Induction cooking is a simple and efficient process. But when something goes wrong with your induction cooktop, all the simplicity you love about it suddenly goes out the window. And, as it turns out, these intelligent machines are more complicated than they look.
In this article, we’ll look at some common induction cooktop problems like uneven heating and abrupt shutting down. We’ll also provide the information necessary to make a diagnosis and provide solutions like cookware compatibility and resetting.
Induction Cooktop Not Heating Correctly
One of the most common problems with induction cooktops is not that they stop working altogether but rather that they stop heating correctly. This may mean that your appliance no longer works on the low setting, doesn’t get hot enough, or turns on and off unexpectedly.
If you’re struggling with any of these problems, one of the issues below is likely to blame.
Cookware Not Compatible
One of the most common reasons for an induction cooktop to stop working is using incompatible cookware.
In order for the magnetic heating elements in these cooktops to work, the pots and pans you use must be highly magnetic themselves. If you use non-magnetic cookware, it will not heat.
Most induction cooktops won’t generate and transfer heat if the pots and pans are not compatible.
If your cookware is only somewhat magnetic, heating can be inefficient, unbalanced, or intermittent.
Highly magnetic cookware materials include carbon steel and cast iron. Low-nickel steel cookware is also highly compatible with induction cookers. For stainless steel and stainless clad cookware, they are sometimes magnetic, but not always.
Info: Pots and pans with higher nickel levels, known as austenitic stainless, may heat inefficiently or not work at all. Keep in mind that the more nickel stainless steel cookware has, the less magnetic it becomes.
Aluminum, copper, and ceramic cookware options are incompatible with induction cooktops. Some pots made of these materials have special magnetic coils on the bottom to make them work with induction cookers. However, these aren’t always as effective as advertised.
If you believe your cookware might be the problem, there is an easy way to test it:
Simply take a magnet and stick it to the bottom of the pot. If the magnet doesn’t stick or only makes a weak connection, your cookware is the problem.
To find out more about what type of cookware to use with your induction cooker, check out our article, How Does Induction Cooking Work.
Incorrect Pan Position
Even if you have the right cookware, your pot or pan may still be why your cooktop isn’t heating correctly.
Induction cookers are known to be finicky when it comes to pot size and placement. Many models will not heat at all if the pot is too big for the burner or if it is not correctly positioned over the magnetic coil.
Make sure the burner you’re using is the right size (or slightly larger) than your pot. Also, be sure that it is centered over the burner.
If the pan you’re using is too large for your largest burner, then you won’t be able to use it on your induction cooker.
Power Cycling
Power cycling is not actually something that needs to be fixed, but rather a normal operative mode for induction cooktops.
Most induction cookers have a safety feature that will automatically cut power to the coils when a certain internal temperature is reached. This usually only happens if you use the high burner setting for extended periods. After about two minutes, power will be restored and cooking will continue as normal.
Note: If you are frying, reducing, or using other cooking processes requiring extended high heat, short heating interruptions are likely with this stovetop. There is nothing wrong with your appliance — as long as the power kicks back on after a couple of minutes.
Faulty Induction Burner
Just as an electric range burner can start malfunctioning, so can an induction burner.
Unfortunately, there are many more reasons an induction burner might start to fail.
These include:
- Damage or failure to/within the copper coils
- Poor connection to the coils
- A problem within the control panel
Often, these problems will be obvious from looking at the internal workings of your cooktop. To do this, simply follow your manufacturer’s instructions for removing the glass cooktop. Once the internal components are exposed, examine them for scorch marks, loose connections, and cracks.
If there are visible damages, you can find replacement parts online.
Faulty Sensor
Many induction cookers have sensors that react to the magnetic feedback of the cookware. If this sensor is faulty, it can cause the burner to turn off and on during cooking.
Luckily, replacing these sensors is fairly straightforward. Reference your owner’s manual to identify where the sensor(s) is. Your manual may also have information on how to test the sensor to ensure it is working properly.
