Induction hob not detecting the pan or showing a pan symbol error (Neff & Siemens)
✅ Safe to check yourself
This is a common, low-risk check most people can do safely. Always unplug the appliance (or isolate power) before touching internal parts.
Quick TipTake a photo of the appliance's model/serial number sticker now — you'll want it if this does end up needing a part or an engineer.
Induction hobs only heat when they detect a compatible pan sitting correctly on a zone, so a “no pan detected” symbol is very often correct — the hob genuinely can’t see a usable pan — rather than a fault.
What to check first
- Confirm the pan is induction-compatible — a magnet should stick firmly to the base; stainless steel, cast iron, and enamelled steel usually work, while aluminium, copper, glass, and most ceramic cookware without a magnetic base won’t.
- Check the pan’s base diameter is large enough for the zone — induction zones need a minimum base size (often around 12cm) to register the pan; very small pans or woks with a rounded base won’t always work on a standard flat zone.
- Check the pan is centred on the zone, not offset to one side.
- Check the hob surface and pan base are both clean and dry — a wet ring of water between pan and hob can sometimes interfere with detection.
When to call an engineer
If you’re using a confirmed induction-compatible pan of adequate size, correctly centred, and the hob still won’t detect it on that specific zone, the zone’s induction coil or its control board has likely failed — this is mains electrical work inside the hob unit and needs a qualified engineer or electrician.