Nuwave Combi Steam Oven Review: Versatile Multi-Cooker Worth It?

Using the NuWave Combi has given us a fresh perspective on multitasking kitchen appliances. This all-in-one cooker handles everything from air frying to sous vide with solid precision, making it a flexible addition to our countertop. We found it especially useful when preparing meals that benefit from both steam and crisping techniques, though the size feels best suited for medium portions rather than large roasts.

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The oven’s controls are intuitive, supported by numerous presets that often take the guesswork out of cooking. While it performs well overall, the build quality doesn’t quite match higher-end models we’ve used, and it isn’t large enough for some family-sized meals. Cleaning is straightforward thanks to stainless surfaces and dishwasher-safe parts.

Bottom Line

If you want a versatile kitchen tool that can simplify cooking various dishes, the NuWave Combi is worth considering. Its precise temperature control and multiple cooking modes offer good value for everyday use. Check it out here to see if it fits your cooking needs.

Overview: Nuwave Combi Steam Oven, 16Qt All-in-One Stainless Steel Multi-Cooker

We found this multi-cooker blends several cooking methods into one compact unit, balancing steam, air fry, and sous vide effectively. The adjustable temperature and moisture controls provide precise results, especially when steaming or sous vide cooking.

The size fits daily family meals but isn’t suited for large roasts like a full turkey. Controls and presets simplify cooking, though the build feels less robust compared to some premium brands. Cleaning is straightforward thanks to the stainless steel interior and dishwasher-safe parts.

Pros:

• Versatile cooking modes
• Precise temperature control
• Large capacity for most family needs

Cons:

• Not ideal for very large meals
• Build quality could be sturdier

Overall, it’s a practical choice for those wanting multiple cooking functions in one appliance without needing extra gadgets.

Simultaneous Steam and Air Fry Cooking

Combining steam with air frying in one step changes how we approach cooking. Using the combo mode, we found foods come out with moist interiors and crispy exteriors, which usually take separate cooking stages. Adjusting steam levels allows us to control moisture, preventing dryness while still achieving a satisfying crunch.

The balance between steam and hot air works well for chicken and vegetables but can require some experimentation to get timing just right. One drawback is that excessive steam can soften crispness if not managed carefully. Overall, the simultaneous cooking function saves time and reduces the need for multiple appliances, making meal prep more efficient without sacrificing texture.

Precision Sous Vide Technology

We found the sous vide function to be impressively accurate, maintaining steady temperatures with minimal fluctuations. This precision helps achieve evenly cooked results, especially with proteins that require consistent heat over long periods.

The ability to adjust both temperature and steam ratio offers control over texture and moisture, which is useful for different recipes. However, the water reservoir size means longer cooking times require refilling, which can interrupt the process.

Overall, the combination of precise heat control and moisture adjustment makes this model versatile for sous vide cooking, though managing water levels is a practical consideration to keep in mind.

Versatile Cooking Modes and Preset Programs

We found the range of cooking modes on this unit impressive. It handles everything from air frying and steaming to sous vide, offering a straightforward way to switch between methods without extra tools.

The preset programs simplify the process, especially for less common techniques like sous vide, but some menus can feel a bit overwhelming at first. Adjusting moisture and temperature lets us fine-tune results, though mastering all presets takes practice.

Pros:

• Wide selection of modes covers many cooking styles
• 120 presets help guide meal preparation
• Adjustable steam levels enhance texture control

Cons:

• Preset navigation can be complex initially
• Learning curve to optimize combo cooking features

Overall, the versatility supports diverse cooking needs, making it a useful tool for experimenting with different recipes.

Family-Sized Capacity

We appreciated how the 16-quart size handled meals for our entire family without crowding. It comfortably fits larger dishes and multiple items at once, cutting down on cooking rounds. This capacity is practical when preparing everything from a batch of air-fried wings to a full sous vide roast.

On the downside, the sizable interior makes the unit a bit bulky, requiring adequate counter space. Still, for those cooking for several people regularly, the room inside strikes a good balance between home use and larger gatherings.

Effortless Cleanup and User-Friendly Design

We found the NuWave’s stainless steel interior easy to wipe down after use. The detachable drip tray and water tank are dishwasher safe, which cuts down on cleanup time significantly.

