NuWave is a popular brand of kitchen appliances known for their air fryers, pressure cookers, and more. But despite their widespread popularity, many consumers don’t know much about the company behind the NuWave name.
History of NuWave
NuWave first launched in 1993 with their signature product: the NuWave Oven. The countertop oven used conduction, convection, and infrared heat to cook food quickly with less energy. It was an immediate hit with customers looking for a faster, more convenient cooking method.
The NuWave Oven was invented by CEO Robert S. Scutt. As an avid outdoorsman, Scutt was frustrated with how long it took to cook foods while camping. He wanted a quicker way to cook meat and other foods without drying them out. After years of testing different methods, the NuWave Oven was born.
The company is headquartered in Libertyville, Illinois, a northern suburb of Chicago. From these headquarters, NuWave sells their products through infomercials, home shopping channels, online retailers like Amazon, and brick-and-mortar stores. The brand quickly expanded beyond just the NuWave Oven to offer a range of kitchen appliances.
NuWave Products
Here are some of the major products currently sold under the NuWave brand:
NuWave Oven
The original NuWave Oven uses a combination of infrared, conduction, and convection heat to cook foods quickly and evenly. It can cook a frozen pizza in just 8 minutes or roast a chicken in under an hour. The oven comes in several sizes and can accommodate anything from a 9-inch pizza to a 5-pound chicken.
NuWave Brio Air Fryer
NuWave entered the air fryer market with the Brio Air Fryer line. It uses hot air to cook foods crispy on the outside and tender inside with little to no oil. The Brio line includes digital and analog models in 3.5-7 quart capacities.
NuWave Pressure Cookers
For fast cooking under pressure, NuWave offers several electric pressure cooker models. They can quickly cook dishes like ribs, chili, soups, rice, and more with the press of a button. These pressure cookers range from 6 to 10 quarts in size.
NuWave Cooktops
NuWave makes several portable induction cooktop models. These cooktops use magnetic induction heating to cook foods very quickly while only heating the pan itself. NuWave cooktops come in single, double, and triple burner sizes.
NuWave Nutri-Pot
The Nutri-Pot combines a digital pressure cooker with an air fryer lid. This 6-quart multifunction cooker allows you to pressure cook, air fry, slow cook, sauté, steam, and more.
NuWave Cooking Club
This monthly subscription service delivers new recipes and cooking tips to make the most of your NuWave appliances. Members also get discounts on cookbooks and appliance accessories.
Company Overview
So who is actually behind the NuWave brand? Here are some key facts about the makers of NuWave:
- Company Name: NuWave, LLC
- Founder & CEO: Robert S. Scutt
- Headquarters: Libertyville, Illinois
- Year Founded: 1993
- Number of Employees: 50-200
- Manufacturing Location: China
NuWave is a privately-held company owned by founder and CEO Robert S. Scutt. While the company won’t disclose exact revenue and sales numbers, NuWave products are estimated to have over $100 million in annual sales.
The company has around 50-200 employees, many working out of their suburban Chicago headquarters. However, NuWave appliances are designed in the United States and manufactured in China to keep costs low.
Company Mission and Values
According to their website, NuWave’s mission is to “improve our customers’ quality of life by offering affordable, easy-to-use, healthy innovations for the modern home cook.”
They aim to help time-strapped home cooks prepare delicious meals quickly and conveniently in their own kitchens. Their products offer faster cooking times with methods that help retain moisture and nutrients.
NuWave also prides itself on making kitchen innovations more affordable and accessible to the average consumer. Their direct-to-consumer sales model allows them to cut down costs passed onto shoppers.
Future Outlook
NuWave shows no signs of slowing down their kitchen appliance innovations. They continue releasing new products each year and improving upon classic favorites like the NuWave Oven and Pressure Cooker.
In 2022, the company launched the Smart NuWave Oven Air Fryer with built-in air frying capabilities. They also upgraded designs across product lines for a more modern, streamlined aesthetic.
NuWave is likely to continue capitalizing on the latest cooking trends like air frying, sous vide, and instant pots. Given the brand’s budget-friendly price points, their products appeal to value-focused shoppers looking for affordable kitchen upgrades.
As consumers cook more meals at home, NuWave will cater to their needs for convenience, versatility, and fast cooking times. Their diverse appliance offerings provide solutions for cooking entire meals with the push of a button.
Customer Reviews
Here is a look at what customers have to say about popular NuWave products:
NuWave Oven Reviews
The NuWave Oven earns 4 out of 5 stars averaged across major retailer sites. Positive reviews praise the oven’s quick preheating, even cooking, and ability to cook frozen foods without thawing. Complaints cite issues with durability and plastic parts melting or warping after a few years. Most agree it produces juicier, more flavorful meals than a traditional oven.
NuWave Brio Air Fryer Reviews
With reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars, customers love NuWave air fryers for their easy operation, large capacity, and ability to make crispy fried foods without all the fat and oil. Some noted issues with reliability after a year or so of use. Many reviewers said it cooks faster and more evenly than other brands.
NuWave Pressure Cooker Reviews
The NuWave Pressure Cooker rates around 4 out of 5 stars for making tender, juicy meals in a fraction of the normal cook time. Positive reviews praise the pre-programmed settings and stainless steel construction. Complaints mention leaking or pressurization issues in some units, often covered under NuWave’s warranty program.
NuWave Induction Cooktop Reviews
NuWave’s induction cooktops earn 4 to 5 stars for their fast heating, precise temperature control, and portability. Many love using them for holidays, buffets, or outdoor cooking. Some found the fans run loudly or the lightweight design prone to slipping. Overall, customers appreciate the energy efficiency and kid/pet safety.
Common Complaints
While most NuWave reviews are positive overall, some common complaints include:
- Plastic parts warping, cracking, melting from heat
- Durability issues after 1-2 years of use
- Cooking pots sliding on induction cooktop surface
- Food sticking to or burning on interior surfaces
- Leaks around seals on pressure cookers
Many critical reviews seem to cite build quality or material issues that arise after prolonged use. NuWave products may not have the longevity of some appliance brands, but they compensate by being affordably priced for most buyers.
Warranty Information
NuWave backs their products with the following warranties:
| Product | Warranty Term |
|---|---|
| NuWave Ovens | 5 years on oven body, 90 days on parts/accessories |
| NuWave Brio Air Fryers | 1 year |
| NuWave Pressure Cookers | 1 year |
| NuWave Precision/Titanium Induction Cooktops | 1 year |
Customers can file a warranty claim for defects by calling NuWave or visiting their website. Most issues like plastic cracking or leakages should be covered under normal use. Just make sure to register your product after purchase.
Conclusion
NuWave offers an innovative line of small kitchen appliances focused on faster, healthier cooking for busy households. While their infomercials pitch the appliances’ features and benefits, the company itself remains relatively unknown.
NuWave was founded in 1993 by Robert S. Scutt and continues operations from their Illinois headquarters. With estimated annual sales exceeding $100 million, NuWave has found success selling via television, online, and in retail outlets.
Focusing on countertop ovens, air fryers, pressure cookers, and induction cooktops, NuWave caters to consumers looking for convenience, versatility, and affordability. Their products earn generally positive reviews, though some durability complaints persist.
As a private company, NuWave keeps many specifics confidential but continues releasing new innovations annually. With their budget-friendly pricing and promotion of healthy lifestyles, NuWave is poised for further growth in the digital age.