When using a NuWave oven, one of the first things many people want to know is what temperature to set it to. Unlike a traditional oven, the NuWave oven does not use a fixed temperature setting. Instead, it utilizes triple combo cooking power to cook food quickly and evenly. This includes conduction, convection, and infrared heat. So what is the default or pre-set temperature on a NuWave oven?
How the NuWave Oven Works
The NuWave oven works differently from a traditional oven in a few key ways:
- It does not rely on a fixed temperature. The heating elements automatically adjust to the temperature needed to cook the food, rather than heating up to and maintaining a preset temp.
- It cooks food much more quickly than a regular oven, often in half the time or less.
- It uses infrared energy, convection, and conduction heat for what NuWave calls “triple combo cooking power.”
This combination allows food to cook quickly and evenly throughout. Food cooks from the outside in and the inside out all at once. So there is no need to wait for the oven to preheat to a certain temperature first.
Default Setting on the NuWave Oven
So if the NuWave oven doesn’t depend on a preset temperature, what is the default setting? Here are the key things to know:
- The default power level is 100%. This refers to the percentage of power the heating elements are using. At 100%, they are working at maximum capacity.
- The default internal temperature is 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the starting temperature inside the oven.
- The display will say “Hot” when it’s fully preheated and ready to use.
The oven will then adjust the heating elements as needed to raise the internal temperature high enough to cook the food. How high it goes depends entirely on the specific food you are cooking.
Adjusting the Settings
While 100% power and 100 degrees is the default setting, you can adjust both the power level and internal temperature:
- The power level can be adjusted in 10% increments from 10-100%. Lower power levels work well for slow cooking or delicate foods.
- The internal temperature can be set anywhere from 100-350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Here are some examples of when you may want to adjust these settings:
- Set to 150 degrees for proofing bread dough.
- Use 70% power for slow roasting a pork shoulder.
- Set to maximum 500 degrees for searing steaks.
So while 100% power and 100 degrees is the default setting, you have flexibility to customize it as needed for what you are cooking.
Cooking Guidelines
Here are some general NuWave oven cooking guidelines for common foods:
| Food | Power Level | Temperature | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 100% | 350°F | 15-20 minutes |
| Pork chops | 100% | 350°F | 15-20 minutes |
| Burgers | 100% | 350°F | 10-15 minutes |
| Vegetables | 100% | 350°F | 10-15 minutes |
| Frozen pizza | 100% | 350°F | 10-15 minutes |
| Baked potatoes | 100% | 350°F | 45-60 minutes |
| Roast chicken | 70-80% | 350°F | 60-90 minutes |
Keep in mind cooking times can vary based on the amount of food you are cooking. Get to know your NuWave oven and adjust cooking times accordingly for best results.
Tips for Using the NuWave Oven
Here are some handy tips for making the most of the NuWave oven:
- Since it cooks so quickly, check food often to avoid overcooking. An oven-safe meat thermometer is recommended.
- Let the oven fully preheat before cooking. Wait until it reads “Hot.”
- Only flip meats once during cooking for best browning.
- Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cook time for frozen foods.
- Use metal pans and utensils which conduct heat better than glass or ceramic.
- Don’t cover foods completely with foil, as this can interfere with browning.
- For combination cooking, add vegetables first since they take longer.
- Brushing oil on foods helps enhance browning.
With some trial and error, you’ll get the hang of how to adjust times and temperatures for different recipes. The convection and infrared heat allows for fast cooking, so keep a close eye on things.
Conclusion
The default setting on a NuWave oven is 100% power level and an internal temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the NuWave utilizes triple combo cooking, adjusting the heat as needed, rather than holding a steady preset temperature. Feel free to experiment with customizing the power level and temperature for different foods. The convection and infrared heat will cook foods remarkably fast. Keep an eye on cooking times and use a meat thermometer for best results. In no time, you’ll be turning out delicious meals in a fraction of the time of a regular oven.