Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 Review: Your Ultimate Microwave, Air Fryer & Convection Oven Combo?

In today’s bustling kitchens, finding appliances that offer both performance and space-saving design is a quest many home cooks embark on. The dilemma of wanting specialized cooking functions like air frying or convection baking without cluttering precious countertop real estate is real. Enter the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1, an innovative countertop appliance that promises to be the multifaceted hero your kitchen deserves. But does this combination microwave, air fryer, and convection oven truly deliver on its ambitious promise? This comprehensive review dives deep into its features, performance, and user experience to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your culinary adventures.

What is the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1?

The Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 is an advanced kitchen appliance designed to consolidate three essential cooking methods into a single, sleek unit. At its core, it functions as a powerful inverter microwave, a dedicated air fryer, and a versatile convection oven. The primary goal of this ingenious combination is to offer unparalleled versatility and convenience, allowing users to perform a wide range of cooking tasks—from quick reheating to crispy air frying and even baking—all from one compact footprint. It’s engineered for those who seek efficiency and diverse cooking options without sacrificing valuable kitchen space.

Key Features: Unpacking the 3-in-1 Versatility

The true power of the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 lies in its seamless integration of multiple cooking technologies, each designed to elevate your kitchen experience.

Microwave Functionality

Beyond basic reheating, the Combi Wave excels as a sophisticated microwave. It features Power Smoothing Inverter™ technology, which continuously adjusts power intensity instead of cycling between on and off. This ensures smooth, even heat distribution, preventing hot spots and dried-out edges, particularly when reheating delicate items like soup or precisely defrosting meats. The result is consistently delicious food that retains its texture and moisture. Adding to its user-friendly design, the appliance boasts a soft close door that operates 80% quieter than traditional models, along with an overall 50% quieter operation, minimizing kitchen noise.

Air Fryer Performance

For fans of crispy textures and healthier cooking, the integrated air fryer is a significant draw. It’s designed to create crunchy, golden results for favorites like French fries, chicken wings, or even re-crisping leftovers. The air fryer function rapidly circulates hot air, mimicking the effects of deep frying with significantly less oil. Many users praise its effectiveness, achieving impressively crispy outcomes. For optimal air frying, the appliance includes a specially designed Combi Crisp™ Pan that helps maximize air circulation and browning. Preheating is notably fast, getting you to cooking temperature in just a few minutes.

Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 air frying french fries

Convection Oven Capabilities

The convection oven feature transforms the Combi Wave into a mini-oven capable of baking and roasting with impressive results. Whether you’re roasting a whole chicken, baking a batch of cookies, or preparing a loaf of banana bread, the convection fan ensures even heat distribution for thorough and consistent cooking. This is further enhanced by a rotating turntable, eliminating the need to manually rotate dishes mid-cook and preventing unevenly cooked food. The quick pre-heat time, often reaching target temperatures in about five minutes, is a significant advantage over larger, traditional ovens, saving both time and energy.

Combination Cooking: Fast Combi & Cook from Frozen

Breville takes versatility a step further with specialized combination cooking modes:

• Fast Combi: This intelligent function blends convection oven, grilling, and microwave power to cook dishes significantly faster than conventional ovens. It’s perfect for quickly preparing family favorites, ensuring your meals are ready in a fraction of the time without compromising on quality.
• Cook from Frozen: Designed for ultimate convenience, this preset expertly guides food from frozen to perfectly cooked. It strategically utilizes the convection oven, grill, and microwave at different stages of the cooking process to ensure even thawing and cooking, delivering optimal results every time.

Element iQ System

Central to the Combi Wave’s smart performance is the Element iQ System. This advanced technology uses smart algorithms to actively steer power to where and when it’s needed most. This creates the ideal cooking environment for specific tasks, ensuring precise temperature control and consistent results, especially crucial for air frying and baking where precise heat management makes all the difference.

