Breville Smooth Wave Microwave Review: Is It Worth Buying?

If you’re looking for a premium countertop microwave that combines quiet operation, smart cooking features, and sleek design, I believe the Breville Smooth Wave Microwave is worth considering.

 After spending time using it in my kitchen, I found that it offers much more than basic reheating.

 It simplifies everyday cooking while adding convenience and consistency that cheaper microwaves often lack.

If you value quality, ease of use, and reliable performance, this microwave deserves a place on your shortlist.

My Personal Experience With The Breville Smooth Wave Microwave

When I first unpacked the Breville Smooth Wave Microwave, the premium build immediately stood out.

It didn’t have the lightweight feel that many standard microwaves have.

 The brushed stainless steel finish looked modern, the door felt solid, and every button responded with a satisfying click.

Before I even started cooking, I had the impression that this appliance was designed to last.

The first thing I noticed after plugging it in was how quiet it was. Most microwaves beep loudly and slam shut when you close the door.

This one felt different. The soft-close door prevented the usual bang, and the quieter operation made a noticeable difference in my kitchen, especially during early mornings when everyone else was still asleep.

I decided to test it with several everyday foods instead of jumping straight into complicated recipes.

I reheated leftover pasta, warmed coffee, defrosted frozen chicken breasts, popped popcorn, steamed vegetables, and even melted chocolate for baking.

 Each task was completed evenly, without the frustrating cold spots that I usually experience with budget microwaves.

One feature I quickly grew to appreciate was the Sensor IQ technology.

Instead of constantly guessing cooking times, I could rely on the microwave to detect moisture and automatically adjust the cooking cycle.

This saved me from overcooked vegetables and dried-out leftovers.

The Food Menu presets also proved surprisingly useful. Normally, I ignore preset buttons on kitchen appliances because they rarely work well.

 However, Breville’s presets actually produced reliable results for foods I prepare regularly.

Cleaning became another pleasant surprise. Small food splatters wiped away easily thanks to the smooth stainless-steel interior.

I rarely needed more than a damp microfiber cloth after daily use.

After several weeks, I realized the biggest advantage wasn’t one specific feature—it was consistency.

Every meal reheated evenly, every frozen item defrosted more naturally, and every cooking session felt predictable.

I spent less time stopping the microwave, stirring food, and restarting the cycle.

Of course, it’s not a perfect appliance. The price is considerably higher than many competing countertop microwaves, and the larger footprint requires generous counter space.

Still, every time I used it, I felt that I was getting what I paid for: convenience, reliability, and premium quality.

If you’re someone who uses a microwave several times a day like I do, the Smooth Wave quickly becomes one of those appliances you stop thinking about because it simply works well every single time.

What Makes The Breville Smooth Wave Microwave Different?

Many countertop microwaves perform the same basic function: heating food. The Breville Smooth Wave aims to improve the entire experience rather than simply increasing cooking power.

Instead of focusing only on wattage, Breville designed this microwave around user comfort. From quieter operation to intelligent sensors and smoother controls, nearly every feature feels intentional.

The microwave delivers 1250 watts of power, making it capable of handling everything from reheating leftovers to cooking frozen meals efficiently.

 More importantly, that power is distributed evenly, reducing the hot-and-cold spots that many users dislike.

Another standout characteristic is its modern appearance. Rather than looking like a bulky kitchen appliance, it blends naturally into contemporary kitchens with its stainless-steel finish and minimalist control panel.

Pros Of The Breville Smooth Wave Microwave

• Premium Build Quality

The first thing you’ll probably notice is the excellent construction.

Everything feels durable—from the sturdy door hinges to the responsive buttons.

Nothing rattles or feels cheaply assembled.

Even after weeks of frequent use, it continued to feel as solid as the day I unpacked it.

• Exceptionally Even Heating

Uneven heating frustrates nearly everyone who uses microwaves regularly.

With many cheaper models, the edges become scorching hot while the center remains cold.

I experienced far fewer of these issues with the Smooth Wave.

Whether I reheated soup, pasta, rice, or frozen meals, the results stayed impressively consistent.

That consistency reduced the need for stirring halfway through cooking and saved time during busy weekdays.

• Very Quiet Everyday Use

Noise might not seem important until you’ve lived with an unusually quiet microwave.

From opening the door to completing cooking cycles, the Smooth Wave produces noticeably less noise than traditional models.

Early-morning breakfasts became less disruptive, and late-night snacks no longer woke anyone sleeping nearby.

• User-Friendly Controls

Although packed with features, the microwave never feels complicated.

The buttons are clearly labeled.

The display is bright.

The dial makes adjusting cooking times fast and intuitive.

Within a couple of days, I barely needed to look at the manual anymore.

• Attractive Kitchen Design

Many microwaves are purely functional.

The Smooth Wave also serves as an attractive countertop appliance.

