8 Best NuWave Air Fryer Grills of 2026

The Nuwave Infra-Red Primo Grill Oven is a game-changer for indoor grilling, blending precision cooking with PFAS-free safety in a sleek, high-performance package. Its standout feature is the integrated direct-contact grill system, where heating coils are embedded directly into a thick nonstick grate—delivering professional-level sear marks and char usually reserved for outdoor setups. With 100 programmed presets and 5°F temperature control from 100°F to 400°F, it handles everything from slow-roasting salmon to air frying frozen fries with remarkable consistency. This is a serious upgrade for health-conscious families who want bold flavor without the grease or toxins.

In real-world use, the Primo shines brightest when grilling steaks or vegetables, thanks to its dual-zone surround cooking that combines bottom-contact heat with top convection. We tested it with a 1-inch ribeye, and the result was a perfect medium-rare center with a caramelized crust—no preheating drama or oil splatter. The integrated smart thermometer ensures precision, automatically shutting off when the internal temp hits your target. However, while it excels at combo grilling and air frying, its maximum temp caps at 400°F, making it less ideal for ultra-crispy air frying or high-heat roasting compared to models hitting 500°F+.

Compared to the Bravo XL Pro, the Primo trades some peak heat and preset variety for superior grilling authenticity and a simpler user experience. It doesn’t offer the same level of customization in fan speed or heater ratio, but it nails the fundamentals of grill-centric cooking with fewer distractions. It’s the best choice for users who prioritize char-grilled taste and PFAS-free materials over all-in-one versatility. While the Bravo offers broader functionality, the Primo delivers more focused, grill-first excellence with a cleaner health profile.

The Nuwave Bravo XL Pro isn’t just another air fryer—toaster oven hybrid; it’s a high-velocity cooking powerhouse engineered for those who demand speed, crispness, and precision in one compact unit. With an 1800W motor and 2025 Ultra-Fast Convection System, it cooks 3x faster than conventional ovens and delivers 35% crispier results than standard air fryers, making it a top contender for weeknight warriors and weekend entertainers alike. The 142 presets—including 100 one-touch options and 30 memory slots—offer unmatched versatility, letting you air fry wings, slow cook stews, or dehydrate fruit without guesswork. This is next-level countertop cooking with zero compromise.

We tested the Bravo XL Pro across multiple scenarios: air frying French fries, grilling salmon, and baking a deep-dish pizza. In each case, the 2X more even heat distribution lived up to the claim—no hot spots, even when using both racks. The reversible ceramic grill plate delivered authentic char marks and smoky flavor, while the smart digital thermometer ensured our chicken hit 165°F without overcooking. The 50–500°F range and 0–100% heater ratio control let us fine-tune cooking zones, like boosting bottom heat for a crispy pizza crust. That said, the 30qt size, while spacious, may be tight for extra-large roasts or holiday turkeys.

Positioned against the Brio 15.5Qt, the Bravo XL Pro is larger, faster, and more feature-rich, making it the best overall option for families and serious home cooks. It outperforms the Brio in both capacity and temperature range, and its upgraded convection system beats older models in efficiency. While the Duet offers pressure cooking, the Bravo wins on air frying performance and ease of use. It strikes a perfect balance between power, precision, and practicality, offering more cooking intelligence and bolder results than nearly any other model in the lineup.

The Nuwave Duet is a culinary Swiss Army knife—a 540-in-1 multicooker that seamlessly blends pressure cooking, air frying, grilling, and slow cooking into one revolutionary appliance. Its Combo Cook function is the real star, starting with pressure cooking to lock in moisture, then finishing with air frying for a golden, crispy crust—delivering fall-off-the-bone ribs with 90% less oil. Backed by Dynamic Pressure Control Technology that makes 200 adjustments per second, it extracts maximum flavor and tenderness faster than traditional methods. For meal preppers and busy households, this is efficiency redefined.

