The NuWave oven is a countertop convection oven that uses a combination of infrared heating, conduction, and convection to cook food. It differs from a traditional oven in a few key ways:
How Does a NuWave Oven Work?
The NuWave oven consists of a power head on top and a removable cooking chamber. The power head contains heating coils and a fan. It works by directing infrared heat downward onto the food while the fan circulates hot air around the food. This allows for quick, even cooking using a combination of conductive heat from the cooktop, infrared energy from the heating coils, and hot air convection.
Infrared Cooking
Infrared heat works by exciting water molecules in food, causing them to vibrate and generate heat. This helps food cook directly from the inside out. The infrared heat in a NuWave oven can reach temperatures between 200-500°F.
Conduction Cooking
The cooktop surface gets hot when infrared heat is directed downward. Food sitting directly on the cooktop then cooks through conductive heat transfer.
Convection Cooking
The fan circulates hot air around food leading to convection cooking. This allows food to cook evenly from the outside in.
Differences from Traditional Ovens
Here are some key ways the NuWave oven differs from traditional ovens:
- Smaller size – The NuWave oven is countertop sized while traditional ovens are built-in.
- Preheats quickly – The NuWave preheats in just minutes while traditional ovens take much longer.
- Lower temperature – Food cooks at temperatures as low as 100°F compared to a minimum 350°F for most traditional ovens.
- Shorter cook times – Infrared and conduction heat allows food to cook up to 50% faster.
- Uses less energy – NuWave ovens use up to 75% less energy compared to a traditional electric or gas oven.
Types of NuWave Ovens
NuWave offers several different oven models. Here are the key types:
| Model | Size | Features |
|---|---|---|
| NuWave Bravo | 12″ W x 12″ D x 12″ H | Basic digital controls with preprogrammed settings |
| NuWave Brio | 15.5″ W x 13″ D x 12.5″ H | Digital controls with more cooking options |
| NuWave Moxie | 12″ W x 10″ D x 12″ H | Manual dial controls, analog interface |
Accessory Options
NuWave ovens can be used with a variety of cooking accessories:
- Pizza pans
- Grill pans
- Baking pans
- Roasted pans
- Multi-level cooking racks
Benefits of NuWave Ovens
Here are some of the key benefits that NuWave ovens offer compared to traditional ovens:
- Quick preheating – NuWave ovens can preheat in just 5 minutes.
- Shortened cooking times – Food cooks up to 50% faster thanks to conduction, convection and infrared heat.
- Energy efficiency – NuWave ovens use up to 75% less energy than a conventional oven.
- Moist cooking – Infrared heat locks in moisture leading to juicier meats and prevents foods from drying out.
- Compact size – The countertop design gives you oven capabilities without sacrificing counter space.
- Portability – Smaller and lighter than traditional ovens making them easy to move.
- Varied cooking options – Ability to air fry, dehydrate, roast, grill, bake, broil, toast and more.
- Precise temperature control – Cooking temperatures can be adjusted in precise 10 or 25 degree increments.
Common Uses for NuWave Ovens
Here are some of the most popular ways to use a NuWave oven in the kitchen:
Meats
- Roast chicken, beef, pork
- Broil steaks, chops
- Cook burgers
- Bake meatloaf
- Slow cook stews, pulled pork
Seafood
- Broil fish fillets
- Steam shrimp, clams, mussels
- Bake crab cakes
- Cook scallops, cod, salmon
Vegetables
- Roast potatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots
- Broil asparagus, peppers, zucchini
- Dehydrate fruit, tomatoes, herbs
- Air fry French fries, onions
Baked Goods
- Bake pizzas, breads, tarts
- Broil open-faced sandwiches
- Toast bread, English muffins
- Warm tortillas, naan
- Bake cookies, cakes, brownies
Tips for Cooking with a NuWave Oven
Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your NuWave oven:
- Reduce cooking times – Start checking food 5-10 minutes before the minimum cook time.
- Flip foods halfway – This allows both sides to cook evenly.
- Use cooking charts – Refer to provided cooking charts for recommended times and temperatures.
- Use moisture-control settings – Opt for “wet” settings when cooking juicier items like meats.
- Preheat for best results – Give your oven 5-10 mins to preheat for faster, more even cooking.
- Rotate trays – Rotate oven racks and trays midway for balanced browning.
- Clean after every use – Wipe out crumbs and spills promptly to avoid buildup.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Here are some tips for keeping your NuWave oven clean and well-maintained:
- Wipe down – Use a damp cloth to wipe out the cooking chamber after each use once cooled.
- Remove stuck bits – For stuck-on grease or food, soak in warm soapy water then scrub with non-abrasive brush or sponge.
- Descaling solution – Periodically use a descaling solution made for coffee makers to clean mineral deposits.
- Steam clean – Steam clean by putting 1-2 cups of water in the oven, heating for 5 minutes then wiping clean.
- Avoid abrasives – Don’t use abrasive scouring pads or cleaners which can damage the non-stick surfaces.
- Check door seal – Ensure the door seal is kept clean for optimal performance.
- Replace parts – Replace any worn or faulty parts like lights, trays, racks etc.
Conclusion
In summary, the NuWave oven is a countertop convection oven that uses a combination of infrared, conduction and convection heat to cook foods quickly and evenly. Key benefits include shortened preheating and cook times, precise temperature control, energy efficiency, and moist cooking. The smaller size makes it perfect for use in RVs, dorms, offices and other compact spaces. With proper cleaning and maintenance, a NuWave oven can provide reliable performance for years of everyday cooking tasks.