An induction zone heats the pan itself, not the glass, using a magnetic field. Before it switches on, the cooktop checks that a suitable pan is sitting on the zone. If it can't find one, it flashes a symbol, beeps or simply turns off.
Usually, it's the cookware
- The magnet test. A fridge magnet should stick firmly to the bottom of the pan. Aluminum, copper, glass and many stainless pans fail it.
- Size. The base needs to cover most of the marked ring. A small pot on a big zone often goes undetected.
- Warped bottoms. A pan that rocks loses contact, and the zone loses track of it.
- Induction discs. An adapter plate works, but it heats slowly and can trip the overheat protection.
Other things to rule out
- A lock or pause mode on the touch controls.
- Spilled liquid or a damp cloth on the control strip.
- Overheat protection. After long use on high, zones can shut off until the electronics cool.
Signs the cooktop needs a repair
- A pan you know works isn't detected on one zone but works on another.
- An error code comes back after you switch the breaker off for a minute.
- The cooling fan doesn't run, or the cooktop trips the breaker.
Note the code and which zones are affected, then see cooktop repair.
