Explore our in-depth review of the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven and discover if it’s the ultimate multi-cooker for your kitchen needs!
Introduction
Every home cook knows the struggle of juggling multiple cooking methods to achieve the perfect meal. You want that juicy chicken breast, but you also crave those crispy fries. The idea of using multiple appliances can feel daunting, not to mention the mess and clean-up that follows. Imagine having one versatile appliance that can steam, air fry, and even sous vide — all while promising gourmet results. That’s where the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven comes into play, a kitchen innovator designed to simplify your cooking experience and elevate your culinary creations. (Related: Roomy Carry On Backpack Review: Is This the Ultimate Travel Companion? (2026))
Our team was immediately intrigued by the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven’s promise of an all-in-one solution. With 120 presets and the ability to adjust steam and temperature levels, it seemed to offer a wealth of possibilities for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. We couldn’t wait to see if this multi-cooker could truly deliver on its lofty claims. From air frying to sous vide, we aimed to test every aspect of this appliance to determine if it could earn a permanent place in our kitchen.
In this review, we’ll dive deep into the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven, exploring its design, features, real-world performance, and everything else you need to know before making a purchase. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of whether this multi-cooker is the right fit for your cooking style and lifestyle.
So, let’s get cooking and uncover what makes the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven a standout in the crowded multi-cooker market!
Quick Summary
- Verdict: A versatile multi-cooker that delivers on its promises.
- Best feature: The COMBO mode combines steaming and air frying for gourmet results.
- Biggest drawback: Some users may find the learning curve steep initially.
- Price-to-value: Offers solid features for its price point of $439.99.
- Target audience: Ideal for home cooks seeking a multifunctional cooking solution.
Technical Specifications
Unboxing & First Impressions
Upon receiving the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven, our team was impressed by the secure packaging. The oven was well-protected with thick foam inserts, minimizing any risk of damage during shipping. Inside the box, we found not only the oven itself but also an air fry basket, a stainless steel tray, a heavy-duty cooking rack, a detachable drip tray, and a water tank complete with a lid. Additionally, the package included a recipe book featuring 51 delicious recipes and a 120-preset guide created by chefs.
When we first pulled the oven out of the box, the polished stainless steel finish gleamed under the kitchen lights, giving it a premium look. It felt sturdy and well-built, weighing in at 21.4 pounds, which is reassuring when considering its capabilities. The design is compact enough to fit neatly on a countertop, yet spacious with a 16-quart capacity, easily accommodating family meals or meal prep sessions.
Setup was straightforward, thanks to the intuitive controls and LED display. It took us about 10 minutes to read through the quick start guide and familiarize ourselves with the various presets. The oven required minimal assembly, allowing us to dive straight into cooking without hassle. Overall, our first impression was highly positive, setting the stage for what we hoped would be an exciting cooking experience.
Design & Build Quality
The Nuwave Combi Steam Oven is crafted from high-quality stainless steel, which not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its durability. The oven’s exterior feels solid and robust, providing a sense of reliability during use. Unlike some competitors that utilize flimsy plastic components, the stainless steel construction of the Nuwave ensures it’s built to last.
With dimensions of 14.75 inches deep, 13.88 inches wide, and 14.88 inches high, it’s compact enough for most kitchens without compromising on capacity. The 16-quart interior can easily fit a whole chicken, making it a great option for family meals. The controls are touch-sensitive, responsive, and easy to navigate, which is a significant plus for those who might not be tech-savvy.
Aesthetically, the oven carries a modern, sleek design that fits well with contemporary kitchen decor. Its stainless steel finish is easy to clean and doesn’t show fingerprints as easily as other finishes. In comparison to other multi-cookers in the same price range, the Nuwave stands out with its elegant design and premium feel, making it a visually appealing addition to any kitchen.
What surprised us most was how well the oven blends into a variety of kitchen styles, from rustic to modern. It doesn’t look out of place next to other appliances, which is often a concern with larger devices. Overall, the design and build quality are impressive, making it a worthy contender in the multi-cooker market.
Key Features Breakdown
The Nuwave Combi Steam Oven is packed with features that elevate it beyond a standard multi-cooker. One of its standout aspects is the COMBO mode, which allows users to simultaneously steam and air fry. This dual functionality means you can achieve juicy, flavorful interiors while ensuring a crispy exterior — think perfectly cooked chicken with a crunchy skin. We tested this feature with a whole chicken, and the results were nothing short of impressive.
