Gas stoves have been a popular cooking choice for decades, and for good reason — professional kitchens still lean on them for their heat power and responsiveness. If you’ve just gotten one, or you’re thinking about making the switch, here are five things worth knowing before you turn that first burner on.
1. Gas Stoves Run on Natural Gas or Propane
Gas stoves work with one of two fuel types: natural gas, piped directly into your home, or propane, typically supplied through a tank. Most ranges are built to work with one or the other, though many come with a conversion kit or adapter to switch between the two if needed.
This matters more than it sounds like it should — knowing which fuel type your stove uses is important information to have on hand for repairs, refills, or if you ever move to a home with a different gas setup. As a side benefit, gas is often a cheaper option than electricity for cooking, depending on local utility rates.
2. Gas Has a Distinct, Added Smell
Natural gas and propane are both naturally odorless, so utility companies add a distinct sulfur-like scent specifically so leaks are easy to notice. If you’re new to a gas stove, take the time to learn what that smell is — it’s the single most important safety cue you’ll ever get from the appliance.
Keep the stove’s controls out of reach of young children, review basic safety precautions with everyone in the household, and consider installing a gas detector for an extra layer of protection. If you ever smell gas and can’t immediately account for it — a burner left slightly open, for instance — treat it seriously and ventilate the space right away.
Smelling gas and not sure if it’s just a burner left on, or something more serious? Call +1 (647) 558-5825 — if you can’t immediately explain the smell, it’s always safer to have it checked than to assume it’s nothing.
3. Gas Delivers Heat Faster Than Electric
Whatever you put on a gas burner heats up noticeably faster than it would on an electric one. That’s because gas heat comes directly from the flame itself, while electric stoves have to heat the burner coil first before that heat transfers to your cookware.
This directness is exactly why many professional kitchens prefer gas cooktops — faster, more responsive heat control matters a lot when you’re cooking at volume. If you cook often or consider yourself a serious home cook, this responsiveness is one of the biggest reasons to choose gas over electric.
One extra thing worth knowing: when a gas burner is off, the heat is off immediately too. Unlike an electric coil, there’s no residual heat left behind to keep something warm or finish cooking after you’ve turned the burner off.
4. The Open Flame Requires Extra Awareness
Because the heat comes from a genuinely open flame, gas stoves carry a different kind of fire risk than electric models. Something that would take a while to catch on an electric burner can ignite much faster near an open gas flame.
Keep your cooking space organized and free of anything that doesn’t need to be near the burners — dish towels, packaging, paper towel rolls, and anything else flammable should stay well clear of the flame while you cook.
5. Keeping It Clean Is a Genuine Safety Matter, Not Just Tidiness
Cooking inevitably means spills and splatter, and on a gas stove, that residue sitting near an open flame is more than a cosmetic issue — it can catch fire and become a real hazard in your kitchen.
Wipe up spills as soon as it’s safe to do so, and clean burner caps and grates regularly to prevent buildup from accumulating over time. A quick weekly wipe-down goes a long way toward keeping both your stove’s performance and your kitchen’s safety in good shape.
What Does Gas Stove Maintenance Typically Cost?
Beyond the routine cleaning above, gas stoves occasionally need professional attention — a burner that won’t ignite, an orange flame instead of blue, or a suspected gas connection issue. At Maydone, a gas stove repair visit starts with a flat diagnostic fee that’s applied toward the repair cost if you move forward. Simple fixes, like cleaning clogged burner ports, cost little to nothing if you handle them yourself, while a gas line or ignition system repair costs more given the specialized safety precautions involved. First-time customers get $30 off their repair.
Book an Appointment With Our Technicians Today
For all your gas stove repair or installation needs, our technicians are ready to help — from a straightforward burner fix to a full cooktop installation. Call +1 (647) 558-5825 or reach out online to schedule a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for a gas stove to smell slightly when I first turn it on?
A very brief, faint smell right at ignition can be normal as the gas ignites. A persistent smell, or one that lingers well after the burner is lit, is not normal and should be checked immediately — turn off the gas and ventilate the area.
Can I convert my gas stove between natural gas and propane myself?
Some stoves come with a conversion kit that involves swapping orifices to match the fuel type, but this is a job best left to a licensed technician given the safety risk involved in getting gas-to-air ratios wrong.
Why does my gas stove heat food faster than my old electric one?
Gas delivers heat directly from an open flame to your cookware, while electric stoves have to heat the burner element first before that heat transfers. This direct heat transfer is why gas stoves respond more quickly to temperature adjustments.
Do I need a gas detector if I already know what gas smells like?
A gas detector adds a layer of protection beyond your own senses, especially useful if you’re away from the kitchen, asleep, or if anyone in the household has a reduced sense of smell. It’s a relatively inexpensive safety measure worth considering.
How often should I clean my gas stove’s burner caps and grates?
Weekly is a reasonable habit for regular home cooking, or more often if you cook frequently or tend to have spills. Buildup near an open flame is a genuine fire risk, not just a cosmetic issue.
Is gas actually cheaper than electric for cooking?
Often, yes, depending on your local utility rates, though the difference varies by region. Beyond cost, many home cooks also prefer gas for the more immediate, precise heat control it offers over electric coils.
New to cooking with gas, or noticing something off with your stove?
Book an Appointment With Our Technicians Today
Our technicians handle gas stove repair and installation safely, with same-day service across our full Ontario service area, covering everywhere from the GTA to Ottawa and Orillia. Call +1 (647) 558-5825 or book online.
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