If you’re tired of uneven heating, skyrocketing energy bills, or kitchens that feel like saunas in summer, you need the Nuwave induction cooker in your life. I switched to it a couple of years ago, and it completely changed how I cook every day.
It’s fast, precise, safe, and surprisingly affordable for what it delivers. Trust me—you’ll wonder why you didn’t make the move sooner.
My Experience With The Nuwave Induction Cooker
I still remember the day my Nuwave PIC Gold arrived.
My old gas stove was driving me crazy—flames flaring up unpredictably, pots taking forever to boil, and the whole kitchen heating up even on cool days.
I wanted something better, especially since I cook a lot from scratch.
After reading around, I settled on the Nuwave because of its reputation for precision and portability.
When I unboxed it, I was impressed by how sleek it looked. The shatter-proof ceramic glass surface felt premium, and the controls were straightforward—big buttons, clear display, no confusing menus.
I plugged it in on my countertop, grabbed my cast iron skillet (thankfully, it was compatible), and decided to test it with something simple: boiling water for pasta.
You won’t believe how fast it was. From cold to rolling boil in under three minutes. On my old stove, that took twice as long. The heat was instant and even—no hot spots, no waiting for the burner to catch up.
I set it to 375°F for searing steaks that night, and the results were restaurant-quality. The crust was perfect, the inside juicy, all because I could dial in the exact temperature.
Over the months, I’ve used it for everything. Mornings start with eggs at a low 200°F— they come out creamy without sticking or overcooking. I’ve simmered sauces for hours on the warm setting without scorching the bottom once.
During summer, when I refuse to turn on the oven, I’ve baked brownies in a small induction-safe dish right on the cooktop using the low wattage mode. It’s been a lifesaver for canning too—I process jars of pickles and jams with perfect control.
What I love most is how it fits my lifestyle. I move it around easily: countertop for daily meals, patio for grilling sides without smoke, even to my parent’s house for holidays when their kitchen gets crowded. It’s lightweight but sturdy, and the 12-inch heat-resistant surface handles my biggest pots without issue.
Of course, it took me a week or two to get used to the fan hum—it’s there to keep things cool—but now I barely notice it. And yes, I had to check my cookware; a couple of aluminum pans wouldn’t work, so I invested in a few magnetic ones.
But once I did, everything clicked. This little machine has made cooking fun again. I experiment more, waste less food from burnt mistakes, and save time every single day. If you’re on the fence, just go for it—you’ll feel the difference from your very first meal.
The Pros That Make The Nuwave Stand Out
I’ve owned my Nuwave for long enough now to know what truly sets it apart. Let me walk you through the advantages that keep me reaching for it every time I cook.
- Unmatched Precision in Temperature Control
You and I both know how frustrating it is when a recipe calls for medium heat and your stove decides to interpret that however it wants.
With the Nuwave, that’s gone. I love the 52 temperature settings ranging from 100°F to 575°F in small increments.
Need exactly 185°F for tempering chocolate? Done.
Want 425°F for a quick sear? It hits it spot on and holds steady.
This precision means I can replicate results perfectly. My fried rice turns out the same every weekend, my homemade yogurt sets at the ideal low temp without fail, and delicate tasks like making caramel don’t end in disaster. You feel like a pro because the tool actually listens to you.
- Speed That Saves You Time
Time in the kitchen is precious, right?
The Nuwave boils water faster than anything I’ve used before. I timed it once— a full pot from tap cold to boil in about four minutes on high. That’s because induction heats the pan directly through magnetic fields, not wasting energy on the air around it.
I use this speed for quick weeknight meals. Sautéing vegetables takes seconds to get hot, pasta water is ready before I’ve finished chopping, and bringing stocks to simmer happens almost instantly. You get dinner on the table quicker, which means more time for what matters.
- Energy Efficiency You’ll Notice on Your Bill
I was skeptical at first, but my electric bill dropped noticeably after switching. Induction uses up to 70% less energy than traditional electric coils because nothing is wasted heating a burner that then heats the pan. The Nuwave’s wattage options—600, 900, 1500 or higher on some models—let you choose exactly how much power you need.
In low mode, it’s perfect for gentle simmering without spiking usage. I cook outdoors in summer to keep the house cool, and the efficiency means I don’t worry about draining power. You save money and feel good about using less energy.
- Safety Features That Give Peace of Mind
Cooking with kids or pets around used to stress me out. Open flames or hot coils? No thank you. The Nuwave surface stays cool to the touch except right under the pan. Spill something? It doesn’t burn on instantly like a regular stove.
It auto-shuts off if no pan is detected or if you lift the pot for too long. Overheat protection kicks in automatically. I accidentally left it on once after removing a pan, and it turned itself off—no danger, no wasted electricity. You can cook confidently, knowing accidents are minimized.
- Portability and Ease of Storage
This is huge for me. The Nuwave is compact and light enough to carry with one hand. I store it in a cabinet when not needed, pull it out for extra burner space during parties, or take it camping. The long cord helps with placement.
You can use it in dorms, RVs, small apartments—anywhere outlets are available. No installation required, just plug and go.
- Simple Cleanup That Feels Effortless
Flat glass surface? Game changer. Spills wipe away with a damp cloth while it’s still warm (but safe to touch). No grates to scrub, no burners to dismantle. I use a mild cleaner occasionally for stuck-on bits, and it’s spotless in minutes.
You spend less time cleaning and more time eating.