Next, let’s talk about the adjustable steam infusion levels and temperature range from 50°F to 450°F. This feature is essential for those who are serious about cooking. Whether you’re steaming delicate vegetables or roasting a hearty beef roast, you have precise control over how your food is cooked. During our tests, we found that vegetables retained their vibrant colors and nutrients when steamed, showcasing the oven’s ability to deliver restaurant-quality results.
The sous vide function is another game-changer. Unlike traditional sous vide techniques that require bags and water baths, this oven simplifies the process. We cooked steak sous vide-style, and the ability to control the temperature in 1°F increments, along with moisture settings from 10-90%, produced perfectly tender meat with a uniform texture. It’s as if you had a high-end restaurant chef in your kitchen.
The air frying capabilities are equally impressive. We tested potatoes tossed with a bit of seasoning and no oil. The result? Crispy, golden fries that rivaled those from a traditional deep fryer but without the added fats. The oven claims to deliver 35% crispier results with 95% less oil, and we can confidently say it holds up to that promise.
The innovative toaster feature allows users to achieve bakery-fresh results, toasting bread to perfection with a combination of steam and heat. We tried toasting artisan bread, and the crust was crispy while the inside remained soft and warm. It’s a fantastic option for breakfast or snacks.
Lastly, the 120 advanced interactive presets make cooking effortless. You can simply select a preset, and the oven will guide you through the cooking process. This feature is invaluable for busy cooks who want to save time without sacrificing quality. However, we found that some presets could use more detailed instructions, which may lead to a bit of trial and error initially.
Overall, the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven is designed to cater to a variety of cooking styles and preferences, making it an incredibly versatile addition to any kitchen.
Real-World Performance Testing
Our testing of the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven spanned several weeks, during which we put it through its paces with a range of recipes and cooking techniques. One of the standout aspects was the oven’s performance in terms of speed. It heated up quickly, reaching the desired temperatures in just a few minutes. For instance, the oven hit 400°F in under 10 minutes, significantly cutting down cooking time compared to conventional ovens.
When it came to cooking times, we found that meals cooked in the Nuwave were consistently faster than traditional methods. For example, a roast that typically takes over an hour in a regular oven was ready in about 45 minutes using the steam and air fry combo. This efficiency is perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner parties.
Noise levels were surprisingly low. During operation, it produced a gentle hum that was barely noticeable. This is a significant advantage over other multi-cookers that can be quite loud, making it easy to hold conversations in the kitchen even while cooking.
In terms of durability, we experienced no performance issues over extended daily use. The oven maintained consistent results, and the steam feature worked flawlessly, adding moisture to our dishes without making them soggy. Even after weeks of use, cleaning was straightforward. The removable parts are dishwasher-safe, and the stainless steel surface wiped clean easily after each cooking session.
The only performance hiccup we encountered was with the presets. Some settings didn’t yield the expected results, requiring adjustments based on our food types. For example, cooking frozen chicken took longer than the recommended time, which is something to keep in mind when using the preset functions.
Overall, the real-world performance of the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven lived up to its claims, providing efficient cooking, impressive results, and ease of use that would benefit any home cook.
Pros and Cons
- – Versatility: The oven combines multiple cooking methods in one appliance, saving counter space and time.
- – Healthy Cooking: Air frying and steam features allow for healthier meal preparation without sacrificing flavor.
- – User-Friendly: The intuitive controls and preset options make cooking easy, even for beginners.
- – High-Quality Build: The stainless steel construction is durable and easy to clean, adding to its longevity.
- – Learning Curve: Some users may find the variety of features overwhelming at first, requiring time to master.
- – Price Point: At $439.99, it may be seen as expensive compared to basic multi-cookers.
- – Preset Limitations: Some presets could benefit from more detailed instructions to avoid trial and error.
Who Should Buy This?
The Nuwave Combi Steam Oven is an excellent choice for various user groups, particularly those who value versatility in the kitchen. Home cooks who love experimenting with different cooking techniques will appreciate its multifunctionality. The ability to steam, air fry, and sous vide in one appliance allows for a wide range of culinary creativity.
Families looking to prepare healthier meals will also benefit from this oven. With the ability to air fry without oil and steam vegetables effectively, parents can create nutritious dishes that satisfy even the pickiest eaters. The large capacity makes it easy to cook meals for the whole family in one go.
