Quick answer: Choose the Breville Smooth Wave if you care about even heating, quiet operation, and high-quality defrosting. Choose the Breville Compact Wave if you need a reliable, space-saving microwave for basic reheating in a small kitchen.
Breville is known for premium kitchen appliances, and its countertop microwaves are built with the same attention to detail. Two of its most popular models—the Breville Smooth Wave (BMO850BSS) and the Breville Compact Wave (BMO650SIL)—look similar at first glance, but they are designed for very different cooking needs.
After comparing both microwaves in real-world kitchen use—reheating leftovers, melting butter, defrosting frozen meat, and fitting full-size dinner plates—the most important differences come down to inverter technology, heating consistency, capacity, noise level, and usability.
Main Difference: Breville Smooth Wave vs Compact Wave
The key difference between the Breville Smooth Wave and the Breville Compact Wave is how they deliver microwave power. The Smooth Wave uses true Inverter Technology with Sensor IQ, while the Compact Wave relies on traditional pulsed microwave power.
In practical terms, the Smooth Wave focuses on precision cooking and food quality, while the Compact Wave focuses on simplicity, efficiency, and a smaller footprint.
Breville Smooth Wave vs Compact Wave Comparison Table
| Feature | Breville Smooth Wave | Breville Compact Wave |
|---|---|---|
| Model Number | BMO850BSS | BMO650SIL |
| Capacity | 1.2 cu. ft. | 0.9 cu. ft. |
| Power Output | 1250 Watts | 900 Watts |
| Cooking Technology | True Inverter Technology + Sensor IQ | Traditional pulsed microwave |
| Preset Functions | Smart Cook, Smart Reheat, Smart Defrost | Reheat, Defrost, Soft Melt |
| Plate Fit | Fits 10.5–11 inch plates comfortably | Fits standard plates with tight clearance |
| Best For | Families, precision cooking, quiet kitchens | Small kitchens, dorms, basic reheating |
- The Breville Smooth Wave Microwave takes the guesswork out of cooking with Sensor iQ...
- SENSOR iQ TECHNOLOGY: Automatically adjust power to precisely cook or reheat; Countertop...
- POWER SMOOTHING INVERTER: Microwave automatically adjusts power intensity and delivers...
- SMART COOK, REHEAT & DEFROST: Featuring 15 in-built smart presets putting all the power at...
- QUIET MICROWAVE WITH SOFT CLOSE DOOR: Countertop microwave has 80% quieter soft close door...
- With a 25L compact footprint and an easy shortcuts and foods menu, the Breville Compact...
- COMPACT MICROWAVE: This countertop small microwave has a compact footprint with 25L...
- COOKING SHORTCUTS AND FOOD MENU: One touch auto buttons including Reheat, Defrost, Popcorn...
- QUIET MICROWAVE WITH SOFT CLOSE DOOR: Countertop microwave has 80% quieter soft close door...
- DEFROST & REHEAT FUNCTIONS: Breville microwaves deliver on versatility; Defrost function...
Inverter Technology: Why the Smooth Wave Heats Better
The Breville Smooth Wave uses true Inverter Technology, which supplies a constant, controlled level of microwave energy. Unlike traditional microwaves that cycle power on and off, an inverter maintains steady output at lower power levels.
Real-world difference: Because of this continuous energy delivery, the Smooth Wave can melt chocolate and soften butter evenly without bubbling or burning the edges—something the Compact Wave struggles with due to its pulsed power delivery.
Defrosting Performance & Hotspot Control
Using the Smooth Wave’s Smart Defrost with Sensor IQ, frozen meats thaw evenly with minimal edge cooking. The Compact Wave requires manual flipping to avoid uneven results.
Hidden Shortcut Panel Behind the Door
Both models include a hidden shortcut panel inside the door frame with buttons like “A Bit More” and “Mute.” The Smooth Wave adds a Favorite button that lets you save a custom power and time setting.
Noise Level: Real-World Comparison
With the mute setting enabled, the Smooth Wave operates at roughly 50% less perceived noise than standard microwaves. The Compact Wave is quieter than budget models but still produces more operational hum.
Who Should Choose Each Microwave?
Choose the Breville Smooth Wave if you want:
- Inverter-based precision cooking
- Quiet operation
- Better defrosting and reheating
Choose the Breville Compact Wave if you want:
- A smaller footprint
- Simple controls
- Lower energy consumption
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Breville Compact Wave fit a 12-inch dinner plate?
It fits a standard 10.5-inch plate comfortably. A 12-inch plate may fit but leaves very little clearance.
Does the interior light stay on while cooking?
Yes, both models keep the interior light on while cooking. The Smooth Wave’s LED is brighter.
Is the stainless steel fingerprint-resistant?
The brushed stainless steel finish is not fingerprint-proof but is easy to maintain with regular wiping.
Final Verdict
The Breville Smooth Wave is the better option for users who value inverter technology, quiet performance, and consistent heating.
The Breville Compact Wave is ideal for smaller kitchens and users who want dependable Breville quality without advanced features.
- The Breville Smooth Wave Microwave takes the guesswork out of cooking with Sensor iQ...
- SENSOR iQ TECHNOLOGY: Automatically adjust power to precisely cook or reheat; Countertop...
- POWER SMOOTHING INVERTER: Microwave automatically adjusts power intensity and delivers...
- SMART COOK, REHEAT & DEFROST: Featuring 15 in-built smart presets putting all the power at...
- QUIET MICROWAVE WITH SOFT CLOSE DOOR: Countertop microwave has 80% quieter soft close door...
- With a 25L compact footprint and an easy shortcuts and foods menu, the Breville Compact...
- COMPACT MICROWAVE: This countertop small microwave has a compact footprint with 25L...
- COOKING SHORTCUTS AND FOOD MENU: One touch auto buttons including Reheat, Defrost, Popcorn...
- QUIET MICROWAVE WITH SOFT CLOSE DOOR: Countertop microwave has 80% quieter soft close door...
- DEFROST & REHEAT FUNCTIONS: Breville microwaves deliver on versatility; Defrost function...
