Induction cooking offers improved heat consistency, faster heating, and energy efficiency, and it is a quality gas alternative for those exploring green energy options. These advantages make it difficult for anyone to ignore the importance of induction cookers. But just like most appliances, induction cooktops can malfunction due to minor issues.
Read on as we unveil the reasons why your induction stove keeps turning off and discuss the possible solutions to this problem. We will also enlighten you on how you can effectively use your induction cooktop and fix the error codes. Enjoy!
How Does an Induction Cooker Work?
Induction burners use electromagnetism to generate heat. How? Inside the cooktop, is a copper coil that creates a magnetic field when the power is turned on. This magnetic field induces an electrical current when a cooking vessel is placed on it causing the cookware to heat up.
Why Does My Induction Stove Keep on Turning Off? Is there a Solution?
Your Induction stove could be turning off due to one or more of the following reasons.
1. There is Insufficient Power in Your Induction Plate
Different induction plates have different power requirements. Some hobs are powered by single plates, while others are powered by multiple plates. 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 the reason 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. To be sure of this, check whether your hob is properly connected to the socket. 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 the reason 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
An 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 the reason 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.
General Error Codes You Might Experience
The following infographic shows some error codes you are likely to experience using your induction cooktop, and what they mean:
Major Induction Cooktops Error Codes Explained – infographic
What Other Challenges Can You Encounter When Using an Induction Cooker?
Your Induction Cooker Could Fail to Switch On: Once an induction cooker completely fails to switch on could mean one of the following four things. There is a problem with the electrical installation, or the terminal block of the hob is damaged. It could also mean that the cables on the terminal block are not well connected or that the power board is out of shape.
Continuous Beeping Sound Within Your Induction Cooktop: Continuous beeping could be a warning sign that there is something wrong with your induction unit. The noise could mean that the sensitivity of your hob’s touch panel is compromised. It could also indicate you are using substandard cookware. The noise could also be a sign that everything is perfect within your unit
Unresponsiveness/Failure of Your Induction Cooktop Touch Buttons: You will be shocked at how often this incident occurs. This common challenge occurs when boiled food gets to the touchpad. Luckily, this issue can easily be sorted by wiping or cleaning the induction cooktop and restarting it.
Malfunctioned Touch Panel: Various factors are to blame when it comes to a malfunctioned touch panel. This could mean you may have an overheating problem. It could also mean that there is low power within the processor. There could be a problem with module communication, or you could have unknowingly activated child safety protection.
Other reasons include a technical malfunction with your hob, a responsive disconnect between the power module and the processor, or out-of-order sensor buttons.
Do Induction Hobs Turn Themselves Off?
Yes, they do. Modern induction cookers come pre-installed with a sensor system that automatically turns off the ware as a safety measure. In most cases, the automatic shut-off feature is housed in small nozzles (automatic fire-suppressing agents) that are installed under the stove hood
The automatic shut-off feature activates itself when it senses something wrong such as overheating of the cookpot, misaligned cooking ware, no detectable motion in the kitchen for a specific time, or circuit overload. As a result, hazardous electrical accidents are prevented while electrical energy wastage is minimized. Apart from preventing accidents, this feature allows you to multitask. You can comfortably do other chores as your food is cooking on the kitchenware.
Can You Repair Induction Cooktops?
Yes, you can. There is no doubt that the superior technology offered by Induction cooktops brings a lot of convenience to the kitchen. However, just like other electrical home appliances, the units are also prone to wear and tear. Luckily, Induction cooktops can easily be repaired. Some of the commonly damaged parts of an induction cooktop include the Filter board, cooktop glass assembly, main control board, elements coil, terminal box, and the touch user interface control board.
Even though most of these damages are repairable, it is always advisable to take good care of your unit. Below are ways in which you can care for your Induction Cooktop.
- Avoid sliding your cookware on your cooktop. Instead, you should lift your cookware and adapt using an induction cooktop cover.
- Make use of your kitchen shelves and avoid placing too many things on your cooktop
- Clean your cooktop after use or immediately when something spills on it.
- Avoid placing hot lids or aluminum foils on your cooktop surface
- Never use your induction cooktop as a cutting board. This behavior tends to scratch your unit and can, at times, interfere with the efficient performance of your induction cooktop.
- Make sure that the diameter of the cookware you are using fits comfortably and sits well on your induction heating zone.
How Do You Troubleshoot an Induction Cooker?
