Why Do Induction Cooktops Turn Off Automatically? (The 5 Best Reasons)

Today, I will shed some light on why do induction cooktops turn off automatically.

By default, high wattage cooktops such as the like of Induction Cookers are designed with auto shut-off functionality.

And it applies to any form of induction cooktops.

Whether it is a single zone, a double zone, or a four-cooking zone induction cooker… and so on.

These are built-in SAFETY features that could save you from trouble while cooking.

So join me as I explain the best reasons!

Why Do Induction Cooktops Turn Off Automatically?

The answer to the pertinent question- do induction cooktops turn off automatically… is YES. And these are 5 of the best reasons as to WHY. 1) Induction cooker remains idle after the power is turned ON; 2) The pan is missing or the wrong size and type of pan was used; 3) The pan is not centered on the designated cooking zone area; 4) The Timer has been activated; 5) There’s liquid spilled on top of the cooktop.

---

1. Remains idle after Pressing Power ON

One has to keep this in mind when operating an induction cooker.

After you have pressed the Power key to turn the unit ON, you need to follow and press the next function within 60 seconds (some brands require to select the power level within 15 seconds after pressing Power ON — so always check the instruction manual).

If not, the induction cooker will turn off or return to standby mode automatically.

Usually, it is written in the instruction manual (so you can always check your manual).

Different brands may have different programs but based on my experience doing product evaluation… this safety feature normally is around one minute.

If after one minute the cooker remains idle or no button is pressed… then the unit will turn off or return to standby mode.

---

2. Missing Pan/Pot | Using the Wrong Size and Type of Pan/Pot

These second reasons are related, so I decided to put them together.

Missing pan/pot means you did not put any pan or pot on the cooking zone of the induction cooker.

Remember that if there’s no induction-ready pan placed on the induction cooker… it will not operate.

And if it remains idle for around 60 seconds… meaning without the pan or pot on top. Then it will turn off or return to standby mode automatically.

On the other hand, a “missing pan/pot” will also register when using the wrong size and type of pan/pot (check your manual for the suitable size that can be used).

Because the induction cooker could not detect it.

I have explained this in my previous article about How Induction Cooker Works.

---

3. Pan is NOT ALIGNED with the Cooking Zone

This third reason is also another cause that an induction cooker could turn off automatically.

Most induction cookers have their cooking zones marked up.

So, what it means is that you should place your pan or pot in that designated area.

This is especially true for older designs.

And if you are using a smaller-size pan or pot, you want to make sure that you put it at the center and not on the sides.

Because, if the pan or pot is off-centered… the induction cooker won’t be able to detect it, and it will then send an error signal that the pan or pot is missing.

For newer premium designs, this issue has been resolved by incorporating the latest induction cooktop technology called “Flex Zone“!

Also known as Flexi-Zone, this is usually made up of a larger induction coil or multiple smaller coils, and since it is a FLEXIBLE ZONE… it can detect pans of any size at any position.

https://www.neff-home.com/ie/discover/flexinduction

---

4. Activated TIMER

This is another reason why an induction cooker turns off automatically.

If you have activated the Timer, whether intentionally or unintentionally, the induction cooker will shut off after the set time has elapsed.

To learn how to use the Timer… you must read the instruction manual.

The timer function is very useful especially if you are cooking at low power and longer (e.g., stewing, porridge making, etc).

So, you can just set the timer and leave it.

After the Timer is reached, the induction cooker will turn off automatically.

---

5. SPILLED Liquid on Cooktop’s Top Panel

A spillage sensor has been introduced and integrated mostly on newer designs of induction cooktops.

What this safety feature does is when a liquid overflows from the pan or pot during cooking, the unit will turn off automatically.

Cutting off the power would limit the spillage and a possible accident.

This will give you some peace of mind whenever you’re not in the kitchen watching what you were cooking (e.g., soup making, porridge making, stewing, etc)

And as I’ve already stated, this is also one reason why an induction cooktop could turn off automatically.

---

Additional Notes: 
1. At some point during cooking the induction hob keeps turning off briefly -- this is a normal phenomenon because once the temperature limit is reached, the safety thermal protection sensor will activate, which will momentarily cut off the induction cooker from operating at high power. The cooker switches to low power then the fan will start to cool down the induction cooker before it switches back to operate again at the selected power level!
2. If there's a fluctuation in voltage supply or if you used it with the wrong voltage, it can also cause the induction cooktop keeps turning off automatically. In most cases, when the supply voltage is approximately 30% (under) or 16% (over) the rated voltage -- you won't be able to turn the Power ON. An error code will be displayed indicating an unsuitable voltage supply. At the time the supply voltage becomes stable, and the correct voltage is used, then you can operate your induction cooker as normal.

---

Final Thoughts

Induction cooking is an intelligent way of cooking because of the many safety features it provides to make cooking even safer.

To summarize the five best reasons as to why an induction cooker turns off automatically, again they are the following:

• It remains idle for 60 seconds after pressing Power ON

• Missed putting a pan or pot and or used the wrong type of pan or pot

• Pan is at the sides and not aligned with the cooking zone

• The TIMER had been activated

• Liquid overflows and spilled over the cooktop

The above and other common problems can happen without you being aware!

That’s why you must read the instruction manual to understand the product better, firstly.

And if in any case, your unit still turns off automatically even after going through the five reasons listed above.

Then I would suggest that you should consult the aftersales or the service department where you have purchased your induction cooktop to have it checked.

So there you have it folks, thank you for reading. If you find this article helpful, or you have some questions or suggestions, please leave a comment below. I will answer them as soon as I can to the best of my knowledge.