Should You Unplug an Induction Cooktop After Cooking?
Induction cooktops work by converting electrical energy into heat energy to warm pots and pans, thus cooking food. After pressing the OFF button, the induction cooktop doesn’t stop working immediately; it needs time to cool down its internal components.
The cooling fan runs at a low power setting, consuming minimal electricity. Therefore, unplugging it immediately does not offer significant energy savings.
You may hear the gentle hum of the cooling fan, which maintains a safe temperature for components like the circuit board and induction coil.
Reduced Component Lifespan: When unplugged abruptly, the cooling fan stops, causing the internal temperature to drop too quickly or remain high, damaging electronic components and the control panel.
Cracked Cooktop Surface: Sudden temperature changes while the cooktop is still hot can cause thermal shock, leading to cracks in the glass surface, affecting both aesthetics and durability.
Negligible Energy Savings: Properly turning off the cooktop via the OFF button partially disconnects power to the components. The cooling fan runs at low power, consuming minimal electricity. Thus, unplugging it offers negligible energy savings.
How to Properly Handle an Induction Cooktop After Cooking
Turn Off the Cooktop with the Power Button (OFF): After cooking, press the OFF button on the control panel. This is the correct way to turn off the cooktop, allowing the system to stop heating and enter the cooling mode.
Do Not Unplug or Use a Circuit Breaker: Avoid directly unplugging the cooktop or turning it off via a circuit breaker, as this may damage internal components.
Allow the Cooktop to Cool Down: After turning it off, the internal cooling fan continues to run, reducing the temperature of the components. You will hear the gentle sound of the fan for a few minutes. This phase is crucial for protecting the electronic parts and glass surface from excessive heat or thermal shock.
Clean the Cooktop When the Surface is Cool: Once the cooktop has cooled down, you can safely clean it. Use a soft damp cloth or specialized cleaning solutions to clean the glass surface, avoiding abrasive tools that may scratch or damage it.
Do Not Unplug or Use a Circuit Breaker: As mentioned earlier, avoid directly unplugging the cooktop or using a circuit breaker to turn it off, as this can be detrimental to the internal components.
Unplug the Cooktop After it has Completely Cooled: Only unplug the cooktop from the power source when it has cooled down and the cooling fan has stopped running. This ensures safety and prevents electrical issues like leakage or explosions due to residual heat.
Following these proper post-cooking steps for your induction cooktop ensures stable and efficient performance, prolongs its lifespan, and effectively saves energy.
