Common Troubleshooting Solutions for Induction Cooktops

Have you recently done a kitchen overhaul, or maybe did a switch from electric or gas to using an induction cooktop? I’d say that’s fantastic, as I am a user of induction myself.

But have you ever come across your stylish and classy induction cooktop suddenly burning your food? Or does it – without warning – turn off in the middle of cooking? That’s what I’m writing about today: to offer you solutions and common troubleshooting for your induction cooktops.

What Is Making Your Cooktop Enigmatic, All Of A Sudden? 

The other week, my cooktop suddenly turned off while I was making beef stew. Has the same thing happened to you? While this does not happen often, just like any other home appliance, it is possible to have issues with your induction cooktop.

While induction technology might give you a tough time (especially if you’re new to using it), you don’t have to be worried too much about it. Through this post, I will also share some tips on how to detect induction cooktop problems, as well as how to maintain your cooktop to keep it in top shape. 

Let’s get to it!

Troubleshooting Guide For Your Induction Cooktop

Here is my list of common induction cooktop problems, and possible solutions to them. I hope you find this list helpful!

Setting Up Issues

• If you are setting up a new induction cooktop and it does not turn on or the controls remain locked, check the voltage for the cooktop to function and that you have the right voltage distribution.
• If the unit does not come ON even after you set it up, check the power outage first. The problem could be in your house fuse or it could be a circuit overload.

Resetting Or Restarting Your Induction Cooktop

Like what we do with most appliances, such as our laptops or personal computers, we initially attempt a restart or reset. Would you like to reset your cooktop? Well, that’s easy. Head over to the power supply’s circuit breaker, turn it off for about 30 seconds, and then turn it back on.

Overheating Or Uneven Heating

• If your food is not cooking properly or evenly, you should check on your cookware. It must be an evenly balanced, flat bottomed cookware. Your cookware needs to sit flat on the burner to ensure even heating.
• Lightweight cookwares usually don’t heat up evenly and your food may burn more easily. Though heavyweight cookwares are preferred, if it is too heavy, food gets overcooked more often.
• If you are unable to get your dish cooked in the perfection that the recipe presents, adjust the temperature setting to attain the sort of precision needed. If you find the correct setting, no other cooktop can beat the temperature precision and efficiency of induction cooktops. Take the example of one of the best induction cooktops with excellent electronic touch control systems like Bosch NIT 3065UC or the GE PHP900 DMBB induction range.

Find out if you’re using the right temperature settings for your cooking.

What’s That Weird Noise?

Sometimes you’ll hear noise from your cooktop that is not natural. Let’s find out the possible solutions for different weird noises.

Crackling

When you hear a crackling sound while cooking, it usually means the cookware consists of a different material. The crackling sound is caused by vibrations in the joints of two different materials. You’ll also notice scorch marks on the bottom of pans and even on the cooktop. Using substandard cookware could damage your cooktop.

Fan Noise

The fan will continue to run even after you have switched off the cooktop. This is normal and is required to cool down the cooktop.

Humming Sound

Even when the cooktop is not in use, you might still hear a low humming sound in a quiet environment. This is because you need to activate the lock feature when cooktop is not in use.

Click Or Clicking

When you first place a utensil on the cooktop you’ll hear a click or clicking sound. This is normal and the cooktop makes this sound during the utensil recognition phase.

The Power Button Of Your Induction Cooktop Is Not Working

It is crucial to first determine the possible reasons and remedies to problems before reaching out for assistance from an expert. 

• Are you out of power? Check and verify that there are no dysfunctional breakers in your home. 
• There could be a faulty connection between the power supply outlet and the cooktop. Make sure the power connection to your stove is as described in the manual. 
• It may be a technical issue. If you have found all of the above to be correct, please consult with the after-sales technical service of your induction stove for additional information. Do NOT try to manage electrical connection issues on your own.

The Touch Panel Buttons (Or The Entire Panel) Is Not Working

• Your cooktop system might have activated its auto-lock feature. Locate your “control lock” button. Press and hold for 5 seconds until you hear a beep or sound. If you can’t locate the control lock button, refer to the diagram in your manual.
• There might be some dirt or residue on your control panel that affects the sensitivity. Gently wipe the area of your control panel, until it is fully clean.
• Or, if nothing works, this might be another technical issue. Get in touch with the technical after sales service team and have an expert take a look.

You See An Error Code

You must refer to your user handbook for error codes. Error codes will usually vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. If you can’t find anything on the manual, contact the customer service hotline.

Your Pan Is Not Detected By Your Induction Cooktop

First, make sure your pan is suitable with induction. Induction cooktops only work with compatible cookware. The easiest test you can do is to place a magnet at the bottom of your cookware. If it does not stick, then it means your cookware is not meant to be used with induction.

If, however, your cookware is induction-compatible but the problem persists, you need an expert to help you weed out the issue.

