Software
Houzz Logo Print
mxk3

You guys said could cook with paper towel underneath on induction...

12 months ago

Well, I can't. Scorched it. Same with a kitchen towel (which actually started smoking a bit). What gives? This was just a simple boiling of eggs and popping of popcorn, nothing tremendously high heat like wok cooking. Red "burner hot" light comes on repeatedly, and the burners are HOT even a couple minutes after pot or pan is removed.


And the buzzing is extraordinarily loud -- so loud I can hear it down the hallway, and it's given me a dull headache and I've gotten very slightly nauseous every time I've used it in the three days I've had it. The Wolf guy is coming out next week to fix the botched installation, appliance store wants them to diagnose and see if anything fixable is wrong with the cooktop and go from there.


I regret this purchase....it has been both a figurative and literal headache...

Comments (59)

  • 12 months ago

    What does reshop it mean?

  • 12 months ago

    You've had so much trouble, and it is so expensive. See if you can just return it. I know, so much wasted time, but really I don't think you are ever going to be happy with this purchase.

  • 12 months ago

    I’ve used a paper towel with my Fisher Paykel and no issues. The buzzing (not loud) does vary but seems to go away quite quickly. The stove surface never stays hot once the pan is removed. I’m really happy with our choice of induction stove…I agree that you might want to consider trading in the Wolf. It’s a major purchase.

  • 12 months ago

    I imagine by ”reshop” pllog means ”return it and shop for another brand”.

  • 12 months ago

    “Reshop” just means start over again shopping for a new stove. I hope you can get this resolved with what you've already chosen, but you might have to return it and start over again if it remains intolerable.


    I think I know what you mean about the buzzing from many years ago when I was shopping for mine. It's from the induction, rather than the squeal that can happen when different layers of clad pans expand at different rates, because of how the different metals heat up. Now that G W brought it up, I think it's the clad pan squeal that the teens hear. Maybe not the buzzing, or maybe that's what you're hearing. Sorry about the confusion. There's very little functional difference between induction cooktops, but the noises can be very different. I hope you find a good and easy resolution.

  • 12 months ago

    The noise is why I did not consider induction when I had to get a new stove.

  • 12 months ago

    Paper auto-ignites at 451F, says Ray Bradbury. That’s probably a bit low, and it depends on the paper and density, but anyway paper should start scorching at some lower temperature.


    Popcorn is popped at around 360-400F, with around being the minimum required, say various sources.


    Those temperatures are close enough that I could imagine some scorching?


    You could probably use aluminum foil, though that seems wasteful.

  • 12 months ago

    I've never put paper *under* a pan on mine. A friend would put paper towels around the edge of a fry pan to catch grease spatters without issue. But remember, even if the burner doesn't create heat, the heat from the hot pan will...it has to otherwise it won't cook the food. Thus the surrounds will get hot eventually. Especially with popping popcorn, that happens at high heat.


    Another friend had trouble with noisy burners on hers. We thought it might be her pans so we tried them out on each others. While some may be slightly noisier than others, it wasn't the pans. She called for service and they were able to fix it so it was a lot less noisy.


    So I'd not put *anything* between the pan and the burner. (I had a pot boil over once and even a bit of water between the pan and the burner is not a good thing. I had to dry it thoroughly before putting the pan back on.) And I'd call for service first before I asked for a replacement.

  • 12 months ago
    last modified: 12 months ago

    I read these forums a lot and I can't remember seeing any where people say they use a paper towel or towel b/t the pan and the induction burner (until the comments here :-)). Why would you? A glass surface cleans up so easily - much more so than cleaning gas grates.

    My induction is nearly silent. I wonder if it has to do with the pan(s) you're using?

  • 12 months ago

    I suffer from hyperacusis hearing loss. I can not tolerate any induction stoves easily. I think otherwise they are great but I will never be able to have one in my home. Sounds like it might not be the right fit for you either.

  • 12 months ago
    last modified: 12 months ago

    I can also hear a tssskkkkk noise along with the buzzing, that doesn't bother me as much, it's not that bad. It the actual buzzing -- bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz that is really loud.

    It's encouraging to hear Annie's comments that it might be fixable. That would be wonderful if the Wolf guy can remedy this. I WANT induction, and this was a well thought-out purchase, no buzzing even close to this level when we had the live demo (DH cooked a meal at the showroom on the one induction-compatible pan of HIS he had-- this same pan is buzzing loudly at home). I've been happy with the actual cooking performance these few days, and DH is thrilled with that aspect so far, I want to keep it if this can get resolved. The disappointment and (figurative) headache from the bum installation and door cosmetic issue will fade away over time if I can get the darn buzzing issue resolved -- I'll be miserable every time I cook something if that can't be toned down greatly.


