Cooktops are one of the essential products in everyone’s home. From cooking a complete 3-course meal to warming up your late-night leftover, it is a central part of everyone’s life.
The IKEA cooktop is a very popular and affordable cooktop that comes in various sizes and models that will match your space and style of cooking.
In these cooktop series, Ikea offers two different types of cooktops that include gas and energy-saving glass ceramic induction cooktops.
Like any other product of daily use, your Ikea cooktop may also run into problems that may stop you from preparing your favorite meal.
Although these Ikea cooktops are made of high-quality materials and are reliable, occasionally, there can be issues with them too.
If your IKEA cooktop is not working, there are some possible reasons, depending on which cooktop you have in your kitchen.
In this article, we will discuss some common reasons for your cooktops not working, followed by some easy and quick ways with which you can fix these issues.
IKEA Cooktop is Not Working
Common reasons why Induction IKEA cooktop stops working include the following:
- Faulty thermal switch
- Faulty timer
- Loose connections
- Burned-out heating element
- Damaged/Dirty ignitor
- Dirty cooktop
- Disrupted power supply
- Control panel malfunctioning
- Locked cooktop
Further below, we will discuss each of these in detail and provide quick solutions so you can get your cooktop working again!
- Faulty Thermal Switch
A thermal switch is a safety device that shuts off power to the cooktop if it senses it is becoming too hot. If the thermal switch is faulty, it may shut off power even when the cooktop is not overheating.
Solution
To prevent this issue from occurring, you would first have to be sure about it being the sole reason for it not working.
If the thermal heat switch is faulty, you’d need to get it replaced for your cooktop to detect the temperature of the cooktop and work or heat up accordingly.
- Faulty Timer
The timer controls the cooktop’s power. If the timer is faulty, it may cause the cooktop to stop working.
To detect a defective timer, try to turn on the cooktop without setting a timer. If the cooktop does not turn on, the timer may be faulty and need to be replaced.
Solution
The fault timer needs a timely replacement by a qualified technician. If your cooktop has been under the warranty years, you can also claim the repair and replacement from Ikea.
- Loose Connections
If the cooktop is not getting enough power, it may be because of loose electrical connections. Ensure all wires are connected securely to the cooktop and the power source.
Loose wires may cause the cooktop to not heat up to the maximum limit or not work.
Solution:
If you find any loose wires, tighten them with a screwdriver in their place with the screwdriver.
It’s recommended to always fix the wires of your cooktop to prevent them from tangling or over stretching, which may cause the loosening of the connection.
This, however, is not one of the biggest issues and can be easily resolved by tightening all the loosened connections, and then you are good to go for making any and everything on your Ikea cooktop.
- Burned-Out Heating Element
The heating element inside the induction cooktop is what heats the top. This high temperature is what helps you cook your food on time.
If a heating element has burned out, your cooktop will not heat up. Eventually, it will not produce sufficient heat to be transferred to your ferromagnetic pan to prepare your girl’s favorite chicken chili.
Solution:
If you are unable to detect any problems and your igniter, control panel, and wire connections are all working fine, then there must be something wrong with your cooktop heating element.
A qualified technician’s assistance is necessary to confirm if that’s the cause of your cooktop not working, and he will replace the heating element for you.
On the other hand, you can also get it replaced by Ikea if it happens to be under the terms and conditions of their service and warranty.
- Dirty Cooktop
A dirty cooktop can cause the cooktop to overheat and shut off. Be sure to keep the cooktop clean and free of debris.
Solution
Refer to the owner’s manual for instructions on how to clean the cooktop.
For quick cleaning, you can use a damp and another dry cloth, remove all the food debris and stains from the top and try turning it on again. Wait for a while before you decide if the cooktop is heating up or not.
- Dirty or Damaged Igniter (Gas Oven)
If the igniter on your IKEA cooktop is dirty or damaged, it may not be able to create enough spark to ignite the stove. There are chances that the igniter electrical connection is disrupted or entirely switched off.
Solution
To fix this problem, clean the igniter with a brush, and avoid using any detergent or liquid cleaner.
If cleaning the igniter doesn’t solve the problem, then you would most likely have to replace it with a new one.
- Power Supply Interrupted
The other possibility of your cooktop not working is that the power supply to the cooktop has been interrupted.
Check to ensure that the power cord is plugged in securely and that there is no damage to the cord.
You should also check in the socket where you have been plugging your induction cooktop. There are chances of the socket being burnt or malfunctioning.
Solution
If you see the power supply is interrupted, you would have to restore it for your cooktops to start working.
If the main power cord is damaged, unplug the cooktop and try wrapping insulation tape around the damaged parts. However, if there is extensive damage to the main cord, you’ll have to get it replaced.
Similarly, you’ll need a professional’s help with the burnt or malfunctioning socket.
He will either fix the screws and wires behind the socket to restore the power supply or replace the socket if it has black discoloration and smells burnt.
- Control Panel Malfunctioning
Another possibility is that the cooktop’s control panel is not functioning correctly. The control panel of the Ikea induction cooktop is typically right in the front.
If you are trying to turn on the cooktop from the control panel and it’s not working, then there’s a possibility of the control panel being a malfunction.
To check if the control panel is the source of your cooktop not working, try pressing all the control panel buttons to see if they respond.
If more than a few buttons do not respond, there may be a problem with the control panel itself.
Solution:
Although you can open up the cooktop to see and manage if the inside wiring is disturbed, it is not recommended.
Whether it’s the touch system of the control panel that has gone down or the internal system, check with your personal, professional electrician, or you can call Ikea customer service to help you through the problem.
They will service your cooktop if needed and guide you if getting it repaired or replaced is better.
- Cooktop Is Locked
Another possibility, especially if you have just brought in the cooktop from the Ikea store or got it delivered, is that the cooktop that came in is locked.
Most IKEA cooktops have a lock feature that prevents the cooktop from being turned on accidentally.
This feature, although it makes it safe, is considerable for a home that has grown children who are always keen on showing their culinary skills.
So it’s better to keep it locked to keep your kids from working on the stove without your supervision.
Hence, keeping it locked will keep you and your kitchen safe from accidents. You can unlock and lock it again when you are done with your meal preparation.
Solution:
Unlocking your IKEA cooktop is as easy as it may sound. To unlock the cooktop, press the “Lock” button for 3 seconds.
You’ll successfully unlock your cooktop by this method, and your cooktop will start working again.
Concluding Thoughts:
If your IKEA cooktop stops working, there are several possible causes. Assess the thermal switch and check if it is faulty, if the timer is defective, or if there are loose connections.
If the problem persists, call a qualified technician. Most importantly, keep the cooktop clean and free of debris. A dirty or damaged igniter can also cause the cooktop to stop working.
If nothing helps you, get professional help via your personal electrician or contact the IKEA support system. You can also reclaim the warranty if it’s not too long that you have brought in the cooktop.
Ikea offers a free limited warranty for about 5 years against material defects in kitchen appliances. You must, however, know the Ikea terms and conditions for this!