Induction requires magnetic cookware of sufficient base size centered on an active zone. A pan can be stainless steel yet still be incompatible. Hold a magnet to the flat base; it must grip firmly for induction to work. Compare the diameter of the pan base with the minimum size in the cooktop manual.
What this covers
- Ranges & ovens · induction
What it does not cover
Differential
Likely causes of “Induction cooktop does not detect the pan”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The pan is not magnetic
What separates it A magnet does not stick firmly to the bottom of the pan even though the pan is stainless steel or looks metal, and the cooktop shows a pan error.
How to confirm Hold a magnet to the flat base; it must grip firmly for induction to work.
- 2
The pan base is too small for the zone
What separates it The pan is detected on a larger zone but not on a small one, or the pan base is much narrower than the marked ring.
How to confirm Compare the diameter of the pan base with the minimum size in the cooktop manual.
- 3
The pan is off-center or the base is warped
What separates it Detection comes and goes as the pan moves, and the base rocks on a flat surface.
How to confirm Center the pan on the ring and check the base is flat with a straight edge.
- 4
The zone or a control is faulty
What separates it A known-compatible pan also fails on the zone or on every zone.
How to confirm Test a pan you know works on induction; if it is also not detected, the fault is in the cooktop.
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether a magnet sticks firmly to the base of the pan.
- The diameter of the pan base and of the zone.
- Whether the same pan is detected on any other zone.
Try in this order
0 of 4 completedObserve before changing anything
ReversibleTest whether a magnet sticks firmly to the flat pan base and compare its diameter with the zone minimum.
Isolate the failing boundary
ReversibleCenter one clean, dry, flat pan and remove mats, adapters or a second pan from the zone.
Apply the narrow correction
ReversibleTry a known-compatible pan; detection with that pan isolates cookware from the cooktop.
Verify the result and stop at the boundary
ReversibleService is appropriate if no supported zone detects known-compatible cookware.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Service is appropriate if no zone detects known-compatible cookware, or an error code shows on the display.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Official model lookup, manuals, installation, maintenance, diagnostics and repair entry point.
GE's own article — a pan's magnetic area being smaller than its visible diameter is the named cause of a zone that will not detect it.
Exact questions
Common questions
Can I use an adapter plate on an induction cooktop?+
Only if the cooktop's maker allows it. Adapter plates can heat poorly and can damage the glass, so check the manual first.
Why does a stainless pan not work on induction?+
Some stainless alloys are not magnetic, and induction needs a magnetic base. The magnet test on the base tells you quickly.
Which pans work on induction?+
Magnetic ones, such as cast iron or magnetic stainless steel. A magnet should stick to the base.
Why does the pan need to be centered?+
The sensor needs enough base area over the zone. Small or off-center pans may not register.
Can a warped pan fail?+
Yes. A warped base can lose contact.