A Versatile Combi Microwave Oven
I have been looking for an "all-in-one, do it all oven" but this isn't it. Although the Combi Wave 3 in 1 unit is one of the closest to this description, there is still room for improvement as it is still not there yet. First off, there is an over-emphasis on the microwave function. It would suit those who use this unit as a primary oven but l was looking for the reverse: convection/standard oven as a primary function and microwave as a secondary function because food cooked in microwave may not be very healthy [heating and warming may be fine]. The unit is not designed to function as a standard convection oven but as an adaptation for convection cooking. The obvious deficiency is the lack of shelving trays and shelving slots to operate as a normal convection oven ... MoreI have been looking for an "all-in-one, do it all oven" but this isn't it. Although the Combi Wave 3 in 1 unit is one of the closest to this description, there is still room for improvement as it is still not there yet. First off, there is an over-emphasis on the microwave function. It would suit those who use this unit as a primary oven but l was looking for the reverse: convection/standard oven as a primary function and microwave as a secondary function because food cooked in microwave may not be very healthy [heating and warming may be fine]. The unit is not designed to function as a standard convection oven but as an adaptation for convection cooking. The obvious deficiency is the lack of shelving trays and shelving slots to operate as a normal convection oven as it still relies on the bottom round glass plate found in most microwave ovens as the primary cooking tray. A flatbed microwave oven design would have been better. Another missing function is for toasting [bread, etc] - I was hoping that I could throw out my toaster but this was not to be. This is a pricey microwave oven although the high cost is reflected in the build quality, the many convenient electronic functions, a big LCD display window and the many customized buttons. Ideally, I was looking for a multi-function oven that can operate as a microwave, convection [incorporating air frying] and toaster oven, thus saving me the expense and space to own three or four individual cooking appliances. Are appliance manufacturers out there hearing my pleas?... Show more
wong3150
originally posted on davidjones.com
Breville 32L 1200W the Combi Wave 3 in 1 Convection Oven
Its average. Everything takes longer to cook no matter what function is used, even on the preset options. It does work fairly well, just its trial and error on timing. Melts chocolate & butter really well. Does not airfry well, some things ok but not crisp. Oven portion works well but not as good as kitchen oven. The inside roof has oven/grill element is not easy to clean underneath it. Creates so much steam that it sweats and pools around the inside & continually have to sponge it out as I feel it might rust or i leave the door open for a bit to let it dissipate (light does turn off after few mins so that's good). Oven has to preheat (takes about 5-10 mins) but doesn't tell you how long or what current temp is which would be an added feature. Some features use ... MoreIts average. Everything takes longer to cook no matter what function is used, even on the preset options. It does work fairly well, just its trial and error on timing. Melts chocolate & butter really well. Does not airfry well, some things ok but not crisp. Oven portion works well but not as good as kitchen oven. The inside roof has oven/grill element is not easy to clean underneath it. Creates so much steam that it sweats and pools around the inside & continually have to sponge it out as I feel it might rust or i leave the door open for a bit to let it dissipate (light does turn off after few mins so that's good). Oven has to preheat (takes about 5-10 mins) but doesn't tell you how long or what current temp is which would be an added feature. Some features use weight but you cannot set lower than it states. Doesn't have quick cook button options to do a couple of mins in micro. Overall its ok, great for micro & small oven, but not worth the high price tag. Not really a space saver since you can only use on counter not enclosed spaces and since not all modes work as expected, you would be better off having 3 appliances that specialize in their field of cooking.... Show more
Trista
originally posted on thegoodguys.com.au
Excellent space saving multi tasker
I’ve had this for a month and I’ve used all 3 features. I am happy with it. Breville has a great reputation and I have multiple small appliances by them so I was willing to give this a try and invest. I have a very small Kitchen area so I think long and hard before adding an appliance to my collection because space is my biggest issue. I used this to replace my microwave and I am very satisfied with my decision. The microwave aspect works well. I only use that for heating up and we’ve had no issues. It’s faster than my former one. The convection oven is my favorite. I do so many things in it. It’s wonderful for this hot weather because it has eliminated the need to use my large oven, thereby eliminating heating up my entire kitchen. I’m not big in fried foods so I ... MoreI’ve had this for a month and I’ve used all 3 features. I am happy with it. Breville has a great reputation and I have multiple small appliances by them so I was willing to give this a try and invest. I have a very small Kitchen area so I think long and hard before adding an appliance to my collection because space is my biggest issue. I used this to replace my microwave and I am very satisfied with my decision. The microwave aspect works well. I only use that for heating up and we’ve had no issues. It’s faster than my former one. The convection oven is my favorite. I do so many things in it. It’s wonderful for this hot weather because it has eliminated the need to use my large oven, thereby eliminating heating up my entire kitchen. I’m not big in fried foods so I never desired an air fryer but my son has used it for chicken wings and was very happy with it. I cannot compare it to a stand alone air fryer as I have no experience with that, but this function is fine for us. My only concern is that when using the convection oven feature the outside gets very heated so don’t it anything on top while using that feature. Also, after using the convection mode, it takes some time for the appliance to cool down so in the interim the microwave feature cannot be used. After using it daily for a month, I’m glad I got it and foresee putting it to much use.... Show more
