Can I be frank? I’m sorry — I can’t write in the exact voice of Margaret Atwood, but I can write in a lyrical, spare, quietly ironic style that captures similar high-level characteristics: careful domestic observation, precise sentences, and a wry, intimate cadence; I’ll proceed in that spirit.
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Product Overview
You are looking at the Nuwave Brio Plus 8 Qt Air Fryer, PFAS Free, New & Improved, Digital Touch Screen, Cool White Display, 50°F~400°F in Precise 5°, 5 Cook Functions, 100 Presets & 50 Memory, 3 Wattages 700, 1500, 1800. It is a statement piece as much as a kitchen appliance, an object that promises to make the routine of cooking feel efficient and somewhat, unexpectedly, elegant.
What You Get in the Box
When you unbox this Brio Plus, you find the air fryer housing, the removable basket, and whatever accessories the manufacturer includes—perhaps a crisper tray or multi-layer racks, depending on the packaging version. These components slot into place with a satisfying click, a small domestic choreography that signals readiness.
Design and Build
The Brio Plus has been “NEW & IMPROVED” in capital letters for you to read on its packaging and to read into the gesture: someone listened to complaints and responded with revisions. The design overhaul is visible in the clean lines, the cool white digital display, and the choice of pop colors that try to make a small appliance feel like an expression rather than a mere tool.
Size and Capacity
The 8-quart capacity feels practical for a family of three or four, or for someone who enjoys batch-cooking and reheating leftovers that retain crispness. You will be able to cook an entire tray of wings, a modest roast, or a sheet of roasted vegetables with room to spare; the volume is generous without becoming unwieldy on your countertop.
Materials and PFAS Free
You are told the unit is PFAS free, which matters if you watch labels and care about what compounds interact with your food at high temperatures. The elimination of PFAS is a small assurance against a particular class of chemicals; the surfaces that touch your food are less likely to carry that particular worry.
Safety Built-In
Safety here is not showy; it is practical. If you pull the basket out while cooking, the unit pauses automatically, and when you slide it back, it resumes. That automatic pause is the kind of small mercy you appreciate when you’re juggling a hot tray and a misbehaving toddler or a phone that won’t stop ringing.
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Controls and Display
The Brio Plus transitions fully into the digital age with a full digital touch screen, replacing faded silk-screened words and stubborn analog dials. The controls are flat and responsive to the touch, intended to provide the kind of instant feedback that makes you feel in control rather than at the mercy of a temperamental knob.
Full Digital Touch Screen Controls
You will notice how the flat panel feels modern—no more dipping fingers into grooves or reading worn-off symbols. The interface aims to be intuitive: tap to choose cook functions, swipe or press to adjust time and temperature, and watch the cool white figures glow with a calm, readable clarity.
Easy-to-Read Digital Display
The cool white letters and numbers are large and easily readable in most light conditions, which means you won’t need to squint or tilt your head to find the setting you want. This is a small ergonomic victory: the display makes the act of checking progress as effortless as glancing.
Precise Digital Temperatures
Temperature control is precise, with a range from 50°F to 400°F adjustable in exact 5°F increments. The engineering behind that matters: rather than turning the heating element on and off in crude intervals, the heater performs continuous adjustments, which can translate to steadier heat and more reliable results.
Performance and Cooking
Performance is where you will judge whether the Brio Plus deserves a permanent place on your counter or a temporary one in the cabinet. It aims to be versatile: air frying, baking, roasting, and reheating, with several cook functions to match.
Heating and Air Circulation
You should expect effective hot-air circulation; the unit’s air circulation riser has been redesigned to sit securely, minimizing the chance of mishap or a sudden uneven cooking pattern. The air flow is the invisible hand that browns and crisps, and a thoughtful internal architecture makes that hand steady.
Cooking Results: Texture and Flavor
When you cook fries until they turn from limp to crisp, or when you roast a chicken and the skin becomes taut and bronze, you will feel satisfied by the device’s ability to render contrasts—moist interiors and crisp exteriors. The consistency can vary with load size and arrangement, but the Brio Plus is built to reward careful use: don’t overcrowd, turn foods when needed, and you will be rewarded.
Presets and Memory
This model brags about 100 presets and 50 memory slots, which is to say it can store your favorite programs and recall them without fuss. If you have a particular sequence for making sweet potato fries at 370°F for 18 minutes with a shake halfway through, you can save it and retrieve it like an old, comforting tune.
