Induction Cooktop Not Working? Troubleshooting Guide

Induction cooktops are fast and efficient, but when one stops working it can be baffling, because there is no flame or glowing element to tell you what is happening. Quite often the cooktop is fine and the issue is the cookware or a setting. Work through these before assuming it has failed.

Check your cookware

Induction only heats pans made of magnetic material. If your pot is aluminium, copper or some types of stainless steel, the cooktop will not heat it, and many models will flash an error or simply refuse to turn on the zone. Test a pan by sticking a fridge magnet to its base: if the magnet grips firmly, the pan will work. Also make sure the pan is big enough to cover the minimum area the zone needs to detect it.

Check the control lock

Almost every induction cooktop has a child lock or control lock, usually shown by a key or padlock symbol. It is very easy to activate by accident while cleaning. Hold the lock button for a few seconds to release it, as described in your manual.

Check the power

Induction cooktops draw a lot of power and are typically on their own circuit. If the cooktop is completely dead, check whether the circuit breaker in your switchboard has tripped. If it trips again as soon as you reset it, stop and call an electrician or repairer, as that indicates a fault.

Read the error code

If the display is showing a code, note it down. Codes usually indicate a specific issue such as overheating, no pan detected, or an internal fault. Overheating errors often clear once the unit cools, and can be caused by blocked ventilation underneath the cooktop.

Let it cool and ventilate

Induction units have internal fans and need airflow. If the cooktop shuts a zone off mid-cook, it may be protecting itself from overheating. Make sure nothing is blocking the vents beneath the bench.

When to call a professional

If the cookware is right, the panel is unlocked, the power is on and it still will not work, the fault is internal, likely the induction coil, a sensor or the control board. These are not user-serviceable and should only be handled by a technician.

Wollongong Service Company repairs induction and ceramic cooktops across the Illawarra and South Coast. Book a repair or call 02 4229 3777.