Buzz
As someone with a deep passion for both shopping and cooking, I often find myself tempted by the latest kitchen gadgets. Fortunately, my healthy skepticism prevents me from falling for every product that comes my way, sparing me from cluttering my kitchen with useless tools. But when I encountered the Combi Wave—Breville’s inventive combination of a microwave and air fryer—it definitely piqued my curiosity.
So, what exactly is this appliance, and is it something we all need in our kitchens? Let’s dive into what I discovered to help you make your own decision.
A preview of the combi microwaves featured in this article:
What exactly is a combi microwave?
At first, I mistook the Combi Wave for a steam-assisted combi oven, but it's actually a bit different. 'Combi Wave' is Breville's label for a microwave and air fryer combo, also known as a multioven microwave or combi microwave. There are several models available, each boasting that they can do it all—which can be somewhat misleading.
For instance, Breville claims that the Combi Wave is a three-in-one gadget: microwave, air fryer, and convection oven. However, an air fryer is essentially a convection oven (don’t let them fool you). Similarly, the Toshiba Combo 8-in-1 (oh, really?) Countertop Microwave refers to 'broil' as 'grill' in its description. But again, it's just convection heating with adjusted temperature and fan speed—not the same as grilling burgers on a proper grill.
In other words, be cautious as some brands are bending definitions here. Honestly, I’m not sure why—they’ve already got a pretty cool idea with a microwave that also air fries. It’s like inventing a flying car and then saying, 'Well, it also glides and soars.' You had me at 'flying car,' no need for more.
How do you operate a combi wave?
It's safe to assume that most people looking to purchase combi waves have likely grown up using microwaves, so the learning curve isn't too steep. Operating the combi wave may feel unfamiliar at first but still feels similar, especially since it has the same size and appearance as a standard microwave. Fortunately, combi waves come with a variety of presets to assist with operation.
For instance, the Breville comes with presets that adjust heating power and time, eliminating much of the guesswork. It even includes settings specifically designed for melting chocolate or softening butter. Simply press the 'microwave' button and use the display to select defrost, popcorn, or manually set a timer as you would with a traditional microwave. Just make sure to use the appropriate glass rotating turntable that came with your combi wave and avoid using it in ways you wouldn't with a regular microwave, like heating up foil.
To switch to the 'air fryer' setting (sometimes labeled 'convection' or just 'oven'), press the corresponding button. Much like a traditional air fryer, the heating element warms the air while the fan circulates hot air around your food until you achieve crispy nuggets or perfectly baked cookies. Again, be sure to use the correct appliance-specific pans and dishes as outlined in your unit's user manual.
Is investing in a combi microwave a smart choice?
Whether a combi wave is a good purchase depends on your cooking habits, priorities, and budget. Personally, I find the idea of a single appliance that both microwaves and air fries quite appealing. If you frequently use both functions, combining them would save space and make life easier, which is a big plus for apartment dwellers like myself. However, these devices are still relatively new and expensive, with models like the Panasonic Multioven Microwave and Breville Combi Wave priced around $500. The more affordable options, such as the Toshiba Combo 8-in-1 and Toshiba 4-in-1 models, are available for about $200. I imagine that as prices drop in a few years, these will become more common in kitchens. For now, though, I’ll stick with my regular microwave without the extra features.
