While induction cookstoves may not have been popular initially, there is no denying they are the king of cooktop hobs currently. And the fact that they can boil water in seconds does not hurt either.
This makes them energy efficient and cuts your cooking time in half. Making them an excellent hob option. So, what do you do when your new favorite cooktop malfunctions?
Why does my induction cooktop keep turning off?
Depending on the power setting and the 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 test the cooktop again.
You should also take into consideration these factors;
- If the cooktop is installed above an oven, the cooktop may shut down when both appliances are under heavy use. In this case, allow the oven to cool before testing the cooktop operation.
- If the cooktop works properly after cooling, it is working as intended to protect components from excessive heat.
- Induction cooktops sense when the cookware has been removed and will turn off. Make sure cookware maintains contact with the cooking surface.
Try turning the home circuit breaker to the unit off for 30 seconds and back on again. Then retest the unit operation. If these steps do not resolve the issue, the causes below could be why your induction hob keeps turning off.
1. There is insufficient power in your induction plate
Different induction plates have different power requirements. Some hobs are powered by single plates, while multiple plates power others. Depending on the power requirement of your unit, insufficient power would keep your unit from performing as expected. Always make sure your Induction unit operates at optimum energy levels.
2. Your power board has a problem
It is the circuit board that manages all your unit’s functions. A defect in the power board may be why your induction cooktop is misbehaving. Hire a repair expert to perform a thorough diagnosis on your power board and, if necessary, replace it.
3. There could be a fault with your electrical installation
Poor electrical installation is one of the top reasons induction cooktops develop problems. Check whether your hob is properly connected to the socket to be sure of this. Ensure that the reading on your current flows is 230 volts. A reading below 230 volts would mean that your electricity isn’t properly installed. You should also check whether your terminal connectors are properly tightened.
4. The cables on the terminal block are not connected properly
The cables on the terminal block direct electricity to the induction unit. Any form of interference in the connection may be why your induction stove is repeatedly turning off. To correct this, it is essential to confirm whether the screws on the terminal block are properly tightened.
5. Your terminal block unit could be burnt or damaged
A damaged terminal block could be the root of your induction cooktop problems. To roll out this issue, replace your terminal block, tighten all screws, and connect your earth wire properly.
6. There is a configuration problem within your induction
Incorrectly configured hob would make the unit overheat, malfunction, or not work at all. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with your wattage range before bringing your appliance home to avoid this challenge.
7. You are using the wrong type of cookware
Using non-ferrous cookware could be why your induction unit keeps on turning off. Aluminum cooking vessels don’t detect the cooking implement in your unit, and this interference could be causing the unit to turn off repeatedly. Always use cast iron or steel pans when using induction cooktops.
How to repair an induction cooker not heating
Here are some fixes based on different causes;
You are using the wrong types of pans
Always use cast iron or steel pans on these types of hobs. The pans you use need to have a relatively high ferrous content.
Note: to find out whether your implements are likely to work with induction, try using a magnet on the bottom of the pan. If it sticks, the pan should be compatible.
The hob is incorrectly configured
To find out what level your appliance has been configured at and change it, you must refer to the user manual. But, first, configure the wattage to the recommended level.
Your mains circuit is not suitable
If the voltage exceeds 210 volts, some hobs may not work properly. To check your mains voltage, use a multimeter in voltmeter mode. And hire an electrician to remedy the issue.
The terminal block is not properly tightened
Ensure all the visible screws at both ends of the connection are properly tightened, then test your hob again.
The circuit board is defective
Repair or replace the circuit board as needed. If you are not confident about diagnosing problems with this component, hire a manufacturer-approved technician.
Induction hob not working on one side
Below are the main reasons why your Tefal induction cooktop is not be working on one side;
1. One of the Power Boards has Failed
Amazingly, your four-burner induction hob normally has two internal power boards. Each of them controls one-half of the hob. A professional electrician needs to check the power board that controls the troublesome half. The ceramic glass top must be detached carefully as the power board is underneath it.
Lifting it off could cause further problems as some wires are often connected to the glass. However, an expert can safely remove the ceramic glass and check if the multiple connections in the copper wiring have somehow worked themselves loose. If they have, all the hob needs is a quick tightening up of the wiring.