If results are bad, find the part number to order a new one online.
Cooktop Locked
Induction cookers often have a control lock setting. Many people think of this as a child lock, but you can also use it to lock your temperature settings while the cooktop is in use.
Note: If you accidentally engage the lock setting while cooking, you will no longer be able to change your heat settings.
Every model of induction cooker requires different steps to disengage the control lock setting. Here are a few of the most common methods you can try if your owner’s manual isn’t handy:
- Press and hold the power button for up to ten seconds. On some models, this is the method for turning on and off the lock feature, and on others, it will force a restart that will clear the lock setting.
- Look for a button with a key or padlock symbol. Press and hold until the control panel unlocks.
- Look for a button marked with a “P” or “L.” Hold the button for five seconds.
Here’s a reference video if you have an AEG induction cooker or are interested in seeing how your control panel might look in lock versus unlocked mode.
Heat Shuts Off While Cooking
If your induction cooktop shuts off completely in the middle of cooking, the issue could be one of those mentioned above. However, you are more likely dealing with an automatic timer, incorrect pan position, or tripped temperature sensor.
Automatic Timer Switched On
Many induction cooktops feature a timer mode that lets you set how long the burner stays on before automatically turning off. This is a great feature for busy chefs and precise cooking, but not so great if it’s accidentally engaged.
If the timer is on, your control display should show a numerical countdown. If your cooktop only has one display, this timer may alternate with the set temperature display, making it less obvious that the timer is engaged.
Locate the button with the clock image and press it to bring up the timer display. If it is active, you should see some amount of time remaining. Hold the button or press it again to clear this timer and deactivate auto shut off. The exact steps might vary for your model, so check the manual if you have trouble clearing this mode.
Incorrect Pan Position
As mentioned above, your pan position can cause heating problems with your stovetop. Similarly, a sudden change in pan position can cause your burner to turn off in the middle of cooking.
As you turn your pot to stir your food or move your cookware around the stovetop, always make sure that you return or reposition it on the center of the burner. Keep in mind that the burner will turn off if you move your pot too much.
For most models, the burner will not come back on by itself just because you reposition the pot. So, be sure to check your burner settings each time you touch your pots.
Over Temperature
Many induction cookers use temperature sensors as a safety control. These sensors are there to shut off the burner if the pot on top of it becomes too hot.
If you are cooking on high and your food begins to burn, you can automatically expect the burner to shut off. Of course, if this sensor is faulty, false high-temperature readings can also cause the burner to turn off.
Replacing these sensors is generally fairly straightforward. Check your owner’s manual to find out how to locate the sensor and for guidance on which parts to order.
Induction Cooktop Makes a Noise While Cooking
It is not uncommon for induction cooktops to start making low pulsing, clicking, or buzzing while in use. What you hear is the magnetic field establishing the coil. This noise dissipates the length of the stove.
If your once quiet cooker has suddenly started talking back, you’re likely experiencing an issue with the fan, uneven cookware problems, or other broken parts causing vibrations within the appliance.
Noisy Fan
All induction cooktops feature internal fans to keep the components cool. You can usually hear these fans running during operation, but the sound should not be overly noticeable or disruptive.
A clicking or grinding sound often indicates an issue with the fan or fan motor. If this problem isn’t addressed quickly, it can lead to fan failure and cause your hob to stop working altogether.
Determining whether the issue is in the fan or the motor can be difficult, especially if neither looks to be damaged. For a part like this, you may be better off hiring a professional to take a look for you.
But if you like a challenge, here is a great video that goes over fan replacement in a single burner induction hob:
Cookware Surface Uneven or Inadequate
As we all learned in school, magnets have a tendency to make things move around. When all is working correctly with your stovetop and cookware, the only thing that should be moving is the currents within the metal—a nearly silent phenomenon.
