NuWave PIC Gold vs Titanium: Features Compared
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Short answer: Choose the NuWave PIC Titanium if you want an 1,800 W maximum, 5°F steps down to 50°F and a built-in food probe. Choose the NuWave PIC Gold if you mainly boil, sauté and simmer, want a lower electrical draw and would rather save about $20. Both need magnetic cookware. This comparison uses NuWave’s published specifications; we have not lab-tested either cooktop.
Last reviewed: November 1, 2026. Prices are NuWave’s list prices on that date and change often. Always confirm the model number on the box or rating label.
NuWave PIC Gold vs. Titanium: Side by Side
This compares the current PIC Gold (model 30211) and PIC Titanium (model 30291LW) as NuWave lists them. Older units of both are still sold with different specs, so check the model number. The current figures are calculated as watts divided by 120 volts, the standard North American outlet.
| What to compare | NuWave PIC Gold (30211) | NuWave PIC Titanium (30291LW) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum power | 1,500 W | 1,800 W |
| Wattage settings | 600, 900 and 1,500 W | 700, 1,500 and 1,800 W |
| Calculated current at 120 V | About 12.5 A | About 15 A |
| Temperature range | 100°F to 575°F | 50°F to 575°F |
| Temperature steps | 10°F (51 settings) | 5°F (106 settings) |
| Presets | 6 | 6 |
| Digital food probe | Not listed | Included |
| NuWave list price, Nov 1, 2026 | $119.99 | $139.99 |
| Cookware | Magnetic base required | Magnetic base required |
Sources: NuWave’s PIC Gold and PIC Titanium product pages, checked November 1, 2026.
Which one should you choose?
- Choose the PIC Gold if you want a lower-cost extra burner for everyday boiling, sautéing and simmering, or your outlet shares a circuit with other appliances. Its 1,500 W maximum draws about 12.5 A, leaving more headroom on a 15-amp circuit.
- Choose the PIC Titanium if you hold food at low temperatures, melt chocolate, cook to a target internal temperature, or want the most power. The 50°F floor, 5°F steps and probe are the real differences, more than the extra 300 W.
- Either way, you need cookware with a magnetic base. If you are unsure about your pans, start with our guide to induction-compatible cookware.
NuWave PIC Gold
The NuWave PIC Gold covers 100°F to 575°F in 10°F steps, with six presets and three power levels (600, 900 and 1,500 W). Ten-degree steps are fine for most stovetop cooking. Where the Gold falls short is low, steady heat: it cannot go below 100°F and has no probe. Its Amazon listing gives an 8-inch heating coil and a one-year manufacturer warranty.
NuWave PIC Titanium
The NuWave PIC Titanium adds a lower 50°F floor, 5°F steps and an integrated digital probe that reads food from 50°F to 212°F. Its power levels are 700, 1,500 and 1,800 W. For its full specifications, limits and FAQ, read our NuWave PIC Titanium review.
Before you buy either model
- Check the model number. Look for 30211 (Gold) or 30291LW (Titanium). Older units under other numbers list different temperature ranges and power figures.
- Check your circuit. At 1,800 W, a 120-volt appliance draws about 15 A, the full rating of a standard 15-amp household circuit. If the outlet also feeds a kettle or microwave, use a lower wattage setting or choose the Gold.
- Check your cookware. A magnet that sticks firmly to the base is the usual test. Use our induction-ready cookware guide for details.
- Keep the manual. If you need one, our induction cooktop manuals page collects manuals by brand.
Frequently asked questions
Is the NuWave PIC Titanium better than the PIC Gold?
It has more features: 1,800 W versus 1,500 W, 5°F versus 10°F steps, a 50°F rather than 100°F minimum, and a probe. Whether that is worth about $20 more depends on whether you cook at low temperatures and whether your circuit can spare the extra draw.
Why do some listings show the PIC Gold at 1,300 W?
Several NuWave models and versions are sold under similar names. Some lighter 1,300 W NuWave units, including a listing labeled 30242, carry the same branding. NuWave lists the current PIC Gold (30211) at 1,500 W. Check the rating label on your unit.
Do these cooktops need special cookware?
Yes. Both need cookware with a magnetic base. Glass, ceramic, copper and aluminum pans without a magnetic layer will not heat on induction.
Can I leave a portable induction cooktop running while I am away?
No. Timers, pan detection and automatic shutoff do not replace supervision. The glass can also stay hot from the pan after cooking, so let it cool before wiping up spills.
Conclusion
For most people buying a spare burner, the PIC Gold does the job for less and draws less current. The PIC Titanium earns its higher price if you will use the low-temperature range and the probe. Weighing other NuWave models too? See every NuWave induction cooktop compared. To compare other single-burner options, see our best portable induction cooktops guide.
