It’s 2023, and we’re cooking food in almost everything but an oven because, let’s face it, cooking in an oven can be a headache, and there are so many other options these days. Sure, you’ve definitely heard of smart instant pots or pre-programmed slow cookers, but we’re now in the big leagues, and we’d like to specifically talk about NuWave ovens and air fryers.
While both of these kitchen appliances are adored for their capabilities and health benefits, the question of which is far better remains. So, today, we’re going to put the Nuwave oven against the air fryer toaster oven combo to see if there’s any truth to the hype.
NuWave Oven
NuWave Oven, on the other hand, cooks food using infrared. This brand pioneered the first mass-marketed infrared oven, which debuted in 2002. Nuwave Ovens currently has two models: the NuWave Pro Plus and NuWave Elite.
How does it work?
The NuWave oven cooks food in three ways: Infrared, conduction, and convection. To explain these heating methods, infrared is a special type of heat that penetrates the surface of your food, ensuring that the inside and outside of the food are cooked simultaneously. Conduction, on the other hand, is when heat is generated inside the oven, cooking the surface of your food, just like your conventional oven. Finally, convection, where a fan circulates the heat around your food, ensuring all sides are evenly cooked
Air Fryer
Despite its name, an air fryer doesn’t actually fry. Frying usually requires dropping your food into hot oil, providing a crunchy crust. As enticing as this sounds, it’s not good for you. This is where the air fryer comes in; an air fryer usually requires little spray of oil and cooks your food by circulating hot air, similar to a convection oven. This cooking method not only produces a great crisp but is also considered healthy.
Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Air Fryers: Reviews, Recipes, Tips, and More!
NuWave Oven vs Air Fryer
Comparison Chart
While NuWave is a little bit similar to an air fryer’s cooking method, here’s a side-by-side comparison between the two standard models of the said appliances to understand their depth.
| Specifications | NuWave Pro Plus Oven | Air Fryer |
|---|---|---|
| Model | NuWave Pro Plus Oven | Ninja AF101 |
| Capacity | 10 liters | 3.78 liters |
| Dimensions | 16” x 15.5” x 12.3” | 8.5″ x 12.1″ x 11″ |
| Weight | 10 lbs | 10.58 lbs |
| Temperature | 100-350 °F | 105-400 °F |
| Output Wattage | 1500-watts | 1550-watts |
| Release Date | February 2013 | August 2018 |
| Cooking Settings | 8 | 4 |
| Colors | Black, Gold | Black |
| Controls | Manual (knob) | Programmable |
| Good for | Up to 8 persons | Up to 5 persons |
| Price | Get it on Amazon! | Get it on Amazon! |
Health
We have good news for you: regardless of the appliance you choose, they are both healthier options than deep-frying. The NuWave oven and air fryer use less fat and oil for cooking.
NuWave ovens are known to remove and collect fats and oils and are 250% more effective than a conventional oven. On the other hand, air fryers often do not collect oils but do not use or use a small amount to begin with.
Versatility
Unfortunately, in terms of versatility, the air fryer falls short of its cousin. An air fryer can cook everything from chicken wings to various frozen foods. However, unlike the Nuwave oven, it cannot cook a large roast such as a chicken or dehydrate items. Nonetheless, air fryers can produce some delectable baked products. Nonetheless, I can make some wonderful baked goodies. You’ll be shocked at how easy it is to make lava cake in your air fryer!
Convenience
Despite going toe-to-toe with each other, the NuWave oven wins this round. While air fryers are similarly convenient because they are simple to use and clean, the NuWave oven has the advantage of being able to cook many items at the same time due to its higher storage capacity. Therefore, you can cook whole chicken and vegetables at the same time.
Time
In terms of time, the NuWave has a slight advantage. To put it simply, cooking a chicken breast on HI setting takes roughly 8 minutes. On the other hand, an air fryer will take 20 minutes to cook a chicken breast to perfection. While a nearly 10-minute difference may not seem substantial, keep in mind that the NuWave Oven does not require preheating, but an air fryer requires additional time, depending on the model.
Price
One may be out of the question if you want to buy without breaking the bank. If you want to go high-end, you can get various air fryer models for $50 to $400. NuWave, on the other hand, will set you back $140, with additional baking, pizza, and dehydrating kits available at an extra fee. Furthermore, NuWave’s maintenance and upkeep are critical. They require a plastic dome, which can cost up to $35 to replace because it is not very sturdy.
Pros and Cons
NuWave Oven
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Energy efficient ✔️ No preheating required ✔️ Large capacity ✔️ Easy to use | ✖️ Plastic dome is not sturdy ✖️ Kits and accessories are expensive |
Air Fryer
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Budget-friendly ✔️ Healthier ✔️ Easy to use ✔️ Dishwasher-safe | ✖️ Limited capacity ✖️ Requires preheating |
Bottomline
When it comes down to it, the best one depends on your preferences; however, we personally recommend NuWave ovens due to their diversity in cooking meals and lower pricing. And with this, we hope to have assisted you in making the right decision for your household.
If you want to know more about air fryers, simply click on the click on the link here. We’ve everything for you, including the best air fryers for your family specifically to cook your favorite chicken wings!