Most induction cooktop problems can easily be fixed by the induction user before seeking professional assistance. In most cases, troubleshooting an induction cooker involves the following steps.
- Reset breaker
- Replace Fuse
- Check for a power outage
- Refer to the Instruction manual that comes alongside the Induction unit
- Clean up and clean any spills
- Keep off objects away from your Induction cooktop countertop
- Use the right kind of cookware
- Reboot your unit (power off and on)
- Adjust your cooking time
- Follow the recipe correctly
- Adjust the power levels
- Raise or lower the Induction cooker setting accordingly
It’s impressive you’ve read through up to this point. Here are questions related to induction cooktops that keep turning off.
What Happens if Use the Wrong Pan on an Induction Hob?
There are only four materials that are guaranteed to work with the induction cooktop. These materials are graniteware, cast iron, enameled cast iron, and magnetized stainless steel. It would help if you refrained from using aluminum, glass, or plastic cookware on your induction cooktop at all costs.
You’re likely to hear different weird noises from your induction cooktop when you use the wrong type of cookware. The noises can be loud and distracting. These noises indicate that something is wrong. In this case, the noises would mean that the cookware you are using is not 100% ideal for induction use. The noise will not stop unless you change your choice of cookware.
A disregard for this warning and the use of the wrong cookware on your induction cooktop may interfere with the proper functioning of pan detection sensors. In extreme cases, the induction stove sensors could fail to work.
How Long Should an Induction Cooktop Last?
You have probably noted that as the lifespan of an Induction Unit continues, the induction cooktops decrease in power. So, how long should an induction cooktop last? Well, for starters Induction cooktop manufacturers produce different models of Induction cooktops that are suitable for either domestic or commercial use.
Typically, domestic induction cooktops are not designed for continuous use. These units are mostly designed to be used for 2-3 hours a day for 3.5 to 5 years. On the other hand, commercial Induction cooktops can operate for 10 hours a day which is equivalent to 30,000 hours a year. This makes commercial Induction Cooktops perform for up to 8 years. This explains why commercial Induction cooktops last longer than domestic induction cooktops. However, there are tricks that you can employ to prolong the lifespan of your Induction cooktop:
Choose an Induction Cooktop unit that has a high power rating. The right choice would be a unit with a power of between 2KW to 5KW. The higher the power rating, the shorter the cooking time and the longer the lifespan of your induction cooktop unit.
Use an Induction cooktop with heavy-duty heating components. The quality of your heating elements determines the performance and lifespan of your induction cooktop. Most commercial cooktops are at an advantage as they come with heavy-duty components.
Use a cooking vessel whose base fits perfectly. A good choice of cookware should sit comfortably on the heating surface.
Use the recommended type of cookware (material, size, thickness, and general weight)
Go for an Induction cooker that is made of quality material. High-quality cooktops have superior components and can handle different weights as compared to low-quality plastic material. The better the material, the better the quality, and the longer the lifespan.
Always go for a big induction cooktop. A big-sized unit means that there is more room for air to circulate. Faster cooling prolongs the lifespan of your induction unit.
How Do You Clean Your Induction Unit?
A dirty cooktop may interfere with the performance of your cooktop, especially the induction. Luckily, Induction Cooktops are easy to clean. The best way to keep your cooktops sparkling is to wipe off spills immediately after they happen.
The other trick is to ensure that you use a cleaning spray that doesn’t leave cleaning trails behind.
With the following easy steps, you can be assured of a clean and shiny glass cooktop.
- Place a warm towel on your cooktop to allow the burnt food spill to soften.
- Get hold of a razor blade and use it to scrape off the burned food residue. Be very careful when doing this to avoid injuring yourself and scratching your cooktop. You may be required to repeat this step for more time, depending on how baked the food residue is.
- After you are certain that you have scrapped the entire burned food residue, carefully clean your cooktop using mild kitchen detergent and a soft towel. A paste of baking soda and water would be a good cleanser. Apply the paste to your burnt spot and work on it in a circular motion. Be keen to clean off the cleaning product residue. Otherwise, it too will bake and burn on your cooktop.
Do this regularly after you are done using your unit. Always make sure the Induction unit has adequately cooled to avoid burns and other injuries.
Dealing with electricity in the kitchen demands a great deal of attentiveness. Incorrect connection can in many ways, endanger the lives of people and cause the Induction cooktops to malfunction. That said, we hope you will refer to this post often if you encounter any of the challenges highlighted above. The info will help you solve most of the errors you may face. Happy cooking!
