Choosing a new microwave can feel overwhelming, like navigating a maze of wattage, features, and confusing presets. You simply want a reliable appliance that makes your kitchen tasks easier, not harder. In this comprehensive review, we dive deep into the Breville Smooth Wave Microwave, exploring its innovative technologies, performance, and whether it truly lives up to its premium reputation. We’ll help you decide if this sophisticated kitchen essential is the upgrade your home deserves.
Understanding the Breville Smooth Wave Microwave
At its core, the Breville Smooth Wave is designed to be more than just a box that heats food. It’s a countertop microwave that integrates advanced technology for precise cooking and a more serene kitchen environment. Unlike conventional microwaves that pulse power, the Smooth Wave utilizes inverter technology to deliver continuous, even power. This fundamental difference ensures your food is heated consistently, without the common pitfalls of hot spots or cold centers.
The microwave distinguishes itself with a suite of features engineered for convenience and quiet operation, aiming to transform everyday microwaving from a noisy chore into a seamless experience. Its blend of thoughtful design and smart technology positions it as a strong contender for those seeking both performance and a touch of modern elegance in their kitchen.
Key Features That Make Waves
The Breville Smooth Wave is packed with innovations that set it apart.
Power Smoothing Inverter Technology
|
Our Picks for the Best Microwave in 2026
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
|
||
| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7cu.ft, 700W, Black |
|
| 2 | FRIGIDAIRE EMW788RETRO 0.7 cu. ft. Retro Microwave, Black-Gold |
|
| 3 | TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior, 1000W, Silver |
|
| 4 | FRIGIDAIRE EMW736BLK 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave, Black |
|
| 5 | BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft |
|
| 6 | COMFEE' EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7 Cu Ft/700W, Pearl White |
|
| 7 | Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu. Ft., 900 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black |
|
| 8 | TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function, LED Lighting Countertop Microwave Perfect for Kitchen, 0.9 Cu Ft, 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, 900W Black Stainless Steel |
|
| 9 | TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1000W |
|
| 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 |
|
Traditional microwaves cycle power on and off, which can lead to uneven heating and a rubbery texture, especially when defrosting. The Smooth Wave’s Power Smoothing Inverter Technology, however, delivers a continuous stream of power, automatically adjusting intensity as needed. This means no more overcooked edges on your frozen meals or partially cooked centers when you’re defrosting ground beef. It’s about achieving deliciously even results every single time.
Sensor iQ Technology
Imagine a microwave that knows exactly how long to cook your food without you having to guess. That’s the magic of Sensor iQ Technology. This intelligent system detects the humidity and steam released by your food, then automatically calculates and adjusts the cooking time and power level. Whether you’re reheating leftovers, cooking vegetables, or popping popcorn, Sensor iQ aims to deliver perfect results, taking the guesswork out of microwaving.
The Silent Performer: Soft Close Door & Quiet Operation
One of the most praised features of the Breville Smooth Wave is its Soft Close door. Engineered with a patented mechanism, the door gently and silently pulls itself shut, eliminating the jarring clang common with many other microwaves. This subtle luxury not only enhances the user experience but also maintains a peaceful kitchen ambiance. Beyond the door, the microwave itself operates with significantly reduced noise, making it a quieter companion during meal prep.
Intuitive Controls and Smart Presets
The Smooth Wave boasts a user-friendly interface centered around a large dial and a clear LCD screen. This design simplifies operation, allowing you to easily select settings and adjust cooking times. A suite of 15 built-in smart presets, including “Smart Cook,” “Smart Reheat,” and “Smart Defrost,” are at your fingertips. For common tasks, dedicated one-touch buttons for “Pizza,” “Bacon,” “Melt Chocolate,” “Soften Butter,” and “Beverage” are conveniently located on the control panel, with additional shortcuts listed inside the door. The “A Bit More” button offers a quick 30-second addition to your cooking cycle, perfect for those moments when your food needs just a little extra warmth.