Design & User Experience

The Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 is not just about raw power; it’s also designed with aesthetics and user-friendliness in mind. With dimensions of approximately 20.5″ x 20.1″ x 12.6″ (WxDxH), it occupies a footprint comparable to a standard countertop microwave, making it a viable space-saving solution by replacing up to three separate appliances. Its brushed stainless steel finish offers a modern, sophisticated look that complements various kitchen decors.

Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 on modern kitchen counter

The user interface is intuitive, featuring a clear display and tactile buttons. A shortcuts panel cleverly positioned inside the door provides one-touch access to commonly used tasks such as melting chocolate, softening butter, or popping popcorn, streamlining everyday cooking. The appliance also includes smart presets like Smart Cook, Smart Reheat, and Smart Defrost, simplifying complex cooking processes. Thoughtful additions like a child lock and the option to mute sounds or adjust beeping volumes contribute to a more pleasant and controlled kitchen environment. Despite its multi-functionality, users generally find the internal capacity sufficient for typical family meals.

Pros and Cons: A Balanced View

Like any versatile appliance, the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 has its strengths and potential considerations.

Pros:

• Exceptional Versatility: Replaces three appliances, saving significant counter space.
• Effective Air Frying: Delivers consistently crispy results, comparable to standalone air fryers for many dishes.
• Capable Convection Oven: Bakes and roasts evenly with quick pre-heat times.
• Advanced Microwave: Inverter technology ensures even heating and defrosting without drying out food.
• User-Friendly Design: Intuitive controls, smart presets, and a helpful shortcuts panel.
• Quiet Operation: Soft-close door and reduced operational noise enhance the kitchen experience.
• Smart Technologies: Element iQ, Fast Combi, and Cook from Frozen modes add convenience and precision.

Cons:

• Price Point: It is a premium appliance, which might be a significant investment for some budgets.
• Cleaning: Some users report that cleaning the interior, especially after air frying or roasting, can be more challenging than a standard microwave.
• Air Fryer Pan Durability: A few users have reported issues with the accessory pan, specifically the legs melting under high heat, although this doesn’t seem to be a widespread problem and might be covered under warranty for initial incidents.
• Clock Display: Minor complaints about the visibility or customization of the clock display have been noted by a small number of users.

How Does It Compare? Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 vs. Alternatives

When considering the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1, it’s natural to compare it to both standalone appliances and other combination ovens on the market. If you were to purchase a high-quality microwave, a dedicated air fryer, and a countertop convection oven separately, the combined cost could potentially exceed that of the Combi Wave, not to mention the significant amount of counter space they would consume.

The Combi Wave truly shines in its ability to offer a comprehensive cooking solution without the clutter. While some standalone air fryers might offer slightly larger capacities or more specialized features for specific air frying tasks, the Breville Combi Wave’s integrated performance across all three modes makes it a compelling choice for multi-purpose convenience. Compared to other microwave-convection or microwave-air fryer combos, Breville’s inclusion of sophisticated technologies like Element iQ and Power Smoothing Inverter, along with its quiet operation and soft-close door, often sets it apart in terms of user experience and consistent results. Its ability to effectively combine all three functions without major compromises is a testament to its engineering.

Is the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 Right for You?

Deciding if the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 is the ideal appliance for your home depends largely on your cooking habits, kitchen setup, and priorities.

This appliance is particularly well-suited for:

• Small Kitchens or Limited Counter Space: If you’re struggling with appliance clutter but desire the functionality of a microwave, air fryer, and convection oven, the Combi Wave 3-in-1 is an excellent space-saving solution.
• Versatile Home Cooks: Those who enjoy experimenting with different cooking methods—from quick reheating to baking, roasting, and air frying—will appreciate its comprehensive capabilities.
• Busy Families: The Fast Combi and Cook from Frozen functions, along with quick pre-heat times, can be invaluable for preparing meals efficiently.
• Individuals Seeking Convenience: Its intuitive controls, smart presets, and quiet operation make for a hassle-free cooking experience.
• Health-Conscious Eaters: The air fryer function allows for crisp, “fried” foods with significantly less oil, promoting healthier eating habits.

