When it comes to versatile countertop cooking appliances, the NuWave Pro infrared oven has carved out a distinctive niche in kitchens across America.
This innovative cooking device promises to deliver faster, healthier meals using a combination of conduction, convection, and infrared heating technology.
But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive deep into what makes this appliance tick and whether it deserves a spot on your kitchen counter. That you know about the NuWave Pro Infrared Oven Review article.
What Is the NuWave Pro Infrared Oven?
The Pro Plus NuWave oven is a countertop infrared oven that uses triple heating technology to cook food up to 70% faster than conventional ovens while using significantly less energy.
Unlike traditional ovens that heat the air around your food, this innovative appliance uses infrared heat to cook food directly, resulting in faster cooking times and potentially better nutrient retention.
The specific model available features a digital temperature control system, allowing you to set precise temperatures from 100°F to 350°F in 5-degree increments. This level of control makes it suitable for everything from slow-roasting meats to dehydrating fruits and vegetables.
Key Features That Set It Apart
Triple Heating Technology
The standout feature of the Pro Plus NuWave infrared oven is its patented Triple Combo Cooking Power, which combines three heat sources simultaneously:
- Conduction transfers heat directly through the cooking surface
- Convection circulates hot air around the food for even cooking
- Infrared penetrates food to cook it from the inside out
This tri-thermal approach ensures that food cooks evenly and thoroughly without the need to preheat, saving both time and energy.
Precise Digital Controls
The digital control panel allows for incredibly precise temperature management. You can program cooking times up to 10 hours, making it ideal for slow-cooking applications like pot roasts or overnight meal prep. The 5-degree temperature increments give you restaurant-level control over your cooking environment.
Versatility Across Cooking Methods
One of the most impressive aspects of the NuWave oven pro plus is its versatility. This single appliance can:
- Bake cookies, cakes, and casseroles
- Roast chicken, turkey, and vegetables
- Grill steaks and burgers
- Steam vegetables and fish
- Air fry foods with minimal oil
- Dehydrate fruits, vegetables, and meats
- Broil and brown foods to perfection
This multi-functionality can potentially replace several kitchen appliances, freeing up valuable counter and storage space.
Performance Of The NuWave Ovens Reviews
Speed and Efficiency
Users consistently report that the NuWave infrared oven lives up to its promise of faster cooking times. A whole chicken that might take 90 minutes in a conventional oven can be ready in about 50-60 minutes in the NuWave Pro. Frozen foods cook particularly well, often going straight from freezer to table without defrosting.
The energy efficiency is another major selling point. Because you’re only heating a small enclosed space rather than an entire oven cavity, you’ll use considerably less electricity. During the hot summer months, this also means you won’t heat your entire kitchen.
Food Quality
The infrared cooking method produces results that many users describe as superior to traditional oven cooking. Meats tend to come out juicier because the faster cooking time means less moisture loss. The infrared heat also creates excellent browning and crisping on the outside while keeping the inside tender.
For health-conscious cooks, the NuWave Pro allows you to cook with little to no added oil. The included cooking rack elevates food above the base, allowing fats to drip away during cooking. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to reduce their fat intake without sacrificing flavor.
Design and Build Quality
The NuWave Pro features a dome-shaped glass lid that allows you to monitor your food without opening the oven and releasing heat. This visibility is particularly useful when you’re learning how different foods cook in the appliance.
The base unit houses the heating elements and controls, while the cooking chamber accommodates the included racks and accessories. The transparent design isn’t just functional—it’s also visually appealing and can serve as a conversation starter when entertaining guests.
Build quality is generally solid, with the digital controls feeling responsive and the glass components being thick enough to withstand regular use. However, as with any glass appliance, careful handling is essential to prevent chips or cracks.
What Comes in the Box?
The NuWave Pro typically includes several accessories to get you started:
- The main power base
- Dome-shaped glass cooking lid
- Liner pan for catching drips and easy cleanup
- Reversible cooking rack for different food heights
- Instruction manual with cooking charts and recipes
Some packages may include additional accessories like extra racks, a recipe book, or specialty pans, so it’s worth checking the specific bundle you’re considering.
Ease of Use and Learning Curve
For beginners, the NuWave Pro has a relatively gentle learning curve. The digital controls are intuitive, and the included cooking guides provide time and temperature recommendations for common foods. However, you will need to experiment a bit to get perfect results, as cooking times can vary based on the quantity of food and your altitude.
The see-through lid is invaluable during this learning phase, as you can visually monitor browning and doneness without interrupting the cooking process. Many users recommend keeping a cooking journal during your first few weeks to track what works best for your favorite recipes.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleanup is refreshingly simple with the NuWave Pro. The liner pan catches drips and splatters, and both it and the cooking racks are dishwasher safe. The glass dome can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, though you’ll need to be more thorough after cooking particularly greasy foods.
