It can become dangerously hot very quickly. A test that relies on smell, smoke or discoloration risks damaging the pan and hob.
What the observation means
Boost is a cooking feature with model-specific restrictions, not a diagnostic tool. Some coatings and pan types have additional limits.
A useful next step
Follow the hob and cookware instructions during normal use. If a pan overheated, stop and allow safe cooling without adding cold water to hot glass or cookware. Report the incident if the hob's behaviour changed; do not repeat it with another empty pan.
Manuals and supporting guidance
Model-specific instructions take priority. These references support the practical principles discussed here; they do not diagnose your appliance.