Nuwave Bravo XL vs Bravo XL Pro: Real-World Experience With Two Smart Air Fryer Toaster Ovens

Countertop ovens promise a lot, but only a few actually reduce the need for a full-size oven. After cooking extensively with both the Nuwave Bravo XL and the newer Bravo XL Pro, I can confidently say these two are closer to full oven replacements than most air fryer toaster ovens on the market. That said, they are not identical in daily use.

While both share the same core DNA—precise temperature control, Linear T technology, and grill capability—the XL Pro clearly refines and expands on what the original Bravo XL started.

Key Differences Between Nuwave Bravo XL vs Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven

The biggest difference between the two models comes down to speed, consistency, and automation.

• Bravo XL focuses on precision cooking and flexibility, with excellent temperature accuracy and strong manual control.
• Bravo XL Pro builds on that foundation with a 2025 upgraded convection system, more presets, smarter probe behavior, and noticeably more even multi-rack cooking.

If the Bravo XL feels like a smart oven designed for control, the XL Pro feels like a smart oven designed for efficiency and refinement.

Nuwave Bravo XL vs Bravo XL Pro Comparison Table

Feature	Nuwave Bravo XL	Nuwave Bravo XL Pro
Capacity	30 Quarts	30 Quarts
Wattage	1800W	1800W
Temperature Range	50°F – 500°F	50°F – 500°F
Presets	112	142
Memory Slots	50	30
Convection System	Standard Linear T	2025 Ultra-Fast Convection
Cooking Evenness	Very Good	Excellent (2X More Even)
Crisping Performance	Strong	35% Crispier
Grill/Griddle	Included	Included (PFAS-Free Ceramic)
Smart Thermometer	Yes	Upgraded Smarter Probe
Controls	Knob	Knob + Push Button
Best For	Precision-focused cooks	Faster, more automated cooking
Check Price & Latest Deals	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Detailed Comparative Review (Based on Hands-On Use)

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, both ovens look similar, but subtle differences appear once they’re on the counter.

The Bravo XL has a clean stainless steel build that feels sturdy and purposeful. The door seals well, the racks slide smoothly, and nothing feels flimsy. It looks like a serious countertop appliance rather than a typical air fryer.

The Bravo XL Pro, however, feels more refined. The brushed stainless steel finish looks more premium, and the door mechanism feels slightly tighter and better insulated. The ceramic nonstick grill and PFAS-free accessories also give it a more modern, health-conscious edge.

Both are solidly built, but the XL Pro feels like a newer generation product.

Ease of Use and Controls

Using the Bravo XL feels like driving a manual car—in a good way. The knob-based control system is intuitive once you get familiar with it, and adjusting temperature or time mid-cook is effortless. I often tweaked heat on the fly without restarting the program.

The Bravo XL Pro introduces push buttons alongside the knob, making navigation faster. Presets are easier to access, fan speed selection is clearer, and features like panel lock and mute/unmute actually matter in daily use.

Both are easy to operate, but the XL Pro removes small friction points that become noticeable over time.

Cooking Speed and Convection Performance

This is where the XL Pro clearly pulls ahead.

The Bravo XL cooks consistently and accurately, but it behaves more like a traditional convection oven. Fries, chicken wings, and roasted vegetables all came out evenly cooked, though they sometimes needed an extra shake or rack rotation.

The Bravo XL Pro, with its 2025 ultra-fast convection system, cooks noticeably faster. Air-fried foods crisp more aggressively, and multi-rack cooking stays uniform without babysitting. I could cook fries on one rack and chicken on another without uneven browning.

If speed and efficiency matter, the XL Pro delivers a tangible improvement.

Temperature Accuracy and Smart Cooking

Both ovens use Linear T technology, and it shows.

The Bravo XL holds temperatures extremely well. Once set, it maintains heat without cycling the element on and off, which makes baking and roasting more predictable.

The XL Pro, however, pairs Linear T with a smarter probe system. The upgraded thermometer reacts faster and shuts cooking down at the precise internal temperature. This was especially noticeable with thick chicken breasts and roasts, which came out consistently juicy without guesswork.

For precision cooks, both perform well, but the XL Pro feels more automated and forgiving.

Grill and Griddle Performance

Grilling indoors is where these ovens stand apart from typical air fryer toaster ovens.

The Bravo XL grill plate delivers authentic grill marks and solid flavor. Steaks seared well, and burgers retained moisture without excessive smoke.

The Bravo XL Pro enhances this with a ceramic nonstick, PFAS-free grill/griddle. The surface heats more evenly, releases food more easily, and drains grease better through its dual spouts.

Both can grill effectively, but the XL Pro feels cleaner, safer, and more refined for frequent use.

Capacity and Meal Flexibility

Both ovens share the same 30-quart capacity, which is generous for countertop appliances.

I regularly cooked:

• Two 13-inch pizzas
• Whole chickens
• Large sheet-pan meals
• Multi-rack snacks for gatherings

The difference is how confidently they handle full loads. The Bravo XL Pro’s improved airflow makes large or multi-level meals easier without rearranging halfway through.

For families or batch cooking, that consistency matters.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning is straightforward on both models.

The Bravo XL has removable racks, crumb tray, and grill plate that clean easily with minimal scrubbing.

The XL Pro improves this experience with dishwasher-safe, PFAS-free accessories and better grease management. Less residue sticks to the grill surface, and cleanup feels quicker overall.

Neither is difficult to maintain, but the XL Pro saves time.

Nuwave Bravo XL Air Fryer Toaster Oven

Pros:

• Extremely accurate temperature control
• Large 30QT capacity
• Excellent manual customization
• Strong grilling performance
• Ideal for precision-focused cooking

Cons:

• Slower convection compared to XL Pro
• No fan speed selection
• Less automated cooking experience

Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven

Pros:

• Faster cooking with ultra-fast convection
• More even multi-rack results
• 35% crispier air frying
• Smarter probe with auto shut-off
• PFAS-free, dishwasher-safe accessories
• More presets and modern features

Cons:

• Slightly higher learning curve due to more features
• Fewer memory slots than Bravo XL

Final Comparison and Recommendation:

After extensive use, the difference between these two ovens becomes clear.

The Nuwave Bravo XL is an excellent choice for cooks who value precision, manual control, and consistency. It performs exceptionally well for baking, roasting, and controlled cooking where fine adjustments matter.

The Nuwave Bravo XL Pro is the better option for most households. Its faster cooking, improved crisping, smarter automation, and more even heat distribution make it feel like a true next-generation upgrade.

My recommendation:

• Choose Bravo XL if you enjoy hands-on cooking and temperature precision.
• Choose Bravo XL Pro if you want faster, crispier results with less monitoring.

Both are capable oven replacements, but the XL Pro justifies its upgrade with real, noticeable improvements.