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Last tested: March 2026 | By Jenna Hartwell
Quick Verdict
Breville charges double what Toshiba charges, and the Combi Wave earns most of that premium. The 3-in-1 combination cooking mode is unique and genuinely useful: running microwave power and convection heat simultaneously cuts cook time significantly while delivering a properly browned exterior. The smaller 1.1 cu. ft. cavity is the only meaningful limitation, and it's a real one for anyone who cooks for a larger household.
Specs at a Glance
| Capacity | 1.1 cu. ft. |
| Microwave Power | 1100W |
| Convection / Air Fryer Power | 1800W |
| Technology | Inverter microwave + convection + air fryer |
| Combination Cooking Mode | Yes (microwave + convection simultaneously) |
| Smart Features | None |
| Sensor Cooking | Yes |
| Pre-programmed Settings | 10 presets |
| Finish | Brushed Stainless Steel |
| Dimensions | 20.8" W x 12.3" H x 15.8" D |
| Element iQ System | Yes (smart power management) |
Performance
The combination cooking mode is what separates the Combi Wave from every other countertop microwave. Most microwaves run one heating method at a time. The Combi Wave runs microwave energy and convection heat simultaneously, which solves a long-standing problem: microwave food that's hot all the way through but pale and soft on the outside.
We tested a boneless chicken breast (about 7 oz.) in combination mode. Using a standard convection oven setting, it took 22 minutes at 375°F. In combination mode on the Combi Wave at a matching temperature, it was done in 13 minutes with a properly browned exterior and an internal temperature of 165°F throughout. That result was consistent across multiple tests.
The air fryer mode reached 400°F in 2.5 minutes during our testing. Toshiba's comparable mode took between 3.5 and 4 minutes to hit the same temperature. The 1800W convection element is noticeably more powerful, and it shows in the results: frozen fries at 400°F were done in 10 minutes versus 12 on the Toshiba, and the texture was slightly crispier across the batch.
Sensor cooking performed well on standard tasks: soup, vegetables, and reheated leftovers all came out correctly without overcooking. The inverter microwave element delivers the same consistent power output as Toshiba's inverter, so defrosting is equally good on both units.
Key Features
3-in-1 Combination Cooking Mode
This is the feature that justifies the price. Running microwave and convection together in a single timed cycle isn't something you'll find on competing models at any price point. The practical benefit is real: food that would take 20+ minutes conventionally is done in 12 to 15 minutes, with a browned exterior you can't get from a microwave alone. We used it most for chicken, fish, and reheating pizza from scratch (as opposed to microwave reheating).
Element iQ System
Breville's Element iQ system adjusts power distribution dynamically based on the cooking mode and the preset you've selected. In practice, this means the presets work more reliably than typical microwave auto-programs. The salmon preset, for instance, starts at a lower convection temperature and increases toward the end, which produces a more evenly cooked fillet than you'd get setting a flat temperature manually.
Fast Convection Preheat
The 2.5-minute preheat time is genuinely fast. Most countertop convection ovens take 8 to 12 minutes to reach baking temperatures. If you're cooking something that needs a preheated environment (baked goods, roasted vegetables), the Combi Wave's speed is a practical advantage.
Air Fryer Mode
Air fryer mode uses the full 1800W convection element with a high-speed fan for maximum circulation. Results were among the best we've tested in a microwave-format unit. The smaller cavity actually helps here: hot air circulates more efficiently in a tighter space, which contributes to the crispy results.
10 Pre-programmed Functions
Programs cover chicken, salmon, vegetables, pizza, baked potato, popcorn, fresh pasta, rice, beverage, and reheat. Each uses the Element iQ system to manage the cooking profile, not just a flat time-and-temperature setting. The chicken and salmon presets are particularly well-tuned.
Variable Microwave Power (1-10)
Ten discrete power levels give you more control than most microwaves offer. Combined with the inverter technology delivering continuous power rather than pulsing, you can genuinely fine-tune microwave cooking for delicate tasks like softening butter or melting chocolate.
Design and Build Quality
The Combi Wave looks and feels like a Breville product. The brushed stainless exterior is thick, the door mechanism has a precision feel to it, and the dial turns with a satisfying resistance. Compared to the Toshiba, the build quality difference is noticeable from the first time you open the door.
The interior is smaller than competitors at the same price, which is a fair criticism. But the interior walls have a quality finish, the light is bright and even, and the included rack for air frying fits securely. The cavity is easier to wipe clean than most units we've tested.
The control layout uses a large central dial plus function buttons, with a clear LCD display. It looks clean rather than crowded. Function labels are sized and placed logically, and the combination cooking mode has its own dedicated button, which makes it easy to access once you've read the manual once.
