3 Useful Tips and Tricks on How To Use a Gas Range

Gas ranges have lots of benefits, but my favorite is their ability to continue cooking when the power goes out. After all, who doesn’t like moonlit cooking? But unlike electric stoves, you have to ignite the burners to be able to cook anything and if you can’t get the burner to light then how are you ever going to get that dinner cooked? If you find yourself in this predicament don’t fret, the problem is something you can possibly fix yourself. And who doesn’t love saving money on that service fee? Before you call in the professionals, here are a few tips and tricks on how to use a gas range.

Loose connections

While there aren’t a ton of moving parts on a stovetop, it is possible for connections to come loose, particularly during cleaning or installation. If the wires which connect the igniter to the control module aren’t making a solid connection, you won’t get the spark needed to properly ignite the burner. First, unplug it from the wall or flip off the breaker switch. Remove the grate and burner cap from the burner. Remove the burner base and look for a loose connection or a disconnected wire. Secure any loose wires, reinstall the burner base, cap and grate and restore power to the stove and test the connection. If you’re not comfortable with connecting your gas range, we can help!

Burner is clogged

Food crumbs and grease are one of the most common causes for a gas burner that has trouble igniting. Just like above, begin by removing the grate and the burner cap. The sealed burner base will either lift off or you may need to remove a couple screws before removing it depending on your particular model. Clean the surrounding area with a warm, soapy wash cloth. Soak the sealed burner base in vinegar or warm water and use a stiff brush to remove any debris. Clean any remaining debris out of the burner holes with a toothpick, sewing needle or compressed air. Reinstall the burner, cover and the grill, and try igniting the burner.

Faulty igniter

If you have removed debris from the burner base and secured any loose connections, you could possibly be dealing with a faulty igniter. A quick way to tell if the igniter needs to be replaced is by switching the lights in the room off and turning the control knob to the ignite position. If the igniter sparks yellow or orange instead of a bright bluish-white, you will likely need to replace the igniter.

If you have tried implementing these gas stove tips to no prevail and are still having issues with your burner, then there could be a kink in the gas supply line or a much larger issue. You definitely deserve a pat on the back for all your efforts but you may want to go ahead and consult your local appliance professional.