Recently, more and more users are choosing combination stoves with induction heating. Unlike built-in models, such stoves can be easily transported from place to place, and a free-standing device can cost less than a set of a built-in oven and hob with an independent connection. Modern slabs are much more repairable due to the possibility of extension. It is also worth noting that there are combination devices with a gas oven and an induction hob, which can satisfy even the most unusual customer requirements.
Advantages of induction cookers
The most important advantage of an induction cooker is the very principle of its operation. Unlike gas models, where the cookware is heated by burning gas, and electric models, in which energy is transformed into heat, induction panels operate using the principle of magnetic induction. This principle consists of installing a special electromagnet (induction coil) under the glass-ceramic surface, which is wrapped in a copper wire winding. When electricity is applied to the coil, it begins to generate a high-frequency magnetic field and creates eddy currents in the bottom of the cookware, generating heat. In fact, it is not the coil itself that is heated, but only the metal utensil. Glass ceramics heat up from contact with pots and pans, and not from the operation of the induction coil.
The advantages of induction cookers include high performance. The coil heats the cookware almost instantly and reaches operating temperature. The temperature decreases in the same way. In electric panels, cooling occurs noticeably slower, which is one of their most important drawbacks. Induction is also safer than other heating elements. After removing the cookware from the burner, the glass ceramics cools much faster and the chance of getting a burn is noticeably reduced. It should also be noted that this technique is more economical due to heating only the area on which the dishes are located. The part of the burner on which it is not installed does not heat up. Induction cookers are very easy to care for, and many useful programs and operating modes significantly expand the culinary capabilities of the owner of the device.
The stove turns on, but the operating mode does not start
Power module (rear view)
If the control module or touch panel is faulty, then most often the repair of such a breakdown is carried out by replacing it with a known-good board. In inexpensive models, the IGBT transistor, which takes part in converting direct electricity into alternating electric current, may fail.
IGBT transistor
To check the transistor, just disconnect the power board on which this element is installed, turn it over and ring the part with a multimeter.
Before proceeding with diagnostic actions, it is necessary to discharge the high-voltage capacitors installed in the power board of the device.
To avoid damaging the internal contacts of the device, it is recommended to perform this operation using a high-resistance resistance. After removing residual electricity, if the transistor is damaged, it is enough to purchase a new electronic element and install it in place of the burnt part.
After dismantling the board, in addition to the power transistor, you should definitely ring the diode bridge, which is made in the form of a four-pin microcircuit. If this part is faulty, it should also be replaced. After repair operations are completed, the board is put in place, and the previously disconnected wires are installed in the appropriate connectors.
Why does the stove heat the dishes slowly?
Unfortunately, not all induction cookers are made with high quality and users may encounter a number of problems. One of them is to heat the cookware slowly. In this article we will talk in detail about the possible reasons for this phenomenon and suggest ways to solve them.
Low device power
One of the most common factors that influence a slow heating rate is poor quality induction hob manufacturing. Unlike good models from European manufacturers, some cheap stoves have weak coils that do not allow heating to occur normally. Unfortunately, it is not possible to correct this flaw - the best thing to do in such a situation is to return or sell the equipment, and instead install a really powerful induction cooker from a European manufacturer.
If you have just installed a stove, then there is a possibility that you have received a defective version. If you are sure that the stove was made by a serious manufacturer and should be more powerful, then you should contact the help desk of the manufacturer or equipment dealer. You may have to take the model to a service center and leave it there for diagnostics.
Small coil diameter
Another reason for slow heating is placing large-bottomed cookware on a small burner. It is also worth noting that some manufacturers are cunning and apply larger heating zones to the glass ceramics than the one that the coil installed underneath has. Unfortunately, this happens quite often and nothing can be done in this situation. It is very easy to determine this particular breakdown. If you place a dish on the heating zone and break an egg into it, and then turn on the burner, the egg will heat up in the middle, but the edges will remain raw.
Wrong utensils
Another possible reason for low heat is improperly selected cookware. Most users know that special cookware is required to work with induction burners. Such dishes have a massive bottom made of metal with ferromagnetic shavings. It is believed that you can check the dishes by holding a magnet to it. But it is not so. A magnet will stick to a lot of metal, and an induction burner requires a lot of metal to work. This is the only way the burner can transfer enough energy to the bottom. Try using different cookware. If the problem persists, then you need to look for a solution further.
It is also worth noting that to work with an induction cooker, the bottom must be very flat. If the cookware was used on a gas or electric stove, it may bend, making it unsuitable for use with induction. You should also not use dishes that have grooves on the bottom. It is best to buy new dishes if the old one has ceased to perform its functions.
Electronics problems
The last problem is one of the most likely and at the same time quite serious. It is associated with a malfunction of the electronic control module. In order for the hob to work correctly, a special board is used that analyzes indicators from sensors and issues commands to all parts of the induction cooker. If this module is damaged, some functions may not perform correctly.