    ETA: The burners are definitely staying hot to the touch for a few minutes afterwards. I'll mention that to the tech, too. That just doesn't seem right based on all I've read on the boards. I remember the showroom rep talking about the red "hot" light that comes on, but I don't remember if she said it should only come on when it's dangerously hot or comes on all the time over a certain temp. The light is coming on after a few minutes every time I use a burner, even on just a medium setting, regardless of the burner. Could it be the pans? These are Demeyere -- maybe the quality of the metal is causing them to get super-hot, more so that what I would have expected?


    Many of you think I shouldn't use paper towel or whatnot under the pan. Interesting, because some do, some don't. I certainly wouldn't want to use silicone with how hot these puppies are getting, much worse than a scorched paper would be melted silicone....

  • 12 months ago

    Roarah -- sorry to hear about your hearing loss. I'm sensitive to noise and can sometimes hear things others can't, even in my latter part of my middle-age years, but not to the level of being diagnosed with hyperacusis. That must be miserable...

  • 12 months ago
    last modified: 12 months ago

    You just need to get the regular Wolf people out there. They can install correctly, adjust what ever is making it buzz and replace the door front skin.

    As far as cleaning, glass cooktops,no matter induction or like my GE not induction are incredibly easy to clean. The trick is to wipe clean, after the top cools, EVERY time it is used. I use diluted Dawn and a dish cloth, just like washing a pan. Rinse cloth and wipe top with plain damp cloth, dry with dish cloth. I very seldom have to use the glass cleaner that came with my stove. (AND my husband is "if it is not fried, it is not food"). (Or pizza/spaghetti.) I do use Glass Plus (NOT Windex) if I want a streak free shine.

    Do not waste paper or paper towels or dish towels that have to be washed under the pans!

  • 12 months ago
    last modified: 12 months ago

    Thanks porkchop, there are worse things but initially, in my 30s, when it started happening with bouts of 24 hour vertigo it was horrible. I found sound therapy, ear plugs, white noise, ACT and CBT have helped immensely and sense I was put on warfarin and plavix for a blood clotting disease it has stopped progressing.

  • 12 months ago
    last modified: 12 months ago

    I can’t imagine how glass touching a hot pan for any amount of time would not be equally hot for a period of time. I would think any comments about it not being hot would be relative to radiant cooktops.

    I see there are many cooktop protectors out there, saw some rated as high as 1300°.

  • 12 months ago

    I hear a buzz when there is a strong power draw elsewhere, or sometimes when using two burners at once. (Cafe) We installed a tankless water heater so our electric panel is pretty maxed. I'm wondering if your power and circuit board could also use a look?

    Sorry it's giving you so much trouble!

  • 12 months ago

    IIRC, the placing of paper towel under the pot was used as a demonstration techinque by sales people to show how different the technology was from gas or electric.

  • 12 months ago

    "The burners are definitely staying hot to the touch for a few minutes afterwards."


    Yes, on mine there is a red dot that lights up to indicate the "burner" spot is hot. It goes out as the burner cools to levels where you wouldn't get burned by it. It's important as, especially since you can't see how hot it is and especially as some use the cooktop for additional counter space, it's important to know if that's a hot spot or not so you don't accidentally touch it or put something on it that is heat sensitive.


    The magnets heat the pan....it's the hot pan that causes the surround to heat up. So it is to be expected, esp if you are cooking hot or long.

  • 12 months ago
    last modified: 12 months ago

    I agree with foodonastump. I’ve often wondered when I read statements that the cooktop doesn’t get hot - the burner used certainly does become too hot to touch. The red light to indicate hot burner comes on when pan removed from my induction cooktop burner. It also comes on for the cool burner I might set that hot pan on. As for the paper towel use - my understanding was that the reason for using it would be to avoid scratching the glass if cooking something that required sliding the pan on the burner - i.e. popcorn. Or, people used a silicon pad if using cast iron also so the glass wouldn’t be scratched. Nothing about keeping burner clean but all about not scratching. I don’t need to protect glass against either of those uses so have never stuck a paper towel under a pan. It’s so easy to just clean the glass. I also give the glass a fast wipe before cooking just in case it’s dusty etc. — that alone tells you I’m not one to spend hours at the stove if my stove top collects dust at times……

  • 12 months ago

    " We installed a tankless water heater so our electric panel is pretty maxed. I'm wondering if your power and circuit board could also use a look?"


