Induction cookers are becoming increasingly popular in modern kitchens thanks to their quick cooking ability, compatibility with various cookware, and high aesthetic appeal. However, not everyone fully understands the symbols on the control panel. Therefore, understanding these symbols is important as it not only helps you master cooking recipes but also ensures absolute safety for your family and extends the lifespan of the appliance.
1. Basic control symbols
This group of symbols appears on most induction cookers, from budget to high-end models.
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Power Symbol (ON/OFF): Usually depicted as an open circle with a vertical line in the middle. This is the most important button to start or turn off the cooker.
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Menu/Function Button (Mode): Typically represented by a list icon or the word “Menu”. This button allows you to switch between pre-programmed cooking modes.
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Increase/Decrease Symbols (+/-): Used to adjust the temperature or power level. Currently, many imported cookers use Slider, allowing you to quickly change the temperature by sliding your finger.
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Standby Mode Symbol: When plugged in but not pressed On, the light usually blinks at the power button indicating that the cooker is ready.
2. Meaning of specialized cooking mode symbols
Induction cookers often come with optimal heat levels for different dishes. Below are common symbols:
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Soup (Cooking soup): Symbol of a bowl with steam rising. This mode maintains a stable temperature for simmering bones or cooking soup without boiling over.
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Stir-fry / Fry: Image of a frying pan or large flame. This mode boosts power to keep stir-fried dishes crispy and green.
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Boil: Symbol of a kettle. The cooker will run at maximum power to boil water in the shortest time, then automatically turn off or reduce heat.
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BBQ / Roast: Image of a skewer or grill. This is a major advantage of induction cookers, allowing you to grill food directly on the glass surface. However, depending on the heating element characteristics of the product you purchase, whether it is an induction cooker using a heating element or halogen lamp is better, the heat distribution when grilling and the durability of the glass surface will differ (it is recommended to use a specialized grill to protect the cooker).
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Hotpot: Usually depicted as a bubbling hotpot, allowing users to actively adjust the heat as desired throughout the meal.
3. Safety and advanced convenience symbols
To protect users and the device, manufacturers integrate the following smart features:
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Child Lock Symbol: Symbol of a padlock or the word “Lock”. When activated, the entire control panel will be disabled, preventing children from accidentally changing cooking modes or causing danger.
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Timer Symbol: Image of an hourglass or round clock. You can set a timer for the cooker to turn off automatically for stews or braises without having to watch over it.
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Heating Zones (Dual/Triple Zone): Symbol of two or three concentric circles. This feature allows you to choose to activate one small heating zone (for a small pot) or all 2-3 heating zones (for a large pot), helping to maximize energy savings.
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Residual Heat Warning: When the cooker is turned off, the display usually shows the letter “H” (Hot). This is a reminder that the cooktop is still very hot (above 60°C), and you should not touch it or clean it at this time.
4. Common error codes displayed on the LED screen of induction cookers
When the cooker encounters a technical issue, the screen will display error codes instead of temperature. Understanding these codes and cross-referencing them with the structure and operating principles of induction cookers from the manufacturer will help you handle it correctly:
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Error E0: The cooker does not recognize the pot or the pot is not suitable (although induction cookers are less picky about cookware, a pot with a very thin or warped bottom may still trigger an error).
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Error E1/E2: Temperature sensor issues or the cooktop temperature is too high beyond the allowed limit.
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Error E3: The power supply is too low (below 170V).
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Error E4: The power supply is too high (above 250V).
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Error E6: The cooling fan is malfunctioning or the ventilation hole is blocked, preventing the cooker from cooling down.
Understanding the symbols on induction cookers not only helps you cook more professionally but also is the best way to ensure safety for your entire family. If you are looking to upgrade your cooking system at home with a multifunctional device, please refer to the evaluation guide which brand of induction cookers is good today to choose a satisfactory product. Köcher is proud to be a pioneer in Vietnam bringing German technology into induction cooker products. Don’t forget to read the manufacturer’s instructions for each specific model to make the most of the smart features!