The failure can be hardware or software. In the case of a hardware failure, damage occurs to the radio components or microprocessor; in the case of a software failure, the software crashes. Only a certified electronics specialist who has not only the necessary education, but also extensive experience working with circuit boards of hobs and combination stoves can carry out such repairs on their own. If the problem is in the hardware, the technician will analyze everything and resolder the necessary radio components. If the problem is software, then it will reflash the board (essentially re-download the program code).
The induction cooker does not work - reasons and do-it-yourself repairs
Control block
Unlike a conventional electric stove, there is a control unit inside the induction appliance, which often fails due to liquid getting inside the housing.
Of course, the cause of a device breakdown is not always a short circuit, but before starting repair work, it is necessary not only to carry out certain diagnostic actions, but also to have a detailed “history”.
If the induction cooker refuses to work for no apparent reason, then you should be aware of the most common breakdowns of this type of equipment. Induction hob malfunction may be caused by:
- improper use of a household appliance;
- factory defect;
- short circuit due to liquid entering the device body.
If the induction cooker was operated correctly and the malfunction occurred during the warranty period, then the most correct solution in this case would be to contact a service center for repairs under warranty. In all other situations, you can try your hand at repairing complex household appliances. Next, the most common breakdowns of household induction cookers will be discussed.
What to do?
Unfortunately, if your induction cooker does not heat your cookware well, you will most likely be faced with expensive repairs or the need to purchase a new device. The only situation where you can solve the problem yourself is choosing the wrong dishes. To repair the stove, it is best to contact certified specialists - a repair shop. You should not resort to the services of private craftsmen, since they very often install low-quality spare parts and do not provide a guarantee for the work performed. We recommend consulting with an understanding specialist and choosing an induction cooker model that will quickly heat the cookware and have an increased level of reliability.
Insufficient power
If an induction cooker does not produce rated power during operation, the reason for this is not always the device itself. Very often, a decrease in the power of a given electrical device may be due to:
- discrepancy in the voltage supplied to the home electrical network;
- using the wrong utensils;
- activation of electronic protection as a result of winding overheating.
Unsuitable cookware
If there are significant voltage deviations in the 220 V network, the induction cooker can not only work unstably, but also completely fail. If it is known that the voltage is often inconsistent in a given area, it is recommended to install a stabilizer for induction cooktops. When installing a voltage stabilizer, you should choose a model whose power should exceed the rated power of the stove by at least 10%.
Using cookware whose bottom diameter significantly exceeds the values recommended by the manufacturer can also lead to unstable operation of the household appliance. A pot or pan that is too small can also cause the unit to lose power.
Small saucepan
During cooking, you must ensure that the utensils are positioned exactly in the center of the cooking surface. If the cookware is shifted relative to the center of the induction field, this will lead not only to a noticeable decrease in power, but also to an increase in the negative impact of magnetic radiation on the human body.
The plate also has built-in protection against winding overheating, but a decrease in the power of the device as a result of such a function is very rare. All induction cookers are equipped with a forced ventilation system, which does its job perfectly. Overheating of the winding may occur when the plate is not installed on a hard surface. In this case, the stove may sag under the weight of the dishes and its own weight, which will certainly lead to blocking of the air intake holes in the device body.
Also, the protection can be triggered by a decrease in the fan rotation speed as a result of hair, threads or nylon fishing line being wound around the motor shaft. If a decrease in the power of the induction cooker occurs for this reason, then it is enough to disassemble the device and clean the blades and fan shaft of dirt.
High-quality induction hobs from SMEG
The SMEG company is one of the world leaders in the production of premium household appliances for the home and kitchen. Thanks to many years of history and experience of engineers, all SMEG induction cookers have a phenomenal level of reliability. In their production, only high-quality components are used, which makes it possible to significantly extend the life of the devices. In addition to high reliability and rich functionality, SMEG slabs have an excellent design, which has won prestigious awards for many years. All these factors allow SMEG stoves to fit perfectly into any interior and become a focal point in the kitchen.
Taking care of every user
By purchasing SMEG combination boards from the Portofino and Victoria design collections, the user receives a truly premium product. The models are made in a variety of colors and are equipped with the latest technology. The user has access to 5 induction heating zones of varying power, which are equipped with a Booster function, which allows you to temporarily increase the power by almost doubling. This innovation allows you to start cooking almost instantly. In addition to the Booster function, the user has access to the functions of protective shutdown during heating, as well as automatic detection of the diameter of the cookware.
Premium service from SMEG
The SMEG company is famous not only for the high quality of its household appliances, but also for its premium level of service. You are in the Italian household appliances store SMEG, where you can purchase a large number of a wide variety of appliances for the home and kitchen. All household appliances are covered by a 24-month warranty, they have the necessary certificates and are tested for performance. If you have any questions, you can use the help of a competent consultant by phone or online. The equipment can be purchased in our showrooms in Moscow or St. Petersburg, and delivery can also be ordered to any corner of Russia. There are many payment options and lucrative promotional offers available.
