Nuwave Brio Plus 8 Qt Air Fryer Review: Still a Champion in 2026?
Nuwave has been a prominent name in the world of innovative kitchen appliances for years, often recognized from its extensive TV infomercials promising revolutionary cooking technology. As we move deeper into 2026, the Nuwave Brio Plus 8 Quart Digital Air Fryer remains a flagship model in their lineup, boasting a massive capacity, a host of unique features like an integrated temperature probe, and precise wattage control.
But does this feature-packed machine still hold up against the newest 2026 models? In a world filled with high-performance dual-basket and smart fryers, can the Nuwave Brio 8 Qt maintain its place as a must-have appliance? We revisited our extensive testing journey to find out. In this updated review, we cover every facet of the Nuwave Brio 8 Qt, from its durability after a year of use to its cooking performance against modern rivals.
Key Specifications
Before we dive into the long-term performance, let’s look at the technical details. The specs sheet of the Brio 8 Qt remains impressive even by today’s standards.
| Model | Nuwave Brio Plus 8 Quart (Model No. 37052) |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 8 Quarts / 7.6 Liters |
| Power | 1800 Watts (Adjustable: 900W, 1500W, 1800W) |
| Temperature Range | 100°F – 400°F (in 5°F increments) |
| Control Type | Digital LED Touchscreen |
| Functions | Air Fry, Broil, Roast, Grill, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate |
| Key Features | Integrated Digital Temperature Probe, Wattage Control, Preheat & Reheat Functions, 100 Pre-programmed Presets |
| Dimensions | 13″L x 15.4″W x 16.9″H |
| Basket Design | Patented Fry Pan Basket with Stainless Steel Reversible Rack |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes, all removable parts are dishwasher-safe |
Unboxing and Durability Check
When we first unboxed the Nuwave Brio, we noted its size. The 8-quart capacity translates to a tall, substantial unit. After a year of use, the high-gloss black plastic, while sleek, has accumulated some micro-scratches—common for this material. However, the construction has proven robust. No buttons have failed, the hinge remains tight, and the basket mechanism still slides smoothly.
Inside the box, you’ll find:
- The Nuwave Brio 8 Qt main unit
- The Fry Pan Basket and Base Tray
- A Stainless Steel Reversible Rack
- The Integrated Digital Temperature Probe
- A Quick Start Guide and Owner’s Manual with recipes
The patented basket design—a solid, non-stick pan with a removable perforated tray—has held up well. The non-stick coating is still intact, though we have been careful to use silicone utensils. The reversible rack remains a fantastic inclusion for two-layer cooking. And the temperature probe? It is still accurate to within a degree, proving its build quality over time.
Cooking Performance: The Ultimate Real-World Test
An air fryer lives and dies by its ability to cook well. We put the Brio 8 Qt through a gauntlet of tests repeatedly over the last year. Here’s how it stands up.
Test 1: Air Frying – The Crisiness Gauntlet
Frozen French Fries (The Benchmark)
We continued our benchmark test with classic frozen shoestring fries. Using the “Fries” preset (400°F for 18 minutes), the Brio still delivers excellent results. The fries come out uniformly golden-brown and crispy. The large basket allows them to cook in a relatively thin layer, preventing steaming. It performs on par with newer 2026 releases in this fundamental category.
Chicken Wings
For wings, we used the manual setting at 380°F. The Brio consistently produces beautifully rendered, crispy skin and juicy meat. The 8-quart capacity is the real winner here, easily fitting 3 lbs without overcrowding. While newer dual-basket models offer versatility, the raw volume of this single basket is superior for large batches of a single item.
Test 2: Roasting – The Temperature Probe Challenge
Whole Chicken (5.5 lbs)
This feature remains the Brio’s killer app in 2026. We seasoned a 5.5 lb chicken and utilized the digital temperature probe. Setting the target to 165°F, the Brio cooked the chicken and **automatically shut off** upon reaching temperature. This feature completely eliminates guesswork and is still superior to many modern fryers that rely solely on timers. The result? Flawless, moist meat every single time.
