Breville Smooth Wave vs Compact Wave Microwave Oven: Which One Should You Buy?

Microwaves aren’t just about reheating leftovers anymore. Over the past few years, I’ve noticed how brands like Breville have really changed the way we think about countertop microwaves. Two models that often get compared are the Breville Smooth Wave and the Breville Compact Wave. I’ve spent time using both, and while they share some DNA, they serve slightly different needs.

In this article, I’ll break down the key differences, put together a comparison table, and share my own hands-on thoughts on design, usability, and features. By the end, you’ll know exactly which model is the right fit for your kitchen.

Key Difference Between Breville Smooth Wave vs Compact Wave

The Breville Smooth Wave is the more advanced, feature-rich option designed for people who want precise cooking with Sensor iQ technology and higher wattage (1250W). It’s built for families or anyone who regularly uses a microwave for more than just reheating.

On the other hand, the Breville Compact Wave is a smaller, simpler version with 900W of power. It’s perfect for smaller kitchens, apartments, dorms, or anyone who mainly needs reheating and basic cooking functions without the bulk or the price tag.

Comparison Table: Breville Smooth Wave vs Compact Wave

Feature	Breville Smooth Wave (BMO850BSS)	Breville Compact Wave (BMO650SIL)
Dimensions	19″D x 20.43″W x 12.44″H	17.3″D x 19.1″W x 11.5″H
Capacity	1.2 cu.ft (34L)	0.9 cu.ft (25L)
Wattage	1250 watts	900 watts
Material	Brushed Stainless Steel	Painted metal housing
Technology	Sensor iQ, Power Smoothing Inverter	Standard microwave technology
Functions	Smart Cook, Smart Defrost, Smart Reheat, Shortcuts Panel	Reheat, Defrost, Popcorn, Beverage, Food Menu
Noise Control	80% quieter soft-close door + Breville Sound Suite	80% quieter soft-close door + Breville Sound Suite
Special Features	Child Lock, “A Bit More” button, Shortcuts inside door	Child Lock, Food Menu, Power Level Adjustments
Best For	Families, frequent cooks, advanced microwave users	Small kitchens, apartments, light users
Price Range	Higher (premium)	Lower (budget-friendly)
Check Price	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Detailed Comparative Review

1. Design & Build Quality

The first thing I noticed when unboxing both microwaves was the look and feel. The Smooth Wave has a premium brushed stainless steel finish. It feels solid, modern, and more like a professional kitchen appliance. I found it slightly larger, but that extra size translates into more cooking space.

The Compact Wave, on the other hand, has a lighter, silver-painted metal housing. It doesn’t feel as luxurious but is still well-built. The real advantage here is the smaller footprint. I could easily place it on a tight countertop in a smaller kitchen, whereas the Smooth Wave required a dedicated space.

Verdict: If aesthetics and durability matter most, the Smooth Wave wins. If space-saving is your priority, the Compact Wave is the smarter choice.

2. Ease of Use

I personally found the Smooth Wave more intuitive thanks to its shortcuts panel on the inside door. Everyday tasks like melting butter, softening chocolate, or reheating pizza were literally one-touch. The “A Bit More” button became one of my favorites, it’s such a clever little feature for adding 30 seconds without restarting.

The Compact Wave keeps things straightforward. It has dedicated buttons for popcorn, beverage, defrost, and reheat. While not as advanced, it’s perfect for quick tasks. My parents, for example, prefer the Compact Wave because it’s less intimidating; no scrolling through 15 presets.

Verdict: Smooth Wave is better for those who like customization and smart features. Compact Wave is better for users who prefer simplicity.

3. Cooking & Heating Performance

Here’s where the differences became clear in my kitchen.

With the Smooth Wave, the Sensor iQ technology really impressed me. It adjusts power automatically depending on the food. When I reheated lasagna, it came out hot in the middle but not dried out on the edges (something that happens often with cheaper microwaves). The Power Smoothing Inverter also delivered more even results compared to the stop-start bursts you get in standard microwaves.

The Compact Wave performed well for basic tasks like reheating soup, defrosting veggies, or popping popcorn. But when I tried reheating denser foods, I noticed some unevenness, hot on the outside but still lukewarm inside. For light use, though, it’s perfectly fine.

Verdict: Smooth Wave is noticeably better for precision cooking. Compact Wave is fine for basic reheating.

4. Noise & Door Mechanism

Both models come with Breville’s soft-close door and sound suite, and honestly, this is one of the most underrated features. Traditional microwaves slam loudly, but both of these are whisper-quiet. I could heat food late at night without waking anyone up.

That said, the Smooth Wave is slightly quieter during operation compared to the Compact Wave. It’s not a huge difference, but I did notice it when running them side by side.

Verdict: Both are excellent in this department, but Smooth Wave edges out with slightly better noise control.

5. Special Features

• Breville Smooth Wave:
  • “A Bit More” button (lifesaver!)
  • 15 smart presets
  • Advanced sensor cooking
  • Larger 1.2 cu.ft capacity
• Breville Compact Wave:
  • Food menu presets (pizza, potatoes, veggies)
  • Simple one-touch auto buttons
  • Compact 0.9 cu.ft size

Verdict: Smooth Wave is loaded with smart features, while Compact Wave keeps it minimal.

Breville Smooth Wave

Pros:

• Larger capacity (1.2 cu.ft)
• Sensor iQ + Power Smoothing Inverter for precise cooking
• Premium stainless steel design
• 15 smart presets and shortcuts panel
• Very quiet operation

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Bigger footprint (needs more counter space)

Buy on Amazon

Breville Compact Wave

Pros:

• Compact design, great for small kitchens
• Budget-friendly
• Simple, straightforward controls
• Soft-close door & quiet operation
• Child safety lock included

Cons:

• Lower power (900W)
• Fewer cooking options
• Not as precise for dense foods

Buy on Amazon

Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?

After using both models, I’d say the decision really comes down to your lifestyle and kitchen setup.

If you cook frequently, want precision reheating, and value premium design, the Breville Smooth Wave is absolutely worth the investment. It feels like a step above a standard microwave and has genuinely useful smart features that make daily cooking easier.

But if you’re in a smaller space, mostly reheat leftovers, or want a microwave that’s simple and affordable, the Breville Compact Wave is the perfect fit. It doesn’t try to do everything, but it does the basics very well.

My recommendation:

• Go for the Smooth Wave if you want performance and advanced features.
• Choose the Compact Wave if you want something budget-friendly and space-saving.

Either way, Breville’s build quality and design touches like the soft-close door make both of these a cut above the average microwave.