Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven w/Grill Combo Review

Your big oven takes 15 minutes to preheat. Your air fryer basket only holds a few chicken wings. Your indoor grill sits in a cabinet collecting dust. Sound familiar?

The Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven w/Grill Combo says it can replace all three. It has 142 presets, a 30QT cooking space, and a ceramic grill plate that leaves real sear marks.

That is a big promise. So I looked through the specs, owner reviews, and real cooking results to see if it holds up. This review covers the good parts, the weak spots, and three strong alternatives, so you can decide if it belongs on your counter.

In a Nutshell

• Big capacity for real meals: The 30QT space fits a 10 lb chicken, a 6 lb roast, 2 lbs of fries, or two 13 inch pizzas. Four rack positions let you cook more than one dish at a time.
• Grill plate that actually sears: The reversible ceramic grill and griddle plate gives you diamond grill marks and char flavor indoors. Dual drip spouts carry grease away from your food.
• Precise heat control: You can set the temperature from 50°F to 500°F in 5 degree steps. You can split the top and bottom heater power from 0 to 100%, and you get three fan speeds.
• Smart probe included: The built in digital thermometer tracks your meat’s internal temperature. The oven shuts off by itself when your food hits the target.
• Loads of presets: You get 12 cooking functions, 100 presets, and 30 memory slots for your own recipes. Five stage cooking lets you program a full cooking sequence.
• A few tradeoffs: It takes up a lot of counter space, the fan is loud on high settings, and the menu takes some time to learn. Some owners also report a flickering interior light.

Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven w/Grill Combo

Last update on 2026-10-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Nuwave Bravo XL Pro w/Grill Combo (model 20856) is a large countertop oven. It combines an air fryer, toaster oven, convection oven, and indoor grill in one stainless steel box.

Nuwave is an American brand based in Vernon Hills, Illinois. The company has made countertop cooking gear for years. Many buyers remember its old dome shaped NuWave Oven from the 2000s.

This newer model runs on 1800 watts of power. Nuwave says its upgraded convection fan cooks 3X faster and gives 35% crispier results than older designs. The brand also claims heat spreads 2X more evenly across multiple racks.

What makes this version special is the grill plate. The regular Bravo XL Pro skips it. The Grill Combo adds a reversible ceramic grill and griddle plate, so you can sear burgers on one side and cook pancakes on the other.

The oven also packs some handy extras. These include auto preheat, auto shut off, a delay start, a clock, panel lock, and a mute button. It even has a carryover cooking feature that accounts for heat that keeps cooking your meat after it comes out.

Here is what comes in the box:

• The oven itself with a tempered glass door and interior light.
• A heavy duty cooking rack and a mesh rack for air frying.
• The ceramic grill and griddle plate, which is PFAS free.
• The smart digital thermometer (the probe) that plugs into the oven.
• A pull out crumb tray, the manual, a quick start guide, and a recipe book with 60+ chef made recipes.

Price changes often on Amazon. It usually sits in the midrange for large air fryer ovens, so check the current listing before you buy.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing you notice is the size. The oven measures about 20 inches wide, 13.75 inches deep, and 11.25 inches tall. It weighs about 17.8 pounds.

That is not tiny. You need a dedicated spot on your counter. But the weight is light enough that one person can lift it out of the box without help.

The outside uses brushed stainless steel. It looks clean and modern next to most kitchen appliances. Nuwave uses food grade stainless steel, and owners say they notice no plastic smell during the first few uses.

The door is one of my favorite details. It opens and holds at a 45 degree angle. That means you can check your food without the door dropping all the way open. One owner called this “a huge deal,” and I agree.

The crumb tray is also well made. It slides out from the front like a real drawer. It is not the flimsy flat sheet you find in cheaper toaster ovens.

The control panel mixes knobs and push buttons. It has a bright, cool white display that is easy to read. At first, all those buttons can look like a lot. Most owners say they feel comfortable within a few weeks.

A few build points deserve a warning. The glass door gets very hot during long roasting sessions. Keep kids and pets away. The unit also uses a two prong polarized plug, not a grounded three prong plug. Some buyers expected a three prong plug on an 1800 watt appliance.

Overall, the build feels solid for the price. It is not as heavy as a Breville, but it feels well thought out.

Key Features and Heating Technology

The Bravo XL Pro gives you more control over heat than most toaster ovens. That control is the main reason cooks love it.

The big feature is Linear T technology. This system keeps checking the oven temperature and adjusts the heaters in real time. Cheap ovens cycle on and off, which causes temperature swings. Linear T keeps the heat steady and accurate.

You can set the temperature anywhere from 50°F to 500°F. You adjust it in precise 5 degree steps. The low end works for proofing dough and dehydrating fruit. The high end works for searing steaks and crisping pizza.