Test 3: Grilling and Searing
Burgers
Using the reversible rack and the “Sear” function, we grilled burgers indoors. In about 10 minutes, we achieved a decent crust and juicy interior. While dedicated indoor grills might offer better char marks, the Brio’s versatility makes it a fantastic all-in-one option for quick, smoke-free grilling.
Expert Tip: Always use the “Preheat” function. Even after a year of use, we find this step critical. Placing food into a hot basket ensures immediate searing and prevents sticking.
A Deep Dive into Nuwave’s Unique Features
The Brio 8 Qt isn’t just a simple air fryer; its advanced features keep it relevant against competitors in our main best digital air fryer guide.
The Integrated Temperature Probe
As highlighted, this is still a standout feature. It works for chicken, roasts, pork tenderloin, and fish. In 2026, where smart appliances are the norm, having a hardware-based solution like this probe often proves more reliable than buggy app connectivity found in other “smart” fryers.
Wattage Control
The ability to toggle between 900W, 1500W, and 1800W remains a niche but valuable feature, especially for RV owners or those with older kitchen wiring. It allows this powerful machine to operate in environments where other 1800W fryers would trip a breaker.
The Digital Interface and Presets
The LED control panel has remained responsive and bright. The 100 pre-programmed presets are a fantastic resource for beginners, removing the intimidation factor. Functions like “Reheat” continue to outperform microwaves for reviving pizza and fried leftovers.
Ease of Use and Long-Term Cleaning
For all its features, the Brio is surprisingly user-friendly. Cleaning, however, remains a mixed bag. The non-stick coating has survived the dishwasher well, but the basket’s design with its vents can trap grease. After a year, we’ve found that soaking the base tray is often necessary after cooking fatty foods like bacon. Using a tool like one of these fryer strainers helps manage debris.
A Note on Safety
The 8-quart basket is heavy when full. To ensure a secure grip and prevent burns, we continue to recommend using a quality pair of fryer gloves. They offer far better protection than standard mitts.
How Does It Compare in 2026?
The Nuwave Brio 8 Qt faces stiff competition. Compared to the classic Power XL Vortex Air Fryer, the Nuwave still wins on capacity and the temperature probe feature. Against modern dual-basket fryers, it lacks the ability to cook two different foods at once, but it triumphs in cooking large, whole items like chickens or roasts that simply won’t fit in split baskets. It remains a top choice for those who prefer volume over separation.
Pros and Cons Summarized
Pros: What We Still Love
- Integrated Temperature Probe: Still a top-tier feature for precision.
- Huge 8-Quart Capacity: Ideal for large families and whole roasts.
- Consistent Performance: Reliable results after 12+ months of use.
- Adjustable Wattage Control: Practical for various power environments.
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts: Durability of the coating has impressed us.
Cons: What Shows Its Age
- Large Footprint: It is bulky compared to newer, streamlined models.
- Glossy Plastic: Looks dated and shows wear/fingerprints easily.
- Complex Basket Design: Harder to clean than newer “smooth” basket designs.
- Noise Level: Louder than many 2026 “whisper-quiet” models.
Final Verdict and Our Official Rating
After over a year of testing, the Nuwave Brio Plus 8 Qt Air Fryer proves it is built to last. It is a feature-packed powerhouse that still delivers on its core promise: cooking large quantities of food to crispy perfection.
The integrated temperature probe is timeless, bringing oven-level precision to the countertop. While its design feels slightly bulky by 2026 standards, its performance is undeniable. If you have the counter space and cook for a family, this air fryer remains one of the most reliable investments you can make.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you cook a whole chicken in the Nuwave Brio 8 Qt?
Absolutely. It comfortably fits up to a 6 lb chicken. The integrated temperature probe makes it superior to many newer models for this specific task.
Is the Nuwave Brio 8 Qt noisy?
Yes, compared to the latest silent models, it has a noticeable hum (approx. 65dB). However, this noise is the sound of a powerful fan ensuring your food gets crispy.
Are the 100 presets actually useful?
For beginners, they remain excellent starting points. Over time, however, we found ourselves relying more on the manual controls and the temperature probe for precision cooking.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases. This review is based on our own independent testing and experience with a product we purchased.
