Heat settings 1 to 9 (power levels)
The number is how much power the zone gives the pan: 1 is the gentlest, 9 is the highest normal setting, and 0 means the zone is on but not heating.
What it is for
Low numbers (1–3) melt and keep things warm, the middle (4–6) simmers and cooks through, and 8–9 bring water to the boil and fry. On induction the change is almost instant, so turning down works faster than on a gas or ceramic hob.
Makes differ, check your hob’s manual: the same letter or drawing can do a different job on another brand, and only your model’s manual gives its exact times and limits.
- What it looks like
- A number from 1 to 9 in the zone’s display, set with a slider, a row of numbers or + and − keys; some hobs show a dot or half-step between numbers.
- Names makers use
- Power level (Bosch, Miele); Heat setting (AEG); Power level 0 to 9 (Whirlpool)
Where makes differ
The range is not the same everywhere. Bosch’s PIE manual gives levels 1 to 9, each with an in-between step marked by a symbol. Miele ships with 9 levels but lets you extend it to 17. AEG’s HKP manual goes up to 14 on some zones. Whirlpool counts 0 to 9 and then P for boost. A recipe written for one make’s “6” is only roughly the same on another.
What it does not mean
The number is not a temperature: level 5 does not mean 50 °C or any fixed heat — what the pan reaches depends on the pan, what is in it and how long it has been on.
Other symbols with the same shapes
Sources
No published standard we could check defines hob control icons, so this meaning is taken from 3 makers’ own manuals and support pages, each fetched and read on the date shown:
- Bosch: Bosch — Instruction manual PIE...F... hob (9000884453) — “Select the power level required with the 1 to 9 symbols. Power level 1 = minimum power. Power level 9 = maximum power. Each power level has an intermediate level.” Checked 2026-09-28.
- Whirlpool: Whirlpool — Induction hob instructions for use (flexible-zone models) — “It is possible to select the required power level, from min. 0 to max. 9, or booster “P” if available.” A power level table sets 1–2 for melting and keeping warm, 8–9 for frying and boiling. Checked 2026-09-28.
- Miele: Miele — Operating and installation instructions, induction hobs KM 7897 FL (en-GB) — “The hob is programmed with 9 power levels at the factory. If you wish to fine-tune a setting, you can extend the power level range to 17 power levels.” Checked 2026-09-28.
Written in our own words; quotations are the makers’ wording.