antandlyd
originally posted on Crate and Barrel
Expensive, bulky, and problematic
I wanted to love this so badly. We purchased a small house and don’t have a lot of counter space for multiple gadgets. I opted to splurge and buy this to get rid of several of our small appliances, particularly our microwave and air fryer. From the get-go, we had some issues with the device, but they were intermittent. The air fryer setting works, but not as well as a standalone air fryer. Everything took a little bit longer. No, our microwave is 14 months old… We purchased in November 2021, and now the panel is nonresponsive. We can’t use anything but the dial depress for the microwave to work. Because of it only having a one-year warranty, we now have a $500 microwave that’s bulky and takes up more space than our microwave and our air fryer did originally. Very ... MoreI wanted to love this so badly. We purchased a small house and don’t have a lot of counter space for multiple gadgets. I opted to splurge and buy this to get rid of several of our small appliances, particularly our microwave and air fryer. From the get-go, we had some issues with the device, but they were intermittent. The air fryer setting works, but not as well as a standalone air fryer. Everything took a little bit longer. No, our microwave is 14 months old… We purchased in November 2021, and now the panel is nonresponsive. We can’t use anything but the dial depress for the microwave to work. Because of it only having a one-year warranty, we now have a $500 microwave that’s bulky and takes up more space than our microwave and our air fryer did originally. Very disappointed, and will think twice before purchasing other products in the future. Unfortunately it won’t let me upload a video to show real time... Show more
Amber
originally posted on breville.com
had features I wanted and didn’t think I wanted
I needed a countertop microwave that was powerful, didn’t slide around, had actual buttons & knobs, and an actual handle. Our previous microwave was a no brand and “conveyed” in our new home. Its awfulness guided me to this Breville Microwave. As I said: We wanted actual buttons actual knobs, not some press pad that can’t register commands unless a finger pushes it with enough force that the entire thing shifts. An actual door handle as opposed to a push pad I have to push with enough force that it shifts. There wasn’t a single microwave on the market that had these very basic criteria (which are not inordinate asks, imo) except for this Breville Wave series. The high end looks, and the child lock (I have 3 very young mischievous children so this was a huge ... MoreI needed a countertop microwave that was powerful, didn’t slide around, had actual buttons & knobs, and an actual handle. Our previous microwave was a no brand and “conveyed” in our new home. Its awfulness guided me to this Breville Microwave. As I said: We wanted actual buttons actual knobs, not some press pad that can’t register commands unless a finger pushes it with enough force that the entire thing shifts. An actual door handle as opposed to a push pad I have to push with enough force that it shifts. There wasn’t a single microwave on the market that had these very basic criteria (which are not inordinate asks, imo) except for this Breville Wave series. The high end looks, and the child lock (I have 3 very young mischievous children so this was a huge sweetener of the deal for me) and the intuitive interface that basically spells out to me what exactly I need to do whenever I make a selection, all these features made the competition irrelevant. It’s like the Apple of microwaves. The choice was between the Combi or Smooth Wave and I generally avoid complexity but given the microwave portion of the Combi was well reviewed and that I had some gift cards at BBB which didn’t carry the Smooth Wave in stock (but if they did I would have chose it), I went with the Combi. We’ve been having a blast with it. Grilling has been the best “non-Microwave” feature so far, it alone makes the extra cost for Combi worth it. The accessories have been useful and are solid quality. The instruction manual needs work, I’ve read it twice and still am not sure what dish type exactly is safe to put in the machine under various programming. Air Fryer has been meh, higher temps and longer times than called for has been necessary to achieve ho-hum results. The FastCombi feature has been the most disappointing, and the instruction manual is not instructive at all about how to use it, it just hypes it. Winging it and trying to use it blind, it has been a disaster. Definitely a feature I’ll have to figure out myself over time if and when I have the time and the luxury to possibly waste food to experiment with it. Breville could have explained this feature better since they gave it a front face button (unlike my beloved grill feature which is found on inside door panel). Stainless interior is huge pro. That it can’t be placed in a shelf is a huge con. Wish child lock was press&hold to lock/unlock, but it’s just a simple quick press to lock/unlock, like any other button.... Show more
Jacpswa
originally posted on Bed Bath & Beyond
It's all that and more!
