How Induction Cooking Works; Cooking Noise - GE PHP9030 Owner's Manual

How Induction Cooking Works

The magnetic fields induce a small current in the pan.
The pan acts as a resistor, which produces heat, much
like a radiant coil.
The cooking surface itself does not heat. Heat is
produced in the cooking pan, and cannot be generated
until a pan is placed on the cooking surface.
When the element is activated, the pan begins to heat
immediately and in turn heats the contents of the pan.
Magnetic induction cooking requires the use of cookware
made of ferrous metals—metals to which magnets will
stick, such as iron or steel.
Use pans that fit the element size. The pan must
be large enough for the safety sensor to activate an
element.

Cooking Noise

Cookware "noise"
Slight sounds may be produced by different types
of cookware. Heavier pans such as enameled cast
iron produce less noise than a lighter weight multi-ply
stainless steel pan. The size of the pan, and the amount
of contents, can also contribute to the sound level.
When using adjacent elements that are set at certain
power level settings, magnetic fields may interact and
produce a high pitch whistle or intermitted "hum". These
sounds can be reduced or eliminated by lowering or
raising the power level settings of one or both of the
elements. Pans that completely cover the element ring
will produce less sound.
A low "humming" sound is normal particularly on high
settings.
Slight sounds, such as hums or buzzes, may be
produced by different types of cookware. This is normal.
Heavier and uniform material pans such as enameled
cast iron produce less sound than lighter weight multi-
49-2000977 Rev. 1
The cooktop will not operate if a very small steel or iron
utensil (less than the minimum size across the bottom)
is placed on the cooking surface when the unit is turned
on—items such as steel spatulas, cooking spoons,
knives and other small utensils.
Use the minimum size pan for the element. The
pan material is correct if a magnet sticks to the
bottom.
layered stainless steel pans or pans that have bonded
disks on the bottom of the pan. The size of the pan, the
amount of contents in the pan, and the flatness of the
pan can also contribute to the sound level. Some pots
will "Buzz" louder depending on the material. A "Buzz"
sound may be heard if the pan contents are cold. As the
pan heats, the sound will decrease. If the power level is
reduced, the sound level will go down.
Pans that do not meet the minimum size requirements
for the burner can produce louder sounds. They can
cause the controller to "search" for the pot and produce
a clicking and "zipping" sound. This can happen when
one burner is running or only when an adjacent burner
is also running. See User Manual for the minimum sized
pots for each burner. Only measure the flat, magnetic
bottom of the pot.
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