The Breville Combi Wave and Panasonic Home Chef microwaves serve different kitchen needs entirely. The Breville is a premium, multi-function "3-in-1" appliance that works as a microwave, convection oven, and air fryer, while the Panasonic Home Chef is a reliable, budget-friendly microwave designed for straightforward daily use. The Breville justifies its higher price with a stainless steel construction and advanced cooking features, whereas the Panasonic Home Chef excels at providing dependable performance and simplicity at a much lower cost.
Here’s a detailed look at both models from Breville and Panasonic to help you decide which one best fits your kitchen and cooking style.
Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1
The Breville Combi Wave is a high-end countertop appliance that combines the functions of an inverter microwave, a convection oven, and an air fryer. It's designed for home cooks who appreciate versatility, precision, and a premium aesthetic, allowing you to defrost, reheat, air fry an entire chicken, or bake with the same machine.
- What it is: A countertop appliance that combines a microwave, convection oven, and air fryer into one unit.
- Key features: Element iQ system for smart cooking, 19 built-in smart presets including "Smart Cook," "Smart Reheat," and "Smart Defrost", soft-close door, digital display, and shortcuts panel.
- Price: Around $400, positioned as a premium kitchen appliance.
- Dimensions: Approximately 20.4" x 20.2" x 12.4".
- Materials/Construction: Features a high-quality brushed stainless steel exterior and stainless steel interior for durability and easy cleaning.
- Style: Sleek, modern, and minimalist, designed to complement contemporary kitchen designs and other high-end appliances.
- Pros: Replaces three separate appliances, saving counter space. Smart features and presets simplify complex cooking tasks. High-quality construction feels durable and looks great. Soft-close door is a popular premium detail.
- Cons: Carries a significantly higher price tag than standard microwaves. Can have a steeper learning curve with its numerous functions. The exterior can get hot when using convection or air fryer modes.
This appliance is ideal for serious home cooks who want to reduce counter clutter and invest in a powerful, versatile machine that handles more than just microwaving.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/microwaves/bmo870.html
Panasonic Home Chef Microwave
The Panasonic Home Chef is a practical and reliable countertop microwave focused on doing one job exceptionally well: reheating and cooking food quickly and evenly. It's built for functionality and value, offering solid performance with an easy-to-use interface, making it a dependable choice for everyday kitchen tasks.
- What it is: A straightforward countertop microwave oven for daily heating, reheating, and basic cooking.
- Key features: Cyclonic Inverter technology for even and quick heating, simple one-touch controls, multiple power levels, and automatic sensor-cook menus for common foods.
- Price: Ranges from $150 to $250, offering excellent value.
- Dimensions: Varies by model, but typically around 18-20 inches wide.
- Materials/Construction: Built with durable plastics and metal, featuring a utilitarian design focused on function rather than high-end aesthetics.
- Style: Simple and functional appearance in neutral colors like white, black, or stainless steel to fit most standard kitchens without standing out.
- Pros: Very affordable and offers great value for the money. Simple, intuitive controls are easy for anyone to use immediately. Dependable and consistent performance for core microwave tasks. Compact footprint fits well in smaller kitchens.
- Cons: Lacks advanced features like a convection oven or air frying capabilities. The build quality and materials are more basic. Aesthetic is functional but not style-focused.
The Panasonic Home Chef is a perfect match for anyone needing a no-fuss, reliable appliance for daily microwaving without the extra cost or complexity of a combination oven.
Shop this product: shop.panasonic.com/collections/microwave-ovens
Breville Combi Wave vs. Panasonic Home Chef Comparison
Materials & Construction
There's a noticeable difference in build quality between these two appliances. The Breville Combi Wave is constructed with brushed stainless steel on both the exterior and interior, giving it a premium feel, substantial weight, and improved durability. Details like its soft-close door reinforce its position as a high-end product designed for longevity.
The Panasonic Home Chef is more utilitarian in its construction. It typically uses durable plastics for the casing and standard coated metal for the interior. While perfectly sturdy for everyday use and built to last, it doesn't have the same high-end feel as the Breville. Its focus is on functional reliability rather than premium materials.
