Nuwave Induction Cooktop is manufactured by Heartware Inc . There are five models: Nuwave PIC, PIC2, PIC PRO, PIC Flex, PIC Double. Heartware Inc created an amazing product which was improved over time to keep up with user requests.
I have read a buyer review that said “I’m not cooking anymore” and this is true because this portable induction cooktop has a lot of functions which allow you to program an entire cooking cycle.
I’m going to compare two popular models that people try to compare before buying to see if the price difference is worth it: Nuwave Induction Cooktop PIC2 and Nuwave PIC PRO.
PIC2 – Nuwave Precision Induction Cooktop 2
Nuwave Precision Induction Cooktop 2 (PIC2) is one of the most rich features portable induction cooktop in the market for home users. It has a LED Display and 10 controls: Start, Pause/Clear, Prog, Time, Low, Med Low, Med, Med High, High, Max/Sear. The last six controls refer to temperature setting and are positioned at hand, allowing you to easily access a specific temperature for cooking.
Low – for warm (100F)
Med Low – simmering (175 F)
Med – steam (275 F)
Med High – stir frying (375 F)
High – boil/sauté (425 F)
Max/Sear – fast boiling (525 F)
You can use 52 levels of temperatures from 100 F to 525 F. There is a step of 10 degrees which will help to achieve the desired temperature using the plus and minus buttons.
Nuwave Induction Cooktop PIC2 allows you to use a program time of 100 hours to create stages for cooking. The cooking stage concept will help you to not babysit the meal.
The item has six sensors which will help to diagnose problems that may occur while using it.
Pan Presence or Induction cookware check
Failure Sensor
Low Voltage Sensor
High Voltage
Over heating
Total Time Sensor
One safety feature that I like most is that spills won’t burn so the cooktop will be easy to clean and no smoke will be produced. You can find an in-depth analysis of this cooktop here and the buyer ratings here.
PIC PRO – Nuwave Induction Cooktop / Hot Plate
Nuwave Induction Cooktop PIC PRO is designed with power in mind. It has 1800 W power and can boil water in one minute.
NuWave PIC PRO
The manufacturer introduced the five minute step in adjusting the temperature so you can get closer to the temperature required by a recipe. The surface is now larger by a½ inch then NuWave PIC 2’s surface so you can use a pan with a bottom of 9 ½ inches (24.13 cm).
What is very good for customers is that the item comes with a two year total guarantee. See here what buyers are saying
For a clear picture of differences between NuWave Induction Cooktop PIC2 and NuWave PRO I created this table.
NuWave PIC2 | NuWavePRO | Notes |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Destination Use | Home use | Home use | |
Design/Color | Same/Black | Same/Black | |
Power source | 120V/60Hz, 30 amp circuit | 120V/60Hz, 30 amp circuit | |
Output power | 1300 W | 600-1800 W | |
Power Levels | NA | NA | NuWave is built around temp mode |
Temperature range | 100 F-575 F (38 C 320 C) | 100 F 575 F (38 C 320 C) | |
Temperature settings | 52 | 94 | Due to different steps for increment |
Temp step increment | 10 F | 5 F | |
Programmable Time | 6,000 min (1 min increment) | 6,000 min (1 min increment) | |
Function Lock | No | No | |
Warranty | 1 year | 2 years | + 1 year for PRO, |
Acoustic Warnings | No | No | When you remove the pan does it beep? |
Weight | 7 lbs (3.17 kg) | 7 lbs (3.17 kg) | |
Dimensions | 14.4 x 15.9 x 3.7 inches | 17.2 x 14.4 x 3.7 inches | |
Cord Length | 36 inches (90 cm) | 36 inches (90 cm) | |
Glass Cooktop Size | 9 inches (22.86 cm) | 9 ½ inches (24.3 cm) | |
Safety Sensors | |||
Induction Cookware Sensor | Yes | Yes | |
Internal Overheat Sensor | Yes | Yes | The cooling fan can break if not enough ventilation space |
Glass Cooktop Overheat | Yes | Yes | |
Incorrect Voltage | Yes | Yes | If the input voltage is higher than 144 V or lower than 85 V you get this error. |
Price (Amazon) | $$ | $$$ |
Conclusion
If you need a bigger cooking surface, a more precise temperature setting and a longer warranty you should go with NuWave PIC PRO. If you are not too picky you can go with NuWave PIC2 which is more light weight and has the same quality of materials and same sets of features and controls as NuWave PIC PRO.
Because there is a significant cost difference between them I would choose to buy two of Nuwave Induction Cooktop PIC2.
Update 2016: the price difference is now almost 10 usd. Now I would go with Nuwave Pic Pro
What would you do? I would like to hear your thoughts.
