Both air fryers and NuWave ovens have become popular kitchen appliances in recent years, touting their ability to make “fried” foods in a healthier way. But these appliances work differently and have key distinctions.
An air fryer is a small countertop convection oven that uses hot air to crisp and cook food. A NuWave oven is a compact countertop oven that combines infrared heat, convection, and conduction to cook food. While both can achieve similar results, there are differences in how they work, their size and capacity, features, ease of use, and price.
How Air Fryers Work
Air fryers use rapid air circulation technology to cook food. They work by circulating hot air around food at high speeds to create a crispy, fried finish using little to no oil. Here’s how air fryers work:
– Air fryers have a heating element and fan. The heating element preheats the air inside the air fryer. The powerful fan then circulates this hot air around the food at high velocity.
– The high-speed air flow basically mimics deep frying, crisping the surface of foods. The constant high-heat air bombardment cooks the food thoroughly.
– Air fryers can quickly cook foods with just a tablespoon or less of oil. The circulating hot air removes moisture from foods, giving it the crispy texture of deep fried foods.
– The compact design and convection heating process allows air fryers to cook food fast, usually in 15-30 minutes.
– Most air fryers have adjustable temperature settings up to 400°F and timers to set cooking times.
How NuWave Ovens Work
NuWave ovens cook food using a combination of infrared, convection, and conduction heat. Here’s an overview of how they work:
– Infrared heat: NuWave ovens have a ceramic heating element that emits infrared heat, similar to how heat radiates from a stovetop burner. This infrared heat helps sear and brown foods quickly from the top down.
– Convection heat: A built-in fan circulates hot air for convection cooking, like an air fryer. This hot air surrounds foods to cook them evenly throughout.
– Conduction heat: Foods sit on a metal cooking rack. Direct contact with the rack allows for conduction heat transfer, helping foods cook faster from bottom-up.
– The combination cooking method allows NuWave ovens to cook foods quickly without added oils or fats. Most foods can be cooked in about half the time of a conventional oven.
– NuWave ovens preheat to 350°F, but can reach temperatures up to 450°F. They have digital displays and controls to set temperature and time.
Size and Capacity
Air fryers are compact while NuWave ovens have a larger footprint. Here’s how their sizes and capacities compare:
Air Fryer Sizes
– Small air fryers are about the size of a large coffee maker, 11-14 inches square and 12-15 inches tall.
– They have capacities of 1.5-4 quarts, suitable for 1-3 servings of food.
– Large or XL air fryers are about 15-19 inches wide and can hold 5-10 quarts, for serving larger groups.
NuWave Oven Sizes
– Standard NuWave ovens are about 11 inches wide, 13 inches deep, and 10 inches tall with a 9.5 inch turntable.
– The interior can hold 6-8 inch pots and pans or 6 chicken breasts. Total cooking capacity is about 13 inches wide by 8 inches tall by 8 inches deep.
– Extender rings can be added to increase cooking height to 12 inches for larger roasts and foods.
– Some NuWave models like the NuWave Bravo can be over 16 inches wide with 12+ quart capacity.
Features and Settings
While air fryers focus on convection heating, NuWave ovens have more cooking functions. Here are some key features of each:
Air Fryer Features
– Digital display with presets for common foods like fries, nuggets, steak, fish, etc.
– Adjustable time and temperature controls, typically 180°F to 400°F.
– Timer with auto shut-off for safety.
– Dishwasher-safe basket and crisping tray in nonstick or stainless steel.
NuWave Oven Features
– Combination cooking with infrared, convection, and conduction heat.
– Digital controls with preprogrammed settings for common foods.
– Temperature range of 100°F to 350-450°F depending on model.
– Delayed cook timer and auto shut-off.
– Programmable stage cooking allows changing temperature/time during cooking.
– Some models have rotisserie, broil, dehydrate, and reheat functions.
Ease of Use
Both air fryers and NuWave ovens are designed for easy use, but have some differences:
Air Fryer Ease of Use
– Smaller capacity requires less preheating time, usually 3-5 minutes.