Ease of Use and Installation
The combination cooking modes do require reading the manual the first time. There's a learning curve to understanding which preset to start from, what power ratio the combination mode uses, and how to adjust manually. After a week of regular use, most of that becomes intuitive.
For standard microwave tasks (reheating, defrosting, popcorn), the interface is simple. The presets cover 80% of what most users need day-to-day. You shouldn't have to think about it much once you've got the basics down.
At 20.8 inches wide, it's slightly more compact than the Toshiba's 22.8-inch footprint. It still needs adequate ventilation clearance on the sides and top for convection mode, though the requirement is similar to any countertop convection unit.
Value for Money
At $399 to $449, the Combi Wave is a significant investment for a countertop microwave. The honest case for the price is this: if you'll use combination cooking mode regularly, the Combi Wave does something no other unit at any price can do in this form factor. You're buying a capability that doesn't exist elsewhere.
If you won't use combination cooking mode, the Toshiba at half the price is the smarter buy. Sensor cooking, inverter technology, and air frying are all covered at $200. The Breville premium is specifically for buyers who want the fastest, most versatile cooking performance in a single countertop unit.
Pros
- Unique combination cooking mode (microwave + convection simultaneously)
- Fast 2.5-minute convection preheat
- Breville build quality is excellent
- Well-tuned preset programs (Element iQ)
- Inverter microwave for even defrosting
- Powerful 1800W convection element
- 10 variable microwave power levels
Cons
- Smaller 1.1 cu. ft. cavity (no 9x13 dishes)
- No WiFi, app, or voice assistant
- High price point ($400+)
- Combination mode has a learning curve
- Overkill for basic microwave users
Who Should Buy It
The Combi Wave is the right choice if you want the best cooking performance per square inch on your counter and you'll actually use combination cooking mode. If you regularly cook proteins (chicken, fish, pork) and want them done quickly with a properly browned exterior, this is the unit for you. Couples who cook real food, not just reheat leftovers, will get meaningful value from what Breville built here.
It's also a strong pick if you're replacing both a microwave and a countertop convection oven and want to reclaim counter space without giving up performance.
Who Should Skip It
Budget buyers should look at the Toshiba. The gap in price is too large to ignore if your primary use cases are reheating and defrosting. You'd be paying $200 more for a feature you'd use occasionally.
Anyone who regularly reheats large dishes, cooks for four or more people, or relies on a microwave for big batch cooking will hit the 1.1 cu. ft. cavity limitation constantly. That frustration compounds quickly. For large households, the Toshiba's bigger cavity is more practical.
Final Verdict
The Breville Combi Wave is the best-performing countertop microwave we've tested. The combination cooking mode alone is worth the premium for anyone who cooks proteins regularly, and the 1800W convection element is meaningfully faster than competing units. The 1.1 cu. ft. cavity is a real limitation for larger households. For one or two people who want the most capable appliance possible in a single unit, the Combi Wave is hard to argue with at $420.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is combination cooking mode on the Breville Combi Wave?
Combination cooking runs the microwave element and the convection heating element simultaneously in a single cook cycle. Microwave energy penetrates to the center of the food while convection heat browns the exterior. The result is food that cooks faster than convection alone and browns better than microwave alone. A chicken breast that takes 22 minutes in a standard oven is done in 13 minutes in combination mode.
Is the Breville Combi Wave worth the $400 price?
For the right buyer, yes. If you'll use combination cooking mode regularly and want the best-performing countertop microwave available, the Combi Wave justifies the premium. If you primarily reheat leftovers and pop popcorn, the Toshiba at half the price covers those needs just as well. Read our full comparison of both models if you're undecided.
How does the Breville Combi Wave compare to the Toshiba inverter microwave?
Breville wins on cooking performance: faster convection preheat, more powerful convection element (1800W vs 1550W), and the unique combination cooking mode. Toshiba wins on value, cavity size (1.6 vs 1.1 cu. ft.), and Alexa integration. For most buyers, the Toshiba is the smarter purchase. Performance-first buyers who cook regularly will appreciate what Breville offers.
Does the Breville Combi Wave have WiFi or app control?
No. The Combi Wave has no WiFi connectivity, app control, or voice assistant integration. Breville's approach is to invest in cooking performance and build quality rather than smart features. If Alexa integration matters to you, the Toshiba ML-EM45PIT is the better choice.
Is the 1.1 cu. ft. cavity size a dealbreaker?
It depends on how you use a microwave. A standard 10-inch dinner plate fits with room to spare, and a 9x9 square baking dish fits fine. A 9x13 casserole dish does not fit. If you regularly reheat large dishes or cook big batches, the smaller cavity will frustrate you. For one or two people cooking normal portions, 1.1 cu. ft. is sufficient for most tasks.
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