    My panel was replaced last summer, I have plenty of extra capacity, so I don't think it's that.

  • 12 months ago

    I had always cooked on the old coil burners and it did take me a while to get used to a glass cook top. What did you use before this stove?

  • 12 months ago

    "What did you use before this stove?"


    1st house: Gas.

    2nd house: Electric, glass cooktop.

    This house: Gas; now induction.

  • 12 months ago

    " But why do it in the first place? "

    " Why would you? A glass surface cleans up so easily - much more so than cleaning gas grates. "

    I use paper towel under a pot when I'm making popcorn - it allows me to shake the pan on the stove smoothly. I know old-fashioned stove top popcorn is less popular these days, but that's how I make it (when I make it). I can't stand the other stuff.

  • 12 months ago
    last modified: 12 months ago

    Microwave popcorn is just nasty! I bought a stove top popper that you do not shake, it has a handle turner.

    Cook N Home 02627 Stainless Steel... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PPD975X?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

  • 12 months ago

    "I know old-fashioned stove top popcorn is less popular these days, but that's how I make it (when I make it). I can't stand the other stuff."


    I have a Whirly-Pop, for as long as I can remember. I did have to buy a new induction-compatible one for this new appliance, but the new one works as beautifully as the old one. :0) Air popped is too dry, microwave is full of chemical and fats -- no thanks. Old-fashioned way on the stovetop is the way to go!

  • 12 months ago

    I have a separate hot air popcorn popper.


  • 12 months ago
    last modified: 12 months ago

    What AnnieD said is right on. A silicone mat won't melt, AFAIK. Pure silicone, that is. I don't know about the ones with fiberglass mesh inside. Those are delicate in many ways and I wouldn't try one. If I want to keep a pot from moving at all, I'll put a ribbed silicone pot holder under it.. I don't lnow if there's something about your Wolf that makes it hotter than the norm and not okay for silicone. Usually the issue is not to raise the pot too much because the field only extends about a quarter inch above the surface.

    The scorched paper is new to me. The relatively cool surface is not new. One of the joys of induction is that one can clean as one goes. If something splashes, dribbles or misses the pot, it can be cleaned up without stopping. Done carefully, that is. The pot is hot, and the surface is warm next to the pot, but should be nowhere near as hot as straight electric or gas. Important not to use anything really damp so as not to steam one's fingers. But wipe away carefully up to the hot pot, no problem. The reason why there is a hot warning light is that it's generally so cool people forget that that pot heats it up so much and start cleaning before it cools down. The elements do get way too hot to touch. That's normal, Burning non-airy paper is not. Scorching a paper towel might be normal depending on its construction.


    I do hope the Wolf people can fix the issues to your satisdaction. That, of course, would be the best outcome.

  • 12 months ago

    I didn't know there were hand-cranked popcorn makers for induction stoves! The one I used to have (almost a decade ago) was aluminum and wouldn't be compatible.

  • 12 months ago

    T.Vet: I have this one: Whirley Pop Stainless Steel Popcorn Maker with Farm Fresh Popcorn | Sur La Table


    I see there's a 20% coupon from Sur La Table for President's day, might be worth jumping on if you're intered (IDK if they ship to Canada, though).

  • 12 months ago

    I love stovetop popcorn! Glad we are going on this tangent, lol. I don't have a special popcorn pan, I just use a saucepan. It has a glass lid so that makes it fun to watch. Is a specialty popping pan worth it in y'alls opinion? I keep "single use" items to a minimum as my place is small

  • 12 months ago

    "Is a specialty popping pan worth it in y'alls opinion?"


    I can't comment on using a pot or pan on induction because I just got this thing, but on gas and electric stovetops = yes, the dedicated popper is worth it. Unless you heat it too high or don't crank it, the popcorn doesn't burn in it (used to burn it using a regular pot). Also, there's vents in the top of the lid to let out the steam, so the popcorn pops up nice and crisp and fluffy.

  • 12 months ago

    I put newspaper under my skillet when cooking bacon with no issue. I was selling a previous potable induction unit and I took a photo showing boiling pot of water with a paper towel under half the pot for illustration purposes.

