Nuwave Brio 7-in-1 Air Fryer Oven review with versatile cooking features

Description

Introduction to the NUWAVE Brio 7-in-1 Air Fryer Oven

Testing the NUWAVE Brio 7-in-1 Air Fryer Oven (model 37061) has been quite the experience, and I must say, it’s been an absolute game-changer for my kitchen. With its 7.25-quart capacity, sleek black stainless steel design, and touch controls, this air fryer promises a lot, and I was eager to see if it delivered. Spoiler alert: it does, but there are some quirks that you might want to consider before diving in. Let me walk you through my honest take on this product.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing I noticed about this air fryer is how sturdy and premium it feels. Its stainless steel inner material gives it a durable edge, while the overall design is modern and fits seamlessly into my kitchen setup. The 15.1×16.5×13.1-inch dimensions make it slightly larger than some other air fryers I’ve tested, but the extra space is perfect for cooking family-sized meals.

The one-touch digital controls are intuitive and responsive, something I really appreciated during use. Having a cool white display that’s easy to read in both bright and dim lighting is a thoughtful touch. However, the unit weighs 15 pounds, so it’s not the most portable appliance if you like to move your gadgets around frequently.

Performance and Cooking Experience

Using the Brio for cooking has been a delight. The Linear Thermal Technology, which adjusts temperatures in precise 5°F increments, ensures that every dish is cooked evenly. Whether I was roasting veggies or air-frying chicken wings, the results were consistent. I even experimented with its 100 pre-programmed menu presets, and while I didn’t use all of them, the ones I tried (like grilling and baking) were spot-on.

One standout feature is the ability to adjust settings on the fly. There’s no need to restart the cooking process if you decide mid-way that your dish needs more time or heat. It’s incredibly convenient, especially for someone like me who tends to tweak recipes constantly.

Key Benefits

• Versatile Cooking Options: From air frying and baking to dehydrating and broiling, this unit does it all.
• Healthier Cooking: Its super-heated air technology eliminates the need for messy oil, resulting in guilt-free fried food.
• Easy Cleanup: All components, including the non-stick air circulation riser and reversible stainless steel rack, are dishwasher-safe.
• Customizable Experience: With 50 memory slots for saving personal recipes, it’s tailored for culinary enthusiasts.

Limitations

Not everything was perfect, though. Here are a few areas where the Brio could improve:

• Size: While the 7.25-quart capacity is great for large meals, it might be overkill for smaller households or kitchens with limited counter space.
• Noise: The fan can get a bit loud during operation, which might be a minor annoyance for some users.
• Learning Curve: With 100 presets, it takes some time to figure out which settings work best for specific dishes.

Chef-Inspired Features

One thing I found particularly impressive was the focus on chef-inspired features. NUWAVE clearly put thought into making this product accessible for both beginners and experienced cooks. The included recipes were a great starting point, and I even attempted a few of my own creations. My kids were thrilled with the crispy fries I whipped up, and my partner couldn’t get enough of the baked salmon.

The option to fine-tune temperatures between 50°F and 400°F allowed for precise control, which is essential when trying out more delicate recipes. The multi-layer cooking capability using the reversible rack was another highlight, as it let me prepare an entire meal in one go.

Competing Products

Comparing the Brio to its competitors, I’d say it holds its ground quite well. For instance, while the Instant Vortex Plus offers similar functionality, it lacks the 50 custom memory slots that the Brio provides. On the other hand, the Cosori Pro II has a slightly quieter operation but doesn’t match the 7.25-quart capacity of the NUWAVE.

Where the Brio excels is its Linear T Technology, ensuring precise cooking temperatures. Many other air fryers turn the heater on and off to manage heat, which can lead to uneven results. This feature alone sets it apart from the crowd.

Value for Money

When it comes to cost-effectiveness, the Brio delivers a solid case for itself. Sure, there are cheaper air fryers on the market, but they often compromise on capacity, features, or build quality. The Brio strikes a good balance, offering a premium feel without breaking the bank.

Given its dishwasher-safe components, versatility, and durability, I’d say it’s worth the investment for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen gadgets. It’s especially ideal for larger households or anyone who enjoys experimenting with new recipes.

Final Thoughts

While I wouldn’t call the NUWAVE Brio 7-in-1 Air Fryer Oven perfect, it’s pretty darn close. Cooking with it has been a breeze, cleanup is minimal, and the results are consistently delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just looking to eat a little healthier, this air fryer is well worth considering. However, keep in mind its size, noise levels, and the slight learning curve when deciding if it’s the right fit for your kitchen.

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