If you have a gas oven with an electric starter, it’s usually equipped with a glow bar or igniter that automatically lights the gas when you turn on the oven. However, if your electric starter is not functioning correctly, you may need to manually light the gas oven. Here’s how to do it safely:
Important Safety Note: Before attempting to light a gas oven manually, make sure there is no gas odor present, and that the room is well-ventilated. If you smell gas, do not attempt to light the oven, as this could be a sign of a gas leak. In the case of a gas leak, turn off the gas supply and contact a professional immediately.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Long-reach fireplace lighter or a long wooden stick with a piece of paper towel or cloth soaked in alcohol attached to the end
Steps:
- Turn Off the Oven: Ensure that the oven control knob is in the “OFF” position.
- Locate the Igniter: Open the oven door and look for the igniter. It’s usually located at the back of the oven near the burner. The igniter will look like a small ceramic or metal rod with a wire attached to it.
- Prepare Your Lighting Tool: If you have a long-reach fireplace lighter, make sure it’s in good working condition and has a flame. If not, you can use a long wooden stick with a piece of paper towel or cloth soaked in alcohol attached to the end.
- Light the Igniter: Insert the flame of the lighter or the burning end of the prepared stick close to the igniter. The igniter should start to glow red within a few seconds. This glow indicates that it’s heating up and will ignite the gas.
- Turn On the Oven: While the igniter is glowing, turn the oven control knob to your desired temperature setting. This will allow gas to flow into the oven.
- Monitor the Ignition: As the gas flows into the oven, it should ignite automatically when it comes into contact with the hot igniter. You should hear a “whoosh” sound as the gas lights.
- Close the Oven Door: Once the gas has ignited and the burner is lit, close the oven door to maintain the heat and temperature.
- Monitor the Oven: Keep an eye on the oven to ensure it stays lit and reaches the desired temperature.
- Turn Off the Oven: When you’re done cooking, turn the oven control knob to the “OFF” position. This will stop the gas flow and extinguish the flame.
- Wait for Cooling: Allow the oven to cool down before attempting any further maintenance or troubleshooting.
If you find that you need to manually light your gas oven frequently because the electric igniter is not working correctly, it’s advisable to have the igniter repaired or replaced by a qualified technician. Manual ignition should only be used as a temporary solution and not as a long-term fix. Safety is paramount when dealing with gas appliances, so if you have any doubts or concerns, consult a professional technician to inspect and repair your oven.
