The Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 is best for people who cook small to medium meals often and want one premium countertop appliance instead of several separate ones.
Its biggest limitation is the high price, especially if you mainly need a basic microwave or expect fast, aggressive air-fryer results.

I reached a point where my kitchen felt crowded with appliances that all did one thing reasonably well but took up too much space. I wanted something that could reheat food properly, bake evenly, and handle air-frying without pulling out three machines. The Breville Combi Wave caught my attention because it promised precision cooking rather than just extra features.

This review matters because expensive combo appliances can either simplify your routine—or become an overpriced disappointment. I’ll walk you through what this unit does well, where it struggles, and whether it truly earns its premium price.

Credit: Amazon

Product Identity

Exact Amazon Product Title:
Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave, Air Fryer and Convection Oven, Brushed Stainless Steel

I’ve used basic microwaves, convection ovens, and dedicated air fryers over the years. My goal here is to help you decide if this all-in-one appliance genuinely replaces those tools—or if buying separate units would suit you better.

Quick Verdict Box

Overall Rating: 4.1 / 5
Best For: Small households, design-focused kitchens, frequent reheating and baking
Not Ideal For: Budget buyers or air-fry-only users
Price Range: Premium countertop appliance
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Key Features Overview

• Capacity / Size: 1.1 cu ft (compact but tall interior)
• Performance Range: Microwave, convection oven, air fry, grill, fast combi
• Noise Level: Quieter than average; soft-close door and mute option
• Power Usage:
  • Microwave: 1200W
  • Convection: 1400W
  • Grill: 1100W
• Special Features:
  • Element IQ system
  • Power-smoothing inverter
  • Smart Cook, Smart Reheat, Smart Defrost
  • Fast Combi & Cook From Frozen
  • Soft-close door and child lock

Credit: AMAZON

My Hands-On Experience

Setup Experience

Setup was simple, and at about 25.6 lbs, it’s easier to handle than many large combo units. It does need solid counter depth.

Daily Use

Microwave performance is excellent—food reheats evenly without dried edges. Baking small dishes and pizzas is where it really stands out.

Performance Consistency

The inverter microwave delivers smooth, controlled heat. Convection cooking is reliable. Air fry works, but it’s slower than standalone air fryers.

Noise & Comfort Level

This is one of the quietest microwaves I’ve used. The soft-close door alone feels like a premium feature.

What Impressed Me

• Extremely intuitive controls
• Excellent reheating results
• Solid build quality
• Thoughtful details like “A Bit More” and fan cool-down

Minor Frustrations

• Air fryer is slower than expected
• Capacity limits batch cooking
• Expensive for casual users

Pros & Cons (Balanced)

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Who Should Buy This?

• Singles or couples cooking daily
• Apartment or condo kitchens
• Users who value quiet, precision cooking
• People who bake and reheat more than deep-fry

Who Should NOT Buy This?

• Large families cooking in bulk
• Buyers on a tight budget
• Users who want fast, crispy air-fryer performance
• Those needing a full-size oven replacement

Comparison With ONE Alternative Product

Alternative: Dedicated Microwave + Standalone Air Fryer

• Breville Performs Better: Precision reheating, quieter use, fewer appliances
• Alternative Performs Better: Faster air frying, lower total cost
• Choose Breville If: You value simplicity, design, and control
• Choose Alternative If: Air frying is your top priority

Real Customer Feedback Summary

Common Positive Feedback:

• Intuitive controls
• Quiet operation
• Excellent microwave and convection performance
• High build quality

Common Complaints:

• Expensive
• Air fryer underwhelming for some users
• Capacity feels small for the price

Usage & Maintenance Tips

• Clean the interior weekly to avoid odor buildup
• Use the crisp pan for best air-fry airflow
• Leave space around vents for cooling
• Let the fan finish its cool-down cycle
• Avoid overcrowding food trays

Credit: Amazon

Final Verdict

If you want a premium, quiet, and highly precise countertop appliance that replaces several kitchen tools, the Breville Combi Wave is a solid long-term investment. Just be sure you’ll actually use its advanced features to justify the price.

Check current price on Amazon

FAQs for Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave Review

Is this a real air fryer?
It air fries well, but results are closer to convection cooking than deep crisping.

Is it good for baking?
Yes, especially for small pizzas, brownies, and casseroles.

How loud is it?
Very quiet compared to standard microwaves.

Can it replace a full oven?
For small meals, yes—but not for large family cooking.

Is it worth the price?
Worth it if you value precision and build quality over budget savings.