Countertop appliances have come a long way from the days of simple reheating. Today’s premium multi-cookers promise air frying, baking, broiling, and microwave convenience in a single stainless-steel box. After spending several weeks alternating between the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 and the Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1, I can confidently say both deliver on that promise—yet they go about it in very different ways. If you’re torn between these two popular models, my first-hand experience will help you decide which deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen.
Key Difference at a Glance: Breville Combi Wave vs Panasonic HomeChef Microwave Air Fryer Oven
While both are multitasking marvels, the Breville Combi Wave leans toward precision and smart automation, while the Panasonic HomeChef emphasizes versatility and slightly larger capacity. Breville’s Element IQ system and ultra-quiet operation stand out for tech lovers, whereas Panasonic’s FlashXpress Broiler and true 4-in-1 design appeal to home cooks who want that extra broil feature and a roomier interior.
- 3-IN-1 APPLIANCE: Combines Air Fryer, Convection Oven and Microwave into one versatile kitchen appliance; Create...
- ELEMENT IQ SYSTEM: Smart algorithms steer power where and when it's needed to create a specifically tailored...
- All-In-One Multi Oven Does The Work So You Don't Have To: Spend less time cooking and more time enjoying family;...
- Mealtime Simplified, Powered by Our App: Pick your dish from the Panasonic Kitchen+ app, gather ingredients, and...
Quick Comparison Table: Breville Combi Wave vs Panasonic HomeChef Microwave Air Fryer Oven
| Feature | Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 | Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 |
| Capacity | 1.1 cu ft | 1.2 cu ft |
| Functions | Microwave, Convection Oven, Air Fry | Microwave, Convection Bake, Air Fry, FlashXpress Broiler |
| Power | 1200W microwave, 1400W convection, 1100W grill | 1000W inverter microwave |
| Special Tech | Element IQ, Power Smoothing Inverter, Smart Cook/Reheat/Defrost | Genius Sensor Cooking, Turbo Defrost, Inverter Technology |
| Noise Level | Very quiet, soft-close door | Standard microwave sound, optional silent mode |
| Included Accessories | Combi Crisp Pan, Trivet | Turntable, Wire Rack, Enamel Tray, Airfry Basket |
| Dimensions | 20.08″D × 20.47″W × 12.6″H | 17.7″D × 22″W × 13.5″H |
| Price Range (typical) | Higher | Expensive |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Design & Build Quality
The Breville Combi Wave feels like a sleek European sports car of the countertop world. Its brushed stainless finish resists fingerprints, and the soft-close door is surprisingly satisfying—80 % quieter than a standard microwave door. Panasonic’s HomeChef, on the other hand, has a more traditional footprint but with a slightly larger interior. Its stainless steel interior is easy to wipe down after air frying a batch of wings. Both feel sturdy, but Breville’s fit and finish exude a touch more premium flair.
- 3-IN-1 APPLIANCE: Combines Air Fryer, Convection Oven and Microwave into one versatile kitchen appliance; Create...
- ELEMENT IQ SYSTEM: Smart algorithms steer power where and when it's needed to create a specifically tailored...
- All-In-One Multi Oven Does The Work So You Don't Have To: Spend less time cooking and more time enjoying family;...
- Mealtime Simplified, Powered by Our App: Pick your dish from the Panasonic Kitchen+ app, gather ingredients, and...
Ease of Use
Breville wins the “intuitive” category. The control panel is clearly labeled, and the inside-door shortcuts for melting chocolate or reheating pizza are a clever touch. The Smart Cook, Smart Reheat, and Smart Defrost presets rarely miss the mark, so I found myself trusting it quickly.
Panasonic offers more manual control, with dedicated buttons for air fry, broil, bake, and sensor cook settings. There’s a slight learning curve because of the extra functions, but once you memorize the layout, it’s straightforward. The ability to switch to silent mode is a thoughtful bonus for late-night snack sessions.
