Gas cooktop surface burners – also known as “gas stoves” or simply “stoves” – have been a part of human society for centuries. Even with the advent of more advanced cooking appliances, many people – including professionals – still swear by them. This is not surprising. After all, they boast superb cooking capabilities and excellent temperature control. As a bonus, they are also durable and cost-effective.
Gas stoves have withstood the test of time for a reason. However, they are not unbreakable, and they may go kaput at some point. Unfortunately, nothing can be more frustrating than wanting to cook your meals, but the burner simply won’t heat up no matter what you do. But, here’s the good news. There are easy fixes, some of which you can even do by yourself.
A gas burner is essentially a stone that is powered by combustible gas, including propane, butane, liquefied petroleum gas, and natural gas. Like any other kitchen appliance, it may have some issues at one point or another. A burner that won’t light up is, without a doubt, among the most common ones.
There are several possible reasons behind this. It could be that the surface burner has already gotten unbelievably after repeated usage. Alternatively, there might be issues with the stove’s igniter or wire connection.
After diagnosing the problem, you could attempt to fix it by yourself. It is perfectly doable – just make sure to follow our instructions to the letter. However, be aware that the DIY route may not always work, and you may need to call a professional appliance repair company eventually.
Important note:
Before inspecting your gas burner, make sure to switch off the gas supply first. This part regulates the flow of liquid propane gas or natural gas to your stove.
A gas stove consists of several parts, the most notable of which are the burners. These are typically raised above the stove surface and are responsible for emitting a controlled flame once switched on. Most gas stove models come with four surface burners, although some might have a fifth warming area.
Keep in mind that a stove is something that you use daily. Hence, if you do not clean it regularly, expect it to get grimy over time. As oil and food residue pile up on the surface, the burner could get clogged, preventing the gas from flowing to the igniter. As a result, the burner won’t emit flames properly.
A filthy, obstructed burner is by far the most common reason why gas surface burners won’t light up. Lucky for you, it is relatively straightforward to resolve and is just a matter of deep-cleaning your stove.
Note:
Things will get dirty from here on. As such, we suggest wearing some reliable dishwashing gloves (or household cleaning gloves) before getting down to business. Also, please refer to the product’s instruction manual for the recommended cleaning method and products. If you have lost your hardcopy, try downloading it from the manufacturer’s website.
What you will need:
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How to clean dirty surface burners:
What if your burners are already sparkling clean, but your gas stove still won’t light up? The igniter might be the problem. After turning on a burner, the igniter inside will spark up and produce the much-needed heat. Over time, though, the igniter may start malfunctioning and fail to produce a spark that is powerful enough to ignite the gas.
The first thing you need to do is test if the issue indeed lies with the spark igniter. If so, you will need to take the cooktop apart, locate the igniter, and replace it with a new one.
Note:
The exact procedure on how to remove your igniter may vary from one model to another. Hence, make sure to refer to your product’s manual for specific instructions.
How to check a faulty igniter:
How to fix a faulty igniter:
Another important component of gas stoves is the control panel or the control board, which is usually where the on and off buttons can be found. It is essentially the brain of your cooktop. If there is a loose wire between the burner and the control board, then the burner might not work properly, and that includes failing to light up when it needs to.
How to fix a loose wire connection:
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The gas burner will always be a mainstay in the kitchen. But like any other kitchen appliance, it may also fail you at one point, such as not lighting up just when you are about to prep some delicious meals. It might sound hopeless, but there are easy ways to go about it.
If you are fortunate, then the root cause will be as simple as having dirty, clogged burner heads. Alternatively, it might be due to a defective ignitor or a loose connection. By following the detailed instructions above, you could troubleshoot and even solve these problems with your own hands.
However, if your gas burner still won’t fire up even after following these procedures, then you are most likely dealing with a larger, more complex issue. If so, the best course of action is to consult a professional. And for immediate, satisfying results, make sure to stick only to highly reputable appliance repair companies. Call Prime Appliance Repairs today!