The Cons I’ve Encountered Along the Way
No product is perfect, and I’ve run into a few drawbacks with my Nuwave that you should know about.
- Cookware Compatibility Requirements
This is the biggest adjustment.
Induction only works with magnetic bottoms—cast iron, some stainless steel, enameled iron.
My old aluminum and copper pans? Useless on it.
I tested everything with a magnet when I first got it and replaced a few pieces.
It’s an upfront cost, but once you have the right pans, you’re set.
You might need to do the same.
- Fan Noise During Operation
There’s a cooling fan that runs while cooking, and it can be noticeable, especially on higher settings. It’s not deafening, but if you’re sensitive to white noise or cooking late at night, you’ll hear it.
I’ve gotten used to it—now it’s just background—but initially, it bothered me more than expected.
- Occasional Power Cycling on Lower Settings
To maintain exact temperatures, especially low ones, the unit sometimes cycles power on and off. You might hear a click or notice slight pulsing.
It doesn’t affect cooking results much, but if you’re used to constant heat, it feels different. I barely notice anymore.
- Limited Cooking Surface for Very Large Pans
While the heating coil is generous (8 inches on many models), extremely oversized pans might have uneven heating at the edges. My 12-inch skillet works fine, but anything bigger could be iffy.
You mostly cook with standard sizes anyway, so it’s rarely an issue.
Also Read: Is Dash Mini Rice Cooker Worth It?
Maintenance Tips For Keeping Your Nuwave Performing Like New
Taking care of your Nuwave is straightforward, but doing it right extends its life dramatically. Here are the practices I follow religiously.
- Daily Cleaning Routine
After every use, I unplug and let it cool slightly. Then I wipe the glass with a soft damp cloth or paper towel. Food spills come off easily if addressed quickly.
For oily residue, a drop of dish soap on the cloth does wonders. You avoid buildup that could affect performance.
- Handling Stubborn Stains or Spills
If something burns on—rare but happens—I use a ceramic cooktop cleaner or a mix of baking soda and water. Apply, let sit a few minutes, then gently scrub with a non-abrasive pad.
Never use steel wool or harsh chemicals; they scratch the glass. You keep that shiny surface looking brand new.
- Proper Storage Practices
When not in use, I store it upright in a dry cabinet, cord wrapped loosely to avoid kinks. I keep it away from extreme heat or moisture.
A soft cover or the original box protects from dust. You prevent accidental damage this way.
- Ventilation and Placement Tips
Always use it on a stable, flat surface with space around for airflow. The fan needs room to breathe.
I avoid covering vents or placing near walls that block circulation. You prevent overheating issues before they start.
- Checking Cookware Bottoms Regularly
Flat, clean pan bottoms ensure best contact and efficiency. I inspect mine for warping or debris.
A quick wipe of the pan bottom before placing prevents scratches on the glass. You maintain optimal heat transfer.
- Troubleshooting Minor Issues
If error codes appear, I consult the manual—usually it’s no pan detected or overheating. Unplugging for a minute often resets.
I keep the unit dust-free underneath occasionally by wiping the base. You catch small problems early.
Following these habits, my Nuwave still works perfectly after heavy daily use. Good maintenance means years of reliable service.
Also Read: Is PowerXL StirMax Multi-Cooker Worth It?
Comparing Nuwave To Other Brands
I’ve tried or researched several induction options, so let me share how the Nuwave stacks up directly.
- Nuwave Versus Duxtop
Duxtop models often boil water a touch faster in tests and have slightly more consistent power delivery without as much cycling. Their controls feel modern with touch screens.
But I prefer Nuwave’s finer temperature increments and programmable features. The larger coil on Nuwave handles bigger pans better, and the build feels more durable long-term. You get more versatility with Nuwave for varied cooking styles.
- Nuwave Against Breville Control Freak
Breville’s high-end unit is incredibly precise with probe control and ultra-fine adjustments—perfect for serious chefs. It maintains temps within a degree or two flawlessly.
That precision comes at triple the price or more. For everyday home cooking, Nuwave delivers 90% of the performance at a fraction of the cost. You save significantly without sacrificing much.
- Nuwave Compared to Hamilton Beach Portable Models
Hamilton Beach offers budget-friendly portables that work decently for basic tasks. They’re lighter and cheaper.
Nuwave wins on power options, temperature range, and safety features. The glass surface and coil size make a noticeable difference in even heating. You invest a bit more upfront for clearly better results.
- Nuwave Facing Off Against IKEA’s Tillreda
IKEA’s compact unit is ultra-portable and inexpensive, great for minimalists or occasional use.
Nuwave provides far superior control and power. The programming and wider temp range make complex recipes easier. You choose Nuwave when cooking is a regular passion.
Overall, Nuwave hits the sweet spot for most home cooks—excellent features without excessive cost.
Also Read: Is Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker Pro Worth It?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes—they excel at precise, efficient, safe cooking with fast heat-up and easy cleanup.
It requires magnetic cookware and can produce fan noise during use.
Reliability varies, but Nuwave consistently earns praise for durability and performance alongside brands like Duxtop.
Anything in non-magnetic cookware (like pure aluminum or copper) won’t heat, but all foods themselves are fine.
Final Thoughts On The Nuwave Induction Cooker
After years of daily use, I can confidently say the Nuwave induction cooker is worth every penny. It makes cooking faster, safer, more precise, and even enjoyable.
If you’re ready to upgrade your kitchen game without breaking the bank or dealing with outdated tech, get yourself a Nuwave. You’ll thank yourself every time you turn it on.