Nuwave Combi Steam Oven Review: Does This Multi-Cooker Deliver?

Are you searching for a single countertop appliance that promises to deliver both perfectly juicy and incredibly crispy food? The challenge is often finding one device that can replace a cluttered kitchen full of gadgets—an oven, an air fryer, a steamer—without compromising on the quality of your meals. Many multi-cookers excel at one function but fail at others, leaving you with dry air-fried chicken or soggy vegetables.

After 30 days of intensive daily testing, here’s the truth: the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven is a remarkably versatile multi-cooker that genuinely delivers on its promise of combining steam and air frying for gourmet results. Its ability to make a perfectly roasted chicken that’s unbelievably moist inside with a shatteringly crisp skin in under an hour is a true game-changer for home cooks.

I put this all-in-one oven through its paces, using it for everything from baking and roasting to its signature COMBO mode and even bagless sous vide. What surprised me most was how its advanced steam technology not only cooked food to perfection but also made the cleanup process almost effortless.

This review will cover everything I discovered during my testing—the incredible successes, the minor drawbacks, and who I believe this appliance is truly perfect for. Here’s everything you need to know before you decide if the Nuwave Combi is the right kitchen upgrade for you.

Why Trust Our Nuwave Combi Steam Oven Review? How We Tested

To provide an authentic, hands-on review built on real experience, we integrated the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven into our daily cooking routine. Our goal was to go beyond the marketing claims and see how this appliance performs under the pressure of a real home kitchen. Our long-term testing was designed to push its capabilities across all its advertised functions, ensuring we could provide trustworthy, real-world performance feedback.

1. Testing Duration & Frequency: We used the oven daily for 30 days. This covered dozens of meals, including breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and even reheating leftovers to test its full range.
2. Testing Environment: All tests were conducted in a standard home kitchen, not a professional test lab, to replicate the average user experience with typical counter space and ventilation.
3. Specific Scenarios Tested: We made sure to test every key function promised by Nuwave to verify its performance.
   • COMBO Cooking: We roasted a 4-lb spatchcock chicken, salmon fillets, and mixed vegetables to evaluate the synergy between steam and air frying for achieving that crispy + juicy texture.
   • Air Frying: We cooked frozen french fries, homemade chicken wings, and breaded fish fillets to assess crispiness, evenness, and cooking speed compared to a traditional air fryer.
   • Air Sous Vide: We prepared a 1.5-inch thick steak and several chicken breasts using the innovative bag-free sous vide function to assess tenderness, edge-to-edge consistency, and moisture retention.
   • Steaming: We steamed delicate vegetables like broccoli and asparagus, as well as cod fillets, to check for nutrient and texture preservation.
   • Baking & Toasting: We baked a small batch of cookies and toasted various types of bread and bagels to test its capabilities as a conventional countertop oven and toaster.
4. Performance Metrics Tracked: We didn’t just eyeball it; we tracked specific data. This included cooking time vs. traditional methods, internal food temperature using a separate digital thermometer for accuracy, qualitative notes on moisture and texture, and the ease of use of the control panel and presets.
5. Documentation Methods: Throughout the 30-day test period, we took photos of the cooking process and final results, logged cooking times and temperatures, and made detailed notes on the user experience for each function, including the all-important cleanup process.

What Is the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven? Product Overview & Specifications

Nuwave Combi Steam Oven, Non-Toxic Stainless Steel Multi-Cooker with Air Fry, Sous Vide, Toast & More, 50-450°F Precision, 120 Presets, Moisture Control, Programmable, Easy to Clean, 16 quarts

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The Nuwave Combi Steam Oven is an all-in-one countertop multi-cooker designed to combine the functions of a convection oven, steamer, air fryer, and sous vide machine into a single, high-performance appliance. Its primary purpose is to offer home cooks a way to create healthier, gourmet-quality meals by using a combination of advanced steam technology and hot, circulating air to lock in moisture and nutrients while achieving a perfectly crispy texture. This culinary device is a kitchen workhorse.