But, if your cookware is not perfectly flat, these currents will cause the pot to rock or vibrate against your glass top. Similarly, if you leave a metal utensil in the cookware while it’s heating, you may hear it begin to move or vibrate. It is crucial to avoid this issue as much as possible because intense vibration can damage your glass top.
Some types of clad cookware, even though perfectly flat, can make noise on an induction cooker. Whistling or humming sounds are common with cheaper clad pots and pans. These sounds are artifacts of the magnetic field vibrating the magnetic layer against the non-magnetic layer.
Similar sounds can develop if the burner size is too small or large for the pot.
If your cooktop suddenly makes strange noises, it is worth checking if the issue repeats with different cookware before getting the appliance looked at.
Vibrations
Vibrating pots and pans are fairly common with induction cookers. But vibrations can also develop within the cooktop.
Often, fixing this issue is as easy as pulling the glass top and securing all connections. In addition to checking where the electronics connect to the burners, be sure the copper coils themselves are securely attached to their clips.
If this doesn’t work, the issue may be with the fan motor or a faulty part within the inner components. Because there are so many different possibilities here, your best option is to hire a professional to take a look.
Glass Stovetop is Scratched
Scratches on induction cooktops can cause issues with their use, especially if they are very deep and cause the temperature sensor to flip. But, most often, these are just cosmetic issues that you can easily fix.
One of the best methods for dealing with a scratched cooktop is to use a glass repair kit. For more minor repairs, a little baking soda, water, and elbow grease can go a long way.
Read more: For more great tips on how to remove scratches from glass top stoves, check out this article.
Like electric glass top stoves, induction stoves utilize a glass-ceramic surface that is prone to scratches. To keep your stovetop looking—and working—its best, only use cookware with smooth, flat bases. For those in need of new cookware to use with your induction hob, here is our list of the best cookware for glass top stoves.
Lights on the Stovetop are Flashing
If the control panel on your induction cooker starts blinking, the issue might be as simple as the unit trying to remind you to turn it off, or it may be a more complicated problem.
Cooktop Left On
Many smart induction stoves will let you know if you’ve left them on. While these appliances don’t create any heat unless a compatible pan is on the burner, they do still draw some electricity when powered on. To help save you money, many models will begin to blink if they’ve been left inactive for a certain period.
Hard Shutdown Needed
In more extreme cases, a blinking control panel can mean that something has gone wrong inside your appliance. An overloaded circuit or computer chip error can cause your appliance to stop working and begin blinking.
If this happens and the unit is not responsive to being shut down via the power button, you’ll have to do a hard reset. For portable units, this is as easy as unplugging them and waiting a few minutes to plug them back in.
For fixed or installed induction cooktops, you’ll need to shut them off via your home’s breaker panel. Locate the breaker your stove is connected to and flip it off in the power box. Wait at least thirty seconds before turning it back on.
If this doesn’t solve the problem, it’s time to call the repairman to take a look.
Control Panel Not Working
If your appliance won’t turn on or basic functions aren’t working, this usually indicates that the control board has failed. But, sometimes, the problem is as simple as a power interruption or activated lock setting.
Circuit Board Malfunction
As with most electronic devices, the control panel of your induction cooker relies on a functional control board. If anything happens to this component, some or all functionality of the stove could be affected.
One of the easiest ways to fry an induction stove’s control board is by removing the pot before turning the burner off. This is because breaking the magnetic connection between the pot and coil before turning off the power can cause the energy load to rush to the control board and overload the circuit.
Regardless of why the control board failed, you will have to replace it or call someone to do it for you.
No Power To Cooktop
If your cooktop won’t turn on and none of the lights are working, your issue may be a power supply problem. Start by checking your breaker box. If the circuit was overloaded, the breaker might have blown. Switch the breaker off for thirty seconds, then turn it back on. If this doesn’t work, check all the connections (between the outlet, the cord, and the appliance) and ensure they are secure.
If these two tricks don’t fix the problem, it’s time to call in the professionals.