Next is the heater split control. You can set the top and bottom heaters anywhere from 0 to 100%. This sounds technical, but it is simple in practice.

For example, Nuwave suggests 70% bottom heat and 30% top heat for thick pizza. That gives you a crispy crust and melted cheese without burnt toppings. Want a browner top on your casserole? Just shift more power to the top.

You also get three selectable fan speeds. A high fan helps with air frying. A low fan helps with baking cakes and cookies, so the batter does not blow around.

Here are the other features at a glance:

• 12 cooking functions including air fry, toast, grill, bake, roast, broil, pizza, proof, reheat, slow cook, dehydrate, and cookies.
• 10 toast settings and 3 sear modes.
• A timer up to 100 hours, which is great for slow cooking and dehydrating.
• Delay start and clock, so dinner can start cooking before you get home.

This much control is rare at this price point. It feels closer to a small pro oven than a basic toaster.

Top 3 Alternative for Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven w/Grill Combo

The Bravo XL Pro is a strong pick, but it is not the only good option. Your budget, counter space, and cooking style may point you to a different oven. Here are three popular alternatives worth a look.

Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Fry Oven (DT201)

Last update on 2026-10-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Ninja Foodi XL Pro is a 10 in 1 oven with Ninja’s True Surround Convection system. It runs on 1800 watts, the same as the Nuwave.

It fits a 5 lb chicken or two 12 inch pizzas. It cooks evenly on two levels, so you do not need to rotate trays. The temperature range runs from 85°F to 450°F.

This Ninja is a good choice if you want simple controls and fewer menu options. However, it has no grill plate and a lower top temperature than the Nuwave.

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (BOV900BSS)

Last update on 2026-10-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is the premium pick. It offers 13 cooking functions and Breville’s Element iQ heating system.

It toasts 9 slices of bread at once and fits a 13 inch pizza. It also has a super convection setting that cuts cooking time. The build quality feels very sturdy, with heavy racks and solid knobs.

The downside is price. It usually costs quite a bit more than the Nuwave. It also has no grill plate or smart probe in the box.

Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill (TOA70NAS)

Last update on 2026-10-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill is the most direct match for grill fans. It includes a grill and griddle plate, just like the Nuwave.

It has 8 functions, including air fry, convection bake, broil, toast, and grill. The 0.6 cubic foot interior is smaller than the Nuwave, but it still handles a family dinner.

Pick this one if you want simple dial controls and a trusted brand. You give up the smart probe and the huge preset list.

Air Frying Performance

Air frying is why most people buy this oven. The good news is that it does a really good job.

Nuwave redesigned the fan and fan housing for this model. The brand says the new fan runs 100% faster than older versions. Combined with 1800 watts, that means hot air moves quickly around your food.

The results show it. Owners report crispy chicken skin with juicy meat inside. One buyer cooked whole chicken thighs at 400°F and called the results “amazing.” Fries come out golden brown without much oil.

Nuwave claims you use 95% less oil than deep frying. That is a common claim for air fryers, and it holds true here. A light spray of oil is usually enough.

The biggest win is batch size. A basket air fryer holds a small amount at once. The Bravo XL Pro can crisp 2 lbs of fries in one go. That means no more cooking in three rounds while your family waits.

The mesh rack helps a lot. Air flows around every side of the food. You get even crisping without shaking a basket every few minutes.

A few tips help you get better results:

• Do not overcrowd the rack. Leave small gaps so hot air can reach every piece.
• Use the high fan speed for fries, wings, and frozen snacks.
• Use a middle rack position for the most even browning.

One owner put it well. The air fry mode is “crisp without drying things out.” That is exactly what you want. Just expect some fan noise on high settings. It is noticeable, but not annoying for most people.

Grill and Griddle Plate Performance

The grill plate is what sets this model apart from the regular Bravo XL Pro. So does it work? Mostly, yes.

The plate is reversible. One side has raised ridges for grilling. The other side is flat for griddle cooking, like pancakes, eggs, or smash burgers.

It uses a ceramic nonstick coating that is PFAS free. That is a nice plus for families who want to avoid certain chemical coatings. Food releases easily when you cook with a little oil.

The grill side leaves diamond shaped sear marks on steaks and burgers. One owner seared lamb burgers and said she did not know an air fryer oven could do that. The heat from below plus the fan from above gives you a good crust.

The plate has dual drip spouts. These drain excess grease and water away from your food. That matters because meat sitting in its own juice steams instead of searing.

For best results, preheat the plate fully. A hot plate gives you better marks and a deeper crust. Use one of the three sear modes for thick cuts like ribeyes or pork chops.