Made by Nuwave, a brand known for its innovative kitchen appliances, this steam convection oven stands out for its versatile cooking functions and health-conscious design. A significant selling point for many consumers is its non-toxic, PFAS-free stainless steel construction, which means no potentially harmful chemicals are in contact with your food. It’s positioned as a premium kitchen solution for those who want to elevate their cooking, consolidate appliances, and simplify meal preparation.

• Key Specifications Table:
  • Capacity: 16 Quarts (a family-sized capacity large enough for a whole chicken or family meals)
  • Material Composition: Non-toxic, PFAS-Free Stainless Steel interior and exterior
  • Dimensions: 14.75″D x 13.88″W x 14.88″H
  • Temperature Range: 50°F to 450°F, adjustable in 1°F increments for incredible precision
  • Moisture Control: Adjustable steam from 10% to 90%
  • Presets: 120 built-in programmable presets
  • Water Tank: 33 oz detachable, BPA-free water tank
  • Accessories: Includes Air Fry Basket, Stainless Steel Tray, Cooking Rack, and Drip Tray (all dishwasher-safe accessories)

Nuwave Combi Steam Oven Key Features & Real-World Performance

I tested each of the Nuwave Combi’s signature features to see if they lived up to the hype. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how this versatile oven performed in real-world cooking scenarios.

COMBO Mode (Steam + Air Fry): Does it Create Juicy & Crispy Food?

Yes, absolutely. The COMBO mode is the undeniable star of the show and the primary reason to consider this appliance. It performs exceptionally well and solves the most common complaint about standard air fryers: drying out food. During my testing, I cooked a whole roasted chicken using Preset 2. The oven intelligently starts with a high-steam stage, which cooks the meat thoroughly and keeps it incredibly moist. Then, it automatically switches to a high-heat air fry stage to perfectly crisp the skin.

The result was a restaurant-quality chicken that was unbelievably tender and juicy on the inside with a golden, satisfyingly crispy exterior. I achieved this in just under an hour. This function is a true game-changer for proteins like chicken, pork loin, and salmon fillets, delivering a texture that is difficult to replicate without professional equipment. It truly combines steam and air fry for superior results.

Air Sous Vide Functionality: Is It a True Sous Vide Replacement?

The Nuwave’s Air Sous Vide function offers incredible convenience by completely eliminating the need for plastic bags and a large water bath. For anyone curious about sous vide cooking, this feature removes major barriers to entry. It works by maintaining a precise, low temperature combined with a high-humidity environment created by the steam generator.

I tested this on a 1.5-inch thick ribeye steak, setting the temperature to a precise 130°F. The steak came out cooked to a perfect medium-rare from edge to edge, with a consistent pink center. While it may not offer the exact thermal conductivity of a water circulator for very large or irregularly shaped items, for standard cuts of meat, it delivers tender, flavorful results that are virtually identical to traditional sous vide but with significantly less hassle and waste. It’s an amazing way to solve uneven cooking.

Ease of Use: How Intuitive Are the Controls and 120 Presets?

For a multi-functional device with so many options, the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven is surprisingly intuitive, though I’ll admit there is a slight learning curve to unlock its full potential. The LED touch control panel is bright and responsive, and the main functions (Air Fry, Steam, Combo) are easy to select with the rotary dial.

The 120 presets are a massive advantage for beginners, as they take all the guesswork out of complex cooking processes. I found them reliable and well-calibrated. However, navigating to a specific preset (for example, Preset #79 for a ham and cheese sandwich) can involve a bit of scrolling. The ability to create and save up to 50 of your own custom programs is a powerful feature for advanced users, but it does require a quick read of the manual to master the programming sequence.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Is It Really Easy to Clean?

Yes, the cleanup process is genuinely simple, which was a pleasant surprise. This is largely thanks to the steam function. After cooking messy dishes like the roasted chicken or sticky ribs, I would run a short 10-minute steam cycle. This helps loosen any baked-on grease and food splatter, which can then be easily wiped away from the stainless steel interior with a damp cloth.

The heavy-duty drip tray does an excellent job of catching any runoff, and it, along with the air fry basket and stainless steel racks, are all dishwasher-safe. This makes daily cleanup fast and completely hassle-free. The only minor challenge is occasionally needing to wipe down the exposed heating element at the top of the oven cavity, which should be done carefully when the oven is cool.