The non-stick surfaces mean food rarely becomes stuck, making hand-washing quick and easy when you don’t want to run the dishwasher. Regular cleaning after each use will keep your appliance looking new and functioning optimally.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
While the NuWave Pro has many strengths, it’s not perfect for every situation:
Size Limitations: The cooking capacity is suitable for families of 3-4 people, but larger households may find it restrictive. You can’t fit a full-size turkey or a large roast that would feed 8-10 people.
Counter Space: The dome design means you’ll need adequate vertical clearance as well as counter space. It’s not as compact as some other countertop appliances.
Glass Components: While the glass construction allows for visibility, it also requires careful handling to avoid breakage.
Learning Curve: Converting traditional recipes requires some experimentation with times and temperatures.
Who Should Buy the NuWave Pro?
The NuWave Pro infrared oven is ideal for:
- Small to medium-sized families looking for faster meal preparation
- Singles or couples who don’t want to heat a full-size oven
- Health-conscious cooks who want to reduce oil usage
- RV owners or those with limited kitchen space
- Anyone looking to reduce energy consumption
- Cooks who appreciate appliance versatility
Final Verdict
The NuWave Pro infrared oven delivers on its core promises of faster cooking times, energy efficiency, and versatile functionality. While it won’t completely replace your traditional oven for every cooking task, it can handle the majority of daily cooking needs while saving time and energy.
The combination of infrared, convection, and conduction heating produces genuinely impressive results, particularly with meats and vegetables. The ability to cook frozen foods without defrosting is a significant time-saver for busy households.
At its price point, the NuWave Pro offers excellent value for anyone seeking to expand their cooking capabilities without investing in multiple specialized appliances. The health benefits of low-fat cooking and the energy savings provide ongoing value beyond the initial purchase.
If you’re looking for a countertop appliance that can truly do it all—from air frying to slow roasting to dehydrating—the NuWave Pro infrared oven deserves serious consideration. Just be prepared for a short adjustment period as you learn to maximize its potential, and you’ll likely find it becomes one of your most-used kitchen tools.
NuWave Infrared Oven Recipes: Quick & Easy Favorites
Master your NuWave Pro with these simple, delicious recipes that showcase its versatility.
Perfect Roasted Chicken
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs), olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, pepper
- Rub chicken with oil and seasonings
- Cook at 350°F for 10 minutes per pound (40-50 minutes total)
- Internal temp should reach 165°F
Crispy Chicken Wings
- 2 lbs wings, 1 tbsp baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder
- Pat wings dry, toss with seasonings
- Cook at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway
- Toss with your favorite sauce (buffalo, BBQ, honey garlic)
Herb-Crusted Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets, Dijon mustard, panko breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, garlic, butter
- Brush salmon with mustard, top with herb-breadcrumb mixture
- Cook at 325°F for 12-15 minutes until flaky
Crispy Bacon
- Arrange bacon on the cooking rack, and place a liner pan below
- Cook at 325°F for 15-20 minutes
- No flipping needed—fat drips away for perfectly crispy results
Loaded Baked Potatoes
- Pierce potatoes with a fork, rub with oil and salt
- Cook at 350°F for 45-60 minutes until tender
- Top with butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, and chives
Beef Steaks
- Season steaks with salt and pepper
- Cook at 350°F: 12-15 min for medium-rare, 15-18 min for medium
- Top with garlic herb butter, rest 5 minutes before serving
Roasted Vegetables
- Toss broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, and onions with olive oil and Italian seasoning
- Cook at 325°F for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese
Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Use your favorite cookie dough recipe
- Drop onto a liner pan or small baking dish
- Bake at 300°F for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden
- Bake in batches as needed
Breakfast Frittata
- Whisk 6 eggs with milk, cheese, diced peppers, onions, and ham
- Pour into a greased oven-safe dish
- Cook at 300°F for 20-25 minutes until set
Apple Chips
- Thinly slice apples, toss with cinnamon
- Arrange in a single layer
- Dehydrate at 150°F for 3-4 hours, flipping every hour
- Store in an airtight container when completely crispy
Meatloaf
- Mix 1.5 lbs ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic, and ketchup
- Form into a loaf shape
- Cook at 325°F for 40-45 minutes (internal temp 160°F)
- Brush with ketchup in the last 10 minutes
Pro Tips for Success
Temperature Guide
- Most meats: 325-350°F
- Baking: 300-325°F
- Dehydrating: 150°F
Essential Tips
- No preheating required—start timing immediately
- Don’t overcrowd for proper air circulation
- Use a liner pan to catch drips
- Cook frozen foods directly, adding 5-10 minutes
- Check doneness early
- Let meats rest before cutting
Cooking Times:
- Chicken wings: 25-30 minutes
- Salmon: 12-15 minutes
- Bacon: 15-20 minutes
- Baked potatoes: 45-60 minutes
- Vegetables: 20-25 minutes
- Cookies: 10-12 minutes
The NuWave‘s infrared technology cooks faster than traditional ovens while using less energy. Experiment with these recipes and adjust times based on your preferences. The see-through dome lets you monitor progress without releasing heat, ensuring perfect results every time!
