You want a single appliance that can air fry crispy chicken wings, pressure cook a tender pot roast, and slow cook a hearty stew without cluttering your counter. That is where air cookers shine. In this guide, we review three top NuWave air cookers to help you choose the best multi-cooker for your kitchen in 2026.
NuWave has built a reputation for innovative, versatile cooking appliances. The models we cover here combine pressure cooking, air frying, grilling, and more in one compact unit. Whether you are a busy parent or a home chef, these air cookers simplify meal prep. For a look at another popular brand, check out our gourmia 7 qt air fryer review.
Below is a quick comparison of the three NuWave air cookers we reviewed:
Pros
- Versatile three-in-one functionality saves counter space and replaces multiple appliances
- Combo Cook creates uniquely tender and crispy results not possible with single-function cookers
- Extensive preset library simplifies cooking for beginners and experts alike
- Durable stainless steel inner pot is safe for bone-in meats and resists wear
- Fast cooking speeds reduce meal prep time significantly
Cons
- At 21.2 pounds, the unit is heavy and may be difficult to move or store
- With 450 presets, the learning curve can be steep for users who prefer simple controls
- No user reviews available yet, making real-world performance uncertain
The NuWave Duet Deluxe is a multifunctional kitchen powerhouse that combines an air fryer, electric pressure cooker, and grill in one 6-quart unit. Designed for families who want to save space without sacrificing versatility, it comes with three removable lids and a deluxe accessory set. This appliance is ideal for health-conscious cooks who crave crispy fried textures with minimal oil and fast cooking times.
Its standout feature is the Combo Cook function, which starts with pressure cooking to lock in moisture and tenderness, then finishes with air frying for a golden, crispy exterior. Dynamic Pressure Control Technology adjusts pressure 200 times per minute, ensuring continuous boiling that extracts 20% more flavor and cooks 70% faster than standard pressure cookers. With 300 one-touch presets and 150 memory slots, you can prepare everything from stews to wings with a single button.
The build quality is robust, featuring a triple-thick 18/10 stainless steel inner pot that resists scratching and is safe for bone-in meats. The intuitive digital display and 2-in-1 dial make navigating presets straightforward, while the 5-stage cooking option allows customization for advanced users. The three lids are easy to swap, and the included reversible rack and air fry basket add flexibility.
However, the unit is heavy at over 21 pounds, which may be a drawback for those with limited counter space or who need to store it away. The vast number of presets can be overwhelming for beginners, and the lack of published user reviews means long-term reliability is unproven. Additionally, the 6-quart capacity may be small for larger families or meal prepping.
Overall, the NuWave Duet Deluxe offers exceptional versatility and innovative cooking technology at a competitive price point. If you value speed, flavor, and the ability to replace multiple appliances, this combo is a strong contender. Just be prepared for a slight learning curve and ensure you have sturdy counter space for its weight.
Pros
- Versatile combination of steam and air fry in one unit for superior texture and flavor.
- Non-toxic stainless steel interior and exterior for durability and safety.
- Precise temperature control from 50°F to 450°F in 1°F increments, plus adjustable moisture levels.
- Large capacity suitable for family meals and entertaining.
- Extensive preset library makes cooking effortless for beginners and experts alike.
Cons
- Premium price point may be a barrier for budget-conscious buyers.
- No customer reviews yet, so real-world performance is unverified.
- Steam infusion feature may require some experimentation to master for best results.
The Nuwave Combi Steam Oven is a 16-quart multicooker built for health-conscious home cooks who want restaurant-quality meals without the hassle. It combines steam, air fry, sous vide, roast, bake, and toast functions in a single non-toxic stainless steel appliance. This oven is perfect for families looking to reduce oil and salt while still enjoying crispy, flavorful dishes.
Its standout feature is Combo mode, which simultaneously injects steam for juicy interiors and circulates hot air for crispy exteriors. With 120 interactive presets, from bread to crème brûlée, the oven guides you through each step. The sous vide function works without bags or water baths, using precise 1°F temperature control and adjustable moisture from 10% to 90%.
The build quality is solid, with a stainless steel exterior and interior that resists stains and odors. The 16-quart capacity fits a 5 lb roast or 4 slices of toast, and most components are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. The LED display and simple controls make operation straightforward, even for novice cooks.
