---
title: "KitchenAid radiant cooktop showing F21"
description: "What F21 means on KitchenAid radiant cooktops, what to check before booking, and when it is not a failure at all."
url: "https://cooktoprepair.center/error-codes/kitchenaid-f21/"
---

# KitchenAid radiant cooktop showing F21

On KitchenAid radiant cooktops, F21 flags possible overheating.

## What F21 actually means.

On KitchenAid radiant cooktops, F21 flags possible overheating. KitchenAid pairs its reset step with a request to verify the installation, which for a set-in cooktop means cutout size, clearances and the cabinet space beneath.

KitchenAid cooktop display

What to do when F21 shows on the cooktop

### Kind of code Temperature and overheat sensors

A sensor under the glass or on a board reported a reading the control rejected, or heat climbing past the safe limit — often after an empty pan was left on a zone. The zone is allowed to cool and a loose sensor plug is ruled out before the sensor, the coil assembly or the board is blamed. A top that keeps getting hotter is switched off at the breaker first.

### Usually leads to Induction board and coil repair

Induction zones that stop sensing pans, cut out, buzz or show codes, traced to the power boards, the coils, their sensors and the links to the controls.

### Shows up as Cooktop Burning Smell

A hot, electrical, plastic or scorched odor comes from the cooking surface, the knobs, the downdraft grille or the cabinet under the counter.

### Make KitchenAid

A Whirlpool brand with cooktops aimed at people who cook often.

### Source KitchenAid Product Help: F21, radiant electric cooktop

KitchenAid radiant cooktops. A separate KitchenAid page titled F21 - Electric Cooktop gives a different meaning (power supply frequency), so the model and page must match.

## Before you book, in this order.

Each step comes from KitchenAid's own guidance for F21 on its cooktops. Follow it to the end: the last card says whether this is a visit.

01

Turn the cooktop off and let it cool for about five minutes.

02

Reset the breaker for one minute and watch the display.

03

If F21 keeps coming back, book a visit and have the installation clearances checked.

### Still there?

It usually turns into [induction board and coil repair](https://cooktoprepair.center/services/induction-board-and-coil-repair/). Book with the code and the model number.

### What not to do

F21 on a radiant model is not a keypad problem. The concern is heat, and possibly how the cooktop was fitted into the counter.

## What you may notice with it.

The cooktop problems F21 tends to arrive with. Answer these at the cooktop before anyone is booked.

[All problems](https://cooktoprepair.center/problems/)

Before you call

### [Cooktop Burning Smell](https://cooktoprepair.center/problems/cooktop-burning-smell/)

[All 6 causes, cheapest first](https://cooktoprepair.center/problems/cooktop-burning-smell/)

It also comes with

- [**Cooktop Element Not Heating**](https://cooktoprepair.center/problems/element-not-heating/)
- [**Cooktop Error Code**](https://cooktoprepair.center/problems/cooktop-error-code/)

Gas, fire, broken glass or live current

### Cooktop Burning Smell

6 causes, cheapest first

Where F21 usually leads

## Induction board and coil repair.

**Induction power board, coil or sensor · moderate to highest.**

Book a visit [What the job involves](https://cooktoprepair.center/services/induction-board-and-coil-repair/)

## KitchenAid cooktops.

A Whirlpool brand with cooktops aimed at people who cook often.

[KitchenAid cooktop repair](https://cooktoprepair.center/brands/kitchenaid/)

More KitchenAid codes

[E_9](https://cooktoprepair.center/error-codes/kitchenaid-e-9/) [F0EA](https://cooktoprepair.center/error-codes/kitchenaid-f0ea/) [F4](https://cooktoprepair.center/error-codes/kitchenaid-f4/) [F36](https://cooktoprepair.center/error-codes/kitchenaid-f36/) [F40](https://cooktoprepair.center/error-codes/kitchenaid-f40/) [F42](https://cooktoprepair.center/error-codes/kitchenaid-f42/) [F56](https://cooktoprepair.center/error-codes/kitchenaid-f56/) [F61](https://cooktoprepair.center/error-codes/kitchenaid-f61/) [FC E0](https://cooktoprepair.center/error-codes/kitchenaid-fc-e0/) [FC E4](https://cooktoprepair.center/error-codes/kitchenaid-fc-e4/) [FC RF](https://cooktoprepair.center/error-codes/kitchenaid-fc-rf/) [E_03](https://cooktoprepair.center/error-codes/kitchenaid-e-03/)

Temperature and overheat sensors on other makes

[Bertazzoni ER21](https://cooktoprepair.center/error-codes/bertazzoni-er21/) [BlueStar E2](https://cooktoprepair.center/error-codes/bluestar-e2/) [Bosch F1](https://cooktoprepair.center/error-codes/bosch-f1/) [Dacor C0](https://cooktoprepair.center/error-codes/dacor-c0/) [Fulgor Milano E2](https://cooktoprepair.center/error-codes/fulgor-milano-s700-e2/) [Gaggenau F1](https://cooktoprepair.center/error-codes/gaggenau-f1/) [JennAir E2](https://cooktoprepair.center/error-codes/jennair-e2/) [Maytag C82](https://cooktoprepair.center/error-codes/maytag-c82/)

[All 51 codes of this kind](https://cooktoprepair.center/error-codes/#family-sensor)

KitchenAid builds this

### Gas cooktop

A gas cooking surface dropped into a countertop cutout, with its gas line and power cord running down into the cabinet underneath.

KitchenAid builds this

### Electric cooktop

A coil or smooth-glass radiant cooking surface built into the countertop and wired to its own circuit in the cabinet or wall behind it.

