Nuwave Brio Plus 8 Qt Air Fryer In-Depth Review (2025)

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. The Nuwave Brio line of air fryers is their powerful entry into one of the most competitive markets in kitchen tech. The Nuwave Brio Plus 8 Quart Digital Air Fryer stands out as one of their flagship models, boasting a massive capacity, a host of unique features like an integrated temperature probe, and precise wattage control.

But does this feature-packed machine deliver on its promises? In a world filled with high-performance air fryers, can the Nuwave Brio 8 Qt carve out its place as a must-have appliance? We embarked on an extensive testing journey to find out. In this incredibly detailed review, we will cover every facet of the Nuwave Brio 8 Qt, from its unboxing and design to its real-world cooking performance, unique features, and long-term usability. If you are considering this air fryer, this is the only review you will need to read.

Key Specifications

Before we dive into the performance, let’s break down the technical details. The specs sheet of the Brio 8 Qt is impressive and contains some unique features not commonly found in its price range.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The Nuwave Brio arrives in a large, sturdy box with ample protective packaging. Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was its size. The 8-quart capacity translates to a tall, substantial unit that demands a dedicated spot on the countertop. The build is primarily a high-gloss black plastic, which looks sleek but is an absolute magnet for fingerprints. While it doesn’t feel as premium as some stainless steel models, the construction feels solid and well-put-together.

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 basket and tray slide out smoothly with a satisfying click. The patented basket design is interesting; it’s a solid, non-stick pan with a removable perforated tray that sits inside. This design aims to improve airflow and make cleaning easier. The reversible rack is a fantastic inclusion, effectively allowing for two-layer cooking and bringing food closer to the heating element for broiling. But the real star of the accessory show is the temperature probe, a feature almost unheard of in air fryers at this price point.

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, focusing on the most common foods people cook in these machines. Here’s the detailed breakdown of how it performed.

Test 1: Air Frying – The Crisiness Gauntlet

Frozen French Fries (The Benchmark)

We started with the classic: a 2 lb bag of frozen shoestring fries. Using the “Fries” preset (400°F for 18 minutes), the Brio prompted us to shake halfway through. The result was excellent. The fries were uniformly golden-brown, wonderfully crispy on the outside, and fluffy inside. The large basket allowed them to cook in a relatively thin layer, which prevented steaming and promoted maximum crispiness. It performed as well as any top-tier model in this fundamental test.

Chicken Wings

Next up, 3 lbs of fresh chicken wings tossed in a dry rub. We used the manual setting at 380°F for 25 minutes, flipping them once at the 12-minute mark. The Brio produced beautifully rendered, crispy skin and juicy, tender meat. The basket’s capacity was a huge advantage here, easily fitting all 3 lbs without overcrowding. Many smaller air fryers, like some Yedi Evolution models, would require cooking this amount in two batches.

Test 2: Roasting – The Temperature Probe Challenge

Whole Chicken (5.5 lbs)

This is where the Nuwave Brio gets to show off its star feature. We seasoned a 5.5 lb chicken and inserted the digital temperature probe into the thickest part of the breast. We set the probe’s target temperature to 165°F and the oven temperature to 360°F. The Brio cooked the chicken for 58 minutes and then **automatically shut off** once the target internal temperature was reached. This is a game-changing feature that completely eliminates guesswork. The chicken was flawless: the skin was golden and crisp all over, and the meat was incredibly moist and perfectly cooked through. The 8-quart basket fit the chicken comfortably.

Test 3: Grilling and Searing

Burgers

Using the included reversible rack in the higher position, we placed two 1/3 lb burger patties in the basket. We used the “Sear” function, which blasts the food with high heat, followed by the “Grill” preset. In about 10 minutes, we had well-cooked burgers with a surprisingly decent crust. While it won’t replace an outdoor grill, it’s a fantastic option for quick, smoke-free indoor grilling.

