combi Wave.
• Busy individuals or families: The “Fast Combi” mode can dramatically reduce cooking times, making it easier to get a home-cooked meal on the table on a busy weeknight.
• Anyone looking to declutter: If you’re a minimalist at heart and want to streamline your kitchen, this is the perfect solution.

As John Miller, a kitchen appliance engineer with over 15 years of experience, notes, “The trend is towards multi-functionality. Consumers don’t want five different machines; they want one smart machine that does five things well. The Combi Wave is a prime example of this engineering philosophy done right.”

The Final Verdict

So, after a thorough Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 review, is it worth the investment?

Absolutely, yes—for the right person. It’s a masterclass in design and engineering. It takes three essential kitchen appliance functions and executes each one with impressive skill. The inverter microwave is a cut above the rest, the air fryer is surprisingly effective, and the convection oven is a powerful and convenient performer.

It’s not just a product of convenience; it’s a product of quality. The soft-close door, the smart presets, and the Element iQ system all work together to create a seamless and enjoyable cooking experience. While the price is high, you’re paying for the performance, technology, and the invaluable counter space you get back.

If you’re in the market for a new microwave and have also been eyeing an air fryer or a countertop oven, the Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 is a compelling, high-quality solution that delivers on its promises.

Frequently Asked Questions