Most people like gas stoves for their quick heating response as well as their simple temperature adjustment.
However, first-time users may feel confused when operating a gas stove. But the thing is gas stoves are very easy to operate and a breeze to cook with once you understand how to use them.
Let’s go over the question.
How do I light a gas stove?
To light your gas stove, turn the knob to ignite and use a lighter or long match to set the pilot light on fire. It’s simple. If you cannot light your gas stove on your own, don’t try to force it. Call an appliance repairer to look at it.
This guide will teach you how to light a gas stove, safety measures to take when using a gas stove, and more.
Lighting A Gas Stove
To light a gas stove safely, you have to take a few precautions to take. Here’s a step-by-step guide to lighting a gas stove.
Do a body safety check before lighting your appliance
To prevent fire accidents from happening, roll up your shirt or top sleeves above your elbow. Remove any jewelry you’re wearing and tie back your long hair. To prevent cooking accidents, make sure your footwear is non-slip.
Turn the stove dial or knob on
Most gas stoves come with a dial or knob, which you can turn on to light the burner. With the knob, you can adjust the heat to high, medium, and low. Turn the knob and allow the burner to light. Some gas stoves require a lighter or matches to light the stove after turning on the knob.
In some cases, your gas stove may not light right away, especially if the stove is old. However, you don’t have to worry about this. Try to turn it on again until it lights.
Clean the gas burner holes and igniter
Your burner may not light automatically if your stove burner is clogged with food residue. In this case, clean the igniter and burner with a dry stiff toothbrush to take out any crumbs or grease. If you notice food in hard-to-reach places, use a needle to get the food out.
If this doesn’t help, contact a home maintenance specialist. Your igniter may need to be replaced.
Light your stove manually as an alternative
If the igniter of your stove is broken, then try lighting it manually. Most gas stoves are built to allow the user to light them with a lighter or a match. Turn the gas stove’s knob to medium then ignite your lighter or match. Hold it close to the center of the burner and let it ignite.
For safety, light your gas stove with a long-handled lighter. This type of lighter is sold at most craft or hardware stores. Manually lighting a gas appliance can be hazardous if you have not done it before, so if you have never lit it before, you can get someone to do it for you.
Why Is My Gas Burner Not Turning On?
There are several reasons your gas stove can fail to turn on, and these can be fixed. Let’s run through the various reasons quickly.
The Stove is Unplugged
Your gas stove won’t light if it does not have power. So, take a moment to check your stove. Make sure the plug is firmly plugged into the wall. If it isn’t, push it into the wall and let it connect firmly.
The Gas Didn’t Light
Your gas might be running freely but fail to ignite. If this occurs, you’re at risk of filling your kitchen with explosive gas. Running gas is very dangerous, and any spark can lead to serious damage. If you hear soft hissing, then your gas is running unlit.
In this case, turn the stove burner down and off it immediately. Never allow your stove burner to release gas without lighting it. The unburnt gas must also escape into the air.
Closed gas line
You or someone you know might have closed your gas line, trying to take safety measures. You might forget that you close it, or the person forgot to let you know they did.
So, if your gas stove isn’t lighting, check behind to see if the gas line has been closed. Check to see if the valve is switched open. The valve should be perpendicular (right angle) from the pipe if it is open and parallel if it is closed.
Clogged Burner Caps or Valve
If the problem is not the gas stove or the igniter, you might need to check the gas. The gas a gas stove uses is channeled through the grooves located in the underside of the stove’s burner cap. The stove valve and cap may have gotten clogged with food residue and grime, stopping the gas from flowing through.
You can remedy this by thoroughly cleaning the burner cap. Use warm water, a soft brush, and soap to wash it. The dirt will come off. You can also clean the entire stove if it is dirty. Make sure the valve is clear. When you have cleaned the burner, try to light your stove again.
Burner Gaps wrongly positioned
Your stove’s burner cap might be positioned wrongly, and this may prevent it from lighting. You can replace the burner cap of some stoves so that the valve and the grooves would not line up.
If this is the case, the gas will be unable to get into your burner. The gas is also still closed. However, if you cannot find any other reason for your gas, not lighting, check and properly rotate the stove burner caps on top of the burners, and light the stove again.
The Pilot Light is Out
You can light a gas stove in two ways. The older and luxury models of gas stoves include a pilot light. The pilot light is a tiny flame maintained inside the gas stove’s cabinet, located underneath the stovetop.
The gas ring is lighted with the tiny flame when it’s time. Turning on the stove’s switch triggers a line in the pilot light to be connected, which lights the gas stove.
If the pilot light goes off, your burner will not light.
If you won a gas stove with a pilot light, then you have to learn how to check and relight it whenever it goes out. Newer and better models, however, protect the stove’s pilot light. The pilot light is also not easy to blow out.
Gas Or Electric Stove: Which Is Better?
Both gas and electric stoves boast their advantages, and it depends on what and how you are cooking. However, gas appliances are better in the area of heat control when you are stir-frying or searing meats. On the other hand, an electric stove provides dry, even heat, and it works best for baking.
Advantages of gas stove
- Cooks food evenly and quickly
- Can control the heat and flame level
- Instant heat when you turn on burners
- Quick response to heat adjustments
- It has caps that protect the burners from spills
- The stove cools down quickly when turned off
- Grates are removable, which in turn allows easy cleaning
Advantages of Electric stove
- Boils fast
- The cooktop surfaces are very easy to clean
- Its flat cooktop surface allows stability for pots
- It is easy to install
How Do I Increase Ventilation In Your Kitchen With A Gas Stove?
Gas appliances should be used in a room with proper ventilation, so if you are using a gas stove, make sure your kitchen has enough air space.
Here’s how to ensure proper ventilation;
If you have a range hood:
- Ensure that it vents through the outdoors
- If you can, do every cooking on the back burners since the range hood exhausts this part more effectively.
No range hood:
- Ensure that a wall or ceiling exhaust fan is running when you are cooking.
- Keep windows and exterior doors open to allow proper airflow through the kitchen.
How Do I Clean My Gas Stove?
Your gas stove is easy to clean. Firstly, clean the stove knobs and back panel with a wet washcloth or soft sponge to take off any dust, grime, or minor stains.
To remove larger food stains from your stove’s panels or knobs, spray them with a mixture of vinegar and water. Allow some minutes for the mixture to sit and wipe them off.
Tips For Gas Stove Owners
- Do not ignore gas odors that are coming from your gas appliances. If you smell gas in your kitchen, quickly leave your house and contact emergency services.
- Always ensure that you open up your kitchen windows and doors to ventilate them as much as possible when cooking with your gas stove.
- If you have tried to light your gas many times and it doesn’t light, turn everything the gas off and contact a professional who can help you check to see if anything is wrong.
Conclusion
Knowing how to light a gas stove is important for convenience and safety sake. Gas stoves are easy to use. You will also enjoy cooking with them.
However, you need to follow safety guidelines when using a gas stove. The reason is to safeguard your property, yourself and family.
