FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS(Q&A)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HÄFELE INDUCTION (ELECTRIC) COOKTOPS

A. General Questions about Induction Cooktops

How does an induction cooktop work?
An induction cooktop works by generating a magnetic field that directly heats the bottom of the pot without heating the glass surface, making cooking faster and more energy-efficient.

What is the difference between an induction cooktop, infrared cooktop, and gas stove?

Induction cooktop: Heats quickly, high efficiency, energy-saving, only works with induction-compatible cookware.

Infrared cooktop: Compatible with all types of pots, but consumes more electricity and heats the glass surface.

Gas stove: Lower cost but higher risk of fire/explosion and lower efficiency.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using an induction cooktop?

Advantages: Häfele induction cooktops cook quickly, offer high efficiency (save electricity), are safe with child lock and auto shut-off, have a sleek design, and are easy to clean.

Disadvantages: Requires compatible cookware (induction base), more expensive than gas stoves, depends on electricity, and high repair costs for parts.
See more at: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF USING INDUCTION COOKTOPS

Does an induction cooktop consume a lot of electricity?
Induction cooktops are more energy-efficient than electric and gas stoves, with an efficiency of up to 90%. If used correctly and at appropriate power levels, electricity costs are not high.

Are induction cooktops safe?
Yes, they are very safe because they do not generate flames, have minimal heat loss, and include features like auto shut-off when overheating or when no cookware is detected.

Can an induction cooktop be placed on a wooden or stone countertop?
Yes, as long as the surface can withstand heat and the cooktop''s weight. Ensure there is space below for the cooling fan to work properly.

B. Questions about Use and Cookware

What type of pots can be used on an induction cooktop?
Only cookware with magnetic (induction-compatible) bottoms (3-layer stainless steel, enameled cast iron, magnetic stainless steel pots).

How to know if a pot is suitable for induction cooking?
Use a magnet to check. If the magnet sticks to the pot’s bottom, it is suitable for induction cooktops.

Can an induction cooktop operate without a pot placed on it?
No. The cooktop will automatically shut off if no pot is detected to ensure safety.

Can aluminum foil or cloth be placed on the cooktop surface to keep it clean?
Not recommended, as it may interfere with heat sensors and cause material melting, posing a danger.

Is an induction cooktop picky about pots?
Not picky if you choose the correct cookware with a magnetic and flat bottom.
See more at: USER GUIDE + SELECTING POTS FOR INDUCTION COOKTOPS

C. Questions about Features and Utilities

Do induction cooktops have a timer function?
Most Häfele induction models include a timer feature that allows the cooktop to shut off automatically after the set time.

What is the Booster function on an induction cooktop?
The Booster function increases the power to the maximum level for a short time to cook faster.
See more at:

How does the Child Lock function work?
When activated, all touch buttons are locked so children cannot accidentally change settings.
See more at: SAFETY TIPS WHEN USING HÄFELE INDUCTION COOKTOPS

Does the cooktop have a residual heat indicator?
Yes, the cooktop displays “H” or “h” on the cooking zone when the glass surface is still hot.

Does the cooktop automatically shut off when overheating?
Yes. If the heat sensor detects overheating, the cooktop will automatically shut off to protect the components.
See more at: RESIDUAL HEAT WARNING, AUTO SHUT-OFF ON OVERHEATING

D. Questions about Maintenance and Cleaning

How to clean the induction cooktop properly?
Turn off the power, wait for the glass to cool, then wipe gently with a soft damp cloth. For tough stains, use a special scraper and glass cooktop cleaner.

Does spilled food affect the cooktop?
Spilled food won’t damage the cooktop, but it should be cleaned immediately to prevent burning and grease build-up.

How to prevent scratches on the glass surface?
Avoid dragging pots, placing sharp objects on the glass, and always clean with a soft cloth.

Should strong cleaning agents be used on the cooktop surface?
No. Only use specialized or mild cleaning solutions for glass cooktops.

Does the induction cooktop require periodic maintenance?
Yes. Clean the cooling fan and check the power cord every 6–12 months to ensure stable operation.

E. Questions about Safety and Troubleshooting

Can induction cooktops leak electricity?
If installed according to standards and grounded properly, induction cooktops are very safe and do not leak electricity.

