You’ve probably been there: staring at a frozen chicken breast, wondering how to get it cooked through without drying it out or spending an hour in the oven. Or maybe you’re tired of the greasy mess of deep frying and want a healthier way to get that crispy texture. This is where Nuwave’s lineup of countertop ovens comes in, promising fast, even cooking with a fraction of the oil. In this Nuwave Pro XL review, we’re diving deep into the brand’s most popular models, from the classic Pro Plus to the feature-packed Bravo XL Pro, to help you decide which one deserves a spot on your counter. We’ll break down what makes each model unique, what to look for when buying, and answer your burning questions.
Whether you’re a busy parent needing quick weeknight dinners, a health-conscious cook looking to cut fat, or a culinary enthusiast wanting precise control, there’s a Nuwave oven designed for you. We’ve analyzed the specs, features, and user feedback to bring you a comprehensive comparison. If you’re also curious about other countertop options, check out our nuwave pro plus review for a closer look at the classic model. Let’s get started.
Pros
- Exceptional cooking speed and crispiness compared to traditional air fryers and ovens
- Large 30-quart capacity fits two 13-inch pizzas, whole chickens, and feeds large families easily
- Smart thermometer probe removes guesswork and delivers perfectly cooked results with consistency
- Reversible grill/griddle plate and extensive preset library make this a true kitchen workhorse
- Stainless steel build eliminates plastic odors and provides long-lasting durability
Cons
- Larger countertop footprint may challenge users with limited kitchen space despite compact claims
- Steep learning curve with 142 presets and customizable heating zones for novice cooks
- Premium pricing reflects advanced features that casual users may not fully utilize
The NuWave Bravo XL Pro is a premium countertop appliance that combines air frying, toaster oven, convection baking, and grilling functionality in one unit. This 30-quart powerhouse is designed for families, meal preppers, and anyone seeking to replace or supplement their traditional oven with a faster, more versatile cooking solution.
The standout feature is the upgraded Ultra-Fast Convection System paired with 1800W of power, delivering 35% crispier results and 3X faster cooking speeds. The 2X more even heating eliminates hot spots when cooking on multiple racks, a common frustration with standard air fryers. The smart digital thermometer with thermal sensor technology automatically stops cooking at your desired doneness level, ensuring perfectly cooked meats, vegetables, and baked goods every single time.
Build quality is exceptional with food-grade stainless steel construction that resists corrosion and eliminates the plastic odors common in budget appliances. The reversible grill/griddle plate with ceramic non-stick coating delivers authentic char marks and grilled flavor, while the 50-500F temperature range with adjustable heating ratios gives advanced users complete control for pizza baking, low-and-slow cooking, and dehydration.
The main drawback is the learning curve. With 142 presets, customizable heating zones, and a 100-hour timer, this unit demands engagement from users. The countertop footprint is also substantial, though it remains more compact than a full-size oven. At this price point, casual cooks may find simpler models sufficient for their needs.
Verdict: The NuWave Bravo XL Pro is a premium investment for serious home cooks and families who value speed, consistency, and versatility. It delivers measurably better cooking results than competitors and includes thoughtful features like the smart thermometer and PFAS-free accessories that justify the premium price for health-conscious buyers.
Cooking Performance: 3X faster cooking speed with 1800W power, 35% crispier results, 2X more even heating with Ultra-Fast Convection System. Temperature range: 50-500F with timer up to 100 hours. Adjustable top and bottom heating elements from 0-100% for customized cooking zones.
Capacity & Size: 30-quart interior accommodates two 13-inch pizzas, 10-lb whole chickens, 6-lb roasts, or 2-lb batches of french fries. Dimensions: 20 inches wide x 12.88 inches deep x 11.13 inches tall with 12.5-inch interior depth.
Cooking Functions: 12 versatile cooking modes including air fry, toast, grill, bake, roast, slow cook, and dehydrate. Includes 142 one-touch presets plus 30 memory slots for saving custom recipes. Smart digital thermometer with thermal sensor technology for precise internal temperature monitoring and automatic cycle completion.
Design & Materials: Food-grade stainless steel construction with no plastic odors. Reversible grill/griddle plate with ceramic non-stick coating and dual drip spouts. Dishwasher-safe accessories with pull-out crumb tray. All accessories are PFAS-free. Features include intuitive cool white display, panel lock, mute/unmute, carryover cooking, auto shut-off, and delay/clock settings.
Package Contents: Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Grill Oven, heavy-duty cooking rack, grill/griddle plate, mesh rack, smart digital thermometer, owner's manual, quick start guide, and recipe book.
Best For: Families of 4+ who cook frequently, meal prep enthusiasts, health-conscious cooks seeking to reduce oil consumption (95% less oil than deep frying), and anyone wanting to replace or supplement their traditional oven with a faster, more versatile appliance.
Ideal Use Cases: Daily weeknight dinners with faster cooking times, entertaining large groups with capacity for multiple dishes, precision cooking for perfectly done proteins using the smart thermometer, pizza baking with adjustable heating ratios, outdoor grilling during summer months with the reversible grill plate, and dehydrating fruits, vegetables, and jerky.