Let’s be honest about the limits. This is indoor searing, not a backyard charcoal grill. You will not get real smoke flavor. One reviewer described it as “indoor sear with ambition,” which is fair.

Still, it is great on rainy days or in winter. It also keeps your kitchen cooler than using the stovetop. For apartment dwellers without a patio grill, this plate is a real bonus.

Smart Probe and Carryover Cooking

The smart digital thermometer is one of the most useful features here. Many competing ovens do not include one at all.

Here is how it works. You push the probe into the thickest part of your meat. Then you plug it into the oven and set your target temperature. The oven tracks the internal temperature as the food cooks.

When the meat hits your target, the oven shuts off by itself. You do not need to open the door and poke around with a handheld thermometer. That keeps heat inside and saves you guesswork.

The carryover cooking feature makes this even smarter. Meat keeps cooking for a few minutes after it leaves the oven. The Bravo XL Pro accounts for this, so your steak does not end up overcooked while it rests.

This feature shines with big cuts. Think whole chickens, turkey breasts, pork loins, and beef roasts. One owner said the probe gave her “a juicy turkey breast” on her first try.

The probe is also great for beginners. If you often worry about undercooked chicken, the probe takes that stress away. You just set the safe temperature and wait.

A few quick probe tips:

• Insert it into the thickest part of the meat and avoid bone.
• Do not let the tip touch the pan, or the reading will be off.
• Wash it by hand and keep the cable away from the heaters.

For anyone who cooks roasts often, this probe alone adds big value. It saves you from buying a separate smart thermometer.

Presets, Memory Slots, and Multi Stage Cooking

The Bravo XL Pro has 142 presets in total. That breaks down into 12 cooking functions, 100 one touch presets, and 30 memory slots.

The 100 presets cover common foods. You can pick settings for frozen snacks, chicken, fish, vegetables, cookies, and more. The oven sets the time, temperature, and fan speed for you.

The 30 memory slots are where it gets fun. Once you perfect a recipe, you can save it. Next time, you just press one button. This is perfect for family favorites you make every week.

Then there is 5 stage cooking. This lets you program up to five steps in a row. For example, you can defrost a steak, then sear it, then roast it until the probe hits your target. The oven moves from step to step without your help.

This feature is great for busy weeknights. You can prep side dishes while the oven handles the main course. It feels a bit like having a helper in the kitchen.

Now, the honest part. All these options can feel like a lot at first. Some buyers say the panel looked confusing out of the box. A few found it hard to switch between modes without checking the manual.

The good news is the learning curve is short. The manual is clear, and QR codes link to how to videos. One owner said she “conquered” the oven in less than a month.

If you prefer turning one dial to 350°F and walking away, this may feel like more than you need. But if you enjoy options, you will love exploring them.

Capacity and Everyday Cooking

The 30QT capacity is a major selling point. This oven can handle real meals, not just snacks.

Nuwave says it fits a 10 lb chicken, a 6 lb roast, 2 lbs of fries, or two 13 inch pizzas. The inside depth is about 12.5 inches. There are four rack positions, so you can cook on multiple levels.

This size makes a big difference for families. You can bake a sheet of cookies on one rack and roast vegetables on another. One reviewer said you are “not playing Tetris with chicken thighs” anymore.

Many owners use it as a main oven replacement. It preheats much faster than a full size wall oven. It also keeps your kitchen cooler in summer, since it heats a much smaller space.

It works well in small spaces too. Nuwave markets it for small kitchens, motorhomes, and RVs. If you do not have a full range, this oven can handle most of your daily cooking.

Everyday tasks are easy:

• Toast: Ten toast settings let you pick your perfect shade.
• Reheat: Leftover pizza comes out crispy, not soggy like the microwave.
• Bake: Cookies, cakes, and bread bake evenly with the low fan setting.
• Proof and dehydrate: Low temperatures work well for bread dough, jerky, and dried fruit.

One home baker said she loves proofing her weekly bread dough in it. Another said it made holiday cooking easier by adding a second oven during big meals.

The one catch is counter space. This oven “takes up counter space like it pays rent,” as one owner joked. Measure your spot before you order.

Cleaning and Maintenance

A big oven means more surfaces to clean. Thankfully, Nuwave made cleanup fairly easy.

The pull out crumb tray is the star here. It slides out from the front like a drawer. You do not have to tilt the whole oven to dump crumbs.

One owner shared a great tip. Cover the crumb tray with aluminum foil before cooking. Grease and crumbs fall onto the foil, and cleanup takes seconds.

The accessories are dishwasher safe. That includes the racks and the grill plate. Still, hand washing the grill plate can help its ceramic coating last longer.

The stainless steel outside shows fingerprints. A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth keeps it shiny. One buyer said a wipe after every other use keeps it looking brand new.

