Nuwave PIC Flex Induction Cooktop Review

The Pic Flex is a 1300-watt induction cooktop that delivers fast boil times, precise temperature control, and strong wind resistance in a compact 10 x 12.5 x 2.25-inch body that weighs just under 9 pounds. It runs on induction-compatible cookware only (including cast iron) and is best paired with a reliable battery or solar power setup for camp use.

Boil Time

We're adding induction stoves to the lineup, as many campers are van lifers or use off-grid electric systems, and the PIC Flex immediately reset the bar for boil time. In our windless lab test (using a whistling kettle with one liter of water), it blasted past every other stove with a boil time of just 46 seconds. Even in our wind test—where the pot started chilled—it still outperformed most stoves we tested in calm conditions, boiling in 2 minutes and 36 seconds. Averaged across conditions, it came in at 1 minute and 41 seconds, topping our Boil Time scores by a wide margin.

Induction stoves achieve these faster boil times because they heat the cookware directly through electromagnetic energy, rather than heating a burner and transferring that heat to the pot. This minimizes heat loss to the surrounding air and makes them far more efficient—especially compared to fuel stoves that are vulnerable to wind and ambient temperature. The result is quicker, more consistent heating, translating to significantly faster boil times when you are ready for that morning cup of coffee or tea.

Wind Resistance

Wind resistance is one of the biggest advantages of the Nuwave PIC Flex compared to traditional camp stoves. Because it uses induction heating, there's no open flame to be blown around or lose heat to moving air—the energy goes directly into the cookware. In practice, this makes it far less sensitive to wind than gas stoves, which often require windscreens or constant adjustment just to maintain a steady flame.

We tested the boil time of a kettle with up to 8-9 MPH winds; the main impact of wind wasn't on the burner itself but on the cookware. In windy conditions, the kettle was noticeably colder, adding about 2 minutes to our boil time compared to calm conditions. Even with that added variable, it still performed extremely well, reinforcing that induction cooking largely sidesteps the biggest wind-related weaknesses of traditional camp stoves.

Simmering Ability

The Nuwave PIC Flex delivers some of the most precise simmer control we've tested, rivaling what you'd expect from a home kitchen. Our lead tester tested in the field, cooking gourmet meals for Wildland Trekking guided group basecamps in Utah National Parks. It maintained low, steady heat without drifting, making it easy to cook eggs evenly without hot spots or scorching.

The digital interface lets you dial things in using the Low, Med, and High buttons for quick presets, or fine-tune with the “+” and “–” controls in small increments. You can also toggle between temperature and wattage modes, which gives you more control over how heat is applied. This setup made transitions feel smooth and predictable—something most gas camp stoves struggle with, especially at lower output, where flames tend to fluctuate.

It also transitions cleanly into higher heat when needed. We cooked burgers in a cast iron pan (induction-approved and excellent for rustic gourmet camp meals) on the High setting, using wattage adjustments to quickly bring the pan up to temp, then stepping it down incrementally to maintain an even cook without burning. Because induction heats the pan directly rather than relying on an open flame, it avoids flare-ups and uneven heating, delivering a level of consistency that's hard to match with traditional gas stoves.

Ease of Use

The Nuwave PIC Flex is one of the easiest stoves to use at camp—provided you have the power to support it. In a van or solar setup, it feels much closer to cooking at home than managing a traditional camp stove. There's no fuel to connect, no flame to monitor, and no wind to fight. You set your pan down, tap the controls, and it responds instantly. The flat surface is also easy to clean, which we appreciated in tighter van setups where space and mess matter.

That said, ease of use is directly tied to your power system. You'll need a robust battery and inverter setup to run it reliably, especially at higher wattages. In our experience, it worked best in established van builds, built-out truck beds, or solar systems designed for campers and RVs. These setups can easily utilize solar for cooking. We could also see this fitting well into a camp cook trailer for guided hiking, biking, or climbing groups with a solid solar setup—it would simplify meal prep for many people and eliminate the need to manage all the cordage and propane tanks of multiple fuel stoves.

Induction cooking only works with certain types of cookware (cast iron, enameled cast iron, stainless steel, and carbon steel), and we found that flat-bottomed pans and kettles make a noticeable difference in performance. Look for cookware with a smooth, fully flat base—even among “induction-compatible” options, those with ridged or patterned bottoms don't make as consistent contact with the cooktop. Because induction heats through direct contact with the pan's magnetic surface, any gaps or uneven surfaces reduce efficiency and can lead to slower heating or uneven results. We found that flat-bottom kettles connect to the stove more evenly than those with textured bases. Cast iron is a particularly good match for this stove. It's naturally induction-compatible, holds heat well, and provides even cooking once it's up to temperature.

Portability

The NuWave PIC Flex by itself is compact and easy to move around camp—we measured it at 10" x 12.5" x 2.25" and just shy of 9 pounds. It's slim enough to slide into a bin or drawer and light enough to carry one-handed, making it simple to set up on a camp table, tailgate, or van counter. With no fuel canisters or hoses to manage, portability at the stove level is about as straightforward as it gets—just plug it in and start cooking. However, being electric, portability depends on the weight and availability of your power supply.

A better way to frame the weight is in terms of the power system required to run an induction stove like this. The stove is easy to plug in on a counter or camp table, but the heavier part of the setup is the battery and inverter capacity needed to support an induction burner in this power class. For a system sized to run an induction stove, even a lighter-duty setup usually starts around 20 to 35 pounds once you factor in a usable power station and at least minimal solar input. A more practical car-camping or van setup that can handle real cooking more comfortably often lands between 40 and 70 pounds, while larger systems built for repeated use, faster recharge, or full camp kitchen duty can push 80 pounds or more.

Should You Buy the Nuwave PIC Flex Induction Cooktop?

If you have the power setup to support it, the PIC Flex is one of the most capable and precise camp cooking options we've tested. It excels in boil time and simmer control, offering a level of consistency that's hard to match with traditional fuel stoves. For van lifers, car campers with solar or power stations, or anyone building out a camp kitchen trailer, it brings a home-kitchen feel to outdoor cooking with minimal hassle.

That said, electric cooking is not for everyone. A robust battery and inverter setup is the biggest barrier, and without that infrastructure, it's not practical. But if your system can handle the wattage, it's a standout performer that redefines what camp cooking can look like.

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