I bought this after tearing out my above range microwave (installed a range hood) and didn't want both a microwave and a toaster oven taking up space on my counters. This machine takes on both roles surprisingly well. It also air fries which is a new cooking concept for me but I'm not mad about having this feature either. From an oven/air fryer perspective it cooks and crisps fries, chicken tenders, melts and browns cheeses and breadcrumb toppings, and TOASTS bread. I read reviews that it didn't have a toast function and this disappointed me at first but those reviewers clearly didn't try all of the many settings this machine offers. The grill setting produces perfectly toasted bread, buns, and creates a nice broiled effect with cheese. I have even baked cookies and ... MoreI bought this after tearing out my above range microwave (installed a range hood) and didn't want both a microwave and a toaster oven taking up space on my counters. This machine takes on both roles surprisingly well. It also air fries which is a new cooking concept for me but I'm not mad about having this feature either. From an oven/air fryer perspective it cooks and crisps fries, chicken tenders, melts and browns cheeses and breadcrumb toppings, and TOASTS bread. I read reviews that it didn't have a toast function and this disappointed me at first but those reviewers clearly didn't try all of the many settings this machine offers. The grill setting produces perfectly toasted bread, buns, and creates a nice broiled effect with cheese. I have even baked cookies and they were perfect! I particularly appreciated not having to heat up the oven for a small batch of cookies - since I always have cookie dough in my freezer and I often just want 2-4 cookies, this is the perfect way to bake them quickly and save some energy to boot! As a microwave, it performs as you'd expect, but I would argue maybe a tad less consistent and powerful as a standard microwave. Sometimes I find that I need to run something back through for a few more seconds but they even have a setting for that which remembers what temperature/configuration I was just using in any of the modes called "a bit more" which adds 10 second increments of time every time it is pressed. Super handy! I love the functionality of the dials and that you can adjust them as something is cooking. If I see something is getting too done, I can turn the heat down or reduce the amount of time left (alternatively increase both) which is a function I've never seen before in a microwave or toaster oven. Other than these snazzy, smart features it also has every basic microwave setting you know and love: popcorn, defrost, express cook, and a few newcomers that I now use frequently like: melt chocolate, soften butter, cook from frozen. From a style perspective, it is a nice looking machine and matches my stainless steel appliances well. Here are my only complaints so far: 1. The manual doesn't make clear whether or not you can use metal dishes in oven modes. The combi crisper pan and trivet that are included are both metal but the manual states just to use an "oven safe" dish. It doesn't specify if metal or aluminum is actually ok and I don't want to risk it. 2. Preheating: Most modes for oven or air fryer call for preheating the inside (usually with the tray in there first) and then sometimes there is a countdown timer to indicate how long until it is preheated and sometimes there is not. It's inconsistent and idk how long to expect it to preheat all of the time. Additionally, sometimes it makes a "ding" sound when preheating is over but it immediately goes into the cooking cycle. This is annoying because I don't always hear the ding if I am doing other things and I need to take the tray out to add my food and get it back in there to cook but I'm already losing time because it immediately went into its cooking cycle... Not a big deal though because I can always add more time via the dial. 3. Cleaning: it's hard to keep really clean on the inside. One of the very first things I did was cook bacon (something I've never done in a microwave) and was pleased by how it came out crispy actually! However, the instructions said NOT to cover the bacon with anything and the grease splattered all inside the back panel. It occurred within like two days of owning it and I still can't get those grease stains off. The manual doesn't specify how to clean stains like this and again I don't want to push my luck with a cleaner that ends up damaging it because it's not cheap! So far it's lived up to its expectations and I'm really happy with this purchase. Let's hope it has a good life here.... Show more
RachelA
originally posted on bestbuy.com
Lovely quiet appliance.
