Induction hobs have seen a surge in popularity in recent years thanks to their sleek design, energy efficiency, and fast cooking times. Despite their many benefits, like any appliance, induction hobs require regular maintenance and occasional troubleshooting to ensure they are functioning correctly. Being one of the most advanced home appliances, it's essential to have a good understanding of their functionality to get the most out of them. In case you run into any issues, our guide to troubleshooting induction cooktops will help you resolve them effectively.
Maintenance Tips
- Clean Regularly
The first and most important step to maintaining your induction hob is to clean it regularly. Unlike gas or electric hobs, induction hobs do not have any burners or grates that can be removed and cleaned. Instead, they have a smooth, glass-ceramic surface that needs to be wiped down after every use. Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the surface, and avoid using abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface.
- Check for Damage
Before using your induction hob, it's important to check for any signs of damage, such as cracks or chips in the glass-ceramic surface. If you notice any damage, do not use the hob until it has been repaired or replaced.
- Use the Right Cookware
Induction hobs require specific types of cookware to work properly. The cookware must be made of a magnetic material, such as cast iron or stainless steel. Aluminum, copper, and glass cookware will not work on induction hobs. Before purchasing cookware, check to see if it is induction-compatible.
- Avoid Overheating
Overheating can damage the glass-ceramic surface of the induction hob. To avoid overheating, do not leave an empty pan on the hob for an extended period of time, and do not use cookware that is too small or too large for the hob.
- Use the Right Settings
Induction hobs come with a variety of settings, including temperature and power levels. Using the right settings for the type of food you are cooking can help prevent overheating and ensure that your food is cooked properly.
Troubleshooting Tips
- No Power
If your induction hob is not turning on, check to see if it is plugged in and that the circuit breaker has not tripped. If these are not the issue, there may be a problem with the hob's power supply or control board. Contact a qualified technician for assistance.
- Uneven Cooking
If your food is cooking unevenly, check to see if the cookware is the right size for the hob. If the cookware is too small, the heat may not be evenly distributed. Additionally, make sure the cookware is sitting flat on the hob and is not warped or damaged.
- Error Codes
Induction hobs often come with error codes that can help diagnose problems. If you see an error code, consult the user manual to see what it means and how to resolve the issue. If you are unable to resolve the issue, contact a qualified technician for assistance.
- Strange Noises
If your induction hob is making strange noises, such as buzzing or humming, it may be a sign of a problem with the hob's fan or control board. Contact a qualified technician for assistance.
- Burnt-on Food
If food has burnt onto the surface of the induction hob, turn off the hob and allow it to cool completely. Once the pan is cool, use a scraper or razor blade to carefully remove the burnt-on food. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they can scratch the surface.
Things to note
If your cooktop is thoroughly damaged, either due to cracking or shattering, repairing it isn't a viable option. Instead, it's necessary to replace it entirely. Repairing a cooktop is usually not cost-effective since it often requires a significant amount of labor and expensive replacement parts. If your cooktop is no longer under warranty, you could end up spending a considerable amount of money. To determine whether repairing your cooktop is worth the cost, you may want to compare the repair costs (including labor) to the prices of new cooktops available online or in-store. If the costs are similar, it's probably a better idea to opt for a new cooktop rather than repairing your old one.