Why doesn't the induction hob detect the pan?
Common reasons an induction hob won't recognize a pan: non-ferromagnetic material, a base that's too small or off-center, a warped bottom, and burnt-on residue on the cooking zone.
Recommended steps:
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1. Non-ferromagnetic cookware material
Induction generates heat through a magnetic field that only interacts with cast-iron or magnetic stainless-steel bases. Pure aluminum, copper, or ceramic cookware without a special base simply won't close the magnetic circuit, and the hob won't detect anything, no matter how hot it would get on a conventional burner.
💡 Quickly test whether cookware will work by holding a magnet to the base: if it clings firmly, it's induction-compatible.
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2. Base too small or off-center
Each cooking zone has a minimum detectable diameter, usually between 10 and 12 cm; very small pans or cookware placed at the edge of the zone instead of centered won't trigger the coil's sensors.
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3. Warped base not making full contact with the glass
Cookware that's been through sudden temperature shocks can warp slightly inward or outward; even with the right material, if the base doesn't sit evenly across the whole glass surface, the hob may detect it intermittently or not turn on at all.
💡 Set the pan upside down on a flat surface: if it rocks, the base is warped and it's worth replacing.
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4. Zone sensor dirty or damaged by sugary spills
Sugar or jam that spills and burns onto the glass can microscopically penetrate the surface and damage that particular zone's detection sensor, and it can also leave a permanent stain if it isn't scraped off immediately while still hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of pans work with induction?
Any cast-iron, enameled steel, or magnetic stainless-steel cookware marked with a coil symbol or "induction" on the packaging. Most manufacturers stamp this compatibility directly onto the base.
Why did the pan used to work but the hob doesn't detect it anymore?
It's usually because the base has warped from a temperature shock (like running cold water over a pan straight off the heat), or a thin film of burnt grease has built up between the base and the glass, interfering with contact.