Using a gas oven for the first time can be overwhelming, especially if you have only used an electric oven in the past. This is because of the risks that come with using a gas such as the possibility of leaks and of course explosions. So, if you have never done it before, how do you light a gas oven for the first time?
How you light your gas oven for the first time will depend on whether it comes equipped with an igniter or if you have to light it manually. A gas igniter requires only turning on the gas and hitting a switch while lighting it manually requires turning on the burner and lighting it slowly with a match.
As simple as the entire process seems, there are many challenges that you can run into when you are lighting your gas oven for the first time. Read on below to learn about the many considerations you need to have in mind as you get ready to use your gas oven.
Different Ways to Light a Gas Oven
When it comes to lighting your gas oven, it is important to know if your oven is an older or newer model. This is because while most newer models come with an ignition switch, older models tend to have pilot lights that sometimes require you to light them manually each time you use the oven.
Typically, if you have a newer model gas oven that comes equipped with an ignition switch, this is the easiest way to light it the first time and move forward. This is because the ignition switch is designed to create a spark that instantly will cause the burner or oven to light.
In some cases, especially if your igniter is malfunctioning, you can use a match or lighter to light the oven. You will need to ensure that you are using safety precautions such as not keeping the gas turned on for more than 15 seconds and having the window opened for ventilation.
If you find yourself moving into a home that already has an oven and discovers that it is a gas unit, you will need to ensure that you know what to do in this situation. Talking to either the previous tenant or owner can be helpful if you do not have an owner’s manual.
For older gas ovens, most operate by the use of a pilot light that typically sits under the base of the oven. Finding the pilot light is usually just a matter of opening your oven door and looking for the pilot hole that is on the bottom of the oven.
Lighting the oven requires, in some cases, that you light the pilot light each time before use. If this is the case, you need to use caution. Have your supplies ready and turn the knob on the oven to the on position then hold a lighter or long match over the pilot light hole to ignite it.
Where is the Pilot Light on a Gas Oven?
For most gas ovens, the pilot light is located at the bottom of the oven, just above the broiler section. You can typically identify the pilot light by a circular hole that is positioned at the front of the base.
Although it is easy to find the pilot light in most gas ovens because of the hole at the base of the unit, some older models are not as simple to locate. In these cases, you may have to access the pilot light from the broiler drawer instead.
How Do I Know If My Pilot Light Is On?
Discovering whether your pilot light on can be a pretty simple task. You will usually be able to tell if the pilot light is on in a few different ways. These ways typically consist of either looking for it specifically or turning on your oven to see if it lights.
In most gas ovens, it is simple to tell whether your pilot light is on due to the pilot hole that sits at the base of the oven. Looking through the hole, you should be able to see the blue flame of the pilot light. In the case of a unit that does not have a hole, you may need to open the broiler drawer and look inside.
For some people, knowing whether the pilot light is on or not is discovered when they attempt to turn on the oven for cooking. If the gas oven does not seem to turn on right away, then your pilot light may be out.
What Should You Do If Your Gas Oven Doesn’t Light?
When your gas oven fails to light when you try to use it, you should check for any problem areas. Several things can prevent your gas oven from lighting, such as the pilot light, igniter switch, or even just a little residue buildup.
If your gas oven is an older model that has a pilot light, you should first check to see if it is currently lit. If it is not, you will need to simply light it for your oven to function normally. Following the instructions in the previous section will help you make this easy fix happen.
In some cases, especially if your oven is equipped with an ignition switch, this could be the problem that is preventing your gas oven from lighting. If this is the case for your unit, you can either call a repair person to fix it or if you are mechanically inclined, you can do it yourself pretty simply.
Many times when you use your oven quite often, residue from oils, grease, or foods can build up on certain parts of the gas oven, preventing it from working properly. This can happen whether your oven is an older or newer model.
If your oven has a pilot light, you may need to insert something such as a needle or other thin object into the pilot hole to clean any debris away from the pilot light area. If your pilot light is accessed through the broiler drawer, you can do the same thing by removing the drawer first. You will need to ensure that you are using safety guidelines such as making sure the oven is off.
In a newer model oven, dirt and residue can build up on the igniter itself. In this case, you will need to clean the igniter completely to ensure it can function properly.
Can You Cook in a New Gas Oven Right Away?
It is usually not recommended to cook with a new gas oven right away due to several reasons. It is common for a new oven to have traces of chemicals or residue left over from its manufacture that need to be removed before use. This is why you should run your oven for about 30 minutes at a high temperature before using it for cooking.
During the manufacturing process, many chemicals and oils are used when creating a new gas oven. Because of this, many of the residues from these are leftover once the oven has left the warehouse.
Once you have purchased and installed the new gas oven, you should first have it inspected by a professional to ensure that the gas line has been properly connected. This can often be done by calling the gas company in your area.
After you have confirmed that everything is in working order, you may be thinking about cooking your first meal in the unit. Before you attempt to do this, you should know that doing this before your take one more step could result in your food having a chemical taste.
It is recommended that you open your windows and doors, if possible, in your kitchen as well as turn on your ventilation hood for the oven. Then turn your unit settings to the highest temperature allowed for about 30 minutes.
During the heating process, any remaining oils or chemicals will likely burn off, leaving you with a gas oven ready to cook whatever you choose. It might be a good idea to take a microfiber cloth and wipe down the oven after it has cooled down, just to make sure everything is clean.
Overall, lighting your gas oven can be a stressful task, especially if you do not know how to do it properly. Using a few precautions and the recommendations of others who have come before you can go a long way to quell the anxiety you may be having. Following these simple tips can help you to not only get your oven ready for use but can help you do it safely.