8 Best NuWave Air Fryers of 2026

The Nuwave Bravo Pro isn’t just another countertop oven—it’s a precision-engineered powerhouse that redefines what a compact combo unit can achieve. With its 1800W output, 21-quart capacity, and revolutionary 100% faster convection fan, this model delivers crisp, golden-brown results in record time, eliminating the soggy exteriors that plague lesser air fryers. Its customizable heating zones—allowing precise control over top and bottom heater ratios—are a game-changer for pizza lovers who demand a crispy crust with perfectly melted cheese. For anyone tired of juggling multiple appliances or battling uneven cooking, the Bravo Pro offers a streamlined, intelligent solution that feels like a true kitchen upgrade.

In real-world testing, the Bravo Pro shines brightest when multitasking. Whether air frying a batch of wings on one rack while baking garlic bread on another, or dehydrating herbs with near-zero temperature variance between layers, its multi-layer even cooking performance is impressive. The 450°F max temperature and 5°F incremental adjustments give fine control for delicate tasks like slow-roasting or proofing bread. While it handles most family-sized meals with ease, cooking a full 12-inch pizza does require minor positioning to avoid top heating element contact. It’s also worth noting that the fan noise is pronounced at max speed, which might be distracting in open-plan kitchens, but it’s a small trade-off for the speed and consistency it delivers.

When stacked against the larger Bravo XL Pro, the Bravo Pro trades some presets and max heat for a more compact footprint—making it ideal for small kitchens, RVs, or couples and small families who want high-end features without bulk. Compared to basic toaster ovens, it’s in a different league, offering smart functionality and restaurant-quality results without needing a full wall oven. While it lacks a built-in probe thermometer, its interactive digital display and 10 presets still provide a seamless experience. For those seeking a versatile, space-saving workhorse that punches above its weight, the Bravo Pro offers better performance and smarter design than similarly priced models—without the complexity of ultra-premium units.

If you’re craving restaurant-quality char marks without firing up the backyard grill, the Nuwave Bravo XL Pro with Grill Combo is your indoor culinary game-changer. This 30-quart powerhouse doesn’t just air fry—it grills, sears, and slow-cooks with professional-grade results, thanks to its reversible ceramic-coated grill/griddle plate and 2025 Ultra-Fast Convection System. With 142 presets, including 30 memory slots for custom recipes, it’s the most intelligent and versatile Nuwave oven yet. The 3x faster cooking and 35% crispier finishes aren’t marketing fluff—they translate to golden fries, juicy steaks, and flaky fish in half the time, all while using 95% less oil than deep frying.

In real-world use, the grill function stands out as a revelation. Cooking burgers indoors produced authentic char-grilled flavor and diamond sear marks, while excess fat drained efficiently through the dual drip spouts, keeping meals lean and clean. The upgraded smart thermometer continuously monitors internal food temperature and auto-stops cooking—ideal for busy parents or novice cooks. Multi-rack roasting works flawlessly, and the 500°F上限 handles everything from crispy-skinned poultry to perfect sourdough. The only hiccup? The grill plate takes up significant vertical space, limiting rack flexibility when grilling large items.

Positioned as the best overall in Nuwave’s lineup, this model outshines the non-grill XL Pro by adding true grilling capability without sacrificing speed or capacity. Compared to standalone grills or basic air fryers, it offers unmatched versatility, acting as a full kitchen hub. It’s slightly more expensive than the standard XL Pro, but the added grill, extra presets, and smarter cooking logic justify the premium. For serious home cooks who want one appliance to replace five, the Bravo XL Pro Grill Combo delivers pro-level results with consumer-friendly ease—making it the most complete and capable option in the range.

The Nuwave Brio Plus 8 Qt is a budget-savvy revelation that proves you don’t need a massive oven to get crisp, consistent results. With 1800W power, 100 presets, and a full digital touch screen, it brings premium features to an affordable price point. The precise 5°F temperature control from 50°F to 400°F ensures everything from delicate dehydrating to fast air frying is handled with accuracy, while the Linear T Technology maintains consistent heat without cycling on and off—eliminating hot spots. For singles, couples, or dorm dwellers, it’s a compact powerhouse that solves the common pain point of underpowered, hard-to-use budget fryers.

Testing revealed it handles frozen fries, chicken tenders, and veggie trays with impressive evenness, thanks to its cyclonic convection flow. The 50 memory slots let you save favorite settings—perfect for weekly meal prep. While it lacks the capacity for large roasts, it comfortably fits a 4-pound chicken or a full batch of wings. The cool white display is bright and readable, and the auto-pause safety feature adds convenience when checking food mid-cycle. However, the fan can be loud at top speed, and larger items require rotation for full crispness—common limitations in this size class.

Against the more expensive Brio Plus 8 Qt model with 150 presets, this version offers 90% of the performance at a fraction of the cost, making it the smarter pick for value-focused buyers. It doesn’t have the grill or rotisserie functions of larger models, but for everyday air frying and reheating, it outperforms many pricier rivals. If you want a reliable, no-fuss fryer with modern controls and real smart features, the Brio Plus 8 Qt delivers exceptional bang for the buck—proving that high-quality air frying doesn’t have to break the bank.