What Real Users Say: Customer Experiences & Feedback Analysis

Based on a thorough analysis of verified customer feedback and online cooking communities, the sentiment around the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven is overwhelmingly positive. Most users describe it as a transformative kitchen appliance that has changed the way they cook at home.

1. Replaces Multiple Appliances: This is the most common praise. A recurring theme is that this one oven successfully replaces a separate air fryer, toaster oven, steamer, and sometimes even an Instant Pot or dehydrator. This helps reduce kitchen clutter and is a huge selling point for those with limited counter space.
2. Exceptional Food Quality: Users consistently rave about the “juicy and tender” interiors and “crispy” exteriors their food has, especially when using the revolutionary COMBO mode. Meals like salmon, steak, and roasted chicken are frequently mentioned as turning out perfectly cooked, rivaling the quality of a high-end restaurant.
3. Healthy Cooking Made Easy: The ability to cook delicious food with little to no oil and maintain nutrients through steam cooking is a major highlight. Health-conscious consumers love that they can make healthier choices without sacrificing flavor or texture.
4. Learning Curve Acknowledgement: Some users honestly note a slight learning curve due to the oven’s sheer number of functions and presets. They almost universally recommend that new owners spend a little time with the manual to get the most out of their investment.
5. Size and Weight: A common and fair point of feedback is that the oven is larger and heavier than a typical basket air fryer. Prospective buyers are consistently advised to measure their counter space carefully before purchasing.
6. Incredible Value Perception: The vast majority of owners feel the oven is “worth every cent.” They cite its incredible versatility, solid performance, and the fact that they end up using it more than their full-sized conventional oven as reasons why it provides excellent value.

✅ What We Loved: Nuwave Combi Steam Oven Pros

After 30 days of testing, this appliance impressed me in many ways. It’s more than just a simple oven; it’s an integrated cooking system that delivered on nearly all its promises.

✅ Unmatched Cooking Versatility
The ability to steam, air fry, sous vide, bake, roast, and toast in a single unit is incredible. This appliance successfully replaces multiple kitchen gadgets, making it a true kitchen workhorse. My tests confirmed it handles everything from delicate steamed fish and fluffy baked bread to perfectly crispy fries with ease.

✅ Juicy Results with a Crispy Finish
The COMBO mode, which masterfully uses both steam + air fry convection, is the hero feature. It consistently produced food that was moist and tender on the inside with a perfectly browned and crispy exterior—a result that is notoriously difficult to achieve with a standard air fryer or conventional oven. My roasted chicken was the best proof of this.

✅ Hassle-Free Air Sous Vide
Nuwave’s bag-free Air Sous Vide function is a legitimate game-changer. It delivers the precise, low-temperature cooking of traditional sous vide without the need for a water circulator or wasteful plastic bags. This makes a high-end cooking technique easy and accessible for everyday meals, and my edge-to-edge medium-rare steak was tender perfection.

✅ Healthy, Non-Toxic Construction
I love the peace of mind that comes from knowing the entire oven cavity and all included accessories are made from non-toxic, PFAS-free stainless steel. This is a significant advantage over many non-stick appliances, ensuring no harmful chemicals are leaching into your food during the cooking process.

✅ Genuinely Easy to Clean
Thanks to the steam function and dishwasher-safe accessories, cleanup is remarkably simple. Running a quick steam cycle loosens any baked-on messes, and the stainless steel interior resists staining and odors. The removable drip tray catches any runoff effectively, making the whole process quick and painless.

✅ Extensive and Useful Preset Library
With 120 built-in presets, the oven truly takes the guesswork out of cooking. I found presets for everything from roasting a whole chicken to baking a sandwich, and they delivered reliable and delicious results. This makes it easy for even beginner home cooks to achieve gourmet cooking results right out of the box.

✅ Precise Temperature and Moisture Control
The ability to adjust the temperature in 1°F increments and control the humidity from 10% to 90% gives you an unparalleled level of control. This intelligent moisture management is what allows you to gently steam vegetables one moment and create a perfectly crisp crust the next.

