Breville Smooth Wave Microwave Reviews: BMO850 Review (October 2026)
The Breville BMO850 is a 1.2 cu ft sensor microwave with inverter power, 15 smart presets and a soft-close door. It suits people who want automatic reheating and defrosting options, plus quieter operation; compare its size and controls with the Toshiba and BLACK+DECKER alternatives.
On this page (7 sections)
- What do Breville Smooth Wave microwave reviews say about the BMO850?
- How does the BMO850 handle reheating and defrosting?
- What are the main differences between these countertop microwaves?
- How much counter space does the BMO850 need?
- Is the Breville BMO850 easy to use every day?
- Which microwave should you choose?
- Frequently asked questions about Breville Smooth Wave microwave reviews
The Breville BMO850 is a 1.2 cu ft sensor microwave with inverter power, 15 smart presets and a soft-close door. It suits you if automatic cooking, reheating and defrosting options matter, while the Toshiba and BLACK+DECKER offer different combinations of controls, capacity and size.
This review compares the BMO850's stated features with two countertop alternatives. If you want countertop baking as well as microwave heating, compare countertop convection microwaves.
We checked the specs and features against everyday tasks such as reheating leftovers, defrosting food and fitting a microwave on the counter.
What do Breville Smooth Wave microwave reviews say about the BMO850?
The BMO850 stands out for Sensor iQ, inverter power, 15 presets and quieter operation claims. Breville says its soft-close door is 80% quieter and operation is 50% quieter; those are manufacturer claims, not a promise about how it will sound in every kitchen.
Breville BMO850BSS Smooth Wave Microwave Oven: Best for sensor cooking features
- 1.2 cu ft capacity
- 1250 watts
- Sensor iQ technology
- Power smoothing inverter
- 15 smart presets
A sensor microwave with smart cooking, reheating and defrosting presets, plus inverter power. Its controls include A Bit More, a mute button and a turntable-off setting.
Pros
- Sensor iQ adjusts power for cooking and reheating
- 15 smart presets
- Soft-close door and quieter operation are stated features
- Shortcuts panel covers tasks such as melting chocolate and reheating pizza
Cons
- Its 1.2 cu ft cabinet needs a countertop space check
- The 1250-watt power rating may not be the deciding factor for every kitchen
Sensor iQ adjusts power for cooking or reheating, while Smart Reheat detects steam and sets a time automatically. The inverter feature adjusts power intensity, which Breville says helps provide smooth power for tasks such as reheating pizza, soup and lasagna.
The controls add flexibility after an automatic cycle. You can use A Bit More to add time, +30 Instant Start for a quick start, mute to reduce beeps, or turn the turntable off.
Those features give the BMO850 a broad set of options for day-to-day use. The trade-off is that you should confirm its 20.43-inch width, 19-inch depth and 12.44-inch height fit your available counter space.
Who is the Breville Smooth Wave for?
Choose it if you want sensor presets and inverter power in one countertop microwave. Smart Reheat and Smart Defrost offer automatic options, while the shortcuts panel covers common tasks without requiring you to find a setting from scratch.
It may be less compelling if you mainly use timed starts and a few basic power levels. In that case, compare the Toshiba's one-touch start and 10 power levels, or the smaller BLACK+DECKER if you need less counter space.
How does the BMO850 handle reheating and defrosting?
The BMO850 offers automatic sensor functions and dedicated smart presets for reheating and defrosting. Sensor iQ adjusts power, and Smart Reheat responds to steam released by food to set a cooking time.
The inverter feature is intended to vary power intensity smoothly. Breville says this can help reheat food and defrost meals without overheating and drying out the edges, but results still depend on the food, container and amount.
For frozen food, Smart Defrost is one of the BMO850's named preset functions. Follow the microwave's manual for safe defrosting and cooking directions, and check food as needed rather than assuming an automatic cycle suits every portion.
The Toshiba also uses a humidity sensor to adjust cooking time and power. Its six preset menus include sensor reheat, while the BLACK+DECKER offers pre-programmed buttons for foods such as pizza, potato, frozen vegetables and dinner plate.
If even, lower-intensity heating is a priority, read what inverter technology means in a microwave. That guide can help you decide whether inverter operation is a feature you want to prioritize.
What are the main differences between these countertop microwaves?
The Breville has the most listed smart presets and the highest stated wattage of these three models. The Toshiba matches its 1.2 cu ft capacity with 1000 watts and a humidity sensor, while the BLACK+DECKER trades capacity and power for a smaller stated cabinet.
| Detail | Breville BMO850BSS | TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven | BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1.2 cu ft | 1.2 cu ft | 0.7 cu ft |
| Stated power | 1250 watts | 1000 watts | 700 watts |
| Sensor or automatic features | Sensor iQ; Smart Cook, Reheat and Defrost | Smart humidity sensor; preset menus | Pre-programmed buttons; two defrost options |
| Other controls | A Bit More, mute, +30 Instant Start, turntable off | 10 power levels; one-touch start | 10 power settings; 30-second express cooking |
| Dimensions | 19 x 20.43 x 12.44 in (D x W x H) | 20.6 x 14.6 x 11.8 in (W x D x H) | 17.3 x 13 x 10.2 in (W x D x H) |
The measurement order differs between the manufacturer specifications, so compare width, depth and height carefully when planning placement. Capacity alone won't tell you whether a large dish fits; check the turntable and interior dimensions in the manual if you have a particular dish in mind.
