5 Best Soft Close Microwaves of 2025

The Breville Compact Wave Soft Close microwave redefines quiet kitchen convenience with its 80% quieter soft close door and thoughtful engineering that prioritizes peace and precision. With 900 watts of power and a 0.9 cu.ft/25L capacity, this compact countertop model doesn’t skimp on performance despite its space-saving footprint—making it ideal for apartments, dorms, or minimalist kitchens. The Sound Suite technology, complete with a mute button and reduced beeping, tackles the universal frustration of noisy appliances, while the one-touch Reheat, Defrost, Popcorn, and Beverage functions simplify daily routines with near-instant access.

In real-world use, the Breville shines when reheating leftovers or defrosting delicate proteins—its gentle defrost function avoids the common microwave pitfall of cooking edges while the center stays frozen. The food-specific menu settings, like “Reheat Pizza” or “Cook Potatoes,” deliver surprisingly consistent results thanks to smart sensor logic and power modulation. However, the turntable can struggle with oversized or irregularly shaped containers, and the lack of inverter technology means power drops in steps rather than smoothly, occasionally leading to slight unevenness in low-power cycles. Still, for a countertop unit under 12 inches deep, it handles most tasks with quiet confidence.

Compared to basic budget models, the Breville BMO650SIL stands out as a premium-feeling upgrade with a focus on user experience over raw power. It’s quieter, smarter, and more intuitive than the average microwave, though it doesn’t match full-size or built-in units in capacity or versatility. This model is perfect for singles, couples, or small households who value daily convenience, noise reduction, and sleek design over bulk cooking. While the KoolMore built-in combo ovens offer more functionality, the Breville delivers superior soft-close refinement and ease of use in a plug-and-play format that feels both modern and deeply practical.

This value-packed bundle pairs the already impressive Breville Compact Wave Soft Close microwave with the Tovolo Vented Collapsible Cover, creating a kitchen duo that solves two of the most common microwave pain points: noise and mess. The microwave retains all its standout features—80% quieter soft close door, 900W precision cooking, and intuitive food-specific presets—while the Tovolo lid adds a layer of practicality that elevates everyday use. The steam-venting design prevents sogginess and splatter, making it perfect for reheating saucy dishes or steaming vegetables without turning your microwave into a cleaning chore.

The Tovolo cover proves to be more than just an add-on—it’s a game-changer for meal prep and storage. Its collapsible design (from 3” to 0.75”) saves cabinet space, while the heat-resistant BPA-free silicone and plastic withstand repeated microwave and dishwasher use without warping. In testing, it effectively contained messy stir-fries and soups, and the central steam vents prevented condensation buildup better than flat, non-vented lids. Meanwhile, the Breville microwave continues to impress with its 30-second instant start and mute function, ideal for late-night snacks without disturbing others.

When compared to standalone microwaves, this bundle offers exceptional added value without compromising performance. It’s a smarter choice than buying the microwave alone, especially for those who frequently reheat leftovers or cook single servings. While the core microwave lacks inverter tech, the inclusion of a high-quality, space-saving cover makes this the best overall package for daily usability and cleanability. It’s a step ahead of basic models and even outshines some pricier units when you factor in the included accessory.

This kitchen harmony bundle unites two Breville appliances that share a design language and a philosophy: smart, user-first engineering. The Compact Wave Soft Close microwave brings its quiet door mechanism, 900W power, and one-touch food menus to the table, while the Bit More 4-Slice Toaster complements it with longer slots for artisan breads, Lift & Look function, and the brilliant “A Bit More” button—a small but transformative feature that lets you extend toasting without restarting. Together, they form a cohesive, high-performance breakfast and meal prep station that’s as pleasing to use as it is efficient.

In daily use, the synergy between these two appliances is palpable. Reheating a breakfast burrito in the microwave’s gentle reheat mode while toasting thick sourdough in the BTA730XL results in perfectly warmed, crisp, and ready-to-eat food in under five minutes. The toaster’s LED progress indicator and bagel setting add precision, while the microwave’s mute function and child lock maintain a calm kitchen environment. Both units feature sleek brushed stainless finishes that match seamlessly, and their compact footprints make them ideal for small kitchens or countertops with limited space.

Compared to buying each appliance separately, this bundle offers design consistency and functional synergy that’s hard to beat. While the microwave still lacks inverter technology, and the toaster doesn’t include a removable crumb tray, the overall experience is elevated by thoughtful touches that reflect Breville’s attention to detail. It’s the ideal choice for couples or small families who want a coordinated, high-quality kitchen setup without the hassle of mixing and matching brands. Against standalone options, this duo delivers smarter workflows and a more polished daily routine.

The KoolMore KM-CWO24-SS is a game-changing fusion of microwave speed and convection versatility, wrapped in a sleek built-in design that belongs in modern, spacious kitchens. With 1000 watts of microwave power, top and bottom convection heating, and a soft-close drawer-style door, this 24-inch unit eliminates the need for multiple appliances by handling everything from reheating leftovers to baking casseroles and broiling steaks. The cool-touch double-layered door ensures safety around kids, while the quiet soft-close mechanism prevents slamming—making it a standout for families and open-concept homes where kitchen noise matters.

Real-world testing reveals this combo oven excels at multi-stage cooking—think defrosting meat in the microwave mode, then crisping it under the broiler without switching appliances. The convection fan reduces cooking time by up to 20%, and the even heat distribution prevents hot spots common in smaller microwaves. The touch-control LCD interface is intuitive, offering preset programs for pizza, frozen meals, and more. However, the learning curve is steeper than a standard microwave, and the interior lighting could be brighter for monitoring food during dark cycles. Still, for those who cook frequently, the space-saving integration of oven and microwave is a major win.

Positioned against countertop models, the KoolMore KM-CWO24-SS is in a different league—it’s not just a microwave, but a full secondary oven. While the Breville units win on simplicity and noise reduction, this model offers unmatched versatility for large households or serious home cooks. It’s best suited for renovated kitchens or new builds where built-in appliances are preferred. Compared to the premium KoolMore COM-24SS, it delivers nearly identical performance at a more accessible entry point into high-end combo cooking.

The KoolMore COM-24SS represents the pinnacle of built-in microwave-convection fusion, offering restaurant-grade functionality in a residential package. With 1000 watts of microwave power, dual convection heating, and a soft-close drawer door, it delivers professional-level performance while maintaining a quiet, slam-free operation that elevates the kitchen experience. The 1.6 cu.ft. interior is spacious enough for full meals, and the reinforced hinges support up to 66 lbs, allowing you to safely rest heavy dishes on the open door—a small but brilliant feature for practicality and safety.

In performance, the COM-24SS outshines most standalone microwaves and even some wall ovens. The convection mode bakes with remarkable evenness, and the broil function achieves a proper sear on meats and melts cheese to golden perfection. The LCD touch controls are responsive, and the preset cooking modes simplify complex tasks like roasting or reheating with crisp results. However, the installation is complex and requires professional setup, and the high price point makes it less accessible for casual users. It’s also overkill for small households who rarely bake or roast.

Compared to the KM-CWO24-SS, the COM-24SS offers identical core performance but with enhanced durability and finish, likely reflecting updated materials or quality control. It’s the ultimate choice for high-end kitchens where built-in elegance, power, and multi-functionality are non-negotiable. While the Breville models win on convenience and noise, this unit dominates in culinary range and structural robustness. For those remodeling or building a luxury kitchen, it delivers a future-proof appliance that replaces multiple devices with one silent, soft-closing powerhouse.