Frequently Asked Questions
Provide answers to commonly asked questions
How does ChangBERT Induction Cooktop work?
The ChangBERT induction cooktop operates using the principle of electromagnetic induction. Electric current flows through the coil to create a magnetic field. When the magnetic field passes through the iron-based cookware, countless small eddy currents aregenerated, causing the cookware to heat up and transfer that heat to the food inside. The electromagnetic waves produced by the cooktop are absorbed by the base of the cookware and the shielding layer inside the cooktop.
When the cookware is removed or the cooktop is turned off, the heating stops immediately. Compared to traditional gas stoves or electric burners, induction cooktops are more energy-efficient. Since there is no need for an open flame or red-hot heating coils, the induction cooktop can precisely adjust the heat digitally, saving energy and reducing the risk of burns.
Why does induction cooking need specific cookware?
Because induction cooking relies on magnetic energy, the cookware must have a ferrous (iron-based, magnetic) bottom to function properly. Some cookwares are made entirely from magnetic materials, such as cast iron, while others achieve compatibility by incorporating a thin magnetic layer within the base. This magnetic layer interacts with the cooktop’s electromagnetic field to generate and distribute heat evenly across the pan.
Cookware made from tri-ply construction, high-quality stainless steel, or cast iron works very well with induction cooktops. In contrast, copper, glass, and aluminum cookware will not function unless they include a magnetic layer in the base. For the best performance, it’s recommended to use medium to heavy-gauge cookware, which helps ensure efficient and uniform heating.
What king of cookwares should be used with the ChangBERT Induction Cooktop?
There's a simple way to test your cookware with the magnet included in the package, if the magnet sticks to the bottom of your cookware, it's Induction-Ready! The cookwares have a contact surface diameter of 4.75'' to 10.25'' (12 to 26cm).
Examples of compatible cookware:
• Stainless steel with a magnetic base
• Aluminum with a magnetic base
• Enameled procelain cast iron
• Cast iron
• Carbon steel
Examples of Non-induction compatible cookware:
• Aluminum without a magnetic base
• Glass
• Copper
• Ceramic
Why doesn't a new induction cooktop work right out of the box?
If your cooktop is not working, please check the following steps:
After plugging in the unit, place a magnetic cookware on the surface and press ON/OFF button.
Does the LED display show anything?
If the screen shows “----”, it means the cookware you’re using is not compatible with induction. Please switch to a magnetic pot or pan, for details on selecting proper cookware, please see Q2.
If none of the above applies and the unit still does not work, please contact us through the “Other Question or Support?” section on this page. Please provide your name, order number, shipping address, and phone number, and we will promptly arrange a replacement unit for you.
How do I use HEAT and TEMP mode?
The HEAT mode and TEMP mode operate independently.
HEAT mode is designed for fast cooking, TEMP mode is for steady temperature control, so reach the set temperature may take additional time compared to HEAT mode.
• HEAT Mode provides a range of heating levels for various cooking tasks, from low to high, higher power settings will help achieve the desired heating effect more quickly.
For example: Article Number: 103020-A
HEAT mode ranges from 200 to 1800 watts. Low power (200 to 800 watts) for warm and simmer, Medium power (1000 to 1400 watts) for stir-frying, and High power (1600 to 1800 watts) for boiling.
For other models, please refer to the QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE.
• TEMP Mode allows for cooking at a specific preset temperature between 120°F and 460°F, automatically adjusting the power output to maintain the selected level as closely as possible.
NOTE: The ability to achieve the set temperature can be influenced by factors such as the material of the cookware, the volume of food, and the ambient temperature.
Why was the induction cooktop working well before, but now it suddenly doesn't work?
We recommend trying a different magnetic cookware first. Because after long-term use, some pans may become slightly warped on the bottom, which can prevent the cooktop from detecting the cookware and cause it not to operate.
If the induction cooktop still doesn’t work after trying another magnetic pot or pan, please contact us through the “Other Question or Support?” section below.
Please provide your name, order number, shipping address, and phone number, and as long as the unit is still within the warranty period, we will immediately arrange a replacement to you.
Why does this induction cooktop feel slow to heat up?
