How To Repair or Replace an Induction Cooktop

If you’re like most busy people, you rely on your induction cooktop to help you get dinner on the table quickly and easily. But what do you do if it breaks? Here’s a guide on how to repair or replace an induction cooktop so you can get back to cooking in no time.

How does an induction cooktop work?

An induction cooktop uses an electromagnetic field to generate heat directly in the cooking vessel rather than relying on a hot surface. This makes for more efficient cooking and safer and easier cleanup. Additionally, induction cooktops allow for very precise temperature control.

When cooking with an induction cooktop, it is important to use cookware that is compatible with the technology. The cookware must be made of a ferromagnetic material such as cast iron or stainless steel. Some aluminum and copper cookware can also work with an induction cooktop if they have a ferromagnetic disk attached to the bottom.

Use a magnet to test if you can use a pan on an induction cooktop. If the magnet sticks to the pan, it can be used.

With induction cooking, heat is generated directly in the cookware, so the cooktop stays cool. This makes it a safer option than traditional cooking methods as there is no risk of accidentally touching a hot surface. Additionally, because the heat is generated directly in the cookware, there is no need for open flames or exposed heating elements. As a result, induction cooktops are much easier to keep clean than other types of cooking surfaces.

Can I fix my induction cooktop myself?

A broken induction cooktop cannot be repaired. If the cooktop is cracked or if the cooktop is shattered, it will need to be replaced entirely. 

Attempting to repair an induction cooktop without proper training could result in serious injury.

However, you can troubleshoot if your cooktop is intact but not turning on.

Your cooktop may be locked

You may not know that an induction cooktop can be locked. This is a great safety feature, especially if you have young children in the house. To lock it, press and hold the lock button until the indicator light turns on. Once it is locked, it will not turn on. To unlock your cooktop, simply press and hold the lock button until the ‘lock’ indicator light turns off. This will unlock the cooktop, and it will be usable again.

Is the cooktop plugged in?

An induction cooktop uses electricity to generate a magnetic field that produces heat in metal cookware. If there is a faulty connection somewhere in the cooktop, it won’t be able to generate the magnetic field, and the cooktop won’t turn on. 

To check the connections of your induction cooktop, first, make sure that the power cord is securely plugged into an outlet. Check the cord for any signs of fraying or damage.

You can also test the outlet by plugging another device into the outlet. If the new device doesn’t turn on, the outlet may be at fault and you will need to call an electrician to repair it.

Once you’ve checked all of the connections, your induction cooktop should be able to turn on and produce heat. If the cooktop still does not work, it is best to call a repair technician.

Check your circuit breakers

If your induction cooktop suddenly loses power, it may be due to a blown or flipped circuit breaker.

To check the circuit breaker, first, make sure that the cooktop is plugged into a working outlet. Then, locate the circuit breaker box and find the breaker that controls the cooktop’s power supply. If the breaker has been tripped, flip it back to the “on” position. However, if the breaker looks burned or damaged, it will need to be replaced. You will need to call an electrician to do this.

Once the circuit breaker has been reset or replaced, power should be restored to the cooktop.

How to prevent damage to your induction cooktop

If you have an induction cooktop, there are some things you should keep in mind to avoid damaging the surface.

1. Avoid storing heavy items, such as jars or cans above the cooktop. If one of these falls and hits the cooktop, it could crack or even shatter the glass.
2. Do not leave hot lids on the cooktop. As the cooktop cools, air can get trapped between the lid and the cooktop, effectively turning it into a suction cup, and the glass could break when the lid is removed.
3. For foods containing sugar, clean up spills and stains as soon as possible. Let the cooktop cool down slightly. While wearing oven mitts, remove spills while the surface is still warm. Be careful; hot sugar can cause burns! If the sugar is allowed to cool down, it can stick to the cooktop, causing pitting and permanent stains.
4. Do not slide cookware or bakeware across the cooktop to avoid scratches. Use your preferred cooktop cleaner to help remove buffs or scratches as soon as they happen.
5. Make sure that no objects that could melt, like plastic or aluminum foil, touch any part of the cooktop.
6. Don’t use the cooktop as a cutting board. Using a separate cutting board is better to avoid scratches and other damage.
7. Make sure your cookware is about the same size as the surface cooking area. Cookware shouldn’t extend more than ½” outside the area.

Following these tips can help keep your induction cooktop in good condition for years to come.

These are the basics of caring for and troubleshooting your induction cooktop. By following these simple steps, you can maintain your investment and extend its useful lifespan. Hopefully, this post has helped clear up some of the mystery surrounding induction cooktops. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact a repair technician.