Cooktop Locked
As we discussed in the first section, a locked cooktop can cause the buttons of your induction cooker to become unresponsive. Locate the lock button, which usually has a key or padlock symbol on it, and hold it down for up to ten seconds. Alternatively, you can try holding down the power button.
Other Things To Try
Induction cookers are deceptively complicated devices. If none of the above options helped solve your issue, here are a couple more things you can look at before throwing up your hands and buying a new stove.
Reset the Cooktop
Resetting your appliance is a surprisingly effective way to solve many induction cooktop problems. How to do this depends on your model. So, check your manual for instructions. If a soft reset doesn’t work or if you can’t find your manual, a hard reset, by switching off the breaker for 30 seconds, should do the trick.
Call In the Professionals
If all else fails, it is time to call in the professionals.
Just be sure the appliance repairman you contact is up to date on their induction cooktop appliance knowledge. These efficient stovetops are becoming more popular in America, but they are not as common as gas and electric ranges.
Conclusion
Induction cooktops make cooking for your family more energy efficient and safer, but these complex appliances aren’t immune to problems.
If your cooker suddenly experiences heating issues, starts making noise, or won’t respond to normal commands, there are many things you can try to fix the issue. But for those more complex problems, especially ones that persist despite your best attempts, you may be better off calling in a professional technician.
Are you having trouble with your induction cooktop and looking for some guidance? Comment below, and we’ll be happy to help!
In This Article:
FAQs
How do you reset an induction cooktop? ›
Try a Cold Reset
If your induction stove may be stuck in the off position, you simply need to turn off electricity at the main breaker for at least 30 minutes. This will be enough time for most models to perform a cold reset on itself.
Depending on power setting and number of burners in use, burners on an Induction Cooktop may shut off as a precaution to avoid overheating. If the cooktop shuts off during heavy use, wait for the unit to cool, and then test operation again.
Why is my induction not turning on? ›Lack of Power to the Induction Cooktop
This might seem obvious, but if there is no power to your induction cooktop, check your plug first. Next, make sure there isn't a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker in your home. If either is the case, replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker.
how long do induction stoves last? The lifespan of an induction cooktop is typically measured in operating hours rather than years. Typically, models designed for domestic use will last for 2500 hours, which is equivalent to 10 hours a day for about a year.
Does induction have any disadvantages? ›Labor induction increases the risk that the uterine muscles won't properly contract after giving birth (uterine atony). This can lead to serious bleeding after delivery. Occasionally blood products are needed for serious bleeding.
How do you unblock an induction? ›- Long press the main power button for ten seconds at least.
- Release the button and attempt to switch on the hob.
- If the cooktop is unlocked already, you can switch it on.
Using Windex, which contains ammonia, can cause damage to glass cooktops that manufacturers won't cover. Ammonia can etch the surface of the cooktop.
Why did my cooktop stopped working? ›Check for loose or burnt wiring
The stovetop will need to be lifted up to check the wiring and connectors for damage. If the wiring or connectors are damaged, they will need to be replaced. A loose connection could also be causing the burner not to work, so you should check that the connectors are not loose as well.
The circuit breakers will trip due to excessive current flow caused by either a short circuit connection between the active and neutral supply connection in the cooktop or a short circuit between the active feed and earth connection in the cooktop.
Can induction cooktops be repaired? ›A broken induction cooktop cannot be repaired. If the cooktop is cracked or if the cooktop is shattered, it will need to be replaced entirely. Attempting to repair an induction cooktop without proper training could result in serious injury. However, you can troubleshoot if your cooktop is intact but not turning on.
Why does my electric stove shut off while cooking? ›
Depending on power setting and number of burners in use, burners on an Electric Cooktop may shut off as a precaution to avoid overheating. Turn the home circuit breaker to the unit off for 30 seconds and back on again. Retest the unit operation.
What to do if induction button is not working? ›Turn your hob off at the mains for around 30 minutes then try using it again. Doing a cold reset of this sort is usually enough to restore the hob to proper operation.
