Air fryers and NuWave ovens are both popular kitchen appliances that use hot air to cook food. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are some key differences between the two.
How Does an Air Fryer Work?
Air fryers use rapid air circulation technology to “fry” food with little to no oil. A heating element and fan quickly circulate hot air around the food at high speed, cooking the food and producing a crispy texture.
Air fryers work by the Maillard reaction – the chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars in foods that produces browned foods and deep, rich flavors when heated. The rapid air circulation allows the Maillard reaction to occur quickly, mimicking deep frying.
Most air fryers have temperature controls up to 400°F and will cook food in 10-15 minutes. The basket design allows heat to circulate freely around food for quick, even cooking.
How Does a NuWave Oven Work?
The NuWave oven uses triple combo cooking power – convection, infrared, and conduction – to cook foods. A heating element on top browns and crisps the food using infrared heat. Meanwhile, hot air circulates in the chamber, providing convection cooking. The food also cooks via conduction when touching the oven’s surface.
This combination of cooking methods allows the NuWave oven to cook foods very quickly at temperatures up to 350°F. Food can cook up to 50% faster than a traditional oven. The NuWave oven can prepare foods with little to no preheating required.
Some NuWave ovens have temperature probes that let you cook foods to a precise internal temperature. This allows you to achieve consistent results for foods like poultry, roasts, and baked goods.
Differences Between Air Fryers and NuWave Ovens
Here are some of the key differences between air fryers and NuWave ovens:
Cooking Method
While both appliances use hot air, an air fryer relies solely on rapid air circulation to cook. A NuWave oven uses a combination of infrared heat, convection, and conduction for faster cooking.
Temperature Range
Air fryers typically reach maximum temperatures of 400°F. NuWave ovens can reach temperatures up to 350°F. The NuWave’s combination cooking method means it can cook some foods faster than an air fryer despite the lower max temp.
Capacity
Air fryers have smaller capacities, usually around 2-5 quarts. NuWave ovens have larger capacities of 9-18 quarts, allowing you to cook more food at once.
Functions
Air fryers have limited functions – mainly air frying, roasting, baking, and reheating. NuWave ovens offer more cooking functions like broiling, grilling, dehydrating, and rotisserie.
Controls
Air fryers typically just have basic temperature and timer adjustments. NuWave ovens offer more precise temperature control, pre-programmed settings, and advanced features like integrated probes.
Shape
Air fryers are vertical with basket-style containers. NuWave ovens have a horizontal, oven-style chamber.
Price
Air fryers are generally more affordable, often $100 or less. NuWave ovens are pricier, usually $200+.
Air Fryer vs NuWave Oven Comparison Chart
| Feature | Air Fryer | NuWave Oven |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Method | Rapid Air Circulation | Infrared, Convection, and Conduction |
| Temperature Range | Up to 400°F | Up to 350°F |
| Capacity | 2-5 quarts | 9-18 quarts |
| Functions | Air frying, baking, roasting, reheating | Broiling, grilling, air frying, baking, roasting, dehydrating, rotisserie |
| Controls | Basic temp and timer | Precise temp control, presets, probes |
| Shape | Vertical with basket | Horizontal with oven chamber |
| Price | $100 or less | $200 or more |
Cooking and Performance Comparison
When comparing cooking and performance, here are some key things to note:
- Air fryers excel at crisping and browning smaller batches of foods like fries, chicken wings, and veggies. Their rapid air circulation gives that crispy texture.
- NuWave ovens can cook small or large batches well. The combination cooking method means moist interiors and crispy exteriors.
- An air fryer can fully cook thinner foods in 10-15 mins. Larger foods may come out undercooked in the middle.
- A NuWave oven cooks foods very quickly, up to 50% faster than a traditional oven.
- NuWave ovens perform better for roasts, whole chickens, and other large foods. The infrared heat and conduction ensure even cooking.
- Air fried foods come out oil-free. NuWave ovens may still require some oil for full browning and crisping.
- An air fryer offers less customization and control. A NuWave oven allows more precision with time and temperature.
When cooking foods like fries, nuggets, or hot wings, the rapid circulation of an air fryer makes it hard to beat for quick crisping. But for larger foods and more cooking versatility, the NuWave oven’s combination cooking method may be preferable.
Cost Comparison
Here is a breakdown comparing costs of air fryers versus NuWave ovens:
Appliance Cost
Air fryers range from $50 for small 2-3 quart models up to $200 for larger 5-6 quart models with more features. High-end air fryers with smart controls can cost up to $400 but average around $100.
NuWave ovens typically cost between $200-$300 for a mid-range model. High-end models with more features and accessories can cost $400 or more.
Accessory Costs
Air fryers usually come with a basket and tray. Extra accessories are minimal – things like silicone mats or specialty trays that run $10-$20.
NuWave ovens come with some cooking racks and trays. But there are additional branded accessories available like pans, grilling grates, rotisserie kits, and more that can add $20-$60 per item.
Energy Efficiency
Air fryers use less energy overall because of their smaller size and shorter cook times. They use around 1-1.5kW of power. Cost to operate is around $0.10-$0.15 per use.