Your Induction Cooktop Suddenly Turns Off Or Shuts Down 

It’s possible that your cooker has reached its maximum capacity in terms of cooking. There is a feature that is designed for your cooktop to be turned off to ensure that it is not overworked, and does not overheat.

Some induction cookers also have sensors that will turn off the cooker if no cookware is detected. This can be prevented if you position your cookware properly on your induction’s cooking zones.

Heat sensors are also a standard on most induction cooktops. When the system temperature of the cooker reaches the maximum level allowed, these sensors are designed to turn the unit off.

Your Induction Cooktop Is On, But It Is Not Heating Your Food

This could be another cookware compatibility issue. An induction cooker can heat only if a cookware is made with compatible, magnetic material. As I mentioned earlier, this can be done through the “magnet test”.

LED Lights Keep On Blinking

Occasionally, the LED flashlight will warn us by continuously blinking to a certain extent. We naturally would wonder if there is something wrong with the unit, if your LED light flashes incessantly. However, based on past experience, there is no need to fear because it is usually a safety measure.

If it flashes again, check to see if you have turned off the cooktop after lifting your pot or pan off of the heating element. It may also set off a sound alarm, if your cookware is not correctly positioned within the cooking zone. To perform a quick reboot, turn the power off, and on.

One Side Of The Induction Hob Is Not Functioning 

This can be a minor issue, or it could be a significant one. It might be because your cooktop is not connected to the power source as specified, or due to certain problems with its components. 

The first thing you may do is to verify whether your device is connected correctly to the power supply, as indicated in the device instructions. If a connection is required in your device, make sure that it’s fitted in accordance with the installation instruction.

If your cooktop issues are not solved by these proposed remedies, I suggest that you call the manufacturer’s customer service hotline or technical support. Do NOT attempt to fix or tinker with your induction cooktop on your own.

Low Maintenance And User-Friendly Induction Cooktops

Of course, this site is not called Cooktop Hunter for nothing! Let me recommend the 7 best induction cooktops out there. If you’re looking for one, consider the size your kitchen can accommodate, as well as the number of heating elements, available safety features, and service warranty.

These cooktops should be used with induction-compatible cookware. Go ahead and check out my post on the best ceramic induction cookware, if you are interested in ceramic cookware.

• Empava 30 Inch Electric Stove Induction Cooktop
• Empava 36 Inch Electric Stove Induction Cooktop
• FRIGIDAIRE FGIC3666TB Gallery 36″ Electric Induction Cooktop
• GASLAND Chef 30” IH77BF Electric Induction Stovetop
• Thermomate 30 Inch Built-in Induction Stove Top
• Thermomate 36 Inch Built-in Induction Stove Top
• NOXTON Induction Cooktop, Electric Boost Stove

Tips On How To Maintain Your Induction Cooktops In Mint Condition 

Maintaining an induction cooktop is simpler than cleaning a regular one, because only the cookware heats up and not the cooktop surface, which means that in case of spillage, there is no burning or baking into your cooktop. Induction cooktops have a glass ceramic surface, which is susceptible to abrasions and scratches, so be more cautious when using one. Make sure you clean your cooktop regularly. 

Here are some more tips on keeping your induction cooktop in top shape:

• Wait for the cooktop to cool down completely, and wipe off any spills with a moist sponge. Wipe the top with a clean cloth or paper towels until the surface is covered with tiny quantity of cleaner. Then, use another clean cloth or towel to wipe the cleaner off.
• You can use white vinegar to remove hard water stains from your cooktop. 
• For spots with baked or hardened stains, use any cooktop cleaner, and finish off with a cleaner pad. Repeat until you get your desired results. You may also use a scraper, but refrain from applying too much pressure so you don’t scratch your cooktop surface. I suggest you buy a complete cleaner set to do the job!
• For the stainless steel parts, use a clean cloth to wipe the area. As cleaning solution, soapy water would do. Make sure you thoroughly wipe the stainless steel parts dry, to avoid any drying stains.
• Avoid these altogether: bleach cleaners with chlorine content, metal scouring pads, flammable cleaners, dishwashing soap or liquid, and powdered soap or detergent. 

Take Care Of Your Cooktop, And It Will Take Care Of Your Family, Too!

Always keep this in mind: Safety first!

A completely broken cooktop should not be subjected to repairs anymore, you need to have it replaced. 

Sometimes, it wouldn’t be economical to repair a cooktop. The working costs, as well as the replacement of parts (some of which would need to be shipped from manufacturing sites, too), might be very costly. If you’re under warranty, you still might need to shell out some cash.

I recommend comparing the repair costs (including service and cost of labor) with acquiring a brand new unit instead. If you encounter the same issues over and over again with your current cooktop, I suggest going for a new induction rather than resort to having it repaired.

I hope you found this guide useful. If you have additional tips, or even questions, I would love for you to leave a note in the comments. Cheers!