Its clean stainless-steel appearance fits well in both modern and traditional kitchens, making it feel like a premium addition rather than something you want to hide.

• Reliable Defrost Performance

Defrosting has always been one of the biggest frustrations I’ve had with microwaves. One side of the meat often starts cooking while the center remains frozen solid.

The Breville Smooth Wave handled this task much better than I expected.

I regularly defrosted chicken breasts, ground beef, and frozen shrimp. Instead of ending up with partially cooked edges, the food thawed much more evenly.

While I still recommend checking thicker cuts midway through the cycle, I spent far less time stopping and restarting the microwave than I normally would.

If you cook from frozen frequently, this feature alone can save you a surprising amount of time.

• Excellent Reheating Results

Leftovers are where this microwave really shines.

Pizza maintained its texture without becoming rubbery.

Rice stayed fluffy instead of drying out.

Soup heated evenly without boiling over.

Coffee warmed quickly without tasting burnt.

I noticed I was throwing away fewer leftovers because reheated food actually tasted enjoyable. That’s something I couldn’t always say about my previous microwave.

• Convenient One-Touch Functions

The preset cooking programs aren’t simply marketing features. I found myself using them every week.

Instead of guessing the correct cooking time, I could press a preset for popcorn, vegetables, beverages, or reheating and let the microwave do the work.

The automatic adjustments often produced better results than manually entering cooking times.

• Easy to Keep Clean

Nobody enjoys scrubbing dried food from the inside of a microwave.

Fortunately, the Smooth Wave makes routine cleaning simple. The stainless-steel interior doesn’t seem to hold onto stains easily, and most splatters wipe away with a damp cloth before they become stubborn.

The flat surfaces also make it easy to reach every corner without awkward angles.

• Energy-Efficient Everyday Operation

Although this is a powerful 1250-watt microwave, I appreciated that it didn’t feel wasteful during everyday use.

Most reheating tasks finished quickly because of the higher power output, meaning the microwave didn’t need to run as long as lower-powered alternatives.

While every kitchen is different, I appreciated the efficiency that came with shorter cooking times.

• Great for Busy Families

One thing I kept noticing was how well this microwave fit into a busy routine.

Breakfast became faster.

Lunch reheats were effortless.

Dinner preparation required fewer interruptions.

If multiple people use your kitchen throughout the day, you’ll probably appreciate how dependable and straightforward the controls are.

• Premium Features Feel Practical

Some premium appliances include features that sound impressive but rarely get used.

That wasn’t my experience here.

The soft-close door, Sensor IQ cooking, quiet operation, mute option, and intelligent presets all became features I genuinely relied on instead of ignoring after the first week.

Cons Of The Breville Smooth Wave Microwave

• Premium Price

The biggest drawback is obvious.

The Breville Smooth Wave costs significantly more than many countertop microwaves with similar capacity.

If your only goal is reheating leftovers occasionally, you may find less expensive models that meet your needs.

I personally think the added convenience justifies the higher price, but it won’t fit every budget.

• Requires Plenty of Counter Space

Although it looks elegant, this isn’t a compact microwave.

Its larger footprint means you’ll need sufficient counter space before purchasing.

In a small apartment or tiny kitchen, placement could become challenging.

I recommend measuring your available space carefully before buying.

• Fingerprints Can Appear Easily

The stainless-steel exterior looks fantastic.

Unfortunately, it also attracts fingerprints.

If you like your kitchen appliances looking spotless, you’ll probably find yourself wiping the exterior every few days.

Thankfully, fingerprints remove easily with a microfiber cloth.

• Too Many Features for Simple Users

Ironically, one downside of having numerous smart functions is that some owners may never use them.

If you only warm coffee and reheat leftovers occasionally, many of the advanced features could go unused.

That doesn’t make them bad features—it simply means you might be paying for capabilities you don’t necessarily need.

• Premium Replacement Parts

Like many premium kitchen appliances, replacement components and repairs may cost more than budget brands.

Fortunately, the build quality gives confidence that repairs shouldn’t become a frequent necessity.

Maintenance Tips For Breville Smooth Wave Microwave

• Clean the Interior After Daily Use

One habit that made a noticeable difference for me was wiping the interior after each day’s cooking.

Food splatters become much harder to remove once they’ve dried.

A soft damp cloth usually removes fresh residue in less than a minute.

By spending a few seconds cleaning regularly, you’ll avoid heavy scrubbing later.

• Use Microwave-Safe Containers

This may sound obvious, but it’s worth repeating.

Always choose containers specifically labeled microwave safe.

Glass and quality microwave-safe plastic generally work well.

Avoid metal utensils, aluminum foil, or dishes with metallic trim because they can damage both your food and the appliance.

Using the correct cookware also helps Sensor IQ perform more accurately.

• Cover Food While Heating

I almost always use a microwave cover now.

Not only does it reduce splattering, but it also helps food retain moisture during reheating.

