E_3 is a too-hot message with cookware at its center: empty pan, ferromagnetic material, and pot size. A breaker reset follows.
Model compatibility: KitchenAid reuses codes across series and model years, so E_3 may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
What this code means
Too hot: high internal temperature switches the control off, and an empty pan can trigger it.
E_3 tells you the KitchenAid induction cooktop got too hot inside. High internal temperature of the electronic parts makes the control switch off. The article for this code is mostly about cookware, followed by a power reset.
At a glance
| Code | E_3 |
|---|---|
| What it means | Too hot: high internal temperature switches the control off, and an empty pan can trigger it. |
| What you can check | Remove an empty pan and add food or liquid, confirm the pan is induction-suitable with a magnet, and match it to the nearest zone size. Let the cooktop cool, then cycle the breaker for a minute. |
| When to call a technician | If E_3 outlasts those checks, schedule a service visit. Have the pan type, whether it was empty, and the magnet result ready. |
Is there food or liquid in the pan?
To start the cooktop with an empty pot or pan sitting on a cooking area may cause E_3. Remedy: turn the burner off, remove the pan, put in food or liquid, put the pan back and start the cooktop.
Is the pan made for induction?
Induction cooking calls for pans that are ferromagnetic. Enameled steel, cast iron and induction-designed stainless steel are the listed options, and the article suggests holding a magnet to the base. Three warnings:
- A printed base diameter does not necessarily match the ferromagnetic diameter.
- Pans with ferromagnetic material under part of the base can heat unevenly or at lower temperatures.
- If the base is largely non-ferromagnetic, the pan may go undetected and the zone may stay off.
Glass, ceramic, copper, aluminum and stainless steel not made for induction do not work.
Does the pot fit the zone?
Pick the cooking zone nearest in size to the base of the pot. Center the pot and avoid any that extends past the zone’s edge.
After the checks
- Wait for the cooktop to cool down.
- Breaker off for a minute, then on.
- Watch the cooktop for a minute to make sure the code stays away.
Compare
- E_2: a sibling code, with the same checks split over two articles.
- F0E1: the cookware and pot-size message with no overheat.
KitchenAid induction cooktop repair for these metro areas
People in the Miami, New York, Houston, Los Angeles and San Diego metro areas can call (844) 919-2035 when E_3 outlasts the checks. Be ready with the pan type, empty or not, and the magnet result.
Source: KitchenAid Product Help, Induction Cooktops: Error Code or Indicator Light
Important safety warning. Do not attempt repairs involving electrical components, gas, water lines, refrigerant or sealed systems. Unplug the appliance if it is safe to reach the outlet, and leave internal diagnostics to a qualified technician.
Sources & references
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