Air fryers have come a long way from simple countertop gadgets, and Nuwave’s Brio lineup shows just how versatile these appliances can be. I’ve spent weeks cooking everything from rotisserie chicken to late-night pizzas in both the Nuwave Brio XL (15.5-Quart) and the Nuwave Brio XL Pro (30-Quart), and the experience revealed two very different personalities under the same brand umbrella. If you’re wondering which one deserves a place in your kitchen, here’s my detailed take.
Key Difference at a Glance: Nuwave Brio XL vs. XL Pro Air Fryer Oven
The Brio XL is a large-capacity air fryer oven built around simplicity and family-friendly convenience. The XL Pro, on the other hand, is a feature-packed convection powerhouse aimed at cooks who crave restaurant-level control. While both share Nuwave’s reliable 1800-watt power and smart thermometer technology, their designs and cooking flexibility set them apart.
- MAX EVEN & CRISP AIR FRYER - Brio uses advanced convection technology and powerful top-mounted 6-Blade 5-inch fan...
- 10-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY & 100 ONE-TOUCH PRESETS & 50 MEMORY – Includes 10 convenient functions: Air Fry, Reheat,...
- FASTER FAN, BETTER RESULTS: The newly designed and engineered fan and housing can produce 100% faster fan speed for...
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR PIZZA OVEN: Adjust the ratio of top and bottom heaters from 0 to 100% and 3 fan speed for different...
Quick Comparison Table: Nuwave Brio XL vs. XL Pro Air Fryer Oven
| Feature | Nuwave Brio XL | Nuwave Brio XL Pro |
| Capacity | 15.5 Quarts | 30 Quarts |
| Dimensions | 13″D x 15.4″W x 16.9″H | 12.88″D x 20″W x 11.13″H |
| Temperature Range | 50°F – 425°F (5°F increments) | 50°F – 500°F (5°F increments) |
| Fan/Convection | 5-inch top-mounted convection fan | 100% faster fan, 3 selectable speeds |
| Cooking Presets | 100 menu presets | 12 functions + 100 one-touch recipe presets |
| Smart Thermometer | Integrated digital thermometer | Integrated smart digital thermometer |
| Special Highlights | Rotisserie kit, reversible grill/griddle | Adjustable top/bottom heaters, 5-stage cooking |
| Accessories | Mesh rack, mesh tray, rotisserie basket & skewer kit, drip tray, grill/griddle plate | 2 racks, crumb tray, baking pan, broiler rack, air fry basket, smart thermometer |
| Weight | ~24 pounds (approx.) | 19.5 pounds |
| Material | Stainless steel with non-stick accessories | Brushed stainless steel, PFAS-free accessories |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Design and Build Quality
Brio XL
The Brio XL looks and feels like a sturdy family appliance. Its black stainless finish hides fingerprints well and the see-through door with an internal light makes it easy to keep an eye on dinner. It’s taller than it is wide, which fits nicely on a standard counter without hogging space.
Brio XL Pro
The XL Pro is all brushed stainless steel, giving it a sleeker, almost commercial vibe. Despite the much larger 30-quart capacity, it sits lower and wider than the XL, so check your counter depth before buying. I like the clean, cool-white digital display—it’s bright and easy to read even in low light.
Personal Note: I found the XL Pro’s stainless finish slightly easier to wipe clean after greasy cooking sessions. The XL’s black body shows streaks if you don’t dry it completely.
- MAX EVEN & CRISP AIR FRYER - Brio uses advanced convection technology and powerful top-mounted 6-Blade 5-inch fan...
- 10-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY & 100 ONE-TOUCH PRESETS & 50 MEMORY – Includes 10 convenient functions: Air Fry, Reheat,...
- FASTER FAN, BETTER RESULTS: The newly designed and engineered fan and housing can produce 100% faster fan speed for...
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR PIZZA OVEN: Adjust the ratio of top and bottom heaters from 0 to 100% and 3 fan speed for different...
Ease of Use
Brio XL
This model shines with its straightforward digital controls. Temperature can be nudged in precise 5°F increments, and the ability to “adjust on the fly” without restarting is incredibly handy. The integrated smart thermometer is a huge plus—set your target doneness and the oven stops cooking when your food hits that temperature.
Brio XL Pro
The XL Pro introduces more complexity, but in a good way. You can adjust the ratio of top and bottom heating elements from 0 to 100%, tweak between three fan speeds, and even create five-stage cooking programs. Once you get comfortable, these options open up serious culinary possibilities.