✅ Excellent Toasting Function
It might seem like a small thing, but this oven makes fantastic toast. By using a combination of steam and heat, it produces toast that is crisp on the outside but still soft and moist inside, far superior to what a dry-coil toaster can do. It revitalizes day-old bagels and pastries beautifully.

❌ What Could Be Better: Nuwave Combi Steam Oven Cons

No appliance is perfect, and the Nuwave Combi is no exception. While its performance is stellar, there are a few practical considerations to be aware of. These are minor limitations, not deal-breakers, for the right user.

❌ Significant Countertop Footprint
This is not a small appliance. With its generous 16-quart capacity, the Nuwave Combi is noticeably larger and heavier than most standalone air fryers. It requires a dedicated spot on your counter with adequate ventilation, which could be a challenge in smaller kitchens or apartments.
Workaround: Before purchasing, measure your space carefully (Dimensions: 14.75″D x 13.88″W x 14.88″H). Ensure you have at least a few inches of clearance on all sides and above, especially from under-cabinet lighting.

❌ Slight Learning Curve for Advanced Features
While basic functions are intuitive, mastering the multi-stage cooking programs and customizing your own presets requires spending some time with the instruction manual. The sheer number of options can feel a bit overwhelming when you first unbox it.
Workaround: My advice is to start simple. Use the main presets for the first week to get a feel for the oven’s power and cooking speed. Once you’re comfortable, then dive into creating your own custom cooking cycles.

❌ Fan Can Be Noticeably Loud
During high-temperature air frying or long combo cooks, the convection fan is definitely audible. While I found it to be no louder than a typical microwave oven, it’s not whisper-quiet. This might be a consideration for those with open-plan living spaces or who are particularly sensitive to noise.
Workaround: This is a common trait for powerful countertop convection ovens. Placing the oven on a sturdy, level surface can help minimize any vibrations and associated noise.

Nuwave Combi Steam Oven vs. Alternatives: How Does It Compare?

The Nuwave Combi Steam Oven carves out a unique space by blending premium features from multiple appliance categories. Its primary advantage over most competitors is its effective integration of adjustable steam with powerful convection air frying and sous vide functionality.

1. Nuwave Combi vs. Cuisinart Convection Steam Oven
The Cuisinart CSO-300N has been a reliable workhorse in the steam oven category for years. It excels at steam-baking breads and pastries but lacks the Nuwave’s precise moisture control, powerful air frying capability, and built-in bagless sous vide function. The Nuwave Combi Steam Oven is a more modern, feature-rich appliance that offers far more versatility. The Cuisinart is a solid, more budget-friendly choice for users who prioritize baking over all-in-one functionality.

2. Nuwave Combi vs. Tovala Smart Oven Pro
The Tovala Smart Oven Pro is a fantastic appliance built around an ecosystem of scannable, pre-packaged meals. It’s incredibly convenient for those who use its meal service, as it automates the cooking process completely. However, the Nuwave Combi offers far more manual control, a significantly larger 16-quart capacity, and a true sous vide function, making it the better choice for home cooks who enjoy creating their own recipes from scratch. The Nuwave is a culinary tool; the Tovala is a meal solution system.

Is the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven Worth the Money? Value Analysis

The Nuwave Combi Steam Oven sits in the premium countertop appliance category, and whether it’s worth the money depends entirely on your cooking habits and goals. If you are looking for a simple, cheap air fryer just to make frozen fries and chicken nuggets, this oven is definitely overkill.

However, if you are seeking a single appliance that can legitimately replace your air fryer, toaster, and steamer, and also introduce you to the world of sous vide cooking, then it presents a compelling value proposition. Its ability to produce juicy, flavorful food that is difficult to replicate with other single appliances helps justify its cost for culinary enthusiasts. The construction is solid stainless steel, suggesting good long-term durability.

When you consider the cost of buying a separate high-quality air fryer, a sous vide circulator, and a good toaster oven, the price of the Nuwave Combi becomes much more reasonable. It is a kitchen solution that solves the problem of kitchen clutter while simultaneously elevating the quality of your home-cooked meals.

Verdict: For the home cook who values versatility, performance, and healthy cooking, the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven is absolutely worth the investment. It’s a powerful and innovative tool that consolidates your kitchen and delivers on its promise of gourmet-quality food.

