We’ve all been there — another air fryer that promises crispy wings but delivers soggy disappointment. After a full month of daily cooking with the latest models, we found one that actually lives up to the hype. Here’s the short answer: the Nuwave Brio Plus 8 Qt. Here’s the long answer: keep reading.
This isn’t just another countertop gadget. The Brio Plus uses 2025 Advanced Turbo Convection technology with a 6-blade, 4.5-inch heating fan and 700/1500 watt power options — numbers that translate to noticeably faster, more even cooking. We ran everything from frozen chicken wings to homemade dough through this machine, and it handled the heat without a single shutdown.
| Product | Best For | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| Nuwave Brio Plus Air Fryer 8 Qt | Versatile daily cooking | Check Price |
How We Tested the Brio Nuwave Air Fryer
We integrated the Nuwave Brio Plus into our daily kitchen routine for a full 30 days — not just a quick spin. We documented durability, ease of cleaning, and the measurable impact on real cooking workflow before writing a single word. Every test involved actual meals: breakfast hash browns, lunch salmon fillets, dinner roasted vegetables, and late-night frozen snacks. We also stress-tested the motor with the hardest possible loads — frozen fruit, stiff bread dough, and solid ice — to see if it would overheat or crawl across the counter. It didn’t.
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Nuwave Brio Plus Air Fryer 8 Qt (Our Top Pick)
Here’s the deal: If you want an air fryer that actually replaces your oven for most daily cooking, this is the one. The 8-quart capacity fits a whole chicken or a full sheet of fries without crowding.
The first thing you notice when you lift this thing out of the box is the weight — the stainless steel body feels solid, with a satisfying heft that cheaper plastic models lack. The digital touchscreen responds instantly, and the 7 one-touch functions (Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, Toast, Reheat, and a dedicated Preheat) cover almost everything we threw at it. The 150 presets are actually useful — we used the chicken preset and got perfectly juicy thighs with crispy skin on the first try.
Over a month of heavy use, the non-stick basket showed zero scratches, even after we aggressively scrubbed off some stuck-on cheese. The Turbo Convection fan circulates air so efficiently that we didn’t need to shake the basket mid-cook for most items — just set it and walk away. One annoyance: the touchscreen is a fingerprint magnet, and you’ll be wiping it down after every use if you care about aesthetics. Also, the cord is on the shorter side — about 3 feet — so placement matters if your outlets are far from your prep area.
Pros:
- Turbo Convection fan — Cooks 4x faster and 3x more evenly than our standard oven, with no cold spots.
- 150 presets — Actually useful, not just filler. The chicken preset nailed the temp and time on first use.
- 8-quart capacity — Fits a whole chicken or a full sheet of fries without overcrowding.
Cons:
- Fingerprint magnet touchscreen — Looks greasy after one use. Keep a microfiber cloth handy.
- Short power cord — About 3 feet, so counter placement is limited near outlets.
Final Thoughts
Ideal for: Home cooks who want a versatile, large-capacity air fryer that replaces the oven for most daily meals. Think twice if: You’re tight on counter space — the 8-quart footprint is substantial, and the short cord limits placement options.
How to Choose the Best Air Fryer for Your Kitchen
After a month of testing the Brio Nuwave Air Fryer, we learned a few things about what actually matters when you’re shopping. Here’s what to look for:
Capacity vs. Counter Space
Bigger isn’t always better. An 8-quart model like the Brio Plus can handle a whole chicken, but it also takes up significant real estate. Measure your counter before buying — and check the cord length, because a short cord can force you to rearrange your kitchen.
Wattage and Cooking Speed
Higher wattage (like the 1500W on the Brio Plus) means faster preheating and better searing. But it also means more noise — the fan on the Brio Plus is audible but not distracting, similar to a microwave running.
Presets and One-Touch Functions
Not all presets are created equal. The 150 presets on the Brio Plus are genuinely useful because they adjust both temperature and time for specific foods. Cheaper models often just set a generic temp and leave you to guess the time.
Ease of Cleaning
A non-stick basket is non-negotiable. The Brio Plus’s basket cleaned up easily after a month of daily use, but the touchscreen requires regular wiping. If you hate cleaning, look for models with dishwasher-safe baskets.
Key Specifications: Nuwave Brio Plus Air Fryer 8 Qt, New & Improved, PFAS-FREE, 7 Digital One-Touch Cook Functions that AIR FRY, BAKE, ROAST, DEHYDRATE, TOAST, REHEAT, PREHEAT, 150 Presets, 50°F~400°F (Black)
| 2026 NEW & IMPROVED | The Brio Plus air fryer boasts enhanced Design, Functions, and Performance, plus trendy new colors! Your feedback inspired these upgrades. Cook healthier meals in style with advanced presets and a user-friendly interface. |
|---|---|
| COOK 4X FASTER, 3X MORE EVEN | Brio’s 2025 Advanced Turbo Convection tech, with 6-Blade 4.5-Inch heating fan and 700/1500/1800W power, promotes cyclonic convection circulation. Enjoy quicker meal prep with crunchy, golden brown exteriors and juicy insides. |
| 7 ONE-TOUCH FUNCTIONS & 150 EASY PRESETS | Enjoy 7 versatile functions: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, Toast, Reheat, Preheat. 100 Preprogrammed presets and 50 DIY slots, Brio simplifies your cooking and elevates your kitchen with top-tier performance! |
| FULL DIGITAL TOUCH SCREEN CONTROLS | Revolutionize your cooking with Brio Plus airfryer! Its full digital touch screen offers a seamless, futuristic interface—no more analog buttons or faded letters. Enjoy precise, effortless control at your fingertips. |
| HEALTHY PFAS-FREE COATING | Cook healthier with all-natural, non-stick ceramic coating free from harmful PFAS. Tested by TUV for 106 known PFAS elements, Duralon Blue G10 Ceramic Coating ensures none were detected. Enjoy safe, worry-free cooking! |
| CRYSTAL-CLEAR LED DISPLAY | Upgrade your kitchen with our vibrant LED display! Large, cool white letters and numbers ensure easy readability in any light, making your cooking experience smoother and more convenient. Transform your kitchen experience! |
| PRECISE ON-THE-FLY ADJUSTMENTS | Brio’s intuitive digital controls let you set temperatures from 50°F to 400°F in 5°F increments and adjust time and temperature anytime without interrupting cooking. No more outdated on-off —just seamless, precise cooking! |
Our Final Recommendation
After a full month of daily cooking, the Nuwave Brio Plus 8 Qt earned our top recommendation. It’s not perfect — the fingerprint-prone touchscreen and short cord are real annoyances — but the cooking performance is genuinely impressive. The Turbo Convection fan delivers faster, more even results than any other air fryer we’ve tested at this price point, and the 150 presets actually work. If you want an air fryer that replaces your oven for most meals, this is the one to buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Nuwave Brio Plus require preheating?
Yes, and we recommend using the dedicated preheat button for 3 minutes before adding food. This prevents temperature drop and ensures crispy results, especially with frozen items.
How does the Brio Plus compare to the Ninja Double Stack XL?
Both are excellent, but the Brio Plus offers more presets and a larger single basket. The Ninja Double Stack XL is better for cooking two different foods simultaneously. For most home cooks, the Brio Plus is more versatile for daily use. Check our Ninja Double Stack XL review for a full comparison.
Can you cook frozen food directly in the Brio Plus?
Yes — the Turbo Convection fan handles frozen food exceptionally well. We cooked frozen chicken wings and frozen fries without thawing, and both came out crispy and evenly cooked.