As a result, meals taste fresher and the microwave stays cleaner.

It’s one of the easiest habits you can adopt.

• Keep the Door Seal Clean

The rubber seal around the microwave door is easy to overlook.

However, food particles and grease can collect around it over time.

I wipe this area gently every week using a damp cloth.

Keeping the seal clean helps the door close properly and maintains efficient performance.

• Don’t Block the Air Vents

Like any microwave, the Smooth Wave needs proper airflow.

Avoid pushing it tightly against the wall or surrounding it with clutter.

Leaving adequate ventilation space allows the cooling system to function efficiently and may help extend the appliance’s lifespan.

• Avoid Running It Empty

Running any microwave without food inside places unnecessary stress on its internal components.

I always double-check before pressing Start.

This simple habit can prevent avoidable wear over the years.

• Clean the Exterior Regularly

The stainless-steel finish looks beautiful when maintained.

A microfiber cloth works perfectly for removing fingerprints and smudges.

For tougher marks, I use a small amount of mild cleaner designed for stainless steel.

Avoid abrasive pads because they can scratch the finish.

• Inspect the Turntable

Every week or two, I remove the glass turntable and wash it with warm soapy water.

Cleaning underneath also prevents food debris from interfering with smooth rotation.

It’s a quick task that keeps everything operating properly.

• Use Appropriate Power Levels

One mistake many people make is cooking everything at maximum power.

Different foods benefit from different power settings.

Chocolate melts better on lower power.

Defrosting works more evenly with reduced power.

Delicate foods maintain their texture when heated gradually.

Learning when to lower the power improves cooking results considerably.

Comparison Of Breville Smooth Wave With Other Brand

• Breville Smooth Wave vs Panasonic Microwaves

Panasonic has built a strong reputation thanks to its Inverter Technology, which delivers steady power throughout the cooking process.

I’ve used Panasonic microwaves in the past, and they consistently perform well, especially when defrosting delicate foods.

Where the Breville Smooth Wave pulls ahead is the overall user experience. The quieter operation, soft-close door, premium controls, and modern appearance make it feel more refined.

 Every interaction feels intentional, from opening the door to selecting cooking presets.

Panasonic models are often the better choice if your priority is getting advanced cooking performance at a slightly lower price.

 However, if you spend a lot of time in your kitchen and appreciate thoughtful design, I think the Breville offers a more premium everyday experience.

• Breville Smooth Wave vs Toshiba Microwaves

Toshiba has become popular because it offers plenty of features at an affordable price.

Many Toshiba microwaves include sensor cooking, inverter technology, and numerous preset functions while remaining budget-friendly.

After comparing both brands, I found Toshiba provides excellent value, but the overall finish isn’t quite as polished as Breville.

The buttons, display, and door mechanism feel more basic, while the Smooth Wave has a noticeably higher-quality construction.

Performance is fairly close for standard reheating and cooking tasks, but Breville wins in comfort, quieter operation, and overall build quality.

If you’re shopping on a tighter budget, Toshiba deserves serious consideration. If you’re willing to spend more for a premium appliance that feels luxurious every day, the Smooth Wave is the better investment.

• Breville Smooth Wave vs LG Microwaves

LG has long been known for producing dependable home appliances, and its microwaves are no exception. Many LG models focus on even cooking, intuitive controls, and stylish designs.

In everyday use, both brands perform well. I didn’t notice dramatic differences when reheating leftovers or cooking frozen meals. The distinction comes down to refinement.

The Smooth Wave feels quieter.The door closes more smoothly.The interface feels more premium.

Cleaning is slightly easier because of the interior finish.

LG often provides excellent value for families looking for dependable performance without spending premium prices. However, if you’re someone who notices small details and appreciates high-end craftsmanship, Breville feels like the more satisfying appliance to own.

• Breville Smooth Wave vs Samsung Microwaves

Samsung produces feature-rich microwaves with attractive designs and innovative cooking technologies. Many models include ceramic enamel interiors that resist scratches and simplify cleaning.

The Breville Smooth Wave competes well by focusing less on flashy technology and more on everyday usability.

I found the quieter operation particularly noticeable when compared with several Samsung models I’ve used previously.

Samsung often packs in more technological features, while Breville concentrates on making the cooking experience smoother and less stressful.

If you enjoy experimenting with advanced cooking modes, Samsung offers excellent choices. If you simply want a microwave that performs consistently and feels premium every single day, Breville remains my preference.

Also Read: Is Presto Popcorn Maker Worth It?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Wrapping Up

The Breville Smooth Wave Microwave combines premium construction, intelligent cooking technology, and exceptional ease of use into one stylish appliance.

While it costs more than many competitors, I believe the consistent performance, quieter operation, and thoughtful design justify the investment.

If you want a microwave that makes everyday cooking easier and feels premium every time you use it, this model is one I would confidently recommend.