Potential drawbacks include the premium price and the fact that there are no customer reviews yet, making it a risk for early adopters. The steam infusion feature has a learning curve, and some users may find the 21.4-pound weight cumbersome. However, the versatility and healthy cooking capabilities justify the investment for those who value convenience and nutrition.
Overall, the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven is a powerful, versatile addition to any kitchen. It excels at delivering juicy, crispy, and nutritious meals with minimal effort. If you are willing to invest in a premium appliance that replaces multiple gadgets, this oven is a worthy choice.
Buying Guide for Air Cookers
1. Versatility: How Many Functions Do You Need?
An air cooker should replace multiple appliances. Look for models that offer air frying, pressure cooking, slow cooking, grilling, searing, and sautéing. The NuWave Duet models come with three removable lids and over 450 preset options, making them some of the most versatile on the market. The Duet Electric Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer, for example, includes 300 one-touch presets and 150 memory slots for custom recipes. If you also want steam and sous vide capabilities, consider the NuWave Combi Steam Oven, which adds steam infusion and precise temperature control from 50°F to 450°F.
For a deeper dive into dual-zone air fryers, see our ninja foodi 2 basket air fryer reviews.
2. Combo Cooking Performance
The ability to pressure cook first and then air fry is a game-changer. This combo method locks in juices and then creates a crispy exterior with minimal oil. NuWave’s Dynamic Pressure Control Technology makes up to 200 pressure adjustments per minute to maintain continuous boiling, maximizing nutrition and flavor. With 80 kPa max pressure, cooking speed is 70% faster than conventional methods. The Duet models excel at tender-and-crispy results, while the Combi Steam Oven uses steam and air frying simultaneously for gourmet outcomes.
For more on air fry ovens, read our best air fry oven reviews.
3. Build Quality and Inner Pot
A durable inner pot is essential for long-term use. The NuWave Duet models feature a triple-thick 18/10 stainless steel pot that resists scratching and wear. Non-coated surfaces are bone-friendly and easy to clean. The Combi Steam Oven uses non-toxic stainless steel throughout its interior. Check the capacity: 6 quarts for the Duet serves 4-6 people, while the 16-quart Combi handles larger batches, perfect for meal prepping or family dinners.
4. Ease of Use and Presets
Look for intuitive controls and plenty of one-touch presets. NuWave’s Duet offers 300 presets plus 150 memory slots for your custom recipes. A digital display with indicator lights and a 2-in-1 dial makes operation simple. The Combi Steam Oven also features 120 presets and precise temperature control from 50°F to 450°F. For a simpler option, see our cosori dual blaze air fryer review.
Final Thoughts
After reviewing these NuWave air cookers, we believe the Nuwave Duet Electric Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer is the best all-around choice for most households, offering unmatched versatility with its 450-in-1 functionality and combo cooking. For those who want a larger capacity and steam cooking capabilities, the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven, Non-Toxic Stainless Steel is an excellent upgrade that can handle family-sized meals and gourmet techniques like sous vide. Whichever you choose, you will enjoy healthier, delicious meals with less effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an air cooker?
An air cooker is a multi-functional appliance that combines air frying with other cooking methods like pressure cooking, slow cooking, grilling, and steaming. It allows you to prepare a wide variety of dishes using one countertop device, saving space and time.
Can an air cooker replace an air fryer and pressure cooker?
Yes, most air cookers like the NuWave Duet are designed to replace both an air fryer and a pressure cooker. They come with separate lids for each function and often include combo modes that use both methods in one cycle. This makes them a true all-in-one solution for 2026.
How does combo cooking work in an air cooker?
Combo cooking starts with pressure cooking to tenderize and lock in moisture, then automatically switches to air frying to brown and crisp the exterior. The result is juicy inside and crunchy outside with minimal oil. NuWave’s Duet models excel at this technique.
Which NuWave air cooker is best for a large family?
For larger households, the NuWave Combi Steam Oven with its 16-quart capacity is ideal. It can cook a whole chicken, roast, or multiple sides at once. For more information on choosing the right size, browse our Air Fryers category.