KitchenAid builds this

### Induction cooktop

A glass cooktop in the counter that heats the pan itself through magnetic coils, run by power boards and cooled by a fan underneath.

## In KitchenAid's own words

> There may be a problem with the Cooktop over heating, verify installation, allow to cool approximately 5 minutes.

[KitchenAid Product Help: F21, radiant electric cooktop](https://producthelp.kitchenaid.com/Cooking/Cooktops/Electric_Cooktop/Error_Code_or_Indicator_Light/Begins_with_an_F/F21_-_Radiant_-_Electric_Cooktop)

Every code on this site is taken from the manufacturer's documentation, never from a forum or a parts listing. KitchenAid radiant cooktops. A separate KitchenAid page titled F21 - Electric Cooktop gives a different meaning (power supply frequency), so the model and page must match.

## KitchenAid F21 cooktop repair, where we come out.

The same visit in every metro below: the code, the model number, and a diagnosis before any part is ordered.

[All service areas](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/)

[Tampa Bay](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/) FL · 31 areas

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- [St. Pete Beach](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/st-pete-beach/)
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- [Winter Park](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/orlando/winter-park/)
- [Windermere](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/orlando/windermere/)
- [Dr. Phillips](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/orlando/dr-phillips/)
- [Bay Hill](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/orlando/bay-hill/)
- [Lake Nona](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/orlando/lake-nona/)
- [Heathrow](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/orlando/heathrow/)
- [Celebration](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/orlando/celebration/)

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- [Brickell](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/south-florida/brickell/)
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- [Palm Beach](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/south-florida/palm-beach/)

[New York Metro](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/new-york/) NY · 75 areas

- [Upper East Side](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/new-york/upper-east-side/)
- [Upper West Side](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/new-york/upper-west-side/)
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- [DUMBO](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/new-york/dumbo/)
- [Forest Hills](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/new-york/forest-hills/)
- [Great Neck](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/new-york/great-neck/)
- [Southampton](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/new-york/southampton/)
- [Scarsdale](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/new-york/scarsdale/)

[Houston](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/houston/) TX · 36 areas

- [River Oaks](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/houston/river-oaks/)
- [Memorial](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/houston/memorial/)
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- [Greater Heights](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/houston/greater-heights/)
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- [Bellaire](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/houston/bellaire/)
- [Bunker Hill Village](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/houston/bunker-hill-village/)
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- [Cinco Ranch](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/houston/cinco-ranch/)
- [The Woodlands](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/houston/the-woodlands/)
- [West University](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/houston/west-university/)

[Chicago](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/chicagoland/) IL · 50 areas

- [Lincoln Park](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/chicagoland/lincoln-park/)
- [Near North Side](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/chicagoland/near-north-side/)
- [West Loop / Near West Side](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/chicagoland/west-loop-near-west-side/)
- [Wilmette](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/chicagoland/wilmette/)
- [Winnetka](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/chicagoland/winnetka/)
- [Glencoe](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/chicagoland/glencoe/)
- [River Forest](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/chicagoland/river-forest/)
- [Oak Park](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/chicagoland/oak-park/)
- [Hinsdale](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/chicagoland/hinsdale/)
- [Lake Forest](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/chicagoland/lake-forest/)
- [Highland Park](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/chicagoland/highland-park/)
- [Gold Coast](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/chicagoland/gold-coast/)
- [Lakeview](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/chicagoland/lakeview/)

[Los Angeles](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/los-angeles/) CA · 95 areas

- [Beverly Hills](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/los-angeles/beverly-hills/)
- [Bel Air](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/los-angeles/bel-air/)
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- [Brentwood](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/los-angeles/brentwood/)
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- [Malibu](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/los-angeles/malibu/)

[San Diego](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/san-diego/) CA · 31 areas

- [La Jolla](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/san-diego/la-jolla/)
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[San Francisco Bay Area](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/bay-area/) CA · 74 areas

- [Pacific Heights](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/bay-area/pacific-heights/)
- [Presidio Heights](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/bay-area/presidio-heights/)
- [Russian Hill](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/bay-area/russian-hill/)
- [Noe Valley](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/bay-area/noe-valley/)
- [Sea Cliff](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/bay-area/sea-cliff/)
- [Hillsborough](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/bay-area/hillsborough/)
- [Atherton](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/bay-area/atherton/)
- [Woodside](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/bay-area/woodside/)
- [Palo Alto](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/bay-area/palo-alto/)
- [Los Altos Hills](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/bay-area/los-altos-hills/)
- [Tiburon](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/bay-area/tiburon/)
- [Piedmont](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/bay-area/piedmont/)
- [Marina](https://cooktoprepair.center/locations/bay-area/marina/)

For the heart of your home.

## Questions about F21.

### Can I clear F21 myself?

Turn the cooktop off and let it cool for about five minutes. If it comes back, it needs a visit.

### Why does KitchenAid ask me to verify installation for F21?

A cooktop that runs hot often has too little space or airflow around it. KitchenAid's F21 page names overheating and the installation in the same sentence.

### Is every KitchenAid F21 about overheating?

No. KitchenAid has another F21 page for a power supply frequency problem, so give the technician your model number.

### What should I check under my KitchenAid radiant cooktop for F21?

Look at the cabinet space below and move anything packed against the underside, since KitchenAid ties F21 to overheating and asks for the installation to be verified. Cutout size and clearances are for the technician to measure if the code keeps returning.

---

**[Read on the site: KitchenAid radiant cooktop showing F21](https://cooktoprepair.center/error-codes/kitchenaid-f21/)**

**[Book a visit with CooktopRepair.center](https://cooktoprepair.center/schedule/)**
