Nuwave Brio XL vs. XL Pro: Which Air Fryer Oven Deserves the Prime Spot in Your Kitchen?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven

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

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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.