Can induction start fire? ›Induction cooktops, like other electric cooking elements, avoid combustion and gas lines, so are inherently safer than gas burners. But induction cooktops go further, dropping a piece of paper on a cooktop that's on can't cause a fire.
How do you test an induction stove? ›Steel, cast iron and enameled cast iron all work. The easiest way to test your cookware for use on an induction stove is with a kitchen magnet—if it sticks, you're good to go.
Do chefs prefer gas or induction? ›Chefs love induction cooking because of the extremely fast heating and precise heat control provided through a high-performance glass-ceramic surface. Also, induction technology warms the pan and not the surface or surrounding area, so very little heat escapes into the room.
Can a cast iron pan be used on an induction cooktop? ›Induction uses magnetic fields to heat cookware, so your pan must contain conductive, ferrous metals to transfer heat. This makes cast iron a great option for induction cooking.
How much does it cost to replace an induction cooktop? ›The cost to replace a stove top varies for each one. A new electric smooth-top glass stove top costs $150 to $600, while a new induction glass stove top costs $300 to $800.
What are the disadvantages of induction heating? ›- Cost of the equipment and the cost of the process are very high.
- Efficiency of heating is poor being less than 50% in many cases.
- Heating will be more in regions of the work piece closer to heating coil.
It's your choice whether to have your labour induced or not. If your pregnancy lasts longer than 42 weeks and you decide not to have your labour induced, you should be offered increased monitoring to check your baby's wellbeing.
Is induction bad for pans? ›Your induction stove may be warping your cookware. Specifically, the center of your pots and pans could be susceptible to deforming or becoming misshapen in time. The way that induction stove works is that the circle which indicates where you should place your pot or pan when ready to cook heats up.
What makes an induction unsuccessful? ›
An induction might be considered failed if the methods used don't result in a vaginal delivery after 24 or more hours. In such cases, a C-section might be necessary. Low fetal heart rate.
Can I boil water on induction? ›On a new induction cooking surface, you can boil water in about two minutes or less as opposed to 5-8 minutes on traditional cooking surfaces – including gas.
Can you use aluminum foil on induction? ›Cooking surface manufacturers prohibit the use of aluminum foil in contact with an induction cooking surface.
What is the best product to clean induction cooktop? ›Suitable cleaners for induction cooktops are dish soap, a baking soda and vinegar mixture , or a specialized cooktop cleaner, like affresh® cooktop cleaner*. To properly care for your appliance, it's important to use nonabrasive cleaners and tools that keep it free from grime.
Can I use vinegar on my induction cooktop? ›How to remove white hard water stains from an induction cooktop. Remove hard water stains or white splotches from your cooktop using vinegar. First, moisten a dry cloth with a white vinegar mix and apply it to the stains. Let the vinegar settle for a few minutes, then rub the stains away.
Can you use Mr clean Magic Eraser on induction cooktop? ›A "magic eraser" along with baking soda or vinegar may be used to clean hard water stains from the cooktop.
Do cooktops have a fuse? ›Most ranges use plug fuses, the type found in old electrical panels. They have a threaded base, like a light bulb, and a flat, glass top marked with an amperage rating. If a fuse is blown, the metal fusible link under the glass will often be broken and blackened.
What are the symptoms of a bad infinite switch? ›Typically, when an infinite switch malfunctions, the surface element will not heat, or it will remain on high in every position. Before repairs or testing can begin, you must disconnect the electricity at the fuse panel, at the circuit breaker panel, or by pulling the plug.
Can you repair a cooktop? ›Many common repair projects can be solved on your own, but for effective, long-lasting solutions, you can count on a professional home appliance repair technician to get the job done. For assistance with all of your electric cooktop repair needs, be sure to contact a professional appliance repair service.
