Effective DIY Solutions for Common Induction Cooktop Issues

Induction cooktops are becoming the preferred choice for many households due to their advanced features and sleek design. However, during usage, you might encounter issues such as the cooktop not heating, pot recognition failure, unresponsive control panel, etc. Wondering how to handle them? Let's explore common problems and ways to fix induction cooktops at home with Mytour.

Principle of Operation of Induction Cooktops

The primary operating principle of induction cooktops involves using an alternating current (Fuco) to heat the cooking pot. As the cooktop starts working, the electric current flows through the copper coil beneath the glass surface. This generates a magnetic field within a few millimeters above the cooktop's surface. This magnetic field directly affects the bottom of the pot, converting the magnetic energy into heat to cook the food. Therefore, induction cooktops only work with cookware made of materials like steel, stainless steel, etc. Understanding this operational principle can provide insights into how to effectively repair induction cooktops.

Unlike other types of stoves such as gas stoves, electric stoves, mini gas stoves, etc., the induction cooktop only heats the pot through electromagnetic induction. This prevents heat from spreading to the surroundings, ensuring efficient cooking with quick results and energy savings.

Common Issues and Efficient DIY Solutions for Induction Cooktops

Certainly, while using household electronic devices, you may encounter occasional issues that leave you puzzled about how to handle them. Phrases like 'fixing infrared cooktop,' or 'repairing induction cooktop' are frequently searched on the internet. Let's explore some common, simple issues and ways to repair single, double, or triple induction cooktops with Mytour:

Fixing Weak or Non-Heating Induction Cooktops

While cooking, if you find your cooktop not heating and the pot placed on it shows no signs of boiling, despite the lights and function buttons still working, it could be due to the following reasons:

• Unstable Voltage

Induction cooktops rely on electricity to operate. Therefore, insufficient or unstable power supply often leads to the cooktop surface not heating up.

If it's due to this issue, the method of fixing the induction cooktop is very straightforward. Turn off the cooktop, unplug it, and check if the power supply is suitable for the cooktop. Use a stabilizer to regulate the power supply to the standard level.  

• Malfunctioning 5uF Power Filter Capacitor

Like any product, after a prolonged period of use, some components will deteriorate and encounter malfunctions. One reason why the induction cooktop is not heating may be a malfunctioning 5uF power filter capacitor. The capacitance of the capacitor may decrease, leading to insufficient electrical energy and, consequently, insufficient heat generation. In this case, repairing the induction cooktop involves replacing the faulty power filter capacitor. Contact the maintenance service to inspect and replace it. 

• Malfunctioning IGBT Power Module

The IGBT power module is also a crucial component of the induction cooktop. If this part malfunctions or breaks, it can cause the fuse to burn out, leading to a disconnection of the power supply. If you encounter this situation, seek the assistance of a professional to address it. Simply search for 'induction cooktop repair in TPHCM' or 'induction cooktop repair in District 1' or 'induction cooktop repair near me' on Google, and you will find numerous addresses to choose from. Therefore, you don't need to worry too much if you encounter this issue. 

Fixing the induction cooktop with electrical issues, power loss 

As explained earlier, the 5uF filter capacitor and the IGBT power module are two crucial components related to supplying power to the induction cooktop. However, in reality, the induction cooktop losing power can be due to various other reasons. Depending on the specific situation, you will have different approaches to fixing the induction cooktop, such as:

• If the socket is loose or the wires are cut, exposed -> Check the power source again. Ensure the plug is secure. Use a voltage tester for safety. Alternatively, try other electrical devices to see if there is power.
• The cooktop overheats due to the cooling fan being sealed or obstructed -> Ventilate the area under the cooktop or replace the fan if it is damaged.
• Fuses or ICs are blown or broken -> Contact the technical support of the sales unit if it is still under warranty for the most appropriate induction cooktop repair.
• The cooktop is overloaded due to the cooking utensils not being the standard 'induction-friendly' type -> Rectify by checking if the pots and pans are warped. Is the material suitable for induction cooktops? If not, replace them with new, suitable induction-friendly cookware.

• The cooktop is heavily coated with grease, causing blockage and hindering contact with the pot -> Regularly clean and maintain the glass surface around the cooktop to prevent the induction cooktop from automatically disconnecting when food spills onto the surface during cooking.

How to Fix an Induction Cooktop Not Recognizing Cookware 

If you encounter the issue of the induction cooktop not recognizing cookware, check for the following reasons: 

• Cookware with incompatible material

One drawback of induction cooktops is their sensitivity to cookware, so you must choose the right type. Purchase pots and pans with a bottom made of enameled cast iron, stainless steel, or 304 stainless steel to ensure proper induction. Cookware made of materials such as glass, aluminum, or clay is unsuitable for use with induction cooktops.

Additionally, prioritize choosing reputable brands with clear origins. Avoid purchasing low-quality pots that may contain harmful substances to health.