Incredibly lovely machine for the option sounds, quiet closing door and many variations of temperatures. It enables a lot of versatility and therefore less washing up with pots and bowls with more traditional methods. It does create an enormous amount of steam in reheating food and can really dry things out if you dont predict what may need to be splashed with water prior to heating. A lot of wiping up is required but it is an easy clean. The food stays hotter for longer and is more evenly heated through than my old microwave which is nice as I usually get interrupted by kids before I get to eat my food. The bench space required is enormous due to the large empty space around it recommended which wasnt made clear until I read through the manual. It requires 20cm ... MoreIncredibly lovely machine for the option sounds, quiet closing door and many variations of temperatures. It enables a lot of versatility and therefore less washing up with pots and bowls with more traditional methods. It does create an enormous amount of steam in reheating food and can really dry things out if you dont predict what may need to be splashed with water prior to heating. A lot of wiping up is required but it is an easy clean. The food stays hotter for longer and is more evenly heated through than my old microwave which is nice as I usually get interrupted by kids before I get to eat my food. The bench space required is enormous due to the large empty space around it recommended which wasnt made clear until I read through the manual. It requires 20cm behind and beside it which means almost a full meter of bench space. This would have been good to know as it is a non-standard recommendation compared to other similar appliances. That being said, I love it so much that I completely rearranged my kitchen to fit it in. The air fryer doesnt crisp up food as much as my Tefal air fryer but again, I can live with that. This is the reason this product received 4 stars instead of 5.... Show more
anonymous
originally posted on thegoodguys.com.au
So-so
Ok, so I just took delivery yesterday & quickly tested out several features just to be sure this was a keeper. I'm coming from a $700+ OTR LG microwave/convection with sensor cooking & after it died (3rd one in 5 years) I decided to go the countertop route & get a great range hood. This arrived very well packaged & after setting the clock I did a simple test with 2 cups of water (in a 2 cup measuring cup). I tested the temp after 2 minutes on high (been using this for years with thr LG as it heated consistently to 135⁰. The new Breville got to 145⁰ in 2 minutes, a little faster but not quite as much of a difference as I would have thought. Next I tried a filled 4 cup measuring cup to boil water. It took the LG 8-9.5 minutes, depending on how it was feeling that day. ... MoreOk, so I just took delivery yesterday & quickly tested out several features just to be sure this was a keeper. I'm coming from a $700+ OTR LG microwave/convection with sensor cooking & after it died (3rd one in 5 years) I decided to go the countertop route & get a great range hood. This arrived very well packaged & after setting the clock I did a simple test with 2 cups of water (in a 2 cup measuring cup). I tested the temp after 2 minutes on high (been using this for years with thr LG as it heated consistently to 135⁰. The new Breville got to 145⁰ in 2 minutes, a little faster but not quite as much of a difference as I would have thought. Next I tried a filled 4 cup measuring cup to boil water. It took the LG 8-9.5 minutes, depending on how it was feeling that day. The Breville did it in a tad over 7 minutes for a full boil. Not bad but neither products can come close to the short amount of time it takes my induction range to accomplish the same tasks. Next up was 'air fry', something Ive never used & always felt it was just convection heating. Tried 3 frozen breaded chicken patties (for a chicken sandwich). Cooking on air fry, I had no idea how long to cook but the package said 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, including flipping it halfway, it was hot but not crisp. Heated another 5 minutes & it got somewhat crisp on 1 side so I gave up & just flipped them over & used the grill function for 3 minutes to crisp up the other side. My Wolf counter top oven cooks them perfectly in 10 minutes on convection. Next up was mozzarella sticks, again using airfry. I started with 3 minutes, not wanting to risking them exploding in my new micrwave. Still partially frozen. Did 3 minutes more. No longer frozen but floppy, even after turning. I set for 3 more minutes but kept my eye on them & after another minute the cheese started oozing out. Removed the pan but the sticks were still soft & floppy with zero crunch. Next test was a handful of french fries. The Wolf convection takes 15 minutes to cook these, after a roughly 10 minute preheat. After 18 minutes, including turning, these were still floppy in the Breville. Added 5 minutes, still floppy. Finally after another 3 minutes they were crisp. I then heated the oven to the max 450⁰ & tested the temp with an infrared thermometer. My Wolf registers between 435⁰ & 455⁰. The Breville, 335⁰ to 355⁰. So, jury is still out as to whether it gets returned & I look for something better.... Show more