Design and Build Quality
Aesthetically, the Breville Smooth Wave exudes a premium feel. Its brushed stainless steel interior and exterior offer a sleek, modern look that complements a variety of kitchen decors. The thoughtful design extends to details like custom ringtones and a mute button, allowing you to personalize or silence the microwave’s alerts for an even quieter experience. This attention to both form and function underscores Breville’s commitment to creating high-end kitchen appliances.
Performance Deep Dive: Cooking, Reheating, Defrosting
When it comes to performance, the Breville Smooth Wave truly shines in delivering consistent and even results. Its 1250-watt power output, combined with the Power Smoothing Inverter and Sensor iQ technology, ensures food is heated thoroughly from edge to center.
Users consistently report excellent results with defrosting, noting that frozen items like ground beef or chicken thaw evenly without inadvertently cooking the edges. The Smart Reheat function is particularly effective for leftovers, preventing the common issue of dry or overcooked spots. Specific presets, such as melting chocolate or softening butter, perform with precision, achieving the desired texture without scorching. Even simple tasks like heating beverages are handled with consistent warmth. The internal light provides excellent visibility, allowing you to monitor your food’s progress without opening the door.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective
Every appliance has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a balanced look at the Breville Smooth Wave:
Pros:
- Exceptionally Quiet Operation: The soft-close door and reduced running noise are standout features, creating a more peaceful kitchen environment.
- Even and Consistent Heating: Inverter and Sensor iQ technologies ensure thorough and uniform cooking, reheating, and defrosting, eliminating cold spots and overcooked edges.
- Intuitive User Interface: The combination of a large dial, clear LED screen, and smart presets makes operation straightforward and user-friendly.
- Premium Design: Its sleek, brushed stainless steel finish and robust build quality lend a sophisticated aesthetic to any kitchen.
- Smart Features: Sensor iQ and dedicated one-touch functions simplify daily tasks, offering a “set it and forget it” convenience.
Cons:
- Higher Price Point: The Breville Smooth Wave is a high-end appliance, making it a significant investment compared to many other countertop microwaves.
- Long-Term Reliability: While many users have positive experiences, a minority of reports have indicated concerns about durability and lifespan in some Breville microwave models.
- Interior Capacity: At 1.2 cubic feet, while generally sufficient for families, some comparably priced models might offer slightly more internal space.
- Fingerprints on Stainless Steel: Like most stainless steel appliances, the brushed finish may require regular wiping to maintain its pristine look.
Breville Smooth Wave vs. The Competition
When considering the Breville Smooth Wave, it’s natural to compare it to other popular options, especially those also featuring inverter technology, such as Panasonic models. The most significant differentiator often lies in price and design philosophy. Panasonic often offers inverter technology at a more budget-friendly price point, focusing on core functionality and value.
The Breville Smooth Wave, however, positions itself as a premium appliance. While both brands deliver even cooking, Breville elevates the user experience with superior build materials, a modern minimalist design, and an emphasis on quiet operation with its signature soft-close door. If a refined aesthetic, intuitive controls, and a serene kitchen environment are high on your priority list, the Breville justifies its higher cost by delivering a more polished and enjoyable experience. However, if pure heating performance at a lower price is your primary concern, other inverter microwaves might offer a compelling alternative.
Is the Breville Smooth Wave Microwave Right for Your Kitchen?
Deciding if the Breville Smooth Wave is the right fit involves weighing its premium features against your specific needs and budget.
- Determining Your Needs: What do you primarily use a microwave for? If it’s mainly quick reheating of small items, some of its advanced features might be overkill. However, if you regularly defrost larger portions, cook meals, or appreciate precise melting and softening functions, its technologies will prove invaluable.
- Capacity Considerations: The 1.2 cubic feet capacity is a good size for most individuals and average-sized families, comfortably fitting dinner plates and small casserole dishes. If you frequently heat very large items or cook for a large household, ensure this capacity meets your demands.