The Toshiba's one-touch start makes short timed heating straightforward. The BLACK+DECKER has six pre-programmed buttons and a 10-inch removable glass turntable, while the Breville includes presets and shortcuts for several common kitchen tasks.
For more models using inverter technology, compare our guides to the best Panasonic inverter microwave, the best inverter microwave oven and best countertop inverter microwaves.
How much counter space does the BMO850 need?
The BMO850 measures 20.43 inches wide, 19 inches deep and 12.44 inches high. Measure the counter and any surrounding cabinets before buying, including the room needed to open the door and use the controls.
The Toshiba is 20.6 inches wide, 14.6 inches deep and 11.8 inches high. Its listed depth is shorter than the Breville's, but compare the full measurements and the placement guidance in each manual.
The BLACK+DECKER measures 17.3 inches wide, 13 inches deep and 10.2 inches high. It also has the smallest stated capacity, at 0.7 cu ft, so check that the interior suits your dishes and portions.
A microwave's exterior footprint is only one part of the fit. Check required ventilation space, outlet access and the path for bringing it into your kitchen before you decide.
Is the Breville BMO850 easy to use every day?
The BMO850 has one-touch options for quick starts and common tasks, alongside sensor presets for cooking, reheating and defrosting. The A Bit More button lets you add time without starting a new cycle.
Its inside-door shortcuts panel is designed for tasks such as melting chocolate, softening butter and reheating pizza. The mute button and Breville Sound Suite settings let you change the sound experience, and the child lock adds a safety control.
The Toshiba keeps basic timed heating simple with one-touch starts from 1 to 6 minutes at full power. Its 10 power levels and kitchen timer give you manual control alongside the sensor menus.
The BLACK+DECKER uses a touch control panel, a push-button door release, 10 power settings and a 30-second express cooking option. Its pre-programmed buttons cover several common foods, though its 0.7 cu ft capacity is smaller than the other two.
If you often cook foods with a crisp finish, a microwave may not do the whole job. Our guide to choosing a microwave air fryer combo for toasting explains what to consider when looking for those functions together.
Which microwave should you choose?
Choose the Breville BMO850 for its inverter, Sensor iQ and 15 smart presets. It is the strongest fit here if you want a wide range of automatic options, quieter operation claims and features such as A Bit More and turntable off.
Choose the Toshiba if you want a 1.2 cu ft microwave with a humidity sensor, 10 power levels and quick one-touch starts. Pick the BLACK+DECKER if a smaller stated cabinet and 0.7 cu ft capacity match your space and cooking needs.
The Breville's score reflects how closely its sensor functions, inverter power and preset range match this review's focus. Our score weighs specs and features against what you're shopping for.
For a quick meal that benefits from a crisp finish, use an appliance designed for that task; see how to microwave bacon crispy for microwave-specific guidance.
Frequently asked questions about Breville Smooth Wave microwave reviews
Does the BMO850 have a mute setting?
Yes. The Breville BMO850 includes a mute button, alongside its Breville Sound Suite and soft-close door.
Breville describes the microwave as 50% quieter in operation and its door as 80% quieter; those are the brand's stated comparisons.
Does the Breville BMO850 have a child lock?
Yes. The BMO850 has a one-touch Child Lock setting.
Use the manual to learn how to enable and disable it, and keep children away from hot food and containers even when the microwave is locked.
How powerful is the Breville Smooth Wave microwave?
The BMO850 is rated at 1250 watts and 120 volts. Its capacity is 1.2 cu ft.
Check your kitchen's electrical setup and the microwave's manual for placement and connection instructions.
What is included with the Breville BMO850?
The stated included component is an instruction booklet. Check the manual for operating instructions and setup guidance before using the microwave.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Breville BMO850 have inverter technology?
Yes. The BMO850 has a power smoothing inverter that adjusts power intensity, alongside Sensor iQ technology for cooking and reheating.
Breville describes the inverter as delivering smooth power when more or less is needed.
For a plain-language explanation, see what inverter technology means in a microwave.
How large is the Breville Smooth Wave BMO850?
The BMO850 has a 1.2 cu ft capacity and measures 19 inches deep, 20.43 inches wide and 12.44 inches high. Check your countertop depth and clearance around the microwave before choosing a spot, and follow the manual's placement instructions.
What can the Breville BMO850's smart presets do?
The BMO850 has 15 smart presets, including Smart Cook, Smart Reheat and Smart Defrost. Its inside-door shortcuts panel covers common tasks such as melting chocolate, softening butter and reheating pizza.
A Bit More adds extra time when a cycle needs a little longer.
Is the Breville Smooth Wave better than the Toshiba countertop microwave?
The Breville offers a power smoothing inverter, 15 smart presets, a soft-close door and stated quieter operation. The Toshiba has a humidity sensor, 10 power levels, six preset menus and one-touch starts from 1 to 6 minutes.
Choose based on the features you'll use and the dimensions that fit your counter.