A Deep Dive into Nuwave’s Unique Features

The Brio 8 Qt isn’t just a simple air fryer; its advanced features set it apart from many competitors in our main best digital air fryer guide.

The Integrated Temperature Probe

As highlighted in the chicken test, this is the Brio’s killer app. It’s incredibly easy to use: plug it into the port on the main unit, insert it into your food, and set the target temperature. The machine does the rest. It’s perfect for chicken, roasts, pork tenderloin, and even fish, guaranteeing you never overcook or undercook your expensive proteins again. This single feature adds a level of precision cooking that is usually reserved for high-end ovens.

Wattage Control

The Brio allows you to manually select the power draw: 900W, 1500W, or 1800W. Why is this useful? If you’re in an RV, have an older home, or are running multiple appliances on one circuit, you can lower the wattage to prevent tripping a breaker. While we kept it at 1800W for maximum performance during our tests, this is an incredibly thoughtful feature for those with specific power constraints.

The Digital Interface and Presets

The LED control panel is bright, responsive, and easy to navigate. It offers a wealth of options, including 100 pre-programmed presets for everything you can imagine. While advanced cooks might prefer manual settings, these presets are a fantastic starting point for beginners, removing the intimidation factor. Functions like “Preheat” and “Reheat” are also highly practical, with the “Reheat” function reviving leftover pizza to crispy perfection, far superior to a microwave.

Ease of Use and Long-Term Cleaning

For all its features, the Brio is surprisingly user-friendly. The presets make it easy to get started, and manual adjustments are intuitive. The “Shake” reminder is helpful for ensuring even cooking.

Cleaning is a mixed bag. The good news is that the basket, base tray, and reversible rack are all non-stick and dishwasher-safe. For most meals, a quick rinse and wipe-down is all that’s needed. However, the basket’s design, with its many vents and crevices in the base tray, can trap grease and food particles, especially after cooking something like bacon. It sometimes required a good soak and a bit of scrubbing with a soft brush to get perfectly clean. Using a tool like one of these fryer strainers to lift out food can help reduce the amount of grease and crumbs left behind.

How Does It Compare to Competitors?

The Nuwave Brio 8 Qt competes in a crowded field. Compared to the popular Power XL Vortex Air Fryer, the Nuwave offers a larger stated capacity and the invaluable temperature probe. The Power XL, however, often has a more streamlined design that some users may prefer. Against brands like Chefman, Nuwave packs in more advanced features, justifying its slightly higher price point. It offers a different approach to cooking than all-in-one machines like the Presto pressure cooker, focusing purely on excelling at dry heat cooking methods.

Pros and Cons Summarized

Final Verdict and Our Official Rating

After three weeks of intensive testing, we can confidently say that the Nuwave Brio Plus 8 Qt Air Fryer is a phenomenal appliance that punches well above its weight. It’s a feature-packed powerhouse that delivers on its core promise: to cook large quantities of food to crispy perfection.

The integrated temperature probe is not a gimmick; it is a transformative feature that brings a level of cooking precision rarely seen in air fryers. Combined with its massive capacity and excellent overall performance, the Brio 8 Qt is an incredible value. While its large size and plastic build may be drawbacks for some, its strengths are far more significant. If you have the space for it and you cook for a family, this air fryer is one of the best you can buy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you cook a whole chicken in the Nuwave Brio 8 Qt?

Absolutely. As we tested, it comfortably fits up to a 6 lb chicken. The integrated temperature probe makes it one of the best air fryers on the market for this specific task.

Is the Nuwave Brio 8 Qt noisy?

Yes, it is one of the louder air fryers we have tested. The powerful 1800W fan produces a significant hum, similar in volume to a powerful microwave. It’s not unbearable, but it’s not whisper-quiet either.

Are the 100 presets actually useful?

For beginners, yes. They provide excellent starting points for cooking times and temperatures. For more experienced users, they can be a bit cumbersome to scroll through, and you will likely end up using the manual settings more often.

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.