Easy Fixes for Cooking Range Issues

Problems with your cooking range can be dangerous, but easy to fix if caught early. Many issues are the result of grease and grime build-up and simply need a quick cleaning done safely and properly.

Identify the source and stop the flow

A gas flame should always burn blue. An orange flame indicates incomplete burning of the gas and is potentially dangerous because it results in the release of poisonous carbon monoxide gas.

• Switch off the gas burner and allow it to cool. Lift off the burner assembly and place it in a bowl of warm, soapy water for 10 minutes. Wipe off any visible grime, and then use a pin to clear any debris from the inside of the holes of the burner, where the gas flames are emitted. Allow the burner to dry; replace it and try again. If the problem persists, call for repair immediately — do not use the stove until the fault is resolved.
• If the flame is blue but uneven, clean the burner as described above and make sure it is correctly seated when replaced.

Turn off electrical power to your cooking appliance before attempting any repair work. Never try to disconnect a gas appliance or to tamper with the gas supply.

Clean the spark igniter

Lighting a gas flame on your oven should just be a matter of pushing the ignition button. This triggers a spark between the metal of the burner and an electrode (which resembles a small ceramic spark plug) next to the burner assembly.

• If your stove doesn't spark, first turn off the power to your stove. Lift off the burner head to get full access to the igniter, then scrub its surface with an old toothbrush.
• If it's covered with grease, wash it with a damp cloth and allow to dry before turning on the flame.

Change or clean the filters

Clearing blocked filters will extend your extractor fan's life and reduce the risk of fire caused by a buildup of grease. Before starting, switch off the power to the extractor. There are two types of extractor fan: those that are flat, and chimney-style designs.

• Flat extractors usually have paper filters, which should be replaced around every six months, or whenever they become saturated with grease.
• Chimney-style extractors have mesh filters, which you can clean in a dishwasher set to its intensive cycle or by employing the baking soda and vinegar combination used to clean ovens.
• With the filters removed, clean the fan. Wipe its surfaces with household detergent to remove grease that may unbalance the fan.
• Check the fan's exhaust vent on the exterior of your house, making sure it is not obstructed by leaves or by a bird's nest.