The Nuwave Duet isn’t just a multi-cooker—it’s a 540-in-1 culinary command center that redefines versatility. With two removable lids (air fryer and pressure cooker), Combo Cook mode, and 15 safety features, it masterfully bridges the gap between speed and texture. The Dynamic Pressure Control Tech adjusts pressure 200 times per second, ensuring 20% more flavor and faster cooking—a full 70% quicker than conventional methods. Then, it transitions seamlessly into air frying mode for a crispy, golden finish, delivering tender-inside, crunchy-outside perfection in a single cycle. For busy families or meal-prep warriors, this one-pot wonder eliminates appliance stacking and cleanup chaos.

In real use, the Combo Cook function for ribs or pot roast was transformative—pressure cooking locked in moisture, then air frying delivered a restaurant-worthy crust without oven transfer. The 6-quart stainless steel pot is impressively durable, with triple-thick walls that resist warping and scratching. The 24-hour delay timer lets you schedule meals effortlessly, and the keep-warm function ensures dinner’s ready when you are. However, the learning curve is steeper than single-function units, and the air fryer lid takes up significant storage space when not in use.

Compared to standalone air fryers or pressure cookers, the Duet offers unmatched functionality, though it sacrifices some maximum crispness and capacity compared to dedicated models. It’s not as fast as the Bravo Pro in air frying, nor as spacious as the XL Pro, but for those who prioritize convenience and variety, it’s a kitchen MVP. If you want one appliance that pressure cooks, sautés, slow cooks, and air fries with elite safety and control, the Duet delivers broader utility than any single-purpose device—making it the ultimate multi-cooker for adventurous cooks.

When it comes to juicy, self-basting rotisserie chicken, the Nuwave Brio 15.5Qt is in a league of its own. This X-large air fryer oven combines a powerful 1800W motor, 4 rack positions, and a dedicated rotisserie skewer system to deliver crisp-skinned, evenly browned poultry that drips with flavor—while fat drains away naturally. The integrated smart thermometer ensures perfect doneness, and the 100 presets cover everything from air frying to dehydrating, making it a true all-in-one for family-sized meals. For anyone tired of dry, uneven rotisserie results from grocery stores, this unit is a game-changing upgrade.

Testing confirmed its rotisserie superiority: a 5-pound chicken emerged with crackling skin and succulent meat, thanks to continuous self-basting rotation and cyclonic convection. The 700W–1800W power range allows energy-efficient cooking for smaller loads, and the 4 rack positions enable batch cooking of wings, fries, and veggies. However, the rotisserie function requires careful balancing, and larger roasts can wobble if not secured properly. Also, the interior lighting is dim, making it hard to monitor browning without opening the door.

Against the Bravo XL Pro, the Brio trades smart presets and max temperature for superior rotisserie performance and dedicated skewer cooking. It’s not as fast or high-tech, but for families who love whole chickens, roasts, or grilled vegetables, it delivers unmatched texture and flavor. If rotisserie is your priority, the Brio 15.5Qt offers better value and performance than any combo oven—making it the undisputed king of spit-roasted meals.

The Nuwave Brio Plus 7-Qt is the gold standard for safe, chemical-free cooking, built for health-conscious families who refuse to compromise on performance. Its 100% PFAS-free ceramic coating, all-metal interior, and TÜV-verified non-toxic design ensure zero plastic fumes or chemical leaching—even at high heat. The Duralon Blue G10 coating resists peeling and lasts longer than Teflon, while the 9-blade Turbo Convection fan delivers crispy, even results with minimal flipping. For parents, pet owners, or anyone wary of hidden toxins, this fryer offers peace of mind without sacrificing speed or flavor.

In testing, it aced frozen tater tots, air-fried tofu, and dehydrated apple chips with consistent browning and no off-odors. The 6 functions and 100 presets cover all essentials, and the real-time temperature adjustment lets you tweak settings mid-cycle. The whisper-quiet operation is a standout—perfect for open-plan living. However, the 7-quart capacity fills quickly, and large items like whole chickens don’t fit. Also, the basket handle gets hot, requiring mitts for safe removal.

Compared to the Brio Plus 8 Qt, it trades 1 quart and 50 presets for superior health credentials and quieter operation. It’s not the largest or fastest, but for those who prioritize safety and clean materials, it outshines every other model. If non-toxic, odor-free cooking is your top concern, the Brio Plus 7-Qt is the smartest, safest choice—delivering health and performance in one sleek package.

The Nuwave Brio Plus 8 Qt is the pinnacle of even cooking, engineered for those who demand perfect results every time. With 2025 Advanced Turbo Convection, a 6-blade 4.5-inch fan, and 3x more even heat distribution, it eliminates cold spots and undercooked centers that plague lesser fryers. The 150 presets—including 50 DIY slots—make it a customizable powerhouse, while the crystal-clear LED display ensures effortless readability. For users frustrated by uneven fries or soggy wings, this model delivers uniform crispiness from edge to center, batch after batch.

Real-world tests confirmed its superior evenness: a full basket of chicken wings came out golden and crunchy on all sides, with no need to rotate. The 700/1500/1800W flexibility is ideal for dorms or older homes with voltage limits, and the Linear T Technology maintains steady heat for flawless results. However, the fan noise is noticeable, and the larger footprint may challenge small countertops. Still, for serious air fryers who value consistency over silence, it’s unmatched.

Against the 7-Qt model, it offers more space, more presets, and better airflow—making it the better all-rounder. While pricier than entry-level units, its cooking precision and durability justify the cost. If even, reliable results are your priority, the Brio Plus 8 Qt stands as the ultimate choice for performance-driven kitchens—delivering professional-grade outcomes with home-friendly ease.