Nuwave we hardly knew ya

Now that maple sap boiling season is approaching I thought of this:

received: 2017-03-03
died: 2017-11-11

My Nuwave induction cooktop was nice while it lasted.  It was perfect for finishing maple syrup (boiling down "almost" syrup until the sugar concentration is just right).  The problem seems to be the sensor but who knows where that is and where to buy a new one, certainly Nuwave is no help.

no parts available on the Nuwave site

BTW there was no warranty, it was purchased on Ebay for $65.

What happens is that the unit comes on and will start (the fan and the LED temperature display) but nothing heats AND when the pan is taken off, it still runs which is why I'm thinking that sensor or sensors are involved OR maybe just the controller is NG.  I tried taking it apart once but nothing jumped out to me as damaged, there is stuff embedded in white goop of some kind, that might be the sensor/s.

But now it's just another item on the shame shelf.  There isn't that much to it, a switching supply, a coil, a controller and the sensor/s (not sure on how many).  Of course if an aluminum pan is used nothing happens - I used to use it with either cast iron saucepans (for the syrup concentration) or thin stainless pans (for boiling water mainly).  

I noticed the Wirecutter (NY Times) touts the Duxtop 9600LS.  But the thought of paying over $100 for something that might last only 8 months sorta sticks in my craw.  I realize that Nuwave was a TV brand (everyone has seen their famous clear top turkey hot air cooker thingy infomercial) - but Duxtop ?  never heard of that brand before and who knows if it is any more reliable ?

I thinking I'll just stick with the old Kenmore electric range for now which is well over 40 years old.

Best Regards,
Chuck, WB9KZY
http://wb9kzy.com/ham.htm