Induction cooktops work differently from gas or electric stoves, they heat the cookware ITSELF through a magnetic field.
First, heating performance varies depending on the cookware’s magnet composition, magnetic contact surface, materials and thickness. Try another magnetic pot or pan, medium to heavy gauge pots and pans are optional. For details on selecting proper cookware, please see Q2.
Second, here’s a quick explanation of the difference between HEAT mode and TEMP mode:
HEAT Mode uses power levels to heat the cookware. It heats up quickly and is ideal for tasks like stir-frying, boiling water, or any fast-cooking method.
TEMP Mode controls power based on the temperature sensor to maintain a steady temperature. It may heats MORE SLOWLY but keeps the set temperature more precisely.
For best results, HEAT mode is the best option for rapid heating. We do not recommend using TEMP mode to reach the target temperature from the start. Instead, heat your food or water using HEAT mode first, and once it’s boiling or hot enough, switch to TEMP mode to maintain the temperature.
If you have any other questions during use, please contact us through the “Other Question or Support?” section below.
Why is the diameter of the bubble ring produced when boiling water smaller than the advertised 8 inches?
Induction cooktops heat the cookware ITSELF, not the surface of the cooktop. The heat is generated at the bottom of the pot and spreads outward, so the visible bubbling ring ≠ the actual heating area. You may see stronger bubbling in the center first. However, the entire base of the cookware is still being heated across the full coil are, just at slightly different speeds as the heat spreads outward.
The heating area is also closely related to the size and material of your cookware. If the cookware has a smaller magnetic base, the active heating zone will match that smaller area. Only when the magnetic surface is large enough can it fully engage the entire 8-inch induction field.
In addition, induction only works with magnetic metals, such as cast iron or magnetic stainless steel. If the bottom of the pan has weak magnetism, the magnetic field will not be fully activated, which can make the heating circle appear smaller.
In real cooking, the performance is not affected, cooking time remains fast. For the best result, we recommend using flat-bottom, strongly magnetic cookware, for details on selecting proper cookware, please see Q2. You’ll notice that the heating area becomes more even and better matches the full induction zone.
Why does the temperature in TEMP Mode not match the actual temperature of food?
This is normal, the “inaccurate temperature control” is actually a built-in slight delay in how the system measures heat.
Unlike electric hot plates or infrared burners that heat the surface underneath, an induction cooktop uses a magnetic field to heat the cookware ITSELF. In TEMP mode, the cooktop is programmed for steady, controlled heating, not fast temperature changes, so the displayed reading may vary depending on the cookware type and the amount of food being heated. This variation is expected and does not indicate a malfunction.
Meanwhile, the temperature sensor is mounted under the glass top. It detects heat transferred through the cookware, not the temperature of the food directly. Because heat travels gradually through the cookware and glass, a small delay or difference in the reading is normal, especially when using thick or large pots. If you prefer to fast cooking, we recommend you using HEAT Mode for rapid heating.
We hope this explanation helps you get the best performance from your induction cooktop. If you have any other questions during use, please contact us through the “Other Question or Support?” section below.
Why does the unit cycle on an off when operating at low power levels or after reaching the set temperature?
This behavior is normal and expected. Induction cooktops control heat output through a regulated on/off power cycle. The cycle adjusts automatically based on the selected setting, cookware type, and detected temperature.
Low Power Settings (HEAT Mode: 200W, 400W, 600W)
At lower HEAT levels, the unit does not apply continuous full power. Instead, it operates in controlled intervals to prevent overheating. The power on/off cycling is designed for preventing overheating, especially when heating small volumes of food.
Temperature-Controlled Operation
The temperature sensor is mounted under the glass top. Once the cookware approaches the selected temperature, the cooktop will cycle on/off to maintain the target temperature within the designed range to avoid exceeding the set level.
After turning off the induction cooker, if I hear the sound of a fan running, is the cooker truly turned off?
After finishing the cooking, you may hear a hum sound from the fan running while the display still shows “H” or “L”. This is normal and does not mean the induction cooktop has not been turned off. The fan helps dissipate heat from the appliance and will automatically stop operating after 1 minute.