Okay, let’s be real – I practically live in my kitchen. My friends tease me, calling me the “Kitchen Queen,” but hey, I love to cook! That’s why I’m always hunting for those game-changing gadgets that make life easier, faster, and, well, tastier. Induction cooking has been on my radar for ages, so when the NuWave New Year Mega Savings PIC Gold landed on my countertop, I was ready to put it through its paces.
Right off the bat, the NuWave PIC Gold has a certain something. Sleek, modern, with those gold accents that just pop – it looks good. The ceramic cooktop feels solid, like it can handle whatever I throw at it, and cleaning? A total breeze so far. The best part? Plug and play, baby! No need to call in an electrician or spend hours deciphering instructions.
Now, if you’re scratching your head about “induction,” here’s the lowdown. Instead of heating the surface of the cooktop, it uses magnets to heat the pan directly. Think of it as cooking with magic! The promise? Faster heating, pinpoint temperature control, and less energy wasted. NuWave boasts all of this, but would it live up to the hype? Time to find out.
So, I dove in. First up: pasta night. Boiling water is usually a drag, right? Not with this thing. Seriously, I almost missed the moment! It was way faster than my old electric range – we’re talking practically warp speed.
Next challenge: cream sauce. Anyone who’s made one knows the struggle – constant stirring, hovering like a hawk to prevent scorching. Here’s where the NuWave really shone. That precise temperature control, adjustable by a measly 10°F, was a revelation. I dialed it down to a gentle simmer, and the sauce stayed perfect. No burning, no frantic whisking. I actually left the stove for a few minutes to grab something from the fridge! A true miracle.
And safety? Huge bonus. The cooktop stays relatively cool, which is a godsend with my curious cat, Mittens. She loves exploring, and now I don’t have to worry about her burning her paws.
But the real test? Taking it on a weekend RV trip. Talk about a game-changer! It didn’t turn the whole RV into a sauna like the propane stove, and I whipped up some amazing meals without the stress of an open flame. Win-win!
Here’s the breakdown:
The Good Stuff:
- Speed Demon: Boils water faster than you can say “al dente.”
- Temperature Master: Cream sauces? No sweat.
- Safe and Sound: Cool surface = peace of mind.
- Road Trip Ready: Perfect for small spaces and adventures.
- Clean Freak’s Dream: Wipes down in seconds.
- Eco-Friendly: Saves energy, saves the planet (a little bit).
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
- Pan-tastic Requirement: You gotta have induction-compatible cookware. Might mean a shopping trip.
- Knob Snobbery: Some might prefer fancy touch controls. I’m okay with the knob, but you do you.
My Honest Take?
I’m hooked. The NuWave PIC Gold Induction Cooktop has earned a permanent spot in my kitchen and my RV. It’s fast, it’s smart, and that temperature control is a chef’s dream. Yes, you’ll need the right cookware, but trust me, it’s worth it. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just learning the ropes, this cooktop is a winner.
Final Verdict: 4.5 out of 5 stars. Seriously, go get one. You won’t regret it.