NuWave ovens use more energy – around 1.3-1.8kW of power. Estimated energy cost per use is $0.20-$0.30.
Expected Lifespan
The expected lifespan of an air fryer is 2-3 years with regular use before needing to be replaced. More expensive models may last slightly longer.
NuWave ovens typically last 5+ years with proper maintenance. Replacement parts are available if any components fail over time.
Cleaning and Maintenance Comparison
Proper cleaning and maintenance is important for any small appliance. Here is how air fryers and NuWave ovens compare:
Air Fryer Cleaning
- Air fryer baskets and pans are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
- Change the oil every 10-15 uses. Discard cooled oil and wipe basket with paper towels.
- Wipe down the exterior regularly to keep clean.
- Clean the interior every few months with hot, soapy water and nylon brush.
- Soak any stuck-on food debris before scrubbing.
- Avoid metal utensils that can damage the nonstick coating.
NuWave Oven Cleaning
- Cooking racks, trays, pans, and accessories are dishwasher safe.
- Wipe down the oven interior regularly, being careful not to damage the heating elements.
- Remove stuck-on grease buildup with a nylon brush and hot, soapy water.
- Clean the exterior surface with mild soap and water to keep clean.
- Replace the oven light bulb as needed.
- Descale hard water buildup every 3-6 months as needed.
The NuWave oven requires more frequent interior cleaning than the contained air fryer. But all removable parts and accessories can be cleaned in the dishwasher for convenience.
Safety Considerations
Follow these basic safety tips when using either appliance:
- Only operate on a flat, stable surface away from water.
- Unplug when not in use to prevent electric shocks or sparks.
- Keep appliances away from children and pets.
- Don’t leave unattended when hot or operating.
- Wear oven mitts when handling hot food or components.
- Allow to fully cool before cleaning or storing.
- Don’t submerge base in water – wipe down exterior only.
- Don’t use if cord is damaged; have it replaced.
Additionally, don’t use aluminum foil or metal utensils in either appliance, as they can damage the interior surface or heating elements.
Replacement Parts
Common replacement parts include:
Air Fryer
- Fry basket – $20-$40
- Control panel or buttons – $15-$50
- Heating element – $40-$80
- Interior housing – $30-$60
NuWave Oven
- Cooking racks – $10-$20 each
- Interior trays and pans – $15-$25 each
- Heating elements – $50-$100
- Control panel – $80-$150
- Halogen light bulbs – $5-$10
NuWave ovens tend to have more replaceable parts available. Always consult manufacturer instructions when replacing any components.
Popular Brands
Some of the top brands for air fryers include:
- Ninja
- Instant
- Cosori
- GoWise
- Chefman
- Dash
- Bella
- Ultrean
Some of the top brands for NuWave ovens include:
- NuWave
- Cuisinart
- T-Fal ActiBread
- Black + Decker
- Sharper Image
Both Cuisinart and Black + Decker offer brands and models of air fryers as well as NuWave-style countertop ovens.
Shopping Tips
Here are some tips for shopping for an air fryer or NuWave oven:
Air Fryer
- Look for enough capacity for your household size – at least 3 quarts for 2-3 people.
- Make sure it includes accessories like a fryer basket, tray or pan, and racks.
- Get one with adjustable time and temperature controls for customization.
- Consider added features like preset menus, shake reminder, automatic shut-off.
- Check wattage – at least 800-1500W for best performance.
NuWave Oven
- Look for at least 12 quarts capacity for meal flexibility.
- Get one with temperature probe included or available as an accessory.
- Make sure racks and pans are included – ideally 3 or more.
- Check for accessories like grilling grate, rotisserie spit, extra pans.
- Get a minimum of 1300W for fast, even cooking.
Read customer reviews to help choose quality brands with good customer support and warranties on either appliance.
Pros and Cons Comparison
To summarize the key pros and cons:
Air Fryer Pros
- More affordable price point
- Smaller footprint
- Quick at crisping foods like fries, nuggets
- Uses less energy
- Dishwasher safe parts
Air Fryer Cons
- Less cooking versatility
- Smaller capacity
- Not ideal for larger foods or batches
- More limited features
- Shorter lifespan
NuWave Oven Pros
- Combination cooking method
- Larger capacity
- Can cook small and large amounts
- More cooking functions
- More precision temperature control
- Longer lifespan with replaceable parts
NuWave Oven Cons
- Higher initial cost
- Takes up more counter space
- Uses more energy
- More frequent cleaning required
- More accessories add separate cost
Conclusion
In summary, air fryers and NuWave ovens both use hot air to cook food, but have some distinct differences when it comes to capacity, functions, controls, and overall performance.
Air fryers excel at quick crisping and browning smaller batches with little to no oil. NuWave ovens are better suited for larger batch cooking using a combination of cooking methods to get that crispy exterior while retaining moisture.
An air fryer is generally the more affordable choice for basic air frying. But the NuWave oven offers more versatility to grill, roast, bake, broil, and more.
Figure out your household’s cooking needs and preferences first. This can help determine if an air fryer or NuWave oven is the better investment for your kitchen.