2. Faulty Power Board
In some instances, even if the wiring has been fixed, you’ll still find your induction hob not working on one side. It could be the worst-case scenario of the power board itself being faulty.
Unfortunately, the only option is to replace a faulty power board. It’s not such a disaster if your induction hob is still under guarantee, as your warranty should cover at least some of the cost.
You’ll have to check your manufacturer’s terms and conditions for the exact reimbursement amount for parts and labor. If your hob is out on its own, so to speak, acquiring a new spare part can be very expensive. There’s also the cost of paying for a professional installation.
If your induction hob is around ten years old, it could mean it’s nearing the end of its useful life. It might even be more economically prudent to buy a completely new hob rather than trying to fix an older model.
3. A Copper Wire has Burnt Out
An alternative problem could occur in your induction hob’s circuitry that consists of miles of copper wiring. Copper wires are usually reliably long-lasting, but occasionally, some of the strands can burn out due to excessive or incorrect hob use.
This is another task for an experienced electrician. If you’re untrained, you won’t realize which one of the tangled wires are causing the fault. You could also be putting your life at risk by tampering with electricity.
Hire an electrician to determine where a burnt-out wire has occurred and be able to fix it relatively quickly.
4. Problem in the Circuit Board
Your induction hob’s power is supplied through the main circuit board. If there is a faulty connection between the circuit board and one of the two power boards, it could result in your induction hob not working on one side.
Each connection between the circuit board and the wrong side of the hob needs to be checked. For example, determine if a loose or burnt-out wire is causing the problem.
5. Incorrect Installation
Some proud new owners of an induction hob decide to install it themselves instead of hiring a professional to do the job for them. In one-half of the hob, power failure can be through a mismatched connection or accidentally knocking one of the connecting wires out of place.
Note: Do NOT attempt to disassemble an induction hob yourself. Always seek professional help when dealing with electrical appliances.
Beko induction hob is not turning on
Here are some things to check to see why your Beko induction hob is not working;
1. The Cooktop Is in Lock Mode
If this setting is turned on, you won’t be able to turn on your stove via the touch panels. This prevents children from playing with your cooktop and wasting precious electricity.
2. The Burner Has Malfunctioned
If your appliance is not turning on, there might be a problem with the induction burner. Maybe the coils have gone kaput or crack in the glass surface. To inspect if your burner is faulty, you will have to remove the cooktop’s glass surface.
Typically, this involves removing the mounting screws and clamping brackets beneath the covering. Then check for damaged parts and replace them as needed. Alternatively, you can hire an induction repair specialist to handle the job.
Note: remember to turn off the power at the circuit breaker before handling your cooktop, don’t forget. Disconnect the wires at the junction box as well.
3. There Is a Lack of Power
Induction stoves require electricity to produce an electromagnetic field. One possibility is that the circuit breaker has tripped, interrupting the cooktop’s power supply.
Note; If there are signs of damage on the breaker, you will have to let repair professionals solve the problem instead.
4. The Power Connection to the Stove Is Faulty
Another reason your induction cooktop won’t turn on is that the power connection is wrong or loose. First, you would want to check the connection at the junction box, ensuring that the wiring is secure and properly attached.
Why did my induction cooktop stop working?
If your Bosch induction cooktop stops working, here are some reasons why;
Pan Compatibility and Position
As mentioned above, induction cooktops use an electromagnetic field to heat just the pan. Therefore, your pan must be magnetic compatible to work with induction heating technology. Copper and aluminum pots won’t work, but cast iron, carbon steel, and stainless steel will.
You can test your pots and pans with a magnet. If the magnet sticks, it’s compatible. Next, make sure your pot is directly on the burn area because the position of the pot matters as well.
Lack of Power to the Induction Cooktop
This might seem obvious but check your plug first if there is no power to your induction cooktop. Next, make sure there isn’t a blown a fuse or a tripped circuit breaker in your home. If either is the case, replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker.
The child lock is on
Induction stoves are child-safe appliances, so you’ll want to check the child lock before moving on. It might look like a padlock that will keep the appliance from being activated by little hands. On the other hand, simply turning this feature off might answer why your induction cooktop is not working.
