The Nuwave PIC Titanium Induction Cooktop promises a powerful and versatile cooking experience, boasting an impressive 8-inch induction coil designed for efficient heating even with larger cookware. Its sleek, modern design and portability are immediate draws, while the adjustable wattage and various heat settings suggest a level of control suitable for a range of culinary tasks. However, this review delves into the complexities of this appliance, exploring both its strengths and significant weaknesses.Initial tests showed promising results with larger pans, achieving even heat distribution. But the performance with smaller cookware proved inconsistent, revealing a crucial limitation. This review will dissect the cooktop's performance across different cooking scenarios, addressing temperature accuracy, simmering capabilities, and overall user experience. Ultimately, we'll determine whether the Nuwave PIC Titanium's innovative features outweigh its operational shortcomings.
Pros And Cons
- Large 8-inch coil maximizes cooking surface.
- Works with smaller pots (3.5 inches and larger).
- Can be used for sous vide cooking (tested with steak and creme).
- Muting option for beeps.
- Adjustable maximum wattage that stays in memory.
- Portable and easy to transport.
- Temperature sensor is not directly in contact with the pan, leading to inaccurate readings and overshooting.
- Unexpected power cycling at various times (boiling, deep frying).
- Boil-to-simmer function is problematic, often resulting in almost no power.
- Shared button for timer and wattage adjustment is inconvenient.
- Buttons may have a limited lifespan (membrane keypad).
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Induction Coil and Cooking Surface
The Nuwave PIC Titanium boasts an 8-inch induction coil, a significant selling point. The coil's spaced-out design, similar to the Breville Control Freak, maximizes the magnetic field's reach for efficient heating. This translates to excellent performance even with larger cookware.
I tested it with a 12-inch pan and achieved even heating, particularly when using ghee to spread heat distribution. The large cooking surface area makes this cooktop ideal for various dishes.
Compatibility with Smaller Cookware
While advertised to work with 3-inch pots, my experience was mixed. A small butter warmer worked intermittently, experiencing errors and power cycling. However, a 3.5-inch Stanley camping pot and my Italian moka pot functioned decently well.
This suggests compatibility might depend on the specific cookware's base and weight. The inconsistency with smaller items is a noticeable drawback.
Controls and Functionality
The control panel features low, medium, medium-high, high, and sear settings, each corresponding to specific wattage outputs (approx. 500W, 900W, 1200W, 1400W, and 1600W respectively). The wattage can be adjusted, but the temperature settings trigger the same wattage, leading to cycling once the target temperature is reached.
A shared button for timer and maximum wattage is inconvenient. However, the ability to mute the beeps is a welcome feature.
Temperature Control and Issues
The temperature sensor's location beneath the glass leads to some latency and inaccuracy. Temperature overshooting is common, requiring adjustments. The unexpected power cycling during boiling and deep frying, as well as the inability to maintain a simmer, are significant flaws.
The boil-to-simmer issue is particularly frustrating. Reducing the heat to a simmer setting results in almost no power, making it impossible to achieve a consistent simmer.
Sous Vide Capabilities and Design
Despite its drawbacks, the cooktop performs adequately for low-temperature, steady-state cooking. I successfully sous vide a steak and a crème. The exterior design is sleek and modern, resembling Darth Vader, but the buttons feel surprisingly satisfying to use despite their potentially limited lifespan.
The textured ceramic glass top is a nice touch. The ventilation design and the unique six-footed design, with only three feet sitting flush, are noteworthy features. Its portability is a plus.
Conclusion
The Nuwave PIC Titanium induction cooktop is a mixed bag. The large cooking surface and sous vide capabilities are impressive. However, issues with temperature accuracy, unexpected power cycling, and the inability to simmer effectively severely hamper its overall usability.
While it might suit certain cooking styles, especially low-temperature tasks, the inconsistencies make it a less desirable option compared to alternatives that offer more reliable performance and control. Consider your needs carefully before purchasing.