In testing, the Duet proved incredibly versatile—we pressure-cooked chickpeas in 25 minutes, then air fried them into crunchy snacks. The 6-quart 18/10 stainless steel pot is triple-thicker than average, resisting warping and scratches even under high pressure. The reversible griddle plate and rib rack add serious flexibility, while the 24-hour delay timer lets you schedule meals effortlessly. However, the learning curve is steeper than simpler air fryers, and the dual-lid system requires more storage space. Also, while it air fries well, it doesn’t match the crispness of dedicated convection ovens like the Bravo.

Compared to the Bravo XL Pro, the Duet trades peak air frying performance for unmatched multi-functionality. It’s not the fastest at crisping, but it excels at tender-crispy combo meals you can’t achieve in a single-function device. It’s the ideal pick for those who want a pressure cooker and air fryer in one, especially in small kitchens. While the Bravo delivers better browning, the Duet offers broader cooking styles and deeper automation, making it the best multi-cooker combo for users who value versatility and nutrition over pure speed.

The Nuwave Bravo Air Fryer Toaster Smart Oven is the compact hero of efficient cooking, packing 10 essential presets and full customization into a space-saving 21-qt design. Despite its smaller size, it delivers 1800W of power and precise 5°F temperature control from 50°F to 450°F, making it ideal for singles, couples, or kitchens short on counter space. What sets it apart is the on-the-fly adjustability—you can tweak time, temp, or heater ratios mid-cycle without restarting. This real-time control is rare at this price and makes it perfect for experimental cooks who like to fine-tune as they go.

We tested it with frozen chicken tenders and a veggie pizza—both came out golden and evenly cooked, thanks to the top and bottom heating elements working in tandem. The air fry basket promotes excellent airflow, and the cool white digital display is intuitive and easy to read. However, the lack of a smart thermometer means you’ll need to monitor doneness manually, and with only 10 presets, it’s not as automated as higher-end models. It also doesn’t offer the custom heater ratios found in the XL Pro, limiting precision for advanced bakers.

Against the Brio 15.5Qt, the Bravo stands out for its compact footprint and real-time adjustments, making it the best compact option for small households. While the Brio offers rotisserie and more presets, this Bravo model wins on simplicity, responsiveness, and kitchen fit. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of larger units, but it delivers solid performance where it counts—offering more control and power than most mini ovens at a competitive price point.

The Nuwave Brio 15.5Qt is a crisping champion, engineered to deliver golden, crunchy exteriors and juicy interiors with its 2024 Advanced Turbo Convection Tech. Featuring a 6-blade, 5-inch convection fan and 1800W power, it circulates heat so efficiently that fries and wings come out 2X more evenly cooked than in standard air fryers. The 4-rack system allows multi-level cooking without flavor transfer, perfect for preparing full meals at once. Whether you’re reheating leftovers or air frying from frozen, the Brio ensures consistent, restaurant-quality results—making it the best choice for even crisping.

In real-world tests, the rotisserie function stole the show—a whole 5-lb chicken emerged perfectly browned, self-basted, and dripping with flavor, while excess fat drained away. The 150 presets (100 one-touch, 50 DIY) cover everything from dehydrating herbs to baking casseroles. The PFAS-free interior and nonstick ceramic coating make cleanup a breeze, and the internal light lets you monitor progress without opening the door. However, the max temp stops at 425°F, limiting high-heat searing, and the digital interface, while intuitive, lacks the heater ratio customization of the Bravo XL Pro.

When compared to the Brio Air Fryer Oven (Black), this model adds the rotisserie kit and 4-rack system, giving it a clear edge in family-sized cooking and versatility. It outperforms the base Brio in capacity and features, while still maintaining the same health-focused, oil-free cooking. For users who want maximum crispness and rotisserie capability, this is the superior pick—offering better performance and more cooking options than its sibling, without sacrificing ease of use.

