NESCO PIC-14
I plan to use this stove regularly.
You won’t need user manual for this portable cooktop. It is best for people who drive a lot, but is also ideal for camping, students, college dorms, small kitchens, elderly or disabled , outside cooking and offices.
If you want a true portable induction cooktop this is the one, It is very simple to use slim, large, fast heating and cooling, is quiet and easy to clean.
Nesco PIC- 14
are manufactured by Metal Ware Corporation; a company located in Wisconsin that has been in existence for over 84 years.. They started in 1930 as a manufacturer for pots, pans, buckets and other cooking accessories under the name of National Enameling and Stamping Company. The company’s old name is now the trademark of the company and is displayed on their products.
I’m amazed that an 84 year old company is still on the market and offers its customers the guarantee of stability and 84 years of experience.
1. Controls
For this induction cooktop you don’t need a user manual, because it is all on control panel including, the cooking modes. This makes easy and quick to use.
On the control panel you will find the On/OFF button on the right. Pressing once will just activate the item but will not starting the cooking. Also, the buzzer will sound and the LED indicator light will stay on.
The next control is “Cooking Mode”, which will start the cooking. When you press on the “Cooking Mode”, use the arrows to choose which setting you would like to use.
There are 5 cooking modes listed on the left of control panel:
C1 for melting /warming;
C2 for simmering;
C3 for boiling;
C4 for frying;
C5 for searing
It might be a good idea to try out all of the temperature settings to see which would be the best fit for whatever you are cooking or warming.
The controls are not touch sensitive, so you can’t accidentally change the settings.
2. Surface
The NESCO PIC–14 surface is made from black ceramic glass.You can use a pan with a maximum of 10 inches in diameter to cook in. It is best to follow the directions of the manufacturer. Using larger cookware could result in damaging the item or causing harm to yourself.
The entire unit (besides the heating center) will remain at a room temperature so there are no accidental burns.
The surface of this portable stove has a circular marking, which is the area where you would place the pan at. In the middle of the circle, you will find the company name “NESCO” is inscribed in it.
3. Heating Elements
The item has one heating element (a coil) which is 7 inches in diameter. The coil uses induction technology to heat the bottom of pan, so you will need induction ready cookware.
4. Power/Watts
The product has a maximum power of 1500 watts, with 5 different levels. All levels are listed on the control panel, so you don’t need a user manual.
For those who need a specific temperature for a recipe It might be difficult to use it. The first level, C1 starts at 480 W and 160º F . C2 comes to 820 W and 204 º F . C3 is 990 W, at C4 we have 1210 W and C5 should be 1500W.
5. Sensors
The NESCO PIC-14 has 6 sensors which help in indicating errors.
All sensors start with the letter “E” and is a common marking for products in this industry.
The first error code is E0 which indicates a circuit error.
Before pressing “Cooking Mode” we need to have the induction ready cookware in place and to have the right size; larger than 3.5 inches. Otherwise, you will get an E1 code.
E2 – will alert you about overheating. You should be sure that there is enough space for ventilation. As a security measure, the item turns itself off
E3 and E4 – alerts if input voltage is higher then 140 V or less then 95 V.
E5 – seeing this error on the LED is a sure thing that the product has an internal disconnection or short circuit detected by the main sensor. The manufacturer advises to not attempt to change any settings in this case, and to just return it to the service department.
E6 – appear when the cooking zone (the zone on surface marked with a circle) is overheated. In this case also, the appliance will turn off.
6. Ventilation
The item has one fan which allows it to quickly cool down. You might hear the fan continue to work even after you turn it off, but the noise is tolerable.
7. Safety Features
The Nesco PIC 14 has enough features to be considered safe to use. Starting with the cookware presence sensor , which will let you know if the cookware is induction ready or has the right dimension. Also including the overheating sensor which turns off the appliance. These sensors warn us if something is wrong or if there is a malfunction and helps us to use it safely
8. Accessories
As with every induction cooktop, the Nesco PIC 14 needs induction ready cookware to work. The package comes with a small magnet which can be used to test your cookware. If the magnet sticks to bottom of the pans, they will work. The performance depends a lot on the quality of the cookware.
The manufacturer states there are some exceptions when using the magnet, some cookware may may not have as much iron as needed to work with induction, but enough for the magnet to stick to it.
The package also contains the cooktop and the user manual
Some induction cookware brands that will work: LeCreuset tri-ply and LeCreuset anodized aluminum, Rachael Ray Stainless Steel II 10-Piece Cookware Set
For pressure canning you can use: Fagor Duo 10-Quart
9. Dimensions
The product was designed with the portability in mind. Lets look at some of the numbers:
Wide: 14 inches
Length; 12 inches
Height: 2.3 inches
Weight – 5.5 pounds
Coil Diameter : 7 inches
Shipping Weight: 7 pounds
Cord Length – 5 feet
10. Pros
– Lightweight;
– Portable;
– Easy to clean;
– No need for user manual the ; cooking settings are printed on the control panel
– Easy usability;
– Cooks evenly if high quality induction cookware is used;
– Safety sensors, which make the item safe for elderly or children;
– Uses less energy so it can be used in camping, road trips, and many other places.
– Quick heating;
– Quick cool down
11. Cons
– Requires quality induction cookware for high performance;
– Very limited temperature settings.
– short power cord compared to other cooktops;
– Does not have a timer
12. Consumer Ratings
On Amazon you will find over 100 reviews. Almost 50% of buyers are very pleased by Nesco PIC 14. The product provides the basic needs for a cooktop and has the usability everybody wants.
Another 30% gave the product 4 stars which overall means the product is a pretty good one.
The product has 1 year Warranty against defects or damages. If you are in the warranty time, the costs of shipping to their service department is prepaid.
13. Price
The manufacturer lists the product for 90 USD (the transport not included). Amazon had some discounts over time so check often to see if they have a discount right now.
From my point of view Nesco PIC 14 is worth the price because of its friendly control panel, easy cleaning, portability ,safety sensors and energy efficiency.
14. User Manual
Let us know in comments and will send it to you.
15. F.A.Q.
1. Does Nesco cooktop maintain a temperature for frying without burning the oil?
Yes, this is possible, but you need to make sure that your oil can withstand high heat, no matter what heat source you are using. Some examples of the best oils for high heat-frying and high temperatures are refined safflower and sunflower oils, canola, peanut, safflower and soy oils.
