Best Nuwave Air Fryer Oven: Brio Plus 8 Qt vs Combi Steam Oven (2026)
Best Nuwave Air Fryer Oven: Brio Plus 8 Qt vs Combi Steam Oven (2026)
You’re staring down two Nuwave appliances-the Brio Plus 8 Qt air fryer and the Combi Steam Oven-and wondering which one belongs in your kitchen. Both promise healthier frying, but they approach it from different angles: one’s a focused air fryer with digital precision, the other’s a full-on multi-cooker that steams, sous vides, and toasts.
Nuwave has built a reputation for pushing kitchen tech forward, and these two models sit at interesting points in their lineup. The Brio Plus is their refined, user-friendly air fryer, while the Combi Steam Oven is their ambitious all-in-one. If you’re caught between ‘I just want to air fry some wings’ and ‘I want to cook like a pro with every function imaginable,’ you’re in the right place.
We’ll break this down across real decision axes: capacity, cooking modes, ease of use, and who each model genuinely serves. By the end, you’ll know whether the simplicity of the Brio Plus fits your weeknights or if the Combi’s versatility justifies its footprint.
Best Nuwave Air Fryer Oven: Brio Plus 8 Qt vs Combi Steam Oven (2026)
Brio Plus 8 Qt – Digital Air Fryer
The Brio Plus 8 Qt is Nuwave’s streamlined take on air frying-a PFAS-free ceramic basket, a crisp digital touch screen, and enough room for family-sized meals. It’s built for straightforward, healthy frying without the complexity.
Combi Steam Oven – Multi-Function Appliance
The Combi Steam Oven is Nuwave’s flagship multi-cooker, blending air frying with steam infusion, sous vide precision, and even toasting in a 16-quart stainless steel chamber. It’s for cooks who want restaurant-level versatility at home.
How We Evaluated Nuwave Brio Plus and Combi Steam Oven
We didn’t run a month-long side-by-side cookoff in a test kitchen. What we did: triangulated Nuwave’s published specifications, owner-reported experiences where available, and use-case fit against typical home cooking profiles. We placed the Brio Plus and Combi Steam Oven side-by-side across five decision axes: capacity, cooking functions, control interface, material safety, and footprint. Where the two aligned-on touch controls and precise temperature ranges-we noted it. Where they diverged-on steam infusion, sous vide capability, and size-we surfaced the deltas. Our goal isn’t crowning a winner; it’s matching each cook to the appliance that suits their kitchen habits.
Nuwave Brio Plus vs Combi Steam Oven: Which One Should You Buy?
1. Nuwave Air Fryer Oven Showdown: Brio Plus vs Combi Steam Oven
To see where these two models split, here’s a head-to-head breakdown across key dimensions.
| Dimension | Brio Plus 8 Qt | Combi Steam Oven |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 8 Quarts | 16 Quarts |
| Cooking Functions | Air Fry, Bake, Roast | Air Fry, Steam, Sous Vide, Toast, Roast, Bake |
| Temperature Range | 50°F-400°F (5°F increments) | 50°F-450°F (1°F increments) |
| Control Type | Digital Touch Screen | Digital Touch with LED Display |
| Material | PFAS-Free Ceramic | Stainless Steel |
| Included Accessories | Air Fry Basket | Basket, Tray, Rack, Drip Tray, Water Tank |
| Footprint | 12″D x 12.5″W x 12.7″H | 14.8″D x 13.9″W x 14.9″H |
| Price Tier | Mid-Range | Premium |
The big splits: the Combi adds steam and sous vide with a larger capacity, while the Brio Plus sticks to core air frying in a more compact form.
2. Who Should Choose the Nuwave Brio Plus?
Pick the Brio Plus if you want a straightforward, reliable air fryer for daily use. It’s perfect for families or singles who prioritize healthy frying without the learning curve. If your kitchen is on the smaller side or you’re budget-conscious, this model delivers crisp results with minimal fuss. Owners love it for quick weeknight dinners like crispy wings or roasted veggies.
3. Who Should Choose the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven?
Go with the Combi Steam Oven if you’re a home chef craving versatility. This appliance suits those who experiment with gourmet techniques like sous vide or steam-roasting. If you cook for crowds, meal prep in bulk, or want to replace multiple appliances (think air fryer, steamer, toaster), the Combi’s large capacity and multi-function design justify the investment. It’s ideal for kitchens with space to spare.
4. Where the Brio Plus and Combi Steam Oven Overlap
Both models share Nuwave’s commitment to precise digital controls and healthier cooking with little to no oil. They’re both built with user-friendly interfaces, dishwasher-safe parts, and safety features like auto-pause. If you value consistent temperatures and easy cleanup, either will serve you well for air frying basics.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What's the main difference between Nuwave Brio Plus and Combi Steam Oven?
The Brio Plus is a dedicated air fryer with digital controls and an 8-quart capacity, focused on frying, baking, and roasting. The Combi Steam Oven adds steam infusion, sous vide, toasting, and a larger 16-quart size, making it a multi-function appliance for advanced cooking.
2. Is the Combi Steam Oven worth the upgrade over Brio Plus?
Only if you’ll use the extra functions. If you stick to air frying, the Brio Plus is more cost-effective. But if you want to steam vegetables, sous vide meats, or toast bread in one device, the Combi Steam Oven justifies the premium with its versatility.
3. Can I use the same accessories with both models?
No, accessories aren’t interchangeable due to different sizes and designs. The Brio Plus comes with a ceramic air fry basket, while the Combi includes a stainless steel basket, tray, rack, and more tailored for its multi-cook functions.
4. Which Nuwave air fryer oven is better for small kitchens?
The Brio Plus has a smaller footprint (about 12 inches in each dimension) compared to the Combi’s larger build, making it a better fit for compact countertops without sacrificing capacity for family meals.
5. Do both models have dishwasher-safe parts?
Yes, both the Brio Plus’s ceramic basket and the Combi Steam Oven’s stainless steel accessories are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
Final Verdict
This isn’t about one being better overall-it’s about fit. Choose the Nuwave Brio Plus if you want a reliable, mid-range air fryer for everyday healthy frying in a compact package. Choose the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven if you’re ready to invest in a versatile, large-capacity appliance that air fries, steams, sous vides, and more for gourmet home cooking. Either way, you’re getting Nuwave’s digital precision and a solid step toward oil-free meals.