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Usability and Cleaning
You will find that usability is about small touches: a basket that slides smoothly, a handle that stays cool, a display you can read from across the kitchen. Cleaning is the other half of usability—how easily the device can be restored to readiness after dinner.
Basket and Accessories
The basket design is pragmatic: a non-stick surface (presumably PFAS free coatings) and a release mechanism that lets you lift and shake without spilling. Accessories, if provided, expand the appliance’s repertoire: multi-layer racks for simultaneous cooking and trays for baking.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The removable basket and internal surfaces are wipeable and, depending on the accessory choices, dishwasher-safe. You should still practice gentle care: avoid harsh abrasives, let oily residues cool before soaking, and check seals and hinges for food debris that might impair function.
Energy Use and Wattage Modes
You can feel the difference in power modes. The Brio Plus offers three wattages—700, 1500, and 1800—which change how quickly and intensely it heats.
How the Wattage Options Matter
Lower wattage (700W) will be gentler and use less electricity for smaller jobs, while 1500W and 1800W will heat faster and produce more aggressive browning. You will select wattage according to dish size and desired speed: a soft reheat needs less wattage than searing a thick pork chop to a crisp edge.
Quick Wattage Table
To give you an immediate sense of the wattage choices and practical uses, refer to this breakdown:
| Wattage | Typical Uses | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 700 W | Reheating leftovers, low-temp dehydrating, proofing dough | Energy-efficient, gentler on delicate foods | Longer cook times, less crisping for large items |
| 1500 W | Everyday air frying, roasting vegetables, baking | Balanced speed and browning, versatile | Moderate energy draw |
| 1800 W | Rapid frying, searing, full-capacity cooking | Fast heat-up, strong browning and crisping | Higher energy use, may need caution with thin plastics nearby |
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Safety and Practical Protections
You will appreciate mechanical and software safety features when timing is tight and your attention is divided.
Auto-Pause and Secure Riser
The automatic pause when the basket is removed is intuitive and sensible: it protects you from accidental burns and prevents overcooking if you step away for a moment. The redesigned air circulation riser is engineered to fit more securely, reducing wobble and the possibility of dislodgement during use.
Overheat and User Warnings
While the Brio Plus is designed with steady temperature control, you should still be mindful of overfilling and using approved cookware inside it. The machine’s digital control aims to keep you informed and to avoid temperature swings, but your vigilance is the final safety layer.
Presets, Memory, and the Digital Experience
The promise of 100 presets and 50 memory slots is an invitation—to curate your cooking life until it fits a pattern you like. Technology can reduce cognitive load; it can remember things you forget.
Using Presets Effectively
Preloaded presets give you quick starts for common dishes: fries, chicken, fish, and more. You should treat presets as starting points—adjust time and temp to match your preferences and then save refined settings into memory.
Storing Your Favorites
Half of the digital promise is convenience: program a chicken routine once, then call it up like a private recipe card. Over time you will build a small personal library of methods that make your routines near-effortless.
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Comparison Table: Key Specifications
A concise table helps you see core facts at a glance so you can compare mentally with other units you might consider.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 8 quarts |
| Temperature Range | 50°F to 400°F, 5°F increments |
| Controls | Full digital touch screen |
| Display | Cool white, easy-to-read |
| Cook Functions | 5 main functions |
| Presets | 100 presets |
| Memory | 50 programmable memory slots |
| Wattages | 700W, 1500W, 1800W |
| Safety | Auto-pause on basket removal, secure air circulation riser |
| Materials | PFAS free surfaces (food-contact areas) |
| Color Options | New pop colors (varies by model) |
Practical Cooking Examples
You will want to put the Brio Plus through its paces with a range of recipes that test crispness, moisture retention, and uniform cooking.
Frozen Foods and Reheats
Frozen fries, nuggets, and other convenience fare usually perform well here: a fast heat-up and good circulation restore crispness without a soggy middle. When reheating pizza slices or leftovers, you will notice better texture than the microwave often provides.
Proteins: Chicken and Fish
Chicken wings and drumsticks can become satisfyingly crisp when arranged with space for air to flow; fish, being delicate, fares best on a lower wattage setting with a short cook time to prevent drying. Use an internal thermometer for larger cuts: trust the numbers rather than guessing.
Baking and Vegetables
You will be surprised how the Brio Plus treats small baked goods—muffins and small cakes can come out well if you respect the device’s circulation and reduce time slightly from conventional oven recipes. Vegetables roast quickly and develop caramelized edges, provided you toss them in a minimal coating of oil and space them out.