Why doesn''t the cooktop recognize the pot?
Possible reasons: non-magnetic or too thin pot bottom, or the cooktop is in safety lock mode.

Does the induction cooktop interfere with phones or Wi-Fi?
Almost never, as the induction frequency does not overlap with Wi-Fi frequency.

Can I still use the cooktop if the glass is cracked?
No. There’s a risk of electric shock or the glass breaking under heat.

Can the induction cooktop catch fire, and how to prevent it?
Häfele induction cooktops have many safety features, but you should install a separate socket and avoid sharing with high-power appliances.
See more at: SAFETY TIPS WHEN USING HÄFELE INDUCTION COOKTOPS

F. Questions about Warranty and Lifespan

How long is the warranty for Häfele induction cooktops?
Typically 2–3 years depending on the product line and current policy at the time of purchase.

What is the average lifespan of an induction cooktop?
About 7–10 years if used and maintained properly.
See more at: DETAILED CLEANING & MAINTENANCE GUIDE

Is it easy to repair a broken induction cooktop?
Yes. Häfele has authorized service centers with full replacement parts.

Can the cooktop glass be replaced?
Yes, it can be replaced if cracked or damaged.

Is it necessary to install an MCB or voltage stabilizer?
It’s recommended to install a dedicated MCB for the cooktop to ensure safety and prevent electrical issues.
See more at: SAFETY TIPS WHEN USING HÄFELE INDUCTION COOKTOPS

COMMON ISSUES WITH INDUCTION COOKTOPS AND HOW TO FIX THEM

Cooktop won’t power on
Causes:

Power outage or unstable electricity

Loose plug or damaged power cord

Blown fuse or tripped MCB
Solutions:

Check the power source and plug

Replace fuse/MCB if tripped

Contact Häfele service center if power cord is damaged

Cooktop does not detect cookware
Causes:

Non-magnetic or too thin bottom cookware

Pot not placed properly on cooking zone
Solutions:

Use magnetic-bottom cookware (3-layer stainless steel, enameled cast iron)

Place pot in the center of the cooking zone

Cooktop turns off suddenly while cooking
Causes:

Overheating from high power cooking for too long

Cooling fan clogged with dust
Solutions:

Turn off cooktop, wait 10–15 minutes

Clean cooling fan regularly

Cooktop displays error codes (E0, E1, E2, E3, E4...)
Causes:

Unstable voltage

No cookware detected

Sensor or circuit board error
Solutions:

Check power voltage

Place cookware in correct position

If error persists, contact service center
See more at: COMMON ERRORS, ERROR CODES & SOLUTIONS

Control panel unresponsive or malfunctioning
Causes:

Wet hands or glass surface

Grease or dust on touch controls
Solutions:

Dry hands and glass surface

Clean control panel with a soft cloth

Strange noise (buzzing, clicking)
Causes:

Fan noise or uneven pot bottom

Internal coil noise (normal)
Solutions:

Check and replace pot with flat bottom

Clean fan if dusty

Burnt smell during use
Causes:

Spilled food on fan or circuit board

Dust or grease being burnt
Solutions:

Clean cooktop regularly

Turn off power and wipe down glass and fan vents

Cooktop cannot adjust temperature
Causes:

Child lock mode enabled

Control panel malfunction
Solutions:

Turn off child lock

Contact technician if issue persists

Cracked or scratched glass surface
Causes:

Strong impact or dragging cookware

Using sharp tools to clean surface
Solutions:

Do not use cooktop with cracked glass

Contact service center to replace glass

Cooktop shuts off when cooking multiple dishes at once
Causes:

Electrical overload or high cooking power
Solutions:

Cook dishes sequentially

Install a dedicated MCB to prevent overload

Cooktop shows fan error (not spinning or slow spinning)
Causes:

Fan heavily dusted or broken
Solutions:

Clean fan

Replace if broken

Fan runs but cooktop produces no heat
Causes:

Circuit board failure or faulty induction coil
Solutions:

Disconnect power and contact Häfele service center

OTHER QUESTIONS RELATED TO INDUCTION COOKTOPS