Microwaves are often the most neglected appliances in the kitchen, usually treated as “loud boxes” that turn leftovers into rubber. However, my time with the Breville Smooth Wave and the Breville Compact Wave has fundamentally shifted my perspective. These aren’t just heating elements in a metal shell; they are precision-engineered tools that treat food with a level of delicacy I didn’t think was possible in a microwave.
Choosing between them isn’t a matter of “good vs. better.” It’s a choice between inverter-driven culinary precision and space-conscious reliability. While they share the same DNA – specifically that heavenly “soft close” door – they serve very different kitchen lifestyles. If you’ve ever been frustrated by a microwave that leaves the middle of your lasagna frozen while the edges are lava, this comparison is for you.
The Key Difference: Breville Smooth Wave vs. Compact Wave Oven
The most significant technical divide between these two machines lies under the hood: the Power Smoothing Inverter.
The Breville Smooth Wave (BMO850BSS) is equipped with inverter technology. Traditional microwaves (like the Compact Wave) pulse 100% power on and off to simulate lower temperatures. An inverter, however, provides a constant, steady stream of power at the exact percentage you select. This allows for delicate tasks like melting chocolate or softening butter without the “hot spots” that usually ruin them.
The Breville Compact Wave (BMO650SIL) is defined by its efficiency of scale. It sacrifices the inverter and about 350 watts of power to provide a footprint that fits into apartments and dorms without surrendering the premium build quality Breville is known for. It’s a “Standard Power” machine that has been refined to be as quiet and user-friendly as its larger sibling.
Technical Comparison Table: Breville Smooth Wave vs. Compact Wave
| Feature | Breville Smooth Wave (BMO850) | Breville Compact Wave (BMO650) |
| Capacity | 1.2 Cubic Feet | 0.9 Cubic Feet |
| Wattage | 1250 Watts | 900 Watts |
| Power System | Inverter (Smooth Delivery) | Traditional Transformer |
| Sensor Technology | Sensor iQ (Steam Detection) | Standard Timed Presets |
| Door Mechanism | Soft Close (80% Quieter) | Soft Close (80% Quieter) |
| Display | High-Res Backlit LCD | Standard Digital Display |
| Special Buttons | “A Bit More,” Turntable Off | +30 Second, Child Lock |
| Material | Brushed Stainless Steel | Silver Painted Metal / Gray Fascia |
| Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My Personal Experience
Design: The “Soft Close” Revelation
I’ll be honest: the first time I closed the door on the Smooth Wave, I did a double-take. We are all conditioned to hear that loud “clack-thud” of a microwave door. The soft-close mechanism on both of these units is addictive. It feels like a high-end kitchen cabinet. If you are a late-night snacker who doesn’t want to wake up the whole house, this feature alone makes both units worth the price of admission.
The Smooth Wave feels like a piece of professional equipment. The brushed stainless steel is heavy, and the dial-based interface feels tactile and premium. The Compact Wave, while smaller, doesn’t feel “cheap.” It uses a silver-painted metal housing that mimics the look of stainless steel, but it is much lighter and easier to move. The 0.9 cu. ft. capacity of the Compact is enough for a standard dinner plate, whereas the 1.2 cu. ft. of the Smooth Wave can accommodate larger casserole dishes with ease.
Ease of Use: The Shortcuts Panel
One of my favorite Breville touches is the Shortcuts Panel located just inside the door of the Smooth Wave. It lists common tasks like “Melt Chocolate” or “Soften Butter.” You don’t have to memorize power levels; you just press the button and the Inverter does the rest.
The Compact Wave simplifies the interface even further. It has dedicated “Food Menu” buttons for things like popcorn, beverages, and potatoes. While it lacks the high-resolution LCD screen of the Smooth Wave, the buttons are clearly labeled and responsive. I found the Child Lock button on both models to be exceptionally easy to engage – a must-have for anyone with curious toddlers.
Functions: Sensor iQ vs. Timed Cooking
In my “Defrost Test,” the Smooth Wave was the clear victor. I thawed two pounds of ground beef using the Smart Defrost setting. Because of the Inverter, the edges didn’t cook or turn gray while the middle was still ice; it was a uniform thaw. The Sensor iQ technology actually detects the steam being released and adjusts the time mid-cycle. It’s as close to “autopilot” as cooking gets.
