KitchenAid Smoothtop Cooktop Showing H or HOT: Surface Still Hot

What Displaying H or HOT means

On KitchenAid electric radiant touch-control cooktops, for instance the KCES550HSS or KECC664BSS, H or HOT in the heat setting window is a heat warning, not an error. It appears when any cooking area is still too hot to touch, even after the area has been turned off. The marker stays on until the glass has cooled enough to touch safely.

Common causes of Displaying H or HOT

Residual heat after cooking, which is normal
A heavy pan or hot cookware left on the surface
A hot oven underneath raising the glass temperature
A temperature reading that stays high after the glass has cooled

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Leave the cooktop alone and allow it to cool. 2. Remove any hot cookware and keep children away from the glass. 3. Wipe up spills only after the H or HOT is gone. 4. If H or HOT stays on for hours with the glass cool, call us.

! Why to stop there

A warning that never clears may point to a sensor or control reading the wrong temperature.
Checking that takes meter work under the glass.
We quote first in writing, and the repair has a 30-day warranty.

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

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Other Cooktop codes

F61KitchenAid Induction Cooktop Code F61: a wide net of touch control, module, wiring and supply Power Level Lower Than Level RequestedKitchenAid Induction Cooktop: power level lower than the level you requested F63KitchenAid Induction Cooktop Code F63: touch control, power module or supply need checking U uKitchenAid Induction Cooktop Symbol "U u": pan not recognized on the zone F64KitchenAid Induction Cooktop Code F64: the touch control and power module group FC E0KitchenAid Induction Cooktop Code FC E0: supply, wiring or the induction module FC E1KitchenAid Induction Cooktop Code FC E1: touchpad or the cable behind it FC E4KitchenAid Induction Cooktop Code FC E4: the harness between touchpad and induction module

Displaying H or HOTDisplaying H or HOT questions

Does H or HOT mean something is broken?

Not at first. It reminds you that a cooking area remains hot after use. Wait for it to cool, and the marker should go out by itself.

How long should H stay lit?

It depends on the cookware and how long the area ran, but it normally goes out once the glass is cool to the touch. If it is still lit long after, the reading may be wrong.

Is it safe to put a pan on a spot showing HOT?

It is not a good idea. The area is still hot enough to burn, and a pan placed there can overheat food. Wait until the indicator goes out.