Choosing between the Nuwave Brio XL and the Nuwave XL Pro (also called the Bravo XL Pro) can be confusing due to Nuwave’s naming conventions. The Brio XL is a basket-style fryer, ideal for wings, fries, and snacks, whereas the XL Pro is a toaster-oven-style fryer capable of full meals, pizzas, and rotisserie chicken. This guide breaks down the latest technical upgrades, performance, and real-world usage for 2025 buyers.
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Brio XL vs. XL Pro: Core Differences
The main distinction is the form factor and functionality. The Brio XL uses a pull-out basket, perfect for snacks and small meals. The XL Pro has a front-loading oven door, multi-layer racks, adjustable top & bottom heating, and supports true rotisserie cooking. The XL Pro now reaches up to 500°F, making it ideal for searing steak or achieving a crispy pizza crust.
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Nuwave Brio XL | Nuwave XL Pro (Bravo XL Pro) |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Basket-Style (Pull Out) | Oven-Style (Front Door, Multi-Layer) |
| Max Wattage | 1500W – 1800W (Adjustable) | 1800W (Top & Bottom Adjustable) |
| Temperature Range | 50°F – 400°F | 50°F – 500°F |
| Heating Elements | Top Coil Only | Top & Bottom Adjustable Elements |
| Best For | Wings, Fries, Snacks | Whole Chickens, Pizza, Rotisserie, Multi-Layer Cooking |
- 10-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY & 100 PRE-PROGRAMMED MENU PRESETS – Brio provides versatile...
- LARGE CAPACITY FOR FAMILY SIZE - Features 4 rack positions and 7 cooking accessories,...
- POWERFUL CONVECTION FAN & SMOKELESS – Brio is an air fryer oven with a powerful 5-inch...
- MAKE PRECISE ADJUSTMENTS ON-THE-FLY & DIGITAL CONTROLS - Set cook temperatures from 50°F...
- DELICIOUS ROTISSERIE & GRILL – Self-basting rotation browns the whole chicken sealing in...
- FASTER FAN, BETTER RESULTS: The newly designed and engineered fan and housing can produce...
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR PIZZA OVEN: Adjust the ratio of top and bottom heaters from 0 to 100% and 3...
- 112 EASY-COOK PRESETS: This convection oven is programmed with 12 cooking functions such...
- MULTI-LAYER EVEN COOKING: With the upgraded convection system, the temperature difference...
- 500°F MAX TEMPERATURE: The Bravo air fryer oven features a cooking temperature range from...
Convection & Linear T Technology
The XL Pro now features Linear T Technology, maintaining consistent temperatures within 1-2°F. This is critical for baking, searing, and multi-layer cooking. You can set the bottom element to 70% power and the top to 30% for perfect “crispy crust / gooey cheese” pizza—something the Brio XL cannot do.
Smart Probe & Carryover Cooking
Both models include a digital probe for temperature-based cooking. The XL Pro adds Carryover Cooking Mode, adjusting for the fact that meat continues to rise in temperature after removal. Pro Tip: Use the probe with thick steaks or roasts to prevent overcooking.
Capacity & Multi-Layer Racks
- Brio XL: Single pull-out basket; limited capacity for large items or rotisserie.
- XL Pro: Multi-layer racks and oven-style design; can cook two 13-inch pizzas simultaneously and handle whole chickens or multiple trays for dehydration.
Final Verdict
For quick snacks, the Nuwave Brio XL is compact, efficient, and easy to use. For full meals, rotisserie capability, high-precision baking, and maximum heat up to 500°F, the XL Pro (Bravo XL Pro) is the premium choice. Linear T technology, adjustable top & bottom heating, and Carryover Cooking make it ideal for serious home chefs.
- 10-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY & 100 PRE-PROGRAMMED MENU PRESETS – Brio provides versatile...
- LARGE CAPACITY FOR FAMILY SIZE - Features 4 rack positions and 7 cooking accessories,...
- POWERFUL CONVECTION FAN & SMOKELESS – Brio is an air fryer oven with a powerful 5-inch...
- MAKE PRECISE ADJUSTMENTS ON-THE-FLY & DIGITAL CONTROLS - Set cook temperatures from 50°F...
- DELICIOUS ROTISSERIE & GRILL – Self-basting rotation browns the whole chicken sealing in...
- FASTER FAN, BETTER RESULTS: The newly designed and engineered fan and housing can produce...
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR PIZZA OVEN: Adjust the ratio of top and bottom heaters from 0 to 100% and 3...
- 112 EASY-COOK PRESETS: This convection oven is programmed with 12 cooking functions such...
- MULTI-LAYER EVEN COOKING: With the upgraded convection system, the temperature difference...
- 500°F MAX TEMPERATURE: The Bravo air fryer oven features a cooking temperature range from...
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Nuwave XL Pro have a rotisserie?
A: Yes! Unlike the Brio XL basket, the XL Pro includes a heavy-duty rotisserie spit and specialized presets for rotisserie chicken and roasts.
Q: Is the Nuwave XL Pro interior non-stick?
A: It features a high-quality stainless steel interior and PFAS-free non-stick accessories, making it safer for pets and easier to wipe down than plastic-lined baskets.
Q: Can I fit two pizzas in the XL Pro?
A: Yes. With its 30QT capacity and multi-layer rack system, the XL Pro can cook two 13-inch pizzas simultaneously, whereas the Brio XL is limited to one small pizza or slices.
- 10-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY & 100 PRE-PROGRAMMED MENU PRESETS – Brio provides versatile...
- LARGE CAPACITY FOR FAMILY SIZE - Features 4 rack positions and 7 cooking accessories,...
- POWERFUL CONVECTION FAN & SMOKELESS – Brio is an air fryer oven with a powerful 5-inch...
- MAKE PRECISE ADJUSTMENTS ON-THE-FLY & DIGITAL CONTROLS - Set cook temperatures from 50°F...
- DELICIOUS ROTISSERIE & GRILL – Self-basting rotation browns the whole chicken sealing in...
- FASTER FAN, BETTER RESULTS: The newly designed and engineered fan and housing can produce...
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR PIZZA OVEN: Adjust the ratio of top and bottom heaters from 0 to 100% and 3...
- 112 EASY-COOK PRESETS: This convection oven is programmed with 12 cooking functions such...
- MULTI-LAYER EVEN COOKING: With the upgraded convection system, the temperature difference...
- 500°F MAX TEMPERATURE: The Bravo air fryer oven features a cooking temperature range from...
