Why will my induction hob not recognize a particular pan?
Quick answer
A hob may not recognize a pan if its base is not magnetic or if it does not meet that hob’s size or placement requirements. Cast iron, steel, magnetic stainless steel, and some iron-based enameled or ceramic-clad pans are listed as suitable for induction; glass, aluminum, and copper without a magnetic layer are not. A magnet sticking to the pan bottom is a useful check, but consult your exact hob manual for size and placement limits. [S1]
The question, the details, the next step.
My induction hob recognizes one pan but not another. How can I work out why without guessing?
Start by checking the pan itself, then check the instructions for your exact hob. Induction cookware needs a magnetic base. Cast iron, steel, magnetic stainless steel, and some iron-based enameled or ceramic-clad pans are listed as suitable. Glass, aluminum, and copper without a magnetic layer are listed as unsuitable. [S1]
A magnet sticking to the pan bottom is a quick compatibility check. It tells you whether that spot is magnetic; it does not tell you the hob’s minimum pan size or the correct placement. Those requirements can vary, so use the hob manual for them. [S1]
The pan says “stainless steel,” but a magnet barely sticks. Should I assume it will work?
Don’t decide from the words “stainless steel” alone. Magnetic stainless steel is listed as suitable, but the source does not say that every stainless-steel pan has a magnetic base or specify how strongly a magnet must stick. [S1]
Try the magnet on several areas of the flat base and note what you observe. Treat that as a clue, not a guarantee. If the result is uncertain, check the pan maker’s information or ask the hob manufacturer about that pan and hob model. Avoid claiming the pan is compatible unless the relevant product instructions support that conclusion.
The magnet sticks firmly, but the hob still does not recognize it. What should I check next?
Check the manual for your exact hob’s pan-size and placement instructions. The supplied source specifically does not establish the size or placement requirements for every hob, so it would be misleading to give one universal measurement or position. [S1]
For a simple test, use a pan that the hob already recognizes as a comparison. Note which cooking zone you use, how the pan sits on it, and whether the unfamiliar pan’s base appears smaller or larger. Compare those observations with the manual’s stated limits and instructions. This helps narrow the question to compatibility, size, or placement without treating any one observation as a definitive diagnosis.
Can you show me what to write down before I contact support?
Use a short, factual note like this. Fill in only details you can verify:
“Cookware question: My [hob brand and model] does not recognize my [pan brand and model, if known]. The pan base is [material or markings shown on the pan or its packaging]. A magnet [sticks firmly / sticks weakly / does not stick] to [area of base tested]. I tried it on [cooking zone] and placed it [brief description]. The hob [recognized / did not recognize] another pan on that zone. The manual’s pan-size or placement instructions I checked are [page or wording, if found]. What compatibility or size requirement should I compare with this pan?”
This records observations rather than assuming the cause. If you cannot find the model details or the relevant manual section, say so rather than guessing.
A practical checklist
Check the pan’s base and available product information for its material or induction-compatibility marking.
Test whether a magnet sticks to the pan bottom; record where you tested and what happened.
Find the manual for the exact hob model and check its stated pan-size and placement requirements.
Compare the unfamiliar pan with one the hob already recognizes, noting the zone and placement.
Give the manufacturer your observations and ask about the specific pan and hob models if the manual does not settle the question.
A few more useful answers
Does a magnet sticking to the pan prove it will work on my hob?
It is a useful magnetic-compatibility check, but it does not establish that the pan meets your hob’s size or placement requirements. Check the exact hob manual as well. [S1]
Are all stainless-steel pans suitable for induction?
No such blanket conclusion is supported here. Magnetic stainless steel is listed as suitable; check the individual pan rather than relying on the material name alone. [S1]
What if the manual does not give me a clear answer?
Contact the hob manufacturer with the hob model, pan details, magnet-test result, and the zone and placement you tried. Ask which compatibility or size requirement applies to that specific combination.
Sources
References used for this guide.
- [S1] Bosch: What Is Induction-Safe Cookware? bosch-home.com · Checked