– Food is easily accessible in pull-out basket with handle.
– Shaking or tossing food midway through cooking may be needed for even browning.
– Nonstick basket and pans make cleanup easy, safe for dishwasher.
NuWave Oven Ease of Use
– Larger capacity requires more preheat time, around 10 minutes.
– Multiple cooking racks allow simultaneous cooking of different foods.
– Foods may need to be rotated manually for even cooking.
– Contained grease drippings simplify cleanup of interior. Exterior can be wiped down easily.
Price and Cost Considerations
Air fryers tend to cost less than NuWave ovens. Here’s an overview of their price differences:
Air Fryer Pricing
– Basic air fryer models start around $70-$100 for a small 2-3 quart capacity.
– Larger 3-6 quart air fryers with digital controls and presets can range from $100-$200.
– High-end models with smart features and accessories kit can cost up to $300.
NuWave Oven Pricing
– Entry-level NuWave ovens start around $130-$150.
– Mid-range models cost $150-$250 with more functions and preset options.
– High-end NuWave ovens with smart connectivity can cost over $300.
– Accessories like pans, racks, extender rings add more cost.
Operational Costs
– Air fryers use less energy, around 1,500 watts for smaller models. This keeps electricity costs low.
– NuWave ovens use more energy to run heating elements, convection fan, and digital controls. They can draw up to 1,500-1,800 watts.
– Air fryers use minimal oil, keeping operational costs lower than deep frying. NuWave ovens use no oil.
Cooking Performance
While both can achieve somewhat similar results, there are some differences in what these appliances do best:
Air Fryers
– Excel at making crispy fried foods like fries, chicken wings and nuggets with little or no oil.
– The smaller capacity is suited for quick weeknight meals for 1-4 people.
– Not ideal for larger roasts or baking casseroles.
NuWave Ovens
– The combination cooking method allows for juicy roasts, tender vegetables, and crispy chickens.
– Bigger capacity makes it better for meal prepping or cooking entrees for 4+ people.
– Convection, conduction, and infrared heat can mimic roasting, baking, grilling, frying, and more.
Safety Features
Both air fryers and NuWave ovens have built-in safety features:
Air Fryer Safety
– Auto shut-off will turn the fryer off after the timer expires.
– Pull-out basket keeps hot components safely enclosed during cooking.
– Cool touch exterior stays safe to touch.
– Nonstick surfaces prevent food from sticking and minimize oil.
NuWave Oven Safety
– Auto shut-off after timed cooking is complete.
– Tempered glass door for monitoring food safely.
– Interior light allows checking progress without opening door.
– Components avoid direct contact for skin safety.
– Door and vented steam keep exterior surfaces cooler.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Both appliances are easy to clean and maintain:
Air Fryer Cleaning
– Dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup easy.
– Nonstick surfaces allow wiping away baked-on oils or sauce drips.
– Crumbs and food debris can be brushed out from the cooking pot.
– The exterior can be wiped down with a cloth and mild cleaner.
NuWave Oven Cleaning
– Interior walls wipe down easily after grease splatter.
– Cooking racks are dishwasher safe.
– Empty dripping tray and wash with soapy water.
– Gently hand wash glass window.
– Wipe exterior with a damp cloth.
Conclusion
Air fryers and NuWave ovens take advantage of convection heat to cook foods with little or no oil. An air fryer relies solely on powerful hot air circulation to mimic deep frying results. NuWave ovens use a trio of convection, infrared, and conduction heat for versatility to air fry, roast, bake, grill, and more.
Air fryers are more compact and simplified, best for smaller quick meals. NuWave ovens have a bigger footprint but more functionality, suited for larger batch cooking. Air fryers also come in at a lower price point than NuWave ovens.
While both appliances can achieve somewhat similar crispy “fried” textures, the differences in how they cook, their capacity, features, and price makes each suited for different needs. Air fryers are ideal for everyday air frying, while NuWave ovens excel as all-in-one cookers. Understanding how they work and differ allows you to decide which is a better fit for your cooking needs and lifestyle.