FAQs: Common Questions About the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven

Here are answers to some of the most common questions potential buyers have about this versatile appliance.

Can the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven replace an air fryer?

Yes, absolutely. The Nuwave Combi not only functions as an excellent air fryer but, in many cases, improves upon it. Its dedicated “Ultimate Air Fryer” mode provides incredibly crispy results with little to no oil. More importantly, the COMBO mode, which adds steam to the process, prevents food from drying out. This results in fried foods (like chicken wings) that are much crispier on the outside and far juicier on the inside than what most standard air fryers can achieve.

How do you clean the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven?

Cleaning is very straightforward and one of its best features. The easiest method is to run a short steam cycle after cooking to loosen any grease or food residue. Then, once cooled, simply wipe the stainless steel interior with a damp cloth. The Air Fry Basket, Stainless Steel Tray, Heavy-Duty Cooking Rack, and Drip Tray are all 100% dishwasher-safe for an easy cleanup solution.

Is the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven PFAS-free?

Yes, the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven is constructed with a non-toxic, PFAS-free stainless steel interior and accessories. This is a significant health and safety advantage over many appliances that use chemical non-stick coatings, ensuring no harmful materials are released into your food during cooking.

What is Air Sous Vide and does it require bags?

Air Sous Vide is Nuwave’s innovative feature that mimics traditional sous vide cooking without requiring vacuum-sealed bags or a water bath. It uses highly precise temperature control (adjustable in 1°F increments) and adjustable humidity (10-90%) to create a consistent, low-temperature, high-moisture environment. This cooks food gently and evenly, locking in flavor and tenderness for perfectly consistent results.

How does the COMBO mode work?

The COMBO mode simultaneously uses steam and air fry (convection) technology to cook food. You can set the steam percentage and the temperature to achieve a perfect balance for any dish. The steam infuses the food with moisture, keeping it tender and juicy, while the circulating hot air creates a delicious, crispy exterior. This is the ideal setting for roasting meats, baking artisan bread, or reheating leftovers to taste as good as when they were first made.

What is the capacity of the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven?

The oven has a generous 16-quart capacity. My testing confirmed this is large enough to cook a 5-lb roast, a whole spatchcock chicken, toast four thick slices of bread, or cook a family-sized portion of vegetables or fries. While it’s very roomy for a countertop appliance, you may still need to cook in batches for very large family gatherings.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven? Who It’s Perfect For

After weeks of extensive testing, the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven earns a strong and enthusiastic recommendation, but it’s important to know who it’s for. Its unique ability to expertly combine steam and air frying in a single, powerful, and easy-to-clean unit makes it a standout appliance for the modern home cook. This is more than an oven; it’s a complete cooking station.

✅ Buy the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven if:
* You want an all-in-one appliance to reduce kitchen clutter and replace your air fryer, steamer, and toaster oven.
* You prioritize juicy, flavorful food and want to avoid the dry results common with standard air fryers.
* You are interested in healthy cooking methods like steaming and oil-free air frying to maintain nutrients.
* You want to experiment with advanced techniques like sous vide without buying extra, complicated equipment.
* You value non-toxic, PFAS-free cooking surfaces and want peace of mind about the materials touching your food.

❌ Skip the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven if:
* You have very limited counter space (remember to measure first!).
* You only need a basic air fryer for simple foods like frozen fries and nuggets.
* You are on a very tight budget and don’t need advanced features like steam or sous vide.

Better Alternative Recommendation
For those who primarily want a simple, high-quality air fryer without the complexity of steam, a dedicated basket-style fryer from a brand like Ninja might be a better fit. If your main interest is steam-assisted baking on a more limited budget, the Cuisinart Convection Steam Oven is a reliable and more affordable alternative, though it lacks the Nuwave’s versatility.

Final Call-to-Action
If you’re a culinary enthusiast or a health-conscious home cook looking for a single device that offers unparalleled versatility and delivers legitimate restaurant-quality results, the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven is one of the best and most innovative countertop appliances on the market in 2026. It is a worthy investment that will change the way you cook for the better.

Last update on 2026-03-10 at 18:35 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API