The Compact Wave does an admirable job with its defrost and reheat functions, but it requires a bit more manual intervention. Because it lacks the inverter, you might need to stir your soup halfway through to ensure even heat. However, for 90% of daily tasks – popping popcorn or reheating a coffee – the Compact Wave’s 900 watts are more than sufficient.
Maintenance: Sound Suites and Mutes
Microwaves are usually the noisiest thing in the kitchen, not just from the door but from the “BEEP-BEEP-BEEP” when the food is done. Both of these units feature the Breville Sound Suite. You can adjust the volume of the alerts or mute them entirely.
Cleaning the interiors was straightforward for both. Both have a high-quality coating that resists grease splatter. I did notice that the Smooth Wave has a “Turntable Off” feature, which is great for cleaning or for using rectangular dishes that shouldn’t spin. The Compact Wave’s turntable is permanent, so stick to round plates for the best results.
Breville Smooth Wave Countertop Microwave Oven
Pros:
- Inverter Power: Exceptional at delicate tasks like melting and softening.
- Sensor iQ: Takes the guesswork out of reheating by sensing steam.
- A Bit More Button: Perfect for when your food is almost there but needs 15 more seconds.
- 1250 Watts: Heats food significantly faster than the compact version.
Cons:
- Size: At 20.4 inches wide, it takes up a lot of counter space.
- Price: It is a premium investment for a microwave.
Breville Compact Wave Countertop Microwave Oven
Pros:
- Space Saver: Fits in tight corners and smaller kitchens.
- Quiet Operation: Still features the 80% quieter soft-close door.
- Intuitive Menu: Simple one-touch buttons for everyday tasks.
- Value: Offers the Breville “feel” at a much lower price point.
Cons:
- No Inverter: Can still suffer from the “hot edge/cold center” syndrome on large items.
- 900 Watts: Takes a bit longer to boil water or heat large meals.
Conclusion and My Recommendation
After living with both, the decision comes down to how much you value the Inverter.
I recommend the Breville Smooth Wave (BMO850) if:
You are a “Home Chef” who uses the microwave for more than just reheating. If you bake, if you frequently defrost meat, or if you simply want the fastest, most technologically advanced microwave on the market, the Smooth Wave is the gold standard. The 1.2 cu. ft. capacity and Sensor iQ make it a legitimate cooking tool rather than just a convenience.
I recommend the Breville Compact Wave (BMO650) if:
You have a “Limited Square Footage” kitchen but refuse to compromise on quality. If your microwave needs are standard – leftovers, popcorn, and the occasional baked potato – and you value the peace and quiet of the soft-close door, the Compact Wave is the best small-footprint microwave I’ve ever tested.
My Personal Take: Go with the Smooth Wave. Once you experience the “Smart Reheat” function – where you just put a plate of cold food in, hit one button, and it comes out at the perfect temperature without you setting a single timer – you will never want to go back to a “dumb” microwave again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the “Soft Close” door really that different?
Yes. Imagine a microwave that doesn’t “clank.” It closes like a luxury car door. It sounds like a small detail until you realize how many times a day you open and close that door.
Can the Smooth Wave fit a full-size turkey?
No, at 1.2 cu. ft., it’s generous, but it’s still a microwave. It will fit a large dinner plate or a 9×13-inch casserole dish (with the turntable off), but not a whole holiday turkey.
Does the Compact Wave have a mute button?
Yes. Both the Smooth Wave and the Compact Wave allow you to mute the end-of-cycle beeps, making them perfect for early birds or night owls.
How does the “A Bit More” button work?
If your food is done but needs just a touch more heat, you press the “A Bit More” button. It adds a preset amount of time (usually 15-30 seconds) at the same power level you were just using, without you having to re-program the whole cycle.
Is the stainless steel finish fingerprint-proof?
It is “Brushed Stainless,” which is much better at hiding fingerprints than polished steel, but it will still show oil from your hands over time. A quick wipe with a stainless steel cleaner keeps it looking new.