The control panel is straightforward with a clear LED display and responsive touch buttons. Adjusting settings or selecting presets feels intuitive, even when juggling multiple cooking steps.

One minor downside is that the oven’s weight and size make it less convenient to move around for cleaning underneath. Still, the overall maintenance demands are low, fitting well into a busy kitchen routine.

Unique Benefits for Healthier Meals

Using this cooker, we noticed a clear difference in how meals retain moisture without extra oil. The steam function adds juiciness, while the air fry option crisps food with little to no fat, letting us enjoy familiar textures more healthfully.

Sous vide precision helps reduce fat content by gently melting it away, preserving flavor and tenderness. We appreciate the adjustable steam levels that let us control moisture, creating balanced dishes without overcooking.

What stood out:

• Less oil needed thanks to air frying
• Steam keeps veggies vibrant and nutrient-rich
• Sous vide avoids overcooking for better texture

On the downside, the compact size limits large batch cooking, but it’s great for everyday family meals focused on healthier choices.

Pros and Cons

Using this combi steam oven brought a mix of clear advantages and a few limitations that we found important to share.

Pros

The multi-function aspect stands out, allowing us to air fry, steam, sous vide, and toast all with one unit. We appreciated the precision in temperature control, especially when sous vide cooking, which consistently delivered tender and juicy results.

The large capacity handled family-sized meals well, and the 120 presets made cooking straightforward without complicated settings. Cleanup was easier than we expected since many parts are dishwasher-safe and the stainless steel interior wiped down smoothly.

The ability to combine steam and air frying gave our food a nice balance between crispness and moisture that’s tough to get elsewhere. It also cooks without added oil, which aligns well with healthier eating habits.

Cons

While compact, the oven’s size means it can’t fit larger items like a full turkey, limiting its use for some larger meals or occasions. Build quality is decent but doesn’t quite match higher-end brands, which may be noticeable over long-term use.

The control panel and preset system, although extensive, can feel a bit overwhelming at first and require some time to master for efficient use. We also noticed minor cosmetic imperfections on our unit that didn’t affect functionality but might concern buyers looking for a flawless finish.

Overall, it’s a versatile and reliable appliance with few downsides that mostly come down to size and initial learning curve.

Customer Reviews

We found the overall feedback for the Combi Steam Oven to be very positive. Most users appreciate the precision in temperature control, especially when using sous vide, which works reliably well. The variety of presets and cooking modes makes it convenient for everyday meals.

Some mention that the build quality feels slightly less premium compared to higher-end brands, and size-wise, it suits small to medium cooking tasks rather than large roasts or turkeys. A few have noted minor cosmetic issues, but these don’t impact performance.

Pros:

• Accurate temperature control
• Versatile cooking functions
• Compact size fits most kitchens

Cons:

• Not designed for large roasts
• Build quality could be better
• Occasional minor dents on arrival

Included Accessories and Recipe Inspiration

We found the accessories helpful for everyday use. The air fry basket and heavy-duty rack fit well inside, making it simple to switch between cooking methods without hassle. The stainless steel tray and dishwasher-safe drip tray made cleanup straightforward, which we appreciated after busy cooking sessions.

The recipe book offers a solid starting point, combining 51 recipes with 120 preset guides. It inspired us to try combos like steaming and air frying together, though some recipes felt basic. Still, it’s useful for learning how to get the most from the oven’s features without needing to guess settings.

Conclusion

After using the Nuwave Combi Steam Oven for several meals, we found it versatile and reliable for everyday cooking. The combination of steam, air frying, and sous vide helps achieve consistent results with minimal effort.

The size fits comfortably on most countertops, but it’s not suitable for larger dishes like whole turkeys. Its temperature controls are precise, especially in sous vide mode, which impressed us.

Some minor build quality issues appear compared to higher-end models, yet the value for multi-functionality is clear. Cleaning is straightforward thanks to the stainless steel interior and removable parts.

Pros:

• Accurate temperature control
• Multiple cooking presets
• Compact and space-saving

Cons:

• Not ideal for large capacity cooking
• Slightly less robust construction than premium brands

Overall, this multi-cooker suits those looking to simplify meal prep with a range of cooking methods in one appliance.