Breville Smart Oven vs Combi Wave 3 in 1: Which Multi-Function Oven Fits Your Cooking Needs? (2025 Comparison)

In the world of countertop ovens, Breville has long been a trusted name, offering appliances that combine innovation with everyday practicality. Two of their most popular multi-function ovens—the the Smart Oven® Air Fryer and the Combi Wave 3 in 1—often leave home cooks wondering which one deserves a spot on their counter. Both are versatile, powerful, and designed to replace multiple gadgets, but they cater to slightly different cooking priorities. In this 2025 comparison, we’ll break down the key differences, strengths, and ideal use cases for each model, so you can make an informed decision.

Overview of the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer (model BOV900BSS) is a beloved countertop oven that combines 13 cooking functions into one sleek unit. It features Element IQ technology, which adjusts the power of six heating elements for precise cooking. The integrated air fryer function uses super-convection to circulate hot air, delivering crispy results with less oil. With a large capacity that fits a 14-pound turkey or a 13-inch pizza, this oven is ideal for families and frequent entertainers. It also includes a slow-cook setting and a dehydrate mode, making it a true all-in-one solution.

Overview of the Combi Wave 3 in 1

The Combi Wave 3 in 1 (model BMO850BSS) is Breville’s answer to the need for speed and versatility. It’s a microwave, convection oven, and air fryer combined, using a unique combination of microwave energy and convection heat to cook food up to 50% faster than a traditional oven. The Combi Wave features automatic settings for popular dishes like pizza, chicken, and baked goods, and it uses a premium stainless steel interior for durability. At 24 liters, it’s slightly smaller than the Smart Oven but still fits a 12-inch pizza or a whole chicken. Its standout feature is the “Combination” cooking mode, which blends microwave and convection for rapid, even cooking.

Key Differences at a Glance

Before diving into the details, here’s a quick comparison table to highlight the main differences:

Feature	Smart Oven Air Fryer	Combi Wave 3 in 1
Primary Cooking Technology	Convection (Element IQ)	Microwave + Convection
Cooking Functions	13 (Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Broil, etc.)	10 (Microwave, Convection, Air Fry, Combi, etc.)
Capacity	Fits 14-lb turkey, 13-inch pizza	Fits 12-inch pizza, whole chicken
Cooking Speed	Standard (fast preheat)	Up to 50% faster (Combi mode)
Preheat Time	~2-3 minutes	~1-2 minutes
Air Fry Performance	Excellent (super-convection)	Good (with convection + microwave)
Microwave Function	No	Yes (full microwave)
Best For	Baking, roasting, slow cooking	Quick meals, reheating, speed

Cooking Performance and Versatility

Smart Oven Air Fryer: The Baking and Roasting Champion

If your kitchen revolves around baking, roasting, and slow cooking, the Smart Oven Air Fryer is your best bet. Its Element IQ technology ensures even browning for cookies, pastries, and casseroles. The air fry function is powerful—crisping chicken wings, french fries, and vegetables with minimal oil. The dehydrate mode is a bonus for making jerky or dried fruit. For example, you can roast a whole chicken in about 50 minutes with a golden, crispy skin. The slow-cook setting is perfect for stews or braised meats, allowing you to use the oven for low-and-slow dishes without heating up your kitchen.

Combi Wave 3 in 1: Speed and Convenience

The Combi Wave 3 in 1 shines when you need meals fast. Its combination mode can bake a frozen pizza in 12 minutes (versus 18-20 minutes in a standard oven) or roast a chicken in 30 minutes. The microwave function is fully functional, so you can reheat leftovers, melt butter, or defrost ingredients in seconds. However, its air fry performance is slightly less intense than the dedicated air fryer in the Smart Oven, as the combination of microwave energy can sometimes yield a less crispy texture. That said, for most everyday cooking—like reheating pizza to crispy perfection or cooking a quick weeknight dinner—the Combi Wave is incredibly efficient.

Capacity and Size

The Smart Oven Air Fryer has a larger interior, accommodating a 14-pound turkey or two 9x13 baking dishes side by side. This makes it a better choice for families or for meal prepping in bulk. The Combi Wave 3 in 1 is more compact—ideal for smaller kitchens or for those who already have a full-sized oven. It fits a 12-inch pizza and a whole chicken comfortably, but you won’t be able to cook multiple dishes at once. If counter space is tight, the Combi Wave’s smaller footprint is an advantage.

Ease of Use and Smart Features

Both ovens feature intuitive LCD displays and preset programs. The Smart Oven Air Fryer offers 13 presets (including “Toast,” “Bagel,” “Cookies,” and “Slow Cook”) with automatic temperature and time adjustments. It also has a “My Menu” feature that saves your custom settings. The Combi Wave 3 in 1 has fewer presets (10) but includes a “Quick Start” button and a “Defrost” function that’s very precise. One standout is the “Combi” mode, which automatically selects the best ratio of microwave to convection heat based on the chosen food type. Both ovens are easy to clean, with non-stick interior coatings and removable crumb trays.

Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s a decision guide based on your cooking habits:

• Choose the Smart Oven Air Fryer if: You bake often (breads, pastries, casseroles), want superior air frying, need a large capacity for family meals, or enjoy slow-cooking dishes. It’s a dedicated convection oven that excels at temperature precision.
• Choose the Combi Wave 3 in 1 if: You value speed above all else, frequently reheat leftovers, want a microwave that can also crisp and brown, or have limited counter space. It’s perfect for busy professionals or small households.
• Consider both if: You have room and budget for two countertop appliances—the Smart Oven can handle baking and roasting, while the Combi Wave can handle quick meals and reheating.

Final Verdict

Both the Smart Oven Air Fryer and the Combi Wave 3 in 1 are outstanding appliances that can streamline your cooking. The Smart Oven is the better all-rounder for traditional cooking methods, while the Combi Wave offers unprecedented speed and convenience. In 2025, the choice ultimately comes down to your priorities: if you want to replace a toaster oven, air fryer, and slow cooker, go with the Smart Oven Air Fryer. If you want to replace a microwave, convection oven, and air fryer in one compact unit, the Combi Wave 3 in 1 is the clear winner.

Whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy Breville’s signature build quality and thoughtful design. And if you’re looking to upgrade your entire cooking workflow, consider pairing your new oven with a reliable food processor like the Breville Sous Chef® 9 for effortless prep. Ready to transform your kitchen? Explore the the Smart Oven® Air Fryer or the Combi Wave 3 in 1 at Brevillemall and discover which multi-function oven fits your cooking needs best.