Nuwave PIC GOLD Countertop Burner Review
Our verdict
The Nuwave PIC Gold is a 1500W induction cooktop with a ceramic glass surface and touch controls, priced at $83.99, and it holds a strong 4.5-star average across more than 4,300 reviews. It lands in a sweet spot of performance and price for anyone upgrading from a basic coil burner.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Home cooks who want a proven, well-reviewed induction burner with a clean ceramic surface and precise touch controls at a reasonable price. It works well as a primary burner in a small apartment or as a reliable secondary burner in a full kitchen.
Skip if
Skip it if you need maximum wattage: at 1500W it falls 300W short of the top single-burner options. Buyers needing the fastest possible boiling times may prefer a 1800W model.
- Wattage 1500 W
- Material Ceramic
- Controls Touch
- Color Black
- Dimensions 12 X 14.25 X 4.5 In
- Voltage 120 Volts
- Priced 18% above the category median ($70.99 across 57 tracked models)
- Wattage of 1500 W - lower than 62% of the 57 models we track
Pros
- Strong 4.5-star average across more than 4,300 reviews
- Ceramic glass surface is easy to wipe clean
- Touch controls keep the top flat and hygienic
- Established track record at a $83.99 price point
- Standard 120V operation with no special wiring needed
Cons
- 1500W output is 300W below the top single-burner models
- Touch controls may frustrate cooks accustomed to knobs for fast heat adjustments
- 4.5-in height is taller than flat-profile competitors
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.5/5
4.5 average across 4,300 owner ratings
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Popularity3.7/5
4,300 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other air fryers, deep fryers, indoor grills, griddles and countertop cooking appliances we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Specifications
- Wattage
- 1500 W
- Material
- Ceramic
- Controls
- Touch
- Color
- Black
- Dimensions
- 12 X 14.25 X 4.5 In
- Voltage
- 120 Volts
Overview
The PIC Gold's 1500W output is strong enough for most everyday cooking tasks, from simmering sauces to boiling pasta. It is not the most powerful single-zone induction cooktop available, but 1500W at 120V on a standard US outlet handles the majority of home cooking without issue. The ceramic glass cooking surface keeps cleanup simple, a feature that contributes to high buyer satisfaction across induction cooktops generally.
Touch controls let you step through power or temperature settings without any physical dials that accumulate grease. The unit measures 12 x 14.25 x 4.5 in, which is a standard single-burner footprint that fits neatly on most counters without dominating the workspace. The 4.5-in height is taller than some flat-profile induction units, which may be a factor if counter clearance above is limited.
At $83.99 and backed by over 4,300 reviews with a 4.5-star rating, this model has a long, verified track record. That depth of feedback gives buyers substantially more confidence than newer models with only dozens of reviews at similar price points.
Performance notes
At 1500W the PIC Gold boils water and heats pans promptly, though not as quickly as 1800W alternatives. Induction heats only compatible magnetic cookware, so the ceramic surface itself remains relatively cool during cooking, reducing burn risks. Touch controls step through settings in increments, which suits precise cooking tasks like maintaining a gentle simmer. The 12 x 14.25 in footprint accommodates most standard pots and pans without overhang.
What buyers say
A 4.5-star average from over 4,300 reviewers is one of the more reliable signals in this product category. The volume of feedback makes it unlikely that the rating is skewed by a small sample. Buyers at this price range typically evaluate boiling speed, surface durability, and ease of controls, and the sustained high rating suggests the PIC Gold performs acceptably across all three.
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Frequently asked questions
Is 1500W enough for everyday cooking on the Nuwave PIC Gold?
For most home cooking tasks, yes. Boiling water, sauteing, simmering, and stir-frying all work reliably at 1500W. The difference from 1800W becomes noticeable mainly in how quickly you reach a full boil with a large pot of water. If speed is a top priority, a 1800W model may be worth the premium.
What cookware works with the Nuwave PIC Gold?
Only magnetic cookware is compatible. This includes most cast iron and magnetic stainless steel pots and pans. Copper, aluminum, and regular glass cookware will not heat on an induction surface. A simple magnet test on the base of your pan will confirm compatibility.
How do the touch controls compare to a knob burner?
Touch controls allow you to set specific power levels by pressing buttons rather than continuously rotating a dial. This is precise for holding a steady temperature but can feel slower to adjust during fast-paced cooking compared to spinning a knob. Whether this matters depends on your cooking style.