Nuwave Brio XL vs XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven: Which One Should You Bring Home?

There’s a reason air fryer ovens have taken over modern kitchens — they’re versatile, faster than traditional ovens, and make cooking healthier without sacrificing flavor. Over the last month, I had the opportunity to test two of Nuwave’s heavy hitters: the Nuwave Brio XL (15.5Qt) and the Nuwave Brio XL Pro (30Qt).

At first glance, they both seem like oversized countertop ovens with air frying magic, but the more I cooked with them, the more I noticed how different they actually are. In this review, I’ll break down my experience with both, share what worked, what didn’t, and ultimately help you figure out which one fits your lifestyle best.

Key Difference Between Nuwave Brio XL vs XL Pro Air Fryer

The Brio XL is designed as a compact 10-in-1 multifunctional oven with a strong focus on air frying, rotisserie cooking, and presets. It’s ideal if you want crispier food, a decent amount of capacity (15.5Qt), and simpler controls.

The Brio XL Pro, on the other hand, is more of a professional-grade toaster oven. It has a larger 30Qt capacity, more customization with adjustable top and bottom heaters, higher max temperature (500°F), and an integrated smart thermometer that takes precision cooking to the next level.

In short: the Brio XL is perfect for everyday family meals, while the XL Pro feels more like an all-in-one oven replacement for ambitious home cooks.

Comparison Table: Nuwave Brio XL vs XL Pro Air Fryer

Feature	Nuwave Brio XL (15.5Qt)	Nuwave Brio XL Pro (30Qt)
Capacity	15.5 Quarts	30 Quarts
Dimensions	14.25″D x 13″W x 16.25″H	12.88″D x 20″W x 11.13″H
Wattage	1800W	1800W
Temperature Range	50°F – 425°F	50°F – 500°F
Functions	10-in-1 (Air Fry, Reheat, Rotisserie, Roast, Broil, Defrost, Dehydrate, Bake, Warm, Proof)	12-in-1 (Air Fry, Toast, Bake, Roast, Grill, Dehydrate, Defrost, Slow Cook & more)
Presets	100 presets + 50 memory slots	100 presets
Fan System	Top-mounted 8-blade fan, improved airflow	100% faster redesigned convection fan with 3 speeds
Smart Thermometer	No	Yes (Integrated digital probe)
Accessories	Rotisserie kit, racks, basket, recipe book	7 accessories (racks, trays, probe, basket, recipe book)
Weight	~25 lbs	~19.5 lbs
Material	PFAS-free + glass door	Stainless steel build + PFAS-free accessories
Check Latest Price & Deals	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Design & Build Quality

When I unboxed the Brio XL, I noticed it has a more “air fryer-first” design. It’s tall, slightly bulkier, with a glass door and multiple rack positions. The look is functional rather than sleek, but I liked the see-through door for monitoring food.

The XL Pro immediately felt more premium. The brushed stainless steel finish gives it a polished look that blends in with other kitchen appliances. It’s wider and flatter than the Brio XL, almost like a professional toaster oven, and I personally found it fit better under my cabinets.

For design and materials, the XL Pro wins hands down, though the Brio XL still gets points for its durable accessories and solid glass door.

Ease of Use

The Brio XL is all about convenience. With 100 presets and 50 memory slots, it feels like the appliance does the thinking for you. I could literally press a preset for fries or wings and walk away. Adjustments on the fly were simple with the digital panel.

The XL Pro offers more control, but with that comes a learning curve. Adjusting the top and bottom heating elements independently, changing fan speeds, and using the smart thermometer gave me restaurant-style results, but it took more fiddling around compared to the Brio XL.

If you want plug-and-play cooking, the Brio XL is friendlier. If you enjoy tinkering and tailoring your cooking, the XL Pro gives you that freedom.

Cooking Performance

Here’s where things got interesting in my testing:

• Brio XL (15.5Qt): I made a whole rotisserie chicken, pizza, fries, and even dehydrated apple slices. The chicken turned out golden, crispy outside and juicy inside. Fries had that addictive crunch without oil. The airflow is definitely improved from older models.
• XL Pro (30Qt): The pizza was next level — being able to boost the bottom heating made the crust perfectly crisp while the top browned the cheese. I cooked a 10lb chicken, which wouldn’t have fit in the Brio XL, and it handled it effortlessly. The smart thermometer made my medium-rare steaks spot on, no guessing needed.

Both are excellent, but the XL Pro feels like a mini professional oven rather than just an air fryer.

Versatility & Functions

The Brio XL gives you 10 core functions including air fry, roast, rotisserie, and proofing. It’s versatile enough for daily use, and the rotisserie kit is a standout.

The XL Pro expands to 12 functions with features like toast, slow cook, sear modes, and auto preheat. The 500°F max temp and the ability to run multi-stage cooking (like bake → broil → warm) made it more dynamic in my kitchen.

I’d say the Brio XL is perfect if you want a dedicated family-size air fryer with extras, while the XL Pro is designed for cooks who want one appliance to replace multiple ovens.

Cleanup

Both models have dishwasher-safe, PFAS-free accessories. The Brio XL’s cooking pot and racks slid out easily, and grease collection was straightforward.

The XL Pro had a larger crumb tray and stainless steel surfaces that wiped clean without hassle. I found cleanup equally easy, though the Pro’s flat design meant less drippings overall.

Nuwave Brio XL Air Fryer Rotisserie Oven

Pros:

• Compact yet large enough for a family
• 10-in-1 versatility with rotisserie kit
• 100 presets + 50 memory slots for convenience
• Affordable compared to Pro version
• Crispy, even results with improved fan system

Cons:

• Max temp only 425°F
• Smaller cooking space compared to XL Pro
• No smart thermometer

Buy on Amazon

Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven

Pros:

• Premium stainless steel design
• Massive 30Qt capacity (fits 2 pizzas or a 10lb chicken)
• Adjustable heating zones and 3 fan speeds
• Smart probe for precision cooking
• Higher max temp (500°F) and multi-stage cooking
• Great for families or advanced cooking

Cons:

• Larger footprint, takes more counter space
• Learning curve for beginners
• Higher price point

Buy on Amazon

Conclusion: My Recommendation

After cooking multiple meals in both, here’s my honest take:

If you’re looking for a family-friendly, convenient air fryer oven that can handle weeknight meals without much effort, the Nuwave Brio XL (15.5Qt) is a fantastic choice. It’s straightforward, delivers crispy results, and comes with handy presets that make cooking foolproof.

But if you want an appliance that goes beyond air frying — something that can truly replace a traditional oven with more control, higher temperature, and massive capacity — the Nuwave Brio XL Pro (30Qt) is the clear winner. It’s pricier, but it offers precision and versatility that home chefs will love.

For me personally, the XL Pro edged ahead. Its smart probe and customizable heating made my meals more consistent, and the extra space was a lifesaver when cooking for guests. That said, I still think the Brio XL is a better match for anyone who prioritizes simplicity and a smaller footprint.