Sage Combi Wave 3-in-1 review: a pricey microwave that promises it all

High-end appliance cobbler Sage has made a name for itself crafting sexy kitchen gizmos that are not just stylish but well-built, easy to use and definitely not cheap.

Known as Breville in the US, the brand is perhaps most recognised for its pro-grade espresso machines like the winner of our platinum award, the Oracle Jet, and premium blenders like the Super Q.

But with the rise in demand for versatile, space-saving kitchen gadgets, it's no surprise that Sage entered the combination microwave market with a premium option that aims to do it all: the Combi Wave 3-in-1. More than just a microwave, this sleek stainless steel (and rather bulky) machine also functions as a convection oven and air fryer, potentially making it one of the most multi-functional countertop appliances out there.

But does it live up to its promises? I’ve been using the Sage Combi Wave 3-in-1 almost daily for a month, testing it for everything from reheating leftovers to roasting chicken and even baking pizzas. Here’s how I got on.

Sage Combi Wave review: price and availability

The Sage the Combi Wave 3-in-1 is available now with a price tag just shy of £400 / $499.95. Yep, you read that correctly: a £400 microwave. But, as the name suggests, there’ way more to this appliance than the ability to warm up last night’s takeaway (more on that later).

You can purchase the Combi Wave 3-in-1 directly from the Sage Appliances web store, as well as from major retailers like Marks Electrical, Peter Tyson and Very.co.uk, where it consistently sits at the £400 mark. It’s unlikely you’ll find it discounted further than a few pounds. Even Amazon currently has it listed for £399.

While it’s way more expensive than a standard microwave, its price isn’t far off equivalent combination models from rivals. For example, the Panasonic NN-CD87KSBPQ, which offers similar convection oven and air fryer functions, is slightly cheaper at £329, while the Samsung MC28H5013AK, a more budget-friendly alternative, comes in at £199 RRP.

Sage Combi Wave review: design and build

Most people will agree that Sage is all about premium craftsmanship, and the Combi Wave 3-in-1 is no exception. It’s got a brushed stainless steel finish that will certainly look the part in any modern kitchen, and it feels as premium as the price suggests. It really seems like this machine is built to last, with sturdy materials that give it a reassuringly solid feel. Even the accessories feel well-made, which will definitely help soften the blow on how much you’ll be spending on this thing.

That said, it’s big. Real big. Measuring 52 x 51 x 32 cm, it’s not the kind of appliance you can just tuck away when you’re not using it. If you’re short on counter space, you’ll need to think carefully about where to put it. It’s also on the heavy side, so once you’ve set it down, you won’t want to move it around too often. But that weight adds to the sense of durability - it’s not flimsy in any way.

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While cumbersome, that big size means that inside, you get a generous 32 litres of cooking space, which is sizeable enough for large plates, baking trays and even a small roast. The stainless steel interior not only looks sleek but it’s also easy to wipe clean and doesn’t hold onto odours like plastic interiors you’d find in cheaper microwaves can. Plus, with the included air fryer tray and microwave-safe oven rack, the world is your oyster in terms of cooking tasks - right out of the box.

One of the standout design features is the Combi Wave’s soft-close door, which is a small touch that makes a huge difference. No loud clunks or sudden bangs - just a smooth, quiet close that adds to the high-end feel. The large LCD display is clear and easy to read, too, and the textured dials and buttons feel nice and tactile. Whether you’re adjusting the temperature, setting a timer or picking a preset, everything is intuitive and well-thought-out.

Another handy design feature is the Combi Wave’s control panel inside the door, which has a selection of one-touch shortcuts for everyday tasks like melting butter, softening chocolate and popping popcorn. It’s a small but clever addition that makes using the appliance even easier.

Sage Combi Wave review: performance and features

Using the Combi Wave 3-in-1 for a month, I was genuinely impressed by how well it handled just about everything I threw at it. As a microwave, it heats food evenly, with none of getting those annoying hot edges and cold centres that I often experience when heating food in my big-standard microwave. This is down to Sage’s Power Smoothing Inverter tech, which is basically the brand’s way of making sure your food heats up evenly.

Instead of blasting food with full power in short bursts like a typical microwave, this tech gradually adjusts the power level to keep the heat steady. That means whether you’re reheating leftovers, defrosting meat or melting chocolate, it’s much smoother and more precise, without overcooking some parts while leaving others cold. I found it also makes cooking quicker and more energy-efficient, so you’re not waiting ages for your food to be ready.

Switching to oven mode, I found it heats up in about three minutes, which is way faster than a traditional oven. I cooked a frozen pizza in there for about 20 minutes and it came out perfect, with the dough nice and fluffy - you wouldn’t have guessed it was a frozen one. Also, it handled a batch of nine chicken drumsticks really well - although they took a good 30 minutes on top of three minutes of pre-heating, which felt a bit long considering an air fryer can do them in about 20-25 minutes.

Still, it’s considerably quicker than my standard fan oven. The only limitation is the size - while perfect for smaller plates, but you won’t be fitting a full Sunday roast in there.

As mentioned earlier, the air fryer function works well but is in no way mind-blowing. It gets things crispy, and chips and nuggets came out golden, but it doesn’t quite match the performance of a dedicated air fryer like my Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer Air Fryer. That said, for those who want a one-appliance-does-it-all approach, it’s a great addition that will save on counter space.

What really stood out during use was how quiet this thing is. Some microwaves sound like they’re about to take off, but this one is discreet and refined, even when running at full power.

The preset cooking functions are useful but can feel a little restrictive at times. Some weight adjustments aren’t as flexible as I was hoping, but once I got the hang of manual settings, it wasn’t a deal breaker.

Overall, if you’re looking for a genuinely multi-functional kitchen appliance that handles a wide variety of tasks with ease, the Combi Wave 3-in-1 delivers. It’s fast, efficient and easy to use - everything you want in a kitchen gadget that claims to do it all. Just don’t expect for it to do it all perfectly.

Sage Combi Wave review: verdict

The Sage Combi Wave 3-in-1 is a top notch all-rounder and will prove a blessing for those looking to consolidate multiple kitchen appliances into one. It combines the efficiency of a microwave, the crisping power of an air fryer, and the versatility of a convection oven in a stylish, premium build.

It’s fast, quiet and packed with useful features, which I think will ensure it’s a great addition to any modern kitchen. However, its large size means you’ll need significant counter space, and the price is undeniably high compared to standard microwaves. And while the air fryer function doesn’t quite match up to standalone models like those from Ninja, it still delivers crispy results that are more than good enough for most users.

If you’re after a reliable, multi-purpose kitchen appliance that can (mostly) do it all, Sage’s Combi Wave 3-in-1 is well worth considering - provided you’re willing to invest in both cost and giving up on a considerable amount of space.