Head-to-head · Best Compact Induction Cooktops

Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop vs NuWave PIC Gold Induction Cooktop

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about everyday home cooks seeking reliability — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Compact Induction Cooktops

Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop

4.5

6 sourcesall derived$116.99as of Sep 25

The Duxtop 9600LS stands out as a versatile and user-friendly portable induction cooktop with 20 power and temperature settings, excellent temperature consistency, and a clean all-glass interface. According to Wirecutter, it features a 10-hour timer and useful buttons like lock, boil, and warm that make it ideal for everyday cooking. While it's more expensive than budget options, its performance and usability justify the cost for regular users seeking reliable induction cooking.

Strengths

— 20 power and 20 temperature settings for precise control
— Maintains target temperature consistently with smooth simmering
— All-glass interface with bright, slightly angled LCD screen that's easy to read and clean, per Wirecutter

Watch-outs

— Higher price point compared to budget models like the 9100MC
— Lacks some advanced features found in higher-end models

$116.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #3 in Best Compact Induction Cooktops

NuWave PIC Gold Induction Cooktop

4.3

5 sourcesall derived

The NuWave PIC Gold induction cooktop offers precise temperature control with 52 settings and pre-programmable profiles, making it suitable for beginners entering induction cooking. Its circular design saves space and allows tableside cooking, while safety features include automatic shut-off and delay functions. However, the automatic shut-off can interrupt cooking flow, and the design may not fit all cookware types. This cooktop is ideal for those testing induction cooking but may not suit experienced users seeking advanced features.

Strengths

— Temperature control with 100–575°F range in 10-degree increments offering 52 settings
— Pre-programmable settings for up to 6 cooking profiles
— Circular design saves space and allows use at dinner tables

Watch-outs

— Automatic shut-off requires manual reactivation when removing and replacing pan during cooking
— Circular design may not accommodate all cookware types, such as square pans

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Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop

The Duxtop 9600LS offers more advanced features than the Duxtop 9100MC, including a touchscreen interface and internal thermometer, while the Duxtop 9600LS also provides a 10-hour timer and better power consistency. Unlike the simpler 9100MC, the 9600LS is more versatile for everyday cooking, but the 9100MC is more affordable and still offers solid performance for basic users.

NuWave PIC Gold Induction Cooktop

The NuWave PIC Gold offers pre-programmable settings and a circular design that the iSiLER Sensor Touch lacks, but it's less precise than the Breville Control Freak. While the iSiLER provides a simple touch interface and child lock, the NuWave is better for beginners and those looking to simplify cooking with preset profiles.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop	NuWave PIC Gold Induction Cooktop
Temperature Range	100°F to 460°F	100–575°F
Cookware Compatibility	cast iron, stainless steel, and enameled iron	ferrous cookware
Control Type	Sensor-touch	—
Timer	10 hours	comes with a timer
Power	1800W	Up to 1500 Watts
Material	Glass	—
Dimensions	11.4"D x 14"W x 2.5"H	16.54"D x 13.78"W x 4.33"H
Wattage	1800 watts	1500 watts
Voltage	120 volts	110 volts_of_alternating_current

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