Induction hobs are becoming common in St Francis Bay kitchens. They are fast, efficient and safe, but they behave differently to ceramic or solid-plate stoves, and many apparent faults are not faults at all. Here is how to tell the difference.

Quick answer

Most induction hob problems are pan-related (non-magnetic, too small or warped bases), triggered safety features (child lock, overheating, liquid on the controls) or power issues (isolator, surges). Real faults include failed cooling fans, power boards, coils and touch controls. Check the pan with a magnet, dry the controls, release the lock and reset at the isolator before calling.

How induction works

An induction hob has copper coils under the glass. When a zone is switched on, the coil creates a rapidly changing magnetic field. That field induces heat directly in a magnetic pan. The glass itself only gets hot from contact with the pan. This is why induction is fast, efficient and safer to touch than ceramic.

It also explains most of the confusion: if the pan is not magnetic, nothing happens.

Problem: zone does not heat, or flashes a pan symbol

Check the pan

Hold a fridge magnet to the base of the pan. If it sticks firmly, the pan should work. If it does not stick, or barely sticks, the pan is not induction-compatible. Aluminium, copper, glass and some stainless steel pans will not work unless they have a magnetic base plate.

Check the size

Each zone needs a minimum pan diameter to detect it. A small milk pan or espresso pot may be too small for a large zone. Try it on the smallest zone.

Check the base is flat

A warped or very uneven base may not be detected or may heat poorly.

Problem: hob beeps and switches off

Liquid or objects on the controls

Touch controls detect spills, wet cloths or pots resting on them and switch the hob off as a safety measure. Dry the control area and remove anything resting on it.

Overheating protection

If a pan boils dry or the hob has been on high for a long time, the hob may reduce power or switch off to protect itself. Let it cool down.

Timer

A zone timer may have been set and run out.

Problem: nothing responds

Child lock

Most induction hobs have a lock function, usually shown by a key or padlock symbol. Check your manual for how to release it, often by holding a button for a few seconds.

Power

Check the isolator and circuit breaker. Switching off at the isolator for a few minutes and then back on can reset the electronics.

Problem: noises

Induction hobs make some sounds that are normal:

  • A hum or buzz, especially on high power or with certain pans. Heavier, flat-bottomed pans are quieter.
  • A clicking sound as the power regulates.
  • A fan running, including after you switch off, to cool the electronics.

Unusual noises include loud grinding from the cooling fan, crackling or burning smells. Switch off at the isolator and call us.

Real faults

When the checks above do not help, common induction faults include:

  • Cooling fan failure. The hob overheats and shuts down quickly, or shows an overheating error. Dust and kitchen grease can block the fan.
  • Power board failure. Zones do not heat, or the hob shows an error code. Power surges are a common cause.
  • Touch control faults. Buttons do not respond, or respond erratically.
  • Coil faults. One zone fails while others work.
  • Cracked glass. Must not be used. Switch off and replace.

Error codes

Induction hob error codes vary by brand. Many start with E or F followed by a number. Take a photo of the code and the model sticker (usually on the underside of the hob, so a photo from the installation manual or receipt helps) and send it to us.

Protecting your induction hob in a holiday home

  • Fit surge protection at the distribution board, since the hob is hard-wired.
  • Switch the hob off at the isolator when you leave the house for long periods.
  • Keep the ventilation gaps under the hob and in the cabinet clear, so the cooling fan can work.
  • Wipe spills promptly, especially sugary ones.

Built-in ovens alongside

Many St Francis kitchens pair the induction hob with a built-in oven below. Both share the same cabinet ventilation path. If the cabinet is blocked or poorly ventilated, both appliances run hot. We check ventilation when repairing either.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my induction hob not recognise my pan?

The pan is probably not magnetic, too small for the zone or warped. Test the base with a magnet.

Is it normal for my induction hob to buzz?

A light hum or buzz is normal, especially on high power. Loud grinding or crackling is not.

My induction hob stopped working after a power cut. Is it damaged?

Try switching it off at the isolator for a few minutes and back on. If it still does not work or shows an error, the power board may have been damaged by a surge.

Apex HVAC is an independent company and is not affiliated with or authorised by any appliance manufacturer. This guide is general advice. For anything involving electricity or refrigerant gas, use a qualified technician.

Need a hand? See our oven and stove repair service in St Francis Bay.