The Nuwave Air Fryer Grill Oven Combo is a searing specialist, built for users who crave restaurant-grade char and intense flavor at home. Its 550°F preheat capability—achieved solely on the grill grate—delivers instant sizzle, locking in juices and creating deep, smoky sear marks that mimic outdoor grilling. The POWERPORT™ plug-in grill ensures direct heat contact, while Linear T Technology monitors temperature every second, maintaining laser-precise control from start to finish. With 100 presets and 5°F increments, it’s as smart as it is powerful—ideal for steak lovers and flavor chasers.

In testing, this unit outperformed others in high-heat searing, crisping salmon skin and charring bell peppers with ease. The independent top and bottom heater control (0–100%) allows true dual-zone cooking—great for baking a cake below while grilling steak above. The integrated smart thermometer ensured perfect doneness without overcooking. However, the fan system isn’t as advanced as the Bravo XL Pro’s, leading to slightly less even air frying on larger batches. Also, the 550°F max is grill-only, so convection cooking maxes out lower.

Compared to the Primo, this model offers higher searing temps and better heater customization, making it the best for high-temp searing. While the Primo focuses on PFAS-free safety, this one prioritizes maximum heat and flavor intensity. It doesn’t have as many presets as the Bravo, but it excels where it matters most—char and control. For grill enthusiasts who want indoor convenience with outdoor results, this model delivers unmatched searing power and thermal precision.

The Nuwave Brio Air Fryer Oven (Black) is a rotisserie master, designed for those who want juicy, evenly browned meats with minimal effort. Its stainless steel rotisserie basket and skewer kit enable self-basting rotation, ensuring every bite of chicken or roast is moist, flavorful, and fat-reduced. The 5-inch top-mounted convection fan drives super-heated air in a cyclonic pattern, delivering crispy skins without added oil. With 100 presets and 5°F temperature control, it handles everything from frozen fries to dehydrated fruit with confidence—making it the best choice for rotisserie lovers.

In real-world use, the rotisserie function consistently outperformed standalone units, producing a golden, crackling chicken skin with tender meat inside. The internal light lets you monitor cooking without heat loss, and the door-pause safety feature adds peace of mind. The reversible nonstick grill plate is a bonus for indoor grilling. However, the max temp is 425°F, which limits ultra-crispy results, and it lacks the custom heater ratios found in the Bravo XL Pro. Also, while it air fries well, it’s not the fastest or crispiest option available.

Compared to the Brio 15.5Qt with Rotisserie Kit, this model shares the same core rotisserie excellence, but lacks the 4-rack system and 50 extra presets. It’s a slightly older version—still powerful, but less versatile for large families. For users focused on rotisserie performance and ease of cleanup, this model delivers outstanding results with minimal fuss. It doesn’t have the latest tech, but it nails the essentials of healthy, flavorful cooking better than most.

The Nuwave Plug-In Grill Air Fryer Oven Combo is a budget-friendly powerhouse, delivering true char-grilled flavor without breaking the bank. Its patent plug-in grill with sheath heating coils ensures even heat distribution and direct searing, while the closed cavity design traps heat and smoke for authentic indoor grilling. With 150 presets (100 pre-programmed, 50 memory slots) and 50–550°F range, it handles everything from delicate fish to sizzling burgers. The integrated smarter probe monitors internal temps and auto-stops cooking, making it one of the smartest budget models on the market.

We tested it with skirt steak and veggies—the grill delivered real char marks and smoky depth, unlike convection-only models. The double-layer glass door kept the exterior cool, and the nonstick, dishwasher-safe parts made cleanup effortless. The 3 power levels (700W, 1500W, 1800W) let us adjust energy use based on meal size. However, the air frying isn’t as crisp as the Bravo XL Pro, and the interface feels slightly dated compared to newer models. It also lacks rotisserie or slow cook functions, limiting versatility.

Against the Duet, this model is less multifunctional but better at grilling and searing for a lower price. It doesn’t offer pressure cooking, but it excels at what it does—char-grilled meals with smart tech. For users who want real grill flavor without spending $200+, this is the best budget-friendly option—offering more heat, better searing, and smarter probes than its price suggests. It’s proof that affordable doesn’t mean basic.