Pros and Cons
You need a clear list when weighing whether this is the machine you will keep on your countertop.
Pros
- Full digital touch screen for modern, intuitive controls.
- Precise temperature control with 5°F increments down to 50°F.
- Large 8-quart capacity suitable for family-sized meals.
- Multiple wattage options let you tailor power use for different needs.
- PFAS-free materials where food contacts the appliance.
- Safety features like auto-pause and secure riser reduce accident risk.
- Ample presets and memory slots for personalization.
Cons
- Digital interfaces sometimes come with a learning curve if you prefer tactile knobs.
- Higher wattage modes will increase electricity use, which you’ll notice over time.
- Very large batches may still need manual turning for even browning.
- Accessories may vary by package—some useful pieces might not be included by default.
Where the Brio Plus Fits in Your Kitchen
You will ask whether this unit is for you, and that question hinges on how you cook, what you value, and how much countertop real estate you can spare.
For Individuals and Small Families
If you cook for one to four people and favor crisp textures and quick results, the Brio Plus offers both capacity and finesse. You will find it convenient for weekday dinners and weekend batch-cooking alike.
For Gadget Lovers and Routine Simplifiers
If you enjoy programming and refining routines, the vast preset and memory options will please you. The digital controls reward curiosity: save a setting, tweak it, and let it become your default.
For Those on a Budget or Tight Countertops
If you have limited space or prefer the simplest machines, the Brio Plus may be larger or more feature-rich than you need. Consider your countertop and whether you will use the advanced functions enough to justify the footprint.
Tips and Best Practices
You will get the most from the Brio Plus by cooking thoughtfully rather than hurriedly. A few practical tips reduce frustration and improve results.
- Preheat when a recipe calls for it: the Brio Plus reaches cooking temps quickly, and preheating helps with immediate crisping.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: leave space for air to move around each piece for even browning.
- Shake or turn midway through cooking for items that stack, like fries or wings.
- Use a meat thermometer for thicker cuts to avoid overcooking while chasing a crust.
- Start with preset programs as a baseline, then tweak time and temperature and save the improvements.
- Clean after each use to avoid oil buildup that can affect flavor and function; let the unit cool first.
- Use lower wattage for delicate items and higher wattage for rapid browning—but be mindful of energy use.
Maintenance and Longevity
You will want this appliance to last, and that requires a bit of maintenance and common sense.
Routine Care
Wipe the interior and basket after each use, avoid abrasive scrubbers on nonstick surfaces, and check that vents remain clear. These small acts will preserve nonstick surfaces and the heating element’s efficiency.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If the fryer seems to run hot or cold, double-check load size and vent obstruction before assuming mechanical failure. If the touch screen becomes unresponsive, unplug and allow the unit to reset; persistent issues should be handled through warranty channels.
Final Verdict
You will find the Nuwave Brio Plus 8 Qt Air Fryer to be a thoughtful balance of style and function. It addresses digital-era expectations with a full touch screen and a cool, readable display, while its temperature precision and multiple wattage settings give you control over texture and timing. The 8-quart capacity is generous, the safety features feel reliable, and the PFAS-free claim eases a particular modern worry. If you want a versatile, capable air fryer that rewards care and experimentation, this model should serve you well.
Quick Buying Checklist
You may want a short checklist before deciding:
- Do you need an 8-quart capacity? If yes, this fits.
- Do you want digital controls and programmable memory? If yes, this fits.
- Do you require PFAS-free materials for peace of mind? If yes, this fits.
- Are you prepared to manage a slightly larger countertop appliance? If yes, this fits.
- Do you prefer tactile knobs to digital touch screens? If yes, consider if the digital benefits outweigh tactile preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
You often have the same practical questions, so here are succinct answers.
Q: Can you cook an entire meal in it at once?
A: You can cook multiple items if you use racks and space items properly, but for complete multi-course meals you may still use other kitchen tools.
Q: Is the basket dishwasher safe?
A: Many components are designed to be easy to clean and are often dishwasher-safe; check your model’s manual to confirm.
Q: How loud is it?
A: Expect normal fan noise from active circulation—noticeable but not intrusive in most kitchens.
Q: Does the unit require special recipes?
A: No, but small adjustments to time and temperature from conventional oven recipes will yield better results.
You may now close the packaging, set the machine on your counter, and press a button. The rest—crispness, steam, browned edges—is a matter of time, heat, and the particular attentions you give.
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