However, if you primarily use a microwave for very basic reheating and rarely air fry or convection bake, or if you already own dedicated, full-sized versions of these appliances that you’re happy with, the investment might be less justifiable. For those on a very tight budget, its premium price point should be carefully considered against its long-term value and functionality.

Maintenance & Safety Tips for Your Combi Wave

Proper care and safe operation are essential to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1.

General Cleaning Advice:

• Regular Wiping: After each use, wipe down the interior with a damp cloth to prevent food splatters from drying and becoming difficult to remove.
• Deep Cleaning: For stubborn stains or odors, a mixture of water and lemon juice or white vinegar can be microwaved in a bowl for a few minutes. The steam will loosen grime, making it easier to wipe away.
• Combi Crisp Pan and Trivet: These accessories should be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically with warm, soapy water. Ensure they are completely dry before storing.
• Exterior: Wipe the brushed stainless steel exterior with a soft, damp cloth to maintain its luster. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the finish.

Safety Precautions:

• No Metal in Microwave Mode: Always remember that metal containers or foil should never be used during microwave operation, as this can cause arcing and damage the appliance. Only use microwave-safe dishes.
• Proper Ventilation: Ensure the appliance is placed on a stable, level surface with adequate clearance around it for proper ventilation. Do not block the air vents.
• Supervision: Always supervise cooking, especially when using high-heat functions like air frying or convection baking.
• Avoid Self-Repair: If you encounter any issues or malfunctions, do not attempt to repair the appliance yourself. Refer to the user manual for troubleshooting or contact Breville customer support.
• Child Lock: Utilize the child lock feature to prevent accidental operation, especially important in households with young children.

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

The Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 stands out as a highly capable and impressively versatile kitchen appliance that genuinely delivers on its promise of consolidating three essential cooking functions. With its advanced inverter microwave, efficient air fryer, and powerful convection oven capabilities, all underpinned by smart technologies like Element iQ, it offers a compelling solution for modern kitchens. While it represents a premium investment, its ability to save significant counter space, provide consistent cooking results, and simplify meal preparation makes it a worthwhile consideration for discerning home cooks. For anyone seeking to streamline their kitchen without compromising on culinary flexibility, the Combi Wave 3-in-1 could very well be the ultimate appliance. Could this be the single appliance that transforms your daily cooking routine?

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Is the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 worth the investment?

Many users find the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 to be a valuable investment, especially due to its space-saving design and versatile functionality. It effectively combines a microwave, air fryer, and convection oven, offering convenience and consistent cooking results that justify its premium price for those prioritizing efficiency and quality.

Can you toast bread in the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1?

Yes, you can toast bread in the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 by utilizing its “Grill” function. While it may not replicate a traditional toaster perfectly, the grill setting allows for browning and crisping bread, making it a viable option for occasional toasting needs within the appliance.

How do you clean the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1?

Cleaning the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 involves regular wiping of the interior with a damp cloth after use to prevent food buildup. For tougher stains or odors, microwaving a bowl of water with lemon juice or vinegar helps loosen grime. The Combi Crisp Pan and trivet should be washed with warm, soapy water.

What is the capacity of the Combi Wave 3-in-1?

The Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 typically has a capacity of 1.1 cubic feet. This internal size is generally sufficient for most family cooking needs, accommodating standard dinner plates, small roasts, and baking dishes while maintaining its compact countertop footprint.

Does the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 save counter space?

Absolutely. The Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 is specifically designed to save counter space by integrating the functions of a microwave, an air fryer, and a convection oven into a single unit. This eliminates the need for three separate appliances, significantly decluttering your kitchen.

What is Element iQ technology?

Element iQ technology in the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 is a smart system that uses algorithms to direct power precisely where and when it’s needed during cooking. This ensures optimal heating, even temperatures, and perfect results across all functions, especially for air frying and baking.