Microwaves are no longer just about reheating leftovers—they’ve evolved into smart appliances capable of precise cooking, defrosting, and reheating. Breville offers two standout models: the Smooth Wave BMO850BSS and the Compact Wave BMO650SIL. Having tested both extensively, I can confidently share my experience on how they compare in design, usability, cooking performance, and overall convenience for a modern kitchen.
Key Difference Between Breville Smooth Wave vs Compact Wave Microwave Oven
While both Breville microwaves feature Sensor iQ technology and soft-close doors, the Smooth Wave delivers higher power (1250W) and a larger 1.2 cu.ft capacity, making it ideal for families or larger dishes. On the other hand, the Compact Wave is a 900W microwave with a 0.9 cu.ft capacity, perfect for smaller kitchens or single households. The Smooth Wave also offers 15 smart presets compared to the Compact Wave’s basic shortcut menu, giving it a slight edge in precision and versatility.
- The Breville Smooth Wave Microwave takes the guesswork out of cooking with Sensor iQ technology and 15...
- SENSOR iQ TECHNOLOGY: Automatically adjust power to precisely cook or reheat; Countertop microwave's Smart...
- With a 25L compact footprint and an easy shortcuts and foods menu, the Breville Compact Wave Soft Close...
- COMPACT MICROWAVE: This countertop small microwave has a compact footprint with 25L capacity and all the space...
Comparison Table: Breville Smooth Wave vs Compact Wave Microwave Oven
| Feature | Breville Smooth Wave (BMO850BSS) | Breville Compact Wave (BMO650SIL) |
| Capacity | 1.2 cu.ft | 0.9 cu.ft |
| Wattage | 1250 W | 900 W |
| Exterior Material | Stainless Steel | Painted Metal/Gray Fascia |
| Technology | Sensor iQ, Power Smoothing Inverter | Sensor iQ |
| Smart Presets | 15 | 6-8 shortcut presets |
| Soft-Close Door | Yes, 80% quieter | Yes, 80% quieter |
| Child Lock | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 19″D x 20.43″W x 12.44″H | 17.3″D x 19.1″W x 11.5″H |
| Installation | Countertop | Countertop |
| Included Components | Instruction Booklet | Instruction Booklet |
| Latest Price, Deals & Offers | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Both microwaves feel thoughtfully designed, but their performance and features cater to slightly different users.
Design & Build Quality
The Smooth Wave stands out with its brushed stainless steel exterior, which gives it a professional and premium feel. It is slightly larger, making it ideal for families or those who cook larger meals. The Compact Wave, while smaller, has a sleek silver-painted exterior that works perfectly in limited spaces. Its lightweight design makes it easy to move if needed. Both models include soft-close doors that are noticeably quieter, a subtle but satisfying feature that improves the overall kitchen experience.
Ease of Use
Using both models is straightforward. The Smooth Wave comes with a touchscreen and easy shortcuts, including Smart Cook, Smart Reheat, and Smart Defrost, which automatically detect food steam and adjust cooking time. The Compact Wave also offers one-touch shortcuts for reheating and defrosting, but the fewer preset options make it slightly less versatile. I appreciated the “A Bit More” feature on the Smooth Wave, which allows me to extend cooking without restarting the cycle—very handy for reheating unevenly cooked leftovers.
- The Breville Smooth Wave Microwave takes the guesswork out of cooking with Sensor iQ technology and 15...
- SENSOR iQ TECHNOLOGY: Automatically adjust power to precisely cook or reheat; Countertop microwave's Smart...
Cooking Performance
The Smooth Wave excels at even cooking, thanks to Power Smoothing Inverter technology. Foods like pizza, lasagna, and frozen meals heat evenly without hot spots or overcooked edges. The Compact Wave also cooks well but is limited by its 900W output. Small meals, popcorn, and reheating work perfectly, but larger dishes require more attention. Both microwaves deliver Turbo Defrost that efficiently thaws meat and frozen meals without drying them out.
Functions & Features
- Smooth Wave: 15 smart presets, Smart Cook, Smart Defrost, Smart Reheat, A Bit More, Child Lock, +30 Sec Instant Start, Turntable Off, Shortcuts Panel
- Compact Wave: Shortcut buttons for Reheat, Defrost, Popcorn & Beverage, Food Menu presets (pizza, potatoes, vegetables), Child Lock, +30 Sec Instant Start, Soft Close Door
The Smooth Wave clearly offers more control and versatility for those who cook frequently or need precision, while the Compact Wave is designed for simplicity and convenience.
Breville Smooth Wave (BMO850BSS) Microwave Oven
- The Breville Smooth Wave Microwave takes the guesswork out of cooking with Sensor iQ technology and 15...
- SENSOR iQ TECHNOLOGY: Automatically adjust power to precisely cook or reheat; Countertop microwave's Smart...
Pros:
- Premium stainless steel design
- Higher 1250W power for faster cooking
- Larger 1.2 cu.ft capacity
- 15 smart presets with precise cooking
- Quiet soft-close door
Cons:
- Larger footprint, may not suit very small kitchens
- Higher price
Breville Compact Wave (BMO650SIL) Microwave Oven
- With a 25L compact footprint and an easy shortcuts and foods menu, the Breville Compact Wave Soft Close...
- COMPACT MICROWAVE: This countertop small microwave has a compact footprint with 25L capacity and all the space...
Pros:
- Compact 0.9 cu.ft footprint fits small kitchens
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Soft-close door and quiet operation
- Affordable option for small households
Cons:
- Lower power (900W)
- Fewer smart presets
- Smaller capacity limits cooking of larger meals
Conclusion and Recommendation
Both Breville microwaves are excellent appliances, but the best choice depends on your needs. If you require more power, advanced smart presets, and larger capacity, the Smooth Wave BMO850BSS is the clear winner. It is perfect for families, frequent cooks, or those who want precise results without guesswork.
For smaller households, limited counter space, or lighter usage, the Compact Wave BMO650SIL delivers reliable cooking performance with a compact footprint and affordable price.
After using both, I lean toward the Smooth Wave for its versatility and precision, but the Compact Wave is still a fantastic choice for convenience and space-saving. Both models showcase Breville’s thoughtful design, quiet operation, and smart cooking technology that simplify everyday meal prep.