Not Recommended For: Users with extremely limited countertop space, casual cooks who prefer simple one-button operation, or budget shoppers seeking basic toasting and reheating functionality. Those intimidated by technology may find the 142 presets and customizable settings overwhelming.
Value Proposition: This unit justifies its premium price for buyers who will actually use its advanced features. The smart thermometer alone eliminates cooking failures, while the speed and crispiness improvements deliver measurable benefits over standard ovens and budget air fryers. Long-term savings come from reduced energy use and the ability to eliminate a full-size oven for most daily cooking.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Nuwave Air Fryer Oven
Choosing the right Nuwave oven can feel overwhelming with so many models available. To make the right choice, focus on these key factors that directly impact your cooking experience.
Cooking Technology: Infrared vs. Convection
Nuwave ovens are famous for their Triple Combo Cooking Power, which combines conduction, convection, and infrared heat. This trio cooks food faster and more evenly than traditional ovens. The infrared heat penetrates food, cooking it from the inside out, while convection circulates hot air for a crispy exterior. If you often cook from frozen, this technology is a game-changer, eliminating the need to defrost.
Models like the Nuwave Pro Plus 2 and the Bravo XL Pro utilize this advanced system, but the Bravo takes it a step further with an ultra-fast convection fan that promises 35% crispier results. Consider how much you value speed and crispiness when choosing between models.
Capacity and Size
Think about your household size and cooking needs. The Pro Plus models typically fit up to a 10-pound turkey, making them suitable for families. The Bravo XL Pro offers a 30QT capacity, easily accommodating two 13-inch pizzas or a 10-pound chicken. If you have limited counter space, the Brio 15.5QT might be a better fit, but it still handles a family-sized meal.
Measure your available space and consider how often you cook for a crowd. A larger oven offers more versatility, but it takes up more room. Check out our guide on the best cookware set for induction hob to ensure your cookware works well with your new oven.
Presets and Smart Features
Modern Nuwave ovens come with a plethora of presets. The Bravo XL Pro boasts 142 presets, including 100 one-touch options and 30 memory slots for your own recipes. The Pro Plus 2 offers 100 presets and 50 custom memory settings. These features simplify cooking by automatically setting the right temperature and time for various dishes.
Additionally, look for smart features like a built-in meat thermometer, adjustable fan speed, and the ability to adjust top and bottom heating elements. The Bravo’s smart probe automatically finishes cooking when your food reaches the desired internal temperature, ensuring perfect results every time.
Ease of Cleaning and Build Quality
No one enjoys scrubbing a greasy oven. Look for models with dishwasher-safe parts, like the Pro Plus 2’s liner pan, rack, and dome, or the Bravo’s pull-out crumb tray. A transparent dome, as seen on the Pro Plus 2, allows you to monitor cooking without opening the oven, which also helps contain splatters.
Build quality matters for longevity. Nuwave ovens are generally well-constructed, but the Pro Plus 2 is PFAS-free, which is a plus for health-conscious buyers. For a more compact option, you might also consider the Cosori Lite Air Fryer, which we’ve reviewed separately.
Final Thoughts
After thoroughly evaluating the Nuwave lineup, it’s clear that both the Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven w/Grill and the Nuwave Pro Plus 2 Infrared Countertop Air Fryer stand out as exceptional choices. The Bravo XL Pro is perfect for tech-savvy cooks who want maximum presets, a smart probe, and true grill functionality, while the Pro Plus 2 offers the classic Nuwave experience with 360-degree heat and a transparent dome for monitoring. Both deliver healthy, fast, and delicious meals, so your choice ultimately comes down to your specific needs and kitchen space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook frozen foods directly in a Nuwave oven?
Yes, that’s one of the biggest advantages of Nuwave ovens. The triple combo cooking power allows you to cook frozen foods without defrosting or preheating, saving you significant time. The infrared heat penetrates the food quickly, ensuring it cooks evenly from the inside out.
How do I clean a Nuwave Pro Plus oven?
Most Nuwave Pro Plus models feature dishwasher-safe parts, including the liner pan, rack, and dome. For the dome, a simple wipe with a damp cloth usually suffices. The enclosed design helps contain splatters, keeping your countertop clean. Always unplug the oven and let it cool before cleaning.
Is the Nuwave Bravo XL Pro worth the extra cost?
If you value versatility and advanced features, yes. The Bravo XL Pro offers 142 presets, a smart thermometer, and true grill functionality, which you won’t find in standard air fryers. It’s a multi-functional appliance that can replace several kitchen gadgets, making it a worthwhile investment for many. For a more budget-friendly alternative, check out our FineMade 12-in-1 glass air fryer review.
Are Nuwave ovens safe to use?
Yes, Nuwave ovens are designed with safety in mind. They feature cool-touch exteriors, automatic shut-off, and are constructed with PFAS-free and BPA-free materials in newer models. The transparent dome is shatter-resistant, and the ovens are certified by safety organizations. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe usage.