- Power and Efficiency: With 1250 watts of power, it heats food quickly and efficiently. Combined with inverter technology, it ensures consistent energy delivery, contributing to better results and potentially better energy efficiency compared to older, non-inverter models.
- Prioritizing Features: Do you crave a quieter kitchen? Do you value the convenience of sensor cooking and intuitive controls that minimize guesswork? Are you willing to invest in an appliance that elevates the everyday experience through thoughtful design? If quiet operation, intelligent cooking, and a sleek aesthetic are high on your list, the Smooth Wave stands out.
- Budget Alignment: This is a premium appliance. While its features and design offer significant value, it comes with a higher price tag. Consider if the enhanced user experience and advanced functionalities align with your allocated budget for a kitchen essential.
Tips for Maximizing Your Breville Smooth Wave Experience
To ensure your Breville Smooth Wave microwave operates at its best and lasts for years, consider these tips:
- Use Microwave-Safe Cookware: Always use dishes labeled “microwave-safe” to prevent damage to the appliance or uneven cooking. Avoid metal containers or anything with metallic trim.
- Stir and Rotate: Even with inverter technology, stirring food halfway through cooking or reheating, especially dense items, can help distribute heat more evenly.
- Leverage Sensor iQ: Don’t be afraid to trust the Sensor iQ. For common foods, let the microwave detect the optimal cooking time rather than manually setting it.
- Care for Stainless Steel: The beautiful brushed stainless steel exterior can show fingerprints. Wipe it down regularly with a soft cloth and a specialized stainless steel cleaner to maintain its pristine appearance.
- Interior Cleaning: Clean spills immediately. A mixture of water and lemon juice or vinegar microwaved for a few minutes can loosen stubborn food particles, making it easier to wipe clean.
- Prevent Door Slamming: While the soft-close door is designed to prevent slamming, avoid forcefully pushing it shut to preserve the mechanism’s longevity.
Conclusion
The Breville Smooth Wave Microwave stands as a testament to thoughtful design and advanced technology in kitchen appliances. Its Power Smoothing Inverter and Sensor iQ technologies deliver consistently even results, making reheating, defrosting, and cooking more precise and enjoyable. Beyond performance, the signature soft-close door and quiet operation transform the often-noisy microwave experience into one of calm and convenience. While it represents a higher investment, its premium build quality, intuitive controls, and elegant aesthetics offer a refined addition to any modern kitchen.
Ultimately, the Breville Smooth Wave is an excellent choice for those who appreciate the finer details in their kitchen appliances – performance, peace, and sophisticated design. Could this smart, silent workhorse be the missing piece in your culinary setup?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Breville Smooth Wave worth the price?
The Breville Smooth Wave is a premium microwave with advanced features like Power Smoothing Inverter and Sensor iQ technology, a quiet soft-close door, and a sleek design. While more expensive than many standard models, its consistent performance, user-friendly interface, and refined experience often justify the investment for those prioritizing quality and convenience.
What is Sensor iQ technology?
Sensor iQ technology is an intelligent feature in the Breville Smooth Wave that automatically detects the humidity and steam levels in your food. Based on these measurements, it precisely adjusts the cooking time and power, ensuring your dishes are cooked or reheated perfectly without the need for manual adjustments.
How quiet is the Breville Smooth Wave?
The Breville Smooth Wave is engineered for quiet operation. Its patented soft-close door mechanism prevents slamming and is significantly quieter than conventional microwave doors. Additionally, the microwave itself runs with reduced operational noise, contributing to a more peaceful kitchen environment.
What is the capacity of the Breville Smooth Wave?
The Breville Smooth Wave typically features a 1.2 cubic feet capacity. This size is generally considered ideal for most households, comfortably accommodating standard dinner plates and various cooking dishes, making it suitable for individuals and average-sized families.
Are Breville microwaves reliable?
Breville is known for high-quality appliances, and many users report excellent experiences with their microwaves. However, like any brand, there are occasional reports of units experiencing issues over time. While the Smooth Wave boasts robust features, ensuring proper use and maintenance can contribute to its longevity.