Features & Usability
This is where the two models diverge the most. The Breville Combi Wave's main selling point is its 3-in-1 functionality as a microwave, convection oven, and air fryer. It comes loaded with 19 smart presets, intuitive digital controls, and an "Element iQ" system that directs power intelligently for precise and even cooking, whether you're air frying fries or baking cookies. While packed with features, this can mean a learning curve for some users.
The Panasonic Home Chef prioritizes simplicity and effectiveness. Its interface is designed for quick, straightforward operation with one-touch sensor cooking for everyday foods like popcorn, potatoes, and frozen entrees. Its Cyclonic Inverter technology ensures food is heated evenly, but its feature set is strictly limited to standard microwave tasks - no baking or air frying here.
Style & Aesthetic
The Breville Combi Wave is designed as a centerpiece appliance for modern kitchens. Its sleek, minimalist stainless steel finish, clean lines, and digital display are meant to integrate seamlessly with other contemporary, high-end appliances.
In contrast, the Panasonic Home Chef has a more traditional microwave look. Its design is practical and functional, blending into the background of a kitchen rather than making a style statement. It's often available in standard black, white, or basic stainless steel, prioritizing function over form.
Price & Value
With a price tag around $400, the Breville Combi Wave is a significant investment. However, its value comes from consolidating three popular appliances into one, which could save you both money and counter space compared to buying a separate microwave, convection oven, and air fryer.
At $150-$250, the Panasonic Home Chef offers outstanding value for a high-quality, dedicated microwave. If you only need a machine for reheating, defrosting, and basic cooking, the Panasonic delivers reliable performance for a fraction of the cost, making it the more budget-sensible choice for many households.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both the Breville and Panasonic microwaves are excellent products, but they cater to very different users and needs.
Choose the Breville Combi Wave if:
- You want to save counter space by combining a microwave, air fryer, and convection oven in one.
- A premium, modern aesthetic is important for your kitchen design.
- You are an enthusiastic home cook who will use advanced cooking functions regularly.
- Your budget allows for a higher-end appliance and you see it as a long-term investment.
Choose the Panasonic Home Chef if:
- You need a straightforward, reliable microwave for everyday reheating and defrosting.
- You're shopping on a tighter budget and want the best performance for the price.
- Simplicity and ease of use are your top priorities in a kitchen appliance.
- You already own and love your separate air fryer or convection oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Breville Combi Wave and Panasonic Home Chef?
The primary difference is functionality. The Breville is a 3-in-1 device that combines a microwave, convection oven, and air fryer. The Panasonic is a dedicated microwave oven focused on core microwaving tasks like reheating and defrosting.
Is the Breville Combi Wave worth the extra money?
If you'll frequently use the convection oven and air fryer functions, it is absolutely worth it. It provides excellent performance across all three modes and can save counter space by replacing other appliances. If you only need a basic microwave, the extra cost is unnecessary.
Which microwave is better for a family?
The Breville Combi Wave's versatility makes it great for families who cook a variety of meals, from air-fried chicken nuggets to baking small dishes. Its interior is generally spacious enough for large plates. The Panasonic is also suitable for families due to its simplicity and ability to reheat large portions quickly and easily.
Can the Breville Combi Wave actually replace a real air fryer?
Yes, its air frying function is very effective. It can crisp foods like french fries, chicken wings, and vegetables just as well as many standalone air fryers, making it a true space-saver.
Which one is more durable and will last longer?
Both brands have a reputation for reliability. However, the Breville's premium stainless steel construction and high-quality components suggest a longer lifespan under heavy use, while the Panasonic is a durable workhorse for standard microwave duties.
How easy is the Panasonic Home Chef to use?
It's incredibly user-friendly. With straightforward buttons and one-touch presets for common foods, most people can use it right out of the box without even reading the manual.
Which one takes up more counter space?
The Breville Combi Wave is slightly larger and deeper than most standard Panasonic models due to its additional convection and air frying components being built-in. It's important to measure your space beforehand.
How is the noise level on each?
As a premium feature, the Breville is engineered to be quieter, especially with its soft-close door. Convection and air fry modes will produce fan noise, similar to a standalone oven. The Panasonic operates at a standard microwave noise level, which is noticeable but not excessive.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
