Induction is efficient and fast, but its error codes confuse people. Most of them are about heat, cookware or ventilation.
Induction cooktops heat the pan directly through a magnetic field, which makes them fast and efficient — and also means they are fussier about cookware and cooling than a gas or radiant top. Codes vary by brand, but the underlying causes cluster into a few groups.
Cookware detection errors
If a zone flashes and shuts off, the cooktop cannot detect a compatible pan. Test with a magnet: if it does not stick firmly to the base, the pan will not work. Pans smaller than the zone, warped bases, and thin aluminium clad cookware all trigger this.
Overheating errors
- The cooling fan intake is blocked — common in tight installations or when drawers below are overfilled.
- An empty pan was left on high heat.
- Ambient kitchen temperature is very high with poor extraction.
- The unit is installed without the clearances the manufacturer specifies.
Power and board errors
Codes that appear across all zones at once usually point at supply voltage or the main control board. Induction cooktops are sensitive to low or unstable voltage, so a code that appears repeatedly at the same time of day is worth mentioning to your technician.
“Before you book a service call, try the magnet test and clear the vent path. Those two account for most induction faults we see.”
A cracked glass top is different — stop using it immediately. Moisture reaching the electronics underneath turns a glass replacement into a full cooktop replacement.