  • 12 months ago

    I have a 36" Wolf Induction Range, installed end of 2021. I've never placed paper under a pot, but have placed paper towels around a pan if I'm sauteing something messy. No issues with the paper towels at all.

    Have you tried parchment paper?

  • 12 months ago

    I’m fascinated- I don’t have an induction stove (and hopefully never will, I really prefer gas), but I’ve used them at my DD’s, my MIL’s and in various AirBnbs we’ve stayed in, and never noticed a buzzing noise. I have excellent hearing so it’s not that.

  • 12 months ago

    I am also curious about this buzzing noise.


    I have a portable induction single burner cooktop which we use in the garage for cooking certain foods like onion jam for example and it is silent.

    I watch cooking shows that use induction cooktops and the people talk while they are cooking but there is never any background noise.

    Does the noise only happen with certain brands. ?

  • 12 months ago

    I use DDs induction job and have never heard a noise either. Nor have I needed anything to catch spatter. Firstly there isn't much and secondly it's easily wiped off with a cloth.

  • 11 months ago

    It seems that you should not have a problem with upscale brands like Wolf or Demeyere (at least in their 5 or 7 layers - Industry or Atlantis). I’m not sure about the quality in their other (lower) lines which are different..

    A towel is too thick. I love parchment paper, but I find it hard to imagine using it to wipe away anything greasy without making it worse. I’ve used silicone sometimes when making spaghetti sauce which tends to bubble over the top. if I recall correctly, there is a difference between solicone and silpat. there was a very old Garden Web or Houzz discussion explaing the differences

  • 11 months ago
    last modified: 11 months ago

    Using a bigger pan would obviate the overflowing issue. I can't say spaghetti sauces 'tend' to bubble over at all as long as they are not allowed to boil and the pan is appropriate.

  • 11 months ago
    last modified: 11 months ago

    Silpat has the fiberglass mesh, and is thinner and softer. I think straight silicone can take higher heat.

  • 11 months ago

    Silpat is mostly used to replace parchment paper. So instead of lining pans with parchment stick the silpat in the pan or on the sheet. And, correct - no broiling on a silpat

  • 11 months ago

    Mine (LG) will sometimes buzz on "boost", but not on lower power levels and not consistently. I haven't paid enough attention to figure out why only some time.

  • 11 months ago

    Mine has a power burner - the largest burner on cooktop. It soumetimes makes a buzzing noise when heating up but quickly stops so I’ve associated cause to the cold pan on the almost instant high heat.

  • 11 months ago

    The point of an induction hob is that all you have is a flat piece of glass. Any splats just wipe off with a cloth. If anything has dried on, just leave a damp cloth on the offending mark for 5 minutes, then wipe away. You really don't need to be faffing about with bits of paper.

    Yes, the glass will be warm for a certain time after you remove your pan as the pan will have warmed it.

    I don't think the noises are normal as has already been said. A slight noise...... but nnot something you can hear from another room.

  • 11 months ago

    My mom puts paper towels under her pans when she's frying bacon (or completing other such splatter-y tasks). The paper towels are still perfecty good for other purposes.


    Your different results must have something to do with the name brand or the temperature you're using.

  • 11 months ago

    " I’ve associated cause to the cold pan on the almost instant high heat. "

    Interesting! I'll have to consider that. It's not actually "on....instant high heat" (that's not how induction works), but it is instantly highly activated molecules in the pan, which could still do that.

  • 11 months ago

    @Toronto Veterinarian - yes - your more technical answer makes better sense than my statement of instant high heat & I can actually create a visual thinking about molecules jumping into instant action at the turn of a switch! That power burner is just so fast to heat up that I don’t miss my gas cooktop at all!

  • 11 months ago

    @porkchop_z5b_MI....Did the scratch get fixed? or did you get compensation? What happened?

  • 11 months ago

    BTW, I just recalled, some paper towels -- especially made from recycled -- may contain small bits of metal...

  • 11 months ago

    I had a Cafe induction range for the last two years and loved it-- yes, there was a soft hum but that is how i knew the burner was on (and it varied with the pans-- my better pans made much less noise). I have since moved and now have a CornuFe induction and haven't used it too much yet but it seems to work well. I agree that silicone covers work great-- i have four college age kids who like to cook and worry about them scratching the top when they drag pans around.

Sponsored
Outdoor Spaces
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars19 Reviews
Experienced Full Service Landscape Design Firm Serving Loudoun County