Induction hob zone will not heat, display shows E1 when trying to start a cooking zone.

Safety first: Disconnect the hob from mains power at the circuit breaker before removing any covers. Induction hobs store high voltage in capacitors even after being unplugged; wait several minutes before touching internal components.

Step-by-step checks:

• Verify cookware: Use a flat-bottomed, ferromagnetic pan (check with a fridge magnet). The magnet should stick firmly to the base. Avoid aluminum, copper, or glass unless marked as induction-compatible.
• Check pan size and position: Ensure the pan fully covers the marked cooking zone and is centered. Very small pans may not be detected.
• Clean the glass surface: Wipe the zone with a soft cloth and glass cleaner to remove spills or residue that may interfere with detection.
• Power reset: Turn off the hob at the breaker for 5–10 minutes, then restore power and test again.
• Inspect internal connections (advanced): Remove the hob from the worktop, unscrew the bottom cover, and visually inspect the wiring harness from the affected zone’s coil to the main power board. Look for loose plugs, burnt connectors, or cracked solder joints. Reseat any loose connectors firmly.

When to call a technician: If E1 persists with correct cookware and clean glass, the pan detection circuit on the power board or the zone’s sensor coil is likely faulty and should be tested and replaced by a qualified technician.