- 3-IN-1 APPLIANCE: Combines Air Fryer, Convection Oven and Microwave into one versatile kitchen appliance; Create...
- ELEMENT IQ SYSTEM: Smart algorithms steer power where and when it's needed to create a specifically tailored...
Cooking Performance
Here’s where it gets fun.
- Air Frying: Breville’s Element IQ technology circulates heat evenly, giving my sweet potato fries a crisp edge without preheating. Panasonic’s air fry basket handles slightly bigger batches and does an equally impressive job, though it takes a minute longer to reach ideal crunch.
- Microwave/Defrost: Panasonic’s 1000-watt inverter system delivers gentle, even reheating—soups heat uniformly without those annoying hot spots. Breville’s 1200-watt power plus Power Smoothing Inverter is just as consistent and a bit faster.
- Baking & Roasting: Breville’s convection oven bakes brownies with a golden crust that rivals a full-size oven. Panasonic matches it in quality and offers up to 425 °F for roasting a small chicken.
- Broiling: Only Panasonic includes the FlashXpress Broiler. If you like to finish casseroles with a bubbly cheese topping, that feature is a big win.
- All-In-One Multi Oven Does The Work So You Don't Have To: Spend less time cooking and more time enjoying family;...
- Mealtime Simplified, Powered by Our App: Pick your dish from the Panasonic Kitchen+ app, gather ingredients, and...
Daily Living Experience
After a week, I noticed the Breville felt quieter and more refined in everyday use—especially the door, which my family appreciated during early breakfasts. Panasonic’s extra capacity proved handy when cooking for a crowd; I fit a 12-inch pizza pan with room to spare. Both clean easily, though Panasonic’s all-stainless interior edges out Breville’s for quick wipe-downs after greasy air fry sessions.
Breville Combi Wave Microwave Air Fryer Oven
- 3-IN-1 APPLIANCE: Combines Air Fryer, Convection Oven and Microwave into one versatile kitchen appliance; Create...
- ELEMENT IQ SYSTEM: Smart algorithms steer power where and when it's needed to create a specifically tailored...
Pros:
- Premium build with ultra-quiet soft-close door
- Element IQ ensures precise heat distribution
- Faster microwave power (1200 W)
- Excellent preset options for one-touch cooking
Cons:
- Slightly smaller capacity (1.1 cu ft)
- Price sits at the higher end
- No dedicated broiler function
Panasonic HomeChef Microwave Air Fryer Combo
- All-In-One Multi Oven Does The Work So You Don't Have To: Spend less time cooking and more time enjoying family;...
- Mealtime Simplified, Powered by Our App: Pick your dish from the Panasonic Kitchen+ app, gather ingredients, and...
Pros:
- Larger 1.2 cu ft capacity
- True 4-in-1 versatility with FlashXpress Broiler
- Genius Sensor and inverter tech for even cooking
- Includes air fry basket and multiple racks
Cons:
- Louder door and fan compared to Breville
- Control panel less intuitive at first
- Slightly slower air-fry preheat
Final Verdict & Recommendation:
Both the Breville Combi Wave and the Panasonic HomeChef easily replace multiple countertop gadgets, but they cater to different cooking personalities.
Choose Breville if: you value whisper-quiet operation, sleek aesthetics, and a “set it and forget it” approach. Its smart presets and faster microwave power make daily reheating and quick dinners nearly foolproof.
Choose Panasonic if: you need a little more interior space and love to broil. The FlashXpress feature delivers golden cheese melts and charred finishes that the Breville simply can’t replicate.
After alternating meals between the two, my personal pick is Panasonic HomeChef for households that entertain or cook larger portions, thanks to that extra capacity and the broiler’s finishing power. That said, if your kitchen vibe leans toward high-tech elegance and you crave absolute quiet, the Breville Combi Wave is worth the splurge.
Either way, you’re getting a multi-talented appliance that can air fry, bake, and microwave with results good enough to make you forget about your traditional oven on busy weeknights.