Air frying and grilling create some grease spray inside. Wipe the interior walls every few uses. This stops carbon buildup that can cause smoke or odd smells later.

Here is a simple cleaning routine:

• After each use: Empty the crumb tray and wash the accessories.
• Every few uses: Wipe the interior walls and door glass once the oven cools.
• Weekly: Wipe the outside with a soft cloth and mild cleaner.

Always wait for the oven to cool down fully before cleaning. The heating elements and door get very hot.

Cleanup is “manageable but not magical,” as one reviewer said. If you grill often, plan for regular cleaning. But overall, it is easier to maintain than most large toaster ovens.

Pros and Cons

Every appliance has strengths and weak spots. Here is a clear look at both sides of the Bravo XL Pro w/Grill Combo.

Pros

• Huge 30QT capacity fits whole chickens, big roasts, and two pizzas at once, which makes it great for families.
• Reversible ceramic grill and griddle plate gives real sear marks and is PFAS free.
• Wide temperature range from 50°F to 500°F covers proofing, dehydrating, baking, and searing.
• Adjustable top and bottom heaters let you control browning like a pro oven.
• Smart probe included shuts the oven off when meat is perfectly done.
• 142 presets and 30 memory slots save your favorite recipes for one touch cooking.
• Door holds at 45 degrees, which makes checking food safe and easy.
• Drawer style crumb tray and dishwasher safe accessories simplify cleanup.
• Helpful customer service, according to several owners who had warranty claims.

Cons

• Large footprint takes up a lot of counter space, so small kitchens may struggle.
• Fan noise is noticeable on high speed settings.
• Learning curve can feel steep at first because of the many buttons and options.
• Glass door gets very hot during long cooking sessions.
• Two prong plug instead of a grounded three prong plug disappoints some buyers.
• Some reports of a flickering interior light, and one owner saw it on three units.
• The extended warranty runs through a third party company, so read the terms carefully.

The pros clearly outweigh the cons for most home cooks. Just make sure you have the counter space and patience to learn the controls.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

So, is the Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven w/Grill Combo worth your money? For most families, the answer is yes.

It does a lot of jobs well. It air fries with great crispness. It bakes evenly. It sears steaks with real grill marks. The smart probe takes the guesswork out of roasting meat.

It also gives you more control than most rivals at this price. The heater split, three fan speeds, and 5 degree temperature steps let you fine tune every dish. Competitors like the Ninja DT201 and Breville BOV900BSS do not include a grill plate or probe.

This oven is a great fit for:

• Families who cook big meals and hate cooking in batches.
• Home cooks who want to use their full size oven less often.
• Small homes and RVs without a full range.
• Meat lovers who want probe cooking and indoor grilling in one unit.

It may not suit everyone, though. If you only make toast and frozen pizza, it is more oven than you need. If your counter is small, a compact model like the Cuisinart TOA70 may fit better.

One owner summed it up nicely. The Bravo XL Pro “replaces the need for three or four mediocre countertop gadgets.” That is a strong reason to buy it.

My tip is simple. Register your warranty right away, read the quick start guide, and try a few presets during the first week. You will feel at home with it quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to the questions buyers ask most about this oven.

What is the difference between the Bravo XL Pro and the Bravo XL Pro w/Grill Combo?

The main difference is the reversible ceramic grill and griddle plate. The Grill Combo includes it. The standard Bravo XL Pro does not. Both share the 30QT size and most of the same cooking features.

Can the Nuwave Bravo XL Pro replace my regular oven?

For many households, yes. It fits a 10 lb chicken and two 13 inch pizzas. It preheats faster and uses less energy. However, it cannot fit a large holiday turkey or several full size baking sheets at once.

How hot does the Nuwave Bravo XL Pro get?

It reaches up to 500°F. The lowest setting is 50°F. You can adjust the temperature in precise 5 degree steps.

Are the accessories dishwasher safe?

Yes, the accessories are dishwasher safe. Hand washing the grill plate can help the ceramic coating last longer.

Is the Nuwave Bravo XL Pro noisy?

The fan makes noticeable noise on high speed. Most owners find it acceptable. Lower fan speeds run much quieter.

Does it come with a warranty?

Many buyers report a card or QR code offering an extended warranty after registration. One owner noted that this extended warranty runs through a third party. Read the terms before you register.

Does the Nuwave Bravo XL Pro have a rotisserie?

No, the Grill Combo package does not include a rotisserie. It comes with a cooking rack, mesh rack, grill and griddle plate, smart probe, and crumb tray.

Can I use my own pans inside it?

Yes, you can use oven safe pans that fit the interior. Owners report good results with stoneware, stainless steel, and metal baking pans. Leave some space around the edges so air can flow.