There are several types of hob: gas, electric or induction hob. The induction hob has many advantages: it consumes less energy, is faster, more efficient and allows you to adjust the cooking temperature.
It is possible that the induction hob does not heat up, in this case you will need:
- check the material of the different containers that you put on your induction hob,
- check if there is a specific fault code,
- test the power supply at the terminal block.
Induction hobs are known for their efficient cooking capabilities, as they utilize magnetic fields to directly heat your pots and pans. However, there may be occasions where your induction hob fails to heat up. This can be attributed to a range of reasons, from easy-to-fix issues to more complex problems that might require professional help. In this article, we’ll delve into the potential reasons why your induction hob is not heating and how to resolve them.
Inappropriate or Non-induction Cookware
Induction hobs require specific types of cookware to work correctly. If your hob is not heating up, the first thing to check is whether you’re using induction-compatible cookware.
Solution: Use pots and pans that are made from magnetic material like cast iron or magnetic stainless steel. You can test your cookware by seeing if a magnet sticks to the bottom. If it doesn’t, it’s not suitable for induction cooking.
Power Supply Issues
Another common reason why your induction hob might not be heating is an issue with the power supply. This could be because of a tripped circuit breaker, a blown fuse, or the appliance not being correctly plugged in.
Solution: Check your circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure that the power supply to the hob is on. If the hob is plugged into an outlet, ensure it’s properly connected.
Control Lock is On
Some induction hobs come with a safety feature known as the control lock, which locks the control panel to prevent accidental changes in the cooking settings. If this is activated, your hob might appear to be unresponsive.
Solution: Refer to your user manual to find out how to disable the control lock on your specific model.
Problem with the Internal Components
If your induction hob still isn’t heating despite trying the solutions above, there might be a problem with one or more of its internal components.
- Faulty Induction Coil or Circuit Board: The induction coil generates the magnetic field necessary for induction heating, and the circuit board controls all the functions of the hob. If either of these is defective, the hob might not heat up.
- Failed Temperature Sensor: The temperature sensor monitors the heat level of the hob. If it fails, it may cause the hob to not heat up as the appliance might not be able to accurately sense the temperature.
Solution: These issues should be addressed by a professional technician. Working with electrical appliances can be dangerous if you’re not qualified, and you may void your warranty if you attempt to repair it yourself.
CHECK YOUR FAULT CODE
For some brands of induction hob, an error code signals the failure to guide you in repair and diagnosis. It can be an induction hob of the brands:
- Bosch
- Siemens
- honey
- Sholtes
- Electrolux
- Whirlpool
- … other brands may display an error code.
If you see an error code on your plate, refer to your manufacturer’s manual to find out the meaning of the code and the instructions for solving the fault.
TEST POWER AT TERMINAL BLOCK
To test the voltage at the terminal block:
- Dismount your plate
- Lay it upside down, taking care to protect the glass ceramic if it has one.
- Then remove the electrical connection access hatch.
- Set your multimeter to the largest gauge of the AC voltmeter function
- Place the multimeter test leads on the electronics connector or track directly.
Check if there is voltage between phase (brown or black) and neutral (blue wire). If the value displayed on the multimeter is zero or low, the lead will need to be replaced. If you get a value between 220 and 240 volts, then the electronic card is faulty.
Conclusion
If your induction hob is not heating, it can be due to several reasons, ranging from using the wrong cookware to issues with internal components. While some problems can be easily addressed, others require professional attention. Always refer to the user manual provided by the manufacturer for troubleshooting and when in doubt, do not hesitate to seek professional assistance. The key is to ensure your appliance is functioning safely and effectively to allow you to continue cooking your favorite meals.