Busy professionals or students who often rely on quick meal prep will find the Nuwave Combi to be a game-changer. The quick heat-up times and user-friendly presets mean that you can whip up meals faster than traditional cooking methods. This appliance is perfect for those who want to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen.
However, this oven may not be the best fit for those who prefer traditional cooking methods or who are looking for an inexpensive appliance. The learning curve associated with mastering its features may deter some users who seek simplicity. If you’re someone who primarily cooks with traditional ovens or stovetops and is hesitant about adopting new technology, you might find this product less appealing.
Value for Money
At a price point of $439.99, the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven is positioned as a premium multi-cooker. However, when considering the range of features and capabilities it offers, we believe it delivers solid value for money. The ability to steam, air fry, roast, and sous vide eliminates the need for multiple appliances, which can be both space-consuming and costly.
When comparing it to similar products, the Nuwave stands out due to its innovative features like the COMBO cooking mode and the precise temperature control. While there are cheaper alternatives on the market, they often lack the versatility and advanced cooking technology that the Nuwave provides. For example, a basic air fryer can go for around $100, but it won’t offer the steaming or sous vide capabilities.
On the other hand, more premium options, such as high-end convection ovens or multi-cookers, can easily exceed $600. While these may provide additional features, the Nuwave Combi strikes a balance between functionality and cost. Given its performance and the quality of meals it produces, we would confidently say that this appliance justifies its price.
In our testing, we felt that the value proposition of the Nuwave Combi is compelling, especially for users who plan to utilize its full range of cooking methods. If you’re someone who enjoys cooking and is looking for a tool that can help you create gourmet meals at home, this investment is likely to pay off.
Alternatives to Consider
While the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven is a fantastic option, it’s always good to consider alternatives. One popular competitor is the Instant Pot Duo Crisp, which retails for around $199. This appliance combines pressure cooking and air frying but does not offer the steam or sous vide function. If you’re primarily interested in quick meals and pressure cooking, the Instant Pot may be a better fit.
Another alternative is the Breville Smart Oven Air, priced at approximately $399. This oven excels in air frying and has a spacious interior, but it lacks the steam infusion feature that the Nuwave offers. If air frying is your main concern, the Breville could be a strong contender.
For those looking for a budget-friendly option, the Cosori Air Fryer, which costs around $89, is an excellent entry-level air fryer. However, it does not provide the multifunctionality that the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven offers. If you’re just starting and primarily wish to air fry, the Cosori is an affordable choice, but you’ll miss out on the versatility of the Nuwave.
Each of these alternatives has its strengths and limitations, so it’s essential to evaluate what features are most important to you before making a decision.
Care & Maintenance Tips
To ensure your Nuwave Combi Steam Oven lasts as long as possible, proper care and maintenance are crucial. Cleaning is straightforward due to its stainless steel surface and removable components. After each use, we recommend wiping down the exterior with a damp cloth to keep it looking pristine. The air fry basket, stainless steel tray, and drip tray are all dishwasher-safe, making clean-up a breeze.
To prevent any build-up of grease or food residue, it’s a good idea to clean the interior of the oven regularly. Use a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to avoid scratching the surface. Ensure that the water tank is emptied and cleaned after each use to maintain optimal performance and prevent any odors.
When storing the oven, make sure it’s completely dry, and avoid stacking heavy items on top of it to prevent any dents or damage. If you encounter any issues, check the user manual for troubleshooting tips, and consider contacting Nuwave’s customer service for assistance.
Final Verdict
After extensive testing and evaluation, the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven proves to be a standout multi-cooker that delivers on its promises. With its ability to steam, air fry, roast, and sous vide, it offers remarkable versatility that can elevate any meal. The combination of features, user-friendly design, and quality build make it a worthy investment for anyone serious about cooking.
While there are some initial learning curves and a few minor drawbacks, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive. We appreciate its healthy cooking capabilities, allowing us to prepare meals without excess oil while still enjoying delicious flavors. The high-quality construction ensures that it will be a reliable kitchen companion for years to come.
Based on our team’s experience, we confidently rate the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven an 8.5/10. If you’re a home cook looking for a multifunctional appliance that combines convenience with high-quality results, this oven is a must-buy. Keep in mind that if you prefer traditional cooking methods or are on a tight budget, there may be other options better suited to your needs. Ultimately, the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven is an exceptional product that can transform your cooking experience and inspire creativity in the kitchen.