• Misplacement of the cookware

Induction cooktops only function when the pot's bottom is aligned with the cooking zone. Otherwise, the cooktop will display an error warning and cannot heat up. The solution is straightforward; adjust the position of the cookware to ensure it is properly placed on the induction cooktop.

• Warped cookware

Despite using the correct type of cookware and placing it correctly, if the induction cooktop still does not operate, it's possible that the bottom of the cookware is warped. During usage, the base of the pot may become distorted, causing uneven contact with the cooktop surface and preventing it from receiving the electromagnetic induction. Additionally, using pots with sizes too small or too large compared to the cooking zone's diameter can result in the induction cooktop not recognizing the cookware. Each cooktop has a different circular cooking zone, typically ranging from 10 to 26cm in diameter.

• Malfunctioning IC sensor

If none of the above causes apply after checking, it's highly likely that your induction cooktop has a malfunctioning temperature sensor or IC. For this issue, the best course of action is to contact the warranty center or reputable repair services for assistance. Attempting to fix it yourself may lead to more severe damage or pose risks. The cost of repairing an induction cooktop is usually reasonable, starting from around 200,000 VND, depending on the damaged component.

Fixing Induction Cooktop Self-Interrupting and Constantly Switching On/Off

Induction cooktops self-interrupting and constantly switching on/off is a common issue in the use of this type of cooktop. Some common causes include:

• Due to excessive temperature: If you set the cooking temperature too high, the cooktop may detect excess heat and automatically shut off to ensure user safety. To easily troubleshoot this issue at home, simply lower the temperature to a sufficient level, avoiding unnecessary electricity consumption and prolonging the lifespan of the components inside the cooktop.

• Cooling fan malfunction: Although a small component, the cooling fan plays a crucial role in typical household electronic devices like induction cooktops. When cooking at high temperatures, the components of the cooktop heat up quickly without a cooling fan. In this situation, the heat and leaked electric current can lead to the risk of short-circuiting. Therefore, if the cooktop is constantly self-interrupting, it may be due to a malfunctioning cooling fan. The solution to fixing the induction cooktop in this case is to replace the fan. You can do it yourself at home, but it requires a technical understanding of the cooktop's structure. If not, take it to authorized service centers for assistance.

• Due to the cooktop surface being covered or having liquid: Accidentally spilling water or allowing boiling food to overflow onto the cooktop surface, or covering the cooktop with towels or fabric, can cause the induction cooktop to constantly shut off. First, turn off the cooktop, unplug it, then use a soft cloth to clean the spilled water on the cooktop surface. Ensure the cooktop is completely dry before restarting. Additionally, remove any items such as mats, wiping cloths, or other foreign objects covering the cooktop surface.

• Old or damaged cooktop circuit board: This issue may occur when using the cooktop for an extended period in a low-humidity environment or when the cooktop is not regularly maintained. The electronic circuitry of the cooktop is quite complex, so you cannot repair it yourself and need a professional. For safety and convenience, take it to a service center for inspection and error correction.

Repairing Non-Responsive Induction Cooktop Touchpad

Encountering a situation where the induction cooktop is unresponsive, and all control buttons are ineffective prompts the need for immediate action. Here are the steps to address this issue:

• Check the 'Child Lock' mode

On modern and high-end induction cooktops, there is a child lock feature to prevent small children from accidentally touching or interfering with the control buttons. If you activate this function and forget to turn it off for the next cooking session, it can inadvertently lead to the cooktop not functioning. In this case, simply press and hold the lock button for 3-5 seconds to disable this mode. If your cooktop does not have a specific button, hold the L (or P) symbol for 3 seconds to turn off the child lock.

• Ensure your hands are always dry

While cooking, it's common for your hands to get wet or oily. Pressing control buttons with wet hands can lead to an unresponsive touch experience. No need to repair the induction cooktop; simply dry your hands and the cooktop surface to enhance sensitivity. When controlling the buttons, use only one finger, press each button sequentially, and avoid pressing multiple buttons simultaneously.

• Avoid spills on the control surface

Even though spilled food on the cooktop surface may not cause a fire, it can impact the functionality of the touch-sensitive control panel. The food can press on multiple buttons simultaneously, causing the control panel to not recognize the desired function and leading to a frozen or unresponsive touchpad. The solution is straightforward—clean the cooktop surface thoroughly to restore functionality.

• Induction cooktop experiencing circuit issues, malfunctions

The ultimate and most complex cause leading to non-functional touch controls on the induction cooktop is circuit malfunction. Moisture, overloading, overheating, or a malfunctioning cooling fan can all contribute to circuit issues. If your cooktop falls into this condition, it's essential to contact the repair center promptly for swift resolution.

Now that you've gained knowledge on how to repair an induction cooktop after reading through this article. Typically, induction cooktops with good quality experience fewer malfunctions. However, cooktops with unclear origins are more prone to issues. To own a high-quality induction cooktop from reputable brands, visit Mytour.vn. Smart, fast, and convenient shopping with thousands of attractive discount vouchers awaits you at Mytour!