Breville Smooth Wave vs Compact Wave: Which Smart Microwave Fits Your Kitchen Best?

Microwaves might look alike on the surface, but their real-world performance can be worlds apart. Over the past month I rotated two Breville countertop models—the full-size Smooth Wave BMO850BSS and the smaller Compact Wave BMO650SIL—through my busy kitchen to see which one truly earns a permanent spot. Here’s the unvarnished account of how each machine handled daily cooking, reheating, and defrosting duties.

Key Difference at a Glance: Breville Smooth Wave vs Compact Wave Microwave Oven

The Smooth Wave is a feature-rich, 1.2-cubic-foot, 1,250-watt powerhouse with Breville’s Sensor iQ and Power Smoothing Inverter for precision cooking. The Compact Wave trims that down to a 0.9-cubic-foot, 900-watt design focused on saving space and delivering quick shortcuts. In short: bigger capacity and brains versus compact convenience.

Breville Smooth Wave vs Compact Wave – Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Smooth Wave BMO850BSS	Compact Wave BMO650SIL
Capacity	1.2 cu. ft (34 L)	0.9 cu. ft (25 L)
Power	1,250 watts	900 watts
Dimensions	19″D x 20.43″W x 12.44″H	17.3″D x 19.1″W x 11.5″H
Key Tech	Sensor iQ, Power Smoothing Inverter	Standard microwave with shortcuts
Presets	15 smart presets (Cook, Defrost, Reheat, etc.)	Popcorn, Beverage, Defrost, Reheat, Food Menu
Noise & Door	80% quieter soft-close door, 50% quieter operation	Same soft-close design, also 50% quieter
Extras	“A Bit More” button, turntable off option	Compact footprint, easy shortcuts
Warranty	1-year limited	1-year limited
Check Latest Price & Deals	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Detailed Hands-On Comparison

Before diving into each category, here’s how I approached the test. I used both microwaves side-by-side for several weeks, running identical tasks—reheating leftovers, defrosting meat, popping popcorn, and even softening butter. This gave me a clear sense of their strengths and trade-offs in real daily use.

Design & Build

The Smooth Wave’s brushed stainless steel finish feels premium and substantial. At just over 20 inches wide it needs a dedicated counter corner, but the sleek lines and hidden shortcut panel give it a built-in vibe. The Compact Wave, by contrast, is noticeably lighter and easier to shift—ideal for small apartments or dorms. Its silver fascia and painted metal housing look good but don’t have quite the same upscale feel.

Ease of Use

Both share Breville’s signature soft-close door that really is impressively quiet. The control layout is intuitive on each, but the Smooth Wave’s inside-door shortcuts and digital readout are a step up. I especially liked the “A Bit More” button—perfect for nudging leftovers to the ideal temperature without starting over.

The Compact Wave keeps things simple. Popcorn and Beverage buttons are front and center, and the food menu handles everyday tasks like reheating pizza or defrosting veggies. If you value minimal button pressing, it wins for simplicity.

Cooking Performance

This is where the Smooth Wave earns its higher price. The Sensor iQ technology automatically adjusts time and power by detecting steam. Whether I was reheating lasagna or defrosting chicken, the results were consistently even—no cold centers or rubbery edges. The Power Smoothing Inverter also means power ramps smoothly instead of pulsing, so delicate items like custard reheat without splitting.

The Compact Wave performs well for its size but lacks that fine control. Reheating soup or coffee is quick, but denser foods sometimes need a manual stir midway. Defrosting works, but I occasionally found icy spots.

Noise Level

Both models live up to Breville’s claim of being 50 percent quieter than typical microwaves. Late-night popcorn runs didn’t wake anyone, and the soft-close door avoids the usual microwave “slam.” The Smooth Wave’s slightly more solid build dampens vibration a bit better, but the difference is subtle.

Functions & Shortcuts

Smooth Wave’s 15 smart presets cover everything from melting chocolate to reheating pizza and softening butter. The Compact Wave keeps it to the essentials, which is fine if you don’t need specialized settings. I personally found the Smooth Wave’s inside-door shortcuts surprisingly helpful when juggling multiple dishes.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Both have easy-wipe interiors and removable glass turntables. The Smooth Wave’s stainless finish resists fingerprints better, while the Compact Wave’s painted surface shows smudges more readily but is lightweight enough to lift for a deep clean.

Breville Smooth Wave Countertop Microwave Oven

Pros:

• Powerful 1,250-watt output with inverter technology for even cooking
• Sensor iQ eliminates guesswork
• 15 smart presets and “A Bit More” button add flexibility
• Premium stainless build and ultra-quiet door

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Larger footprint; needs more counter space

Buy on Amazon

Breville Compact Wave Countertop Microwave Oven

Pros:

• Space-saving 0.9-cu-ft design perfect for small kitchens
• Simple, clearly labeled controls and food menu
• Same quiet soft-close door as its bigger sibling
• Lower cost makes it budget-friendly

Cons:

• 900 watts means longer cook times
• Lacks advanced sensors and inverter power
• Painted housing less premium and shows fingerprints

Buy on Amazon

Verdict and Recommendation:

After alternating between the two for weeks, I’d say it comes down to kitchen size and how much you cook. If you have the counter space and cook or reheat daily, the Breville Smooth Wave is worth every inch and every dollar. Its Sensor iQ and inverter tech produce consistently excellent results, and the quiet door is a small luxury you’ll appreciate every night.

However, if you’re in a studio apartment, dorm, or simply need a capable microwave for quick snacks and beverages, the Compact Wave is a smart, compact solution. It nails the basics, stays whisper-quiet, and doesn’t crowd your countertop.

Either way, Breville’s build quality and thoughtful design stand out. Choose the Smooth Wave for serious cooking performance; choose the Compact Wave for convenience in tight spaces.