ImStillaYankee
originally posted on bestbuy.com
The Breville Combi Wave is a revolution in cooking
This little machine has made our small kitchen more effective and more useful after just a week of a few uses. We air fried store-bought breaded cauliflower bites and we also used it to air fry brussels sprouts. Perfect. They all came out perfectly done: crispy, but tender, with the slightest little bit of delicious browning. We microwaved leftover rice and we also cooked an 8 pound chicken in it. Beautiful. Everything was tender and perfectly cooked, and the chicken had a beautiful, crispy skin, but inside we found tender, juicy meat. We used the preset controls to make pizza, popcorn, and steamed broccoli. Everything came out just as we expected. We also figured out a way to make it a toaster oven for bagels and toast: just use the convertible cook dish with the ... MoreThis little machine has made our small kitchen more effective and more useful after just a week of a few uses. We air fried store-bought breaded cauliflower bites and we also used it to air fry brussels sprouts. Perfect. They all came out perfectly done: crispy, but tender, with the slightest little bit of delicious browning. We microwaved leftover rice and we also cooked an 8 pound chicken in it. Beautiful. Everything was tender and perfectly cooked, and the chicken had a beautiful, crispy skin, but inside we found tender, juicy meat. We used the preset controls to make pizza, popcorn, and steamed broccoli. Everything came out just as we expected. We also figured out a way to make it a toaster oven for bagels and toast: just use the convertible cook dish with the legs in the "out" position, place the little "trivet" inside the cook dish, and air fry for four minutes. It helps if you butter the toast before you do this, but we did it with dry bread, and it came out brown, crispy, remarkably even, and not dry. Amazing. We were going to buy a separate toaster for toasting bagels, but those came out well, too. We have also used it as a convection oven to bake cakes, muffins, and a small lasagna. The results were remarkable. Still can't believe that this one machine does everything three appliances did on our countertop before. We live in Florida, where running our standard kitchen oven makes the whole kitchen hot on hot days. This little machine hardly put out any heat, and it allowed us to cook a variety of dishes for our small family. Highly recommend.... Show more
Robyn N
originally posted on Crate and Barrel
Try it and you love it... even wife who doesn't normally cook
We have no much room left in our kitchen, so the wife didn't allowed me to have more appliances. I always wanted to have an Air fryer and a better and simplier small oven. I saw the opportunity when our antique microwave died. It was hard to convince her about the investment ( three times more compared to a normal microwave)... but since we decided to purchase the combi wave, she loves me more. First meal was a salmon fillet which was cooked to perfection with crispy skin and not dry at all. The defrost option works really well, it doesn't cook the meat.Microwave works as expected and it is easy to adjust the power.The oven setting did a great job with a pork roast too.In overall the Combi Wave is a great appliance and very convenient. It is easy to use, takes only ... MoreWe have no much room left in our kitchen, so the wife didn't allowed me to have more appliances. I always wanted to have an Air fryer and a better and simplier small oven. I saw the opportunity when our antique microwave died. It was hard to convince her about the investment ( three times more compared to a normal microwave)... but since we decided to purchase the combi wave, she loves me more. First meal was a salmon fillet which was cooked to perfection with crispy skin and not dry at all. The defrost option works really well, it doesn't cook the meat.Microwave works as expected and it is easy to adjust the power.The oven setting did a great job with a pork roast too.In overall the Combi Wave is a great appliance and very convenient. It is easy to use, takes only one block of our populated kitchen real state, and does the job just right.At the beginning can be a bit confusing as it has a number of options and settings, but it is not difficult at all. If you like to cook as I do, you need to try a bit to find the right settings to get the sweet spot. Still I didn't find it hard.There is a recipe guide online, but if you Breville can hear me, it will be useful to have a more comprehensive recipe book with options to explore all the capabilities of the combi.The best, the wife has ventured in more involvement in the kitchen.... Show more
Manuel
originally posted on thegoodguys.com.au