What do chefs say about induction cooktops? ›Chefs love induction cooking because of the extremely fast heating and precise heat control provided through a high-performance glass-ceramic surface. Also, induction technology warms the pan and not the surface or surrounding area, so very little heat escapes into the room.
What is a disadvantage of using an induction burner? ›
Pricey. Although the prices are coming down for induction cooktops, they are still more expensive than ceramic or gas cooktops. Inflexibility of cookware. You will probably need to invest in a set of new cookware, as induction cooktops cannot use aluminium, glass, pyrex or copper.
Why do restaurants not use induction? ›Gas DOES require venting, which can be a pain, but as a general rule, induction heats up FAR too slowly to be of use in a restaurant.
Do induction cooktops damage pans? ›Your induction stove may be warping your cookware. Specifically, the center of your pots and pans could be susceptible to deforming or becoming misshapen in time. The way that induction stove works is that the circle which indicates where you should place your pot or pan when ready to cook heats up.
Which brand of induction cooktop is best? ›- Prestige PIC 20 1600 Watt Induction Cooktop. ...
- iBELL Induction Cooktop. ...
- Usha CookJoy 1600 Watt Induction cooktop. ...
- Prestige PIC 15.0+ 1900-Watt Induction Cooktop. ...
- Bajaj ABS Majesty Slim 2100-Watt Induction Cooktop. ...
- Bajaj Magnifique 2000W Induction Cooktop. ...
- PHILIPS Viva Collection HD4938/01.
One has modern induction hobs, while the other is an old-fashioned gas-powered stove for when Gordon needs as much space as he can get to work on new recipes and taste various dishes.
Do Michelin star restaurants use induction? ›Top restaurants worldwide are adopting induction, including Michelin three-star restaurants Robuchon au Dôme in Macau, Alinea in Chicago, and the French Laundry in Napa Valley, California.
Will cast iron scratch on induction cooktop? ›Overall, however, we'd say that the advantages cast iron brings to the kitchen, outweigh the disadvantages of using cast iron with induction cooktops. The most glaring danger is that your heavy, rough cast iron skillet will scratch your shiny, new induction cooktop.
Does induction stove consume a lot of electricity? ›Induction cooktops are more energy-efficient when compared to the other types of appliances. The gadget uses up almost 90% of the energy to convert into heat for cooking, ensuring that there is no wastage in the same. Even while cooking in lower temperatures, it is quite energy-efficient.
Do induction stove tops scratch easily? ›While induction cooktops are no more susceptible to scratches than any other type of cooktop, there are some things that can cause scratches to occur. One of the most common causes of scratches on induction cooktops is rough-bottomed saucepans and skillets.
Can I use steel bowl in induction? ›Induction cooking should only be done with magnetic materials like stainless steel, carbon steel, iron, and cast iron. Magnetic pots and pans must also have flat bases to be called induction ready. If your pan's base isn't flat, it will never operate with induction, no matter how magnetic it is.
Can you preheat a pan on induction? ›
We recommend preheating your pan over low heat on your induction burner for a few minutes before turning the temperature up. This will heat the skillet up gradually, and more evenly, helping to prevent any hot spots.
Is induction the future of cooking? ›“The more people learn about the environmental costs of gas, the more they're turning to induction,” Ms. Boucher said. “It's the future, there's no going back.” Induction's functionality and sustainability have won over a growing number of professional chefs, both at their restaurants and at home.
How do you fry eggs in an induction cooktop? ›1. Heat a non-stick frying pan with oil or butter on medium heat, Induction setting 7. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until desired level of doneness.
Can I use glass pots on induction cooktop? ›Cookware made only from glass (including Pyrex), aluminum or copper will not work on an induction hob. However, some cookware manufacturers offer aluminum or copper pans with a magnetized base that is specifically designed for induction cooktops.
Can you use glass cleaner on induction cooktop? ›Glass cleaner should be used to polish your hob to a shine. Glass cleaners are perfect for this job because they contain chemicals that break down oil and grease and make them easier to remove from the surface of your induction hob.