Malfunctioning Touch Pads
This area can get damaged due to spills from liquids and other food substances. You might be able to remove any interference with the buttons with a simple cleaning. But if cleaning the touchpad doesn’t do the trick, you might have to replace that part.
Faulty circuit board
The circuit board is a separate part within the cooktop that could wear out over time. Reaching the circuit board to troubleshoot and replace it is different for every induction cooktop model. You may want to get assistance with this repair from an appliance repair company familiar with induction technology.
How do you reset an induction cooktop?
Reset power to the product: Power the unit down by turning off the circuit breaker for one minute. Power unit up by turning on the circuit breaker. Monitor the cooktop for one minute to ensure the error code does not display again. Verify cooktop operation.
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.
How long do induction cooktops last?
Consumer-grade induction cooktops such as the Miele induction cooktop are usually manufactured for 10,000 hours, while commercial-grade induction cooktops operate for 30,000 hours. It’s important to note that Induction cooktops are known to have a longer life expectancy than induction ranges.
Commercial units designed to last for 30,000 hours have a typical lifespan of up to eight years, the equivalent of cooking 10 hours a day over the lifetime of the stove. When buying an induction cooktop, ask about the expected hours and lifespan of the unit in conjunction with the unit’s warranty.
Do induction cooktops overheat?
Yes. An induction cooktop can overheat. However, it has a built-in safety feature that automatically shuts it off when it overheats.
How to Fix an Overheating Induction Cooktop
Do the following to remedy the issue;
1. Check the Cookware
One of the most important things about induction cooking is that it requires a specific type of cookware. In other words, the cooktop may not work properly if you are using the wrong type of pan. It may overheat or heat food unevenly, for example. Lightweight cookware, to be specific, tends to heat up faster than usual, running the risk of burning the food.
You should be using a pan made with ferromagnetic materials. Specifically, the cookware should either contain iron or have a layer with magnetic properties. Popular options include cast iron, enameled cast iron, and some types of stainless steel pots. Pans made with glass, aluminum, or all-copper are out of the question.
2. Take a Look at the Cooking Surface
Check the cooking zone or the area where you will be putting the pots. Induction hobs are meticulous regarding the type of pots and their positioning. For example, if the cookware is not placed right at the center of the burner, the food might not get cooked or heated correctly.
The size of the cookware is also an important consideration. If the pot is too large or too small for the burner, it won’t get centered no matter how much you reposition it. Ideally, the pot should not be jutting out of the cooking zone.
3. Adjust the Temperature
read the manual, check your unit’s specifications, and examine the cooktop touch controls. After all, each model has its control panel, switch controls, and temperature settings.
Common Induction Cooktop Problems: Causes and Solutions
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.
Causes of uneven heating include;
Power Cycling
Power cycling is not 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. However, 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.
Faulty Induction Burner
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. First, reference your owner’s manual to identify where the sensor is. Your manual may also have information on how to test the sensor to ensure it is working properly. If the results are bad, find the part number to order a new one online.
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.
Your control display should show a numerical countdown if the timer is on. 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. Remember that the burner will turn off if you move your pot too much.
The burner will not come back on by itself for most models just because you reposition the pot. So, 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. But, 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. First, 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 slow 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.
Cookware Surface Uneven or Inadequate
As we all learned in school, magnets tend to make things move around. So 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. Again, 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. For example, whistling or humming sounds are common with cheaper clad pots and pans. These sounds are artifacts of the magnetic field vibrating 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 checked.
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. A little baking soda, water, and elbow grease can go a long way for more minor repairs.
Like electric glass top stoves, induction stoves utilize a glass-ceramic surface prone to scratches. To keep your stovetop looking—and working—it’s 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.
The 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 up. Also, to help save you money, many models will begin to blink if they’ve been left inactive for a certain period.
Hard Shutdown Needed
A blinking control panel can mean that something has gone wrong inside your appliance in more extreme cases. 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. Therefore, 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.
Check this too: How to Heat an RV Without Propane
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.
The Cooktop is Locked
As discussed above, 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, and hold it down for up to ten seconds. Alternatively, you can try holding down the power button.