My Experience: The XL is perfect for quick family dinners—you can toss in a chicken, hit a preset, and walk away. The XL Pro required a little learning curve, but once I dialed in settings for pizza and multi-layer roasting, it was like having a miniature professional oven.
- MAX EVEN & CRISP AIR FRYER - Brio uses advanced convection technology and powerful top-mounted 6-Blade 5-inch fan...
- 10-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY & 100 ONE-TOUCH PRESETS & 50 MEMORY – Includes 10 convenient functions: Air Fry, Reheat,...
- FASTER FAN, BETTER RESULTS: The newly designed and engineered fan and housing can produce 100% faster fan speed for...
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR PIZZA OVEN: Adjust the ratio of top and bottom heaters from 0 to 100% and 3 fan speed for different...
Cooking Performance and Functions
Air Frying and Roasting
- Brio XL: Crispy fries, juicy rotisserie chicken, and evenly browned vegetables are its strong suit. The 5-inch convection fan circulates heat efficiently for consistent results.
- Brio XL Pro: The faster fan speed and selectable zones make air frying even more precise. My fries came out slightly crispier in less time compared to the XL.
Baking and Multi-Layer Cooking
- Brio XL: Handles cakes and cookies well, though you’re limited to single-layer baking.
- Brio XL Pro: The multi-layer even-cooking feature is a game changer. I baked two 13-inch pizzas at once and both came out evenly browned, thanks to the minimal 0–1°F temperature variance between racks.
Rotisserie and Specialty Cooking
- Brio XL: The built-in rotisserie basket and skewer kit produce beautiful, self-basted meats.
- Brio XL Pro: No rotisserie, but the adjustable top/bottom heat makes it better for artisan bread or perfectly balanced pizzas.
- MAX EVEN & CRISP AIR FRYER - Brio uses advanced convection technology and powerful top-mounted 6-Blade 5-inch fan...
- 10-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY & 100 ONE-TOUCH PRESETS & 50 MEMORY – Includes 10 convenient functions: Air Fry, Reheat,...
Cleaning and Maintenance
Both models use stainless steel accessories that are dishwasher safe. The XL’s reversible grill/griddle plate is ultra-nonstick and cleans up fast. The XL Pro’s PFAS-free accessories reassure anyone concerned about chemical coatings. I did find the XL Pro’s wider crumb tray a bit easier to remove and wash after messy bakes.
Nuwave Brio Air Fryer Rotisserie Oven
- MAX EVEN & CRISP AIR FRYER - Brio uses advanced convection technology and powerful top-mounted 6-Blade 5-inch fan...
- 10-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY & 100 ONE-TOUCH PRESETS & 50 MEMORY – Includes 10 convenient functions: Air Fry, Reheat,...
Pros:
- Integrated rotisserie kit
- User-friendly digital controls
- Compact footprint for a 15.5-quart oven
- Excellent smart thermometer integration
Cons:
- Lower max temperature (425°F)
- Single fan speed—less customization
- Slightly heavier and taller
Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven
- FASTER FAN, BETTER RESULTS: The newly designed and engineered fan and housing can produce 100% faster fan speed for...
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR PIZZA OVEN: Adjust the ratio of top and bottom heaters from 0 to 100% and 3 fan speed for different...
Pros:
- Huge 30-quart capacity for big meals or multi-layer cooking
- Adjustable top/bottom heaters and fan speeds
- Faster convection for crispier, quicker results
- Wider temperature range up to 500°F
- PFAS-free accessories and pro-grade stainless finish
Cons:
- No rotisserie function
- More complex controls may intimidate beginners
- Requires more counter width
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After using both side by side, I’d sum it up like this:
- Choose the Nuwave Brio XL if you love the idea of easy rotisserie dinners, need a tall but not overly wide oven, and want fuss-free digital controls. It’s perfect for families who want healthier fried foods without tinkering with multiple settings.
- Go for the Nuwave Brio XL Pro if you’re a serious home cook who bakes, air fries, and experiments with multi-layer meals. The adjustable heaters and three-speed fan make it feel like a professional convection oven, and the 30-quart space is a dream for large gatherings.
Personally, the XL Pro has earned the prime spot on my counter. The flexibility to fine-tune top and bottom heat let me bake bread with a perfect crust and cook two pizzas simultaneously—something the Brio XL simply can’t match. But if rotisserie chicken is your weekly go-to, the Brio XL still holds a special edge.
Either way, Nuwave has packed both models with features that can replace several kitchen appliances, giving you healthier meals and more creative freedom.
