Clicks, buzzes, or light humming sounds from an induction hob often feel alarming — especially if you’re used to silent cooking.
People assume:
- something is loose
- power is unstable
- the hob is malfunctioning
In most cases, these sounds are normal by-products of how induction cooking works.
Why induction hobs make noise at all
Induction hobs don’t heat pans directly.
They:
- generate a rapidly changing magnetic field
- induce electrical currents in the pan
- heat the pan itself, not the hob surface
That process can create sound — even when everything is working perfectly.
The most common normal sounds
Clicking sounds
Clicks often come from:
- power regulation switching
- internal relays adjusting output
- the hob cycling energy to maintain temperature
These clicks usually:
- happen intermittently
- change with heat level
- stop when power demand changes
Buzzing or humming
Buzzing is commonly caused by:
- vibration in the pan
- interaction between the magnetic field and the cookware base
- high power levels
Thinner or cheaper pans tend to buzz more.
Light whining at high heat
At higher settings, the magnetic field is stronger.
That can cause:
- faint whining
- higher-pitched hums
- vibration noises
This is especially noticeable on boost settings.
Why some pans make more noise than others
Cookware matters.
Noise is more likely with:
- thin-based pans
- uneven bases
- stacked or nested pans
- certain alloys
Heavier, flatter pans tend to be quieter.
The hob isn’t faulty — it’s reacting to the cookware.
Why sounds change while cooking
Induction hobs constantly:
- adjust power output
- respond to pan temperature
- cycle energy rapidly
As cooking conditions change, so do the sounds.
Inconsistency feels wrong, but it’s active regulation.
When clicking or buzzing is usually normal
Sounds are usually normal if:
- cooking performance is consistent
- sounds change with heat level
- there’s no burning smell
- the hob responds normally to controls
Noise alone does not indicate a fault.
When induction noise may indicate a problem
Noise may indicate an issue if:
- buzzing is extremely loud
- sounds are harsh or grinding
- the hob cuts power unexpectedly
- error codes appear
- cooking performance is erratic
Those signs suggest electrical or control issues, not normal induction behaviour.
The useful question to ask
Ask:
Is the sound linked to power changes — or completely uncontrolled?
Controlled, responsive sound = normal
Uncontrolled noise = potential problem
The calm conclusion
Induction hobs make noise because:
- electricity is being switched rapidly
- energy is being controlled precisely
- cookware is part of the system
Clicks and buzzes are often the sound of efficient heat control, not failure.