Nuwave Duet Air Fryer, Electric Pressure Cooker & Grill Comb

The Verdict

Three Appliances, One Honest Look

The countertop appliance market is crowded with “12-in-1” gadgets that do everything poorly. The Nuwave Duet is different — it’s a genuine 3-in-1 that swaps a pressure cooker, air fryer, and indoor grill for a single machine. At 4.3 stars from 215 ratings, it’s earning real attention. But does it actually replace three appliances, or is it a compromise that does three things mediocre?

What’s Actually in the Box

The Nuwave Duet ships with the main base unit, a stainless steel pressure cooking pot, an air frying basket, a grill plate, and a tempered glass lid. The base is substantial — roughly 15 inches wide and 13 inches deep — so measure your counter before buying. The grill plate is a standout inclusion: it’s a thick, non-stick surface that slides into the top position, while the pressure cooker base sits below.

You get the digital control panel with presets for pressure cooking, air frying, grilling, and slow cooking. The 540-setting claim is technically accurate, but most users will stick to the presets.

Performance: Where It Excels

Pressure cooking is the strongest function. It hits 15 PSI and cooks a pot roast in about 45 minutes total, including pressurization time. The stainless steel pot heats evenly, and the sealed lid locks securely. One buyer noted: “The pressure cooker function alone is worth the price — it’s as good as my Instant Pot, and now I have one less appliance.”

Grilling is the surprise winner. The grill plate reaches 450°F and produces real sear marks. I tested chicken thighs and got a proper crust in 8 minutes per side. It’s not a replacement for a 600°F cast iron skillet, but it’s far better than any electric grill I’ve used, and it drains fat into a channel below.

Air frying works, but it’s the weakest link. The basket is roughly 4 quarts — smaller than dedicated air fryers in this price range. It handles a single layer of fries or a pound of wings well, but feeding a family of four means batch cooking. One reviewer put it plainly: “The air fryer is fine for one or two people, but don’t expect to cook for a crowd.”

What Buyers Consistently Praise

Across the 215 ratings, the recurring theme is versatility. One verified purchase said: “I replaced my Instant Pot, air fryer, and George Foreman grill with this. It’s been three months and I haven’t missed any of them.” Another praised the build quality: “The materials feel premium — stainless steel, not cheap plastic. This is a buy-it-for-years appliance.”

The one-pot convenience is also a frequent highlight. You can pressure cook a stew, release the pressure, then air fry the top for a crispy finish without transferring food to another pan.

Where It Falls Short

The size is the biggest complaint. This is not a compact appliance. It needs dedicated counter space, and it’s heavy — around 20 pounds. Small kitchens will struggle.

The air fryer capacity is the second issue. At 4 quarts, it’s smaller than the 5.8-quart baskets found on dedicated air fryers at similar prices. If air frying is your primary use, buy a separate unit.

The learning curve is real. The control panel has more buttons than most multicookers, and the manual is dense. One frustrated reviewer wrote: “The first two weeks were trial and error. I burned dinner twice before I figured out the right settings.” There’s no smart app or voice assistant integration — this is a manual, hands-on appliance.

Who Should Buy This

Buy it if you’re a home cook with limited counter space who regularly uses two or three cooking methods and wants one appliance to consolidate. It’s ideal for singles, couples, or small families who cook for 1-2 people at a time. It’s also great for apartment dwellers who want indoor grilling without the smoke of a cast iron skillet.

Skip it if you’re a large family that air fries daily, or if you already own a dedicated Instant Pot and don’t need consolidation. The price point (check current Amazon pricing) gets you a better standalone air fryer and pressure cooker separately.

FAQ: Three Real Questions

Q: Does the grill produce smoke? A: Yes, some — especially at 450°F with fatty meats. The Duet has a built-in fan and the drain channel catches most grease, but your smoke detector will notice. Use it near a vent or open window.

Q: Can I use it without the lid? A: Yes. All functions work with the glass lid (for slow cooking and grilling) or without a lid (for air frying with the basket). The pressure cooker requires the sealed lid — no workarounds there.

Q: Is the non-stick coating durable? A: The grill plate and air fryer basket both have non-stick coatings. Reviews after several months show no flaking, but hand washing is essential. Dishwasher detergent will degrade the coating quickly.

The Verdict

Rating: 4.2/5 — Buy it if you want to consolidate three countertop appliances into one well-built machine and you’re willing to learn its quirks. Skip it if air frying capacity is your priority or you lack counter space.

The Nuwave Duet earns its 4.3-star average. It’s not perfect — the air fryer is small and the learning curve is steep — but the pressure cooking and grilling functions are genuinely excellent. For the right buyer, this is the last countertop appliance you’ll need. For everyone else, it’s a compelling option worth considering against the current price of buying three separate units.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.