Stoves are an indispensable part of your daily life, they’re at the center of all kitchen activities and used for cooking anything from breakfast to dinner. Because they are so vital it helps to know what to do when facing the most common issues in gas and electric Stoves. Whether it’s a gas or electric stove Maydone’s got tips straight from the pros on how to troubleshoot your most common stove problems.
At Maydone we are top-rated experts at stove installations and repairs so we want to give you some starter tips before we go into detail.
- Be mindful of gas and power connections
- When repairing a stove disconnect from the power and close the gas supply
- Get someone to help you if possible, stoves can be heavy and difficult to maneuver
- Have your tools ready
- Have cleaning supplies at hand, most of the time the debris or buildup caused by cooking is responsible for the issues
Troubleshooting Common Gas Stove Problems
Ignition Problems
Your gas stove fails to ignite when you turn the knob, push the ignition button or activate it.
How to fix it
- Ensure the stove is plugged in or has a working gas supply
- Clean the burner caps and ports from food debris and residue
- Check the ignition switch and wiring for damage
- If cleaning doesn’t work, the ignition switch or the igniter module may need replacement
- Consult your stove’s manual for the model of igniter and replace it yourself
- Or call a professional technician for repairs and replacement
Uneven Flames
Flames on your gas stoves are uneven, making cooking more difficult because of uneven heat.
How to fix it
- Clean the burner caps and ports thoroughly
- Check your manual to find your air shutter and adjust the air shutter on the burner (if you can) to achieve a balanced flame
- If cleaning and adjustments don’t resolve the issue, it might be a problem with the gas supply or the burner itself. If that is the case, we recommend consulting a professional technician.
Gas Odor
A really important issue as it can put your safety at risk. If you smell gas when the stove is off, you better the fix problem immediately.
How to fix it
- Turn off the gas supply to the stove
- Check your manual for the gas connection line and test its integrity
- You can check for gas leaks around the connections using soapy water
- Make a mix of soapy water and rub it on the gas line, if bubbles come up you can identify where there is a gas leak
- If you find a leak, tighten the connections or replace faulty parts
Remember – Gas leaks are a serious hazard for your health and incredibly dangerous overall. From Maydone, we recommend always calling a professional technician to locate and repair the source of the gas leak.
Troubleshooting Common Electric Stove Problems
Burner Not Heating
One or more of your electric burners are failing to heat up.
How to fix it
- Ensure the burner is plugged into the socket
- Check that the power connection is working properly
- Check for any visible damage to the stove or loose connections on the heating element
- Test the burner on another working socket to rule out electrical issues
- Test the burners to determine if any of them work
- If the burner still doesn’t heat, it may require actual replacement. Consult your stove’s manual for a model and order the piece to replace yourself or ask professional technician for guidance.
Inconsistent Temperature
Electric stoves can sometimes have temperature control problems, leading to uneven cooking.
How to fix it
- Use a separate oven thermometer to verify the stove’s accuracy
- If the temperature is inconsistent, recalibrate the thermostat if your stove allows it
- If recalibration doesn’t solve the problem, the thermostat or the control panel may need replacement, we recommend you get professional assistance for this.
Faulty Indicator Lights or Controls
The indicator lights or control knobs on electric stoves may stop working.
How to fix it
- Check the power supply and circuit breaker to ensure the stove is receiving electricity
- Inspect the control knobs for damage or loose connections
- If the power supply and control knob connections are fine, it’s likely an issue with the control panel or wiring. This type of fix will probably require professional repairs.
When to Call an Appliance Repairs Professional?
Some minor issues with both gas and electric stoves can be addressed through troubleshooting and DIY repairs, as long as you have the patience and the tools.
But because of the complexity and danger associated it’s essential to recognize when it’s time to call a professional stove repair service.
For Gas Stoves
- Gas leaks should never be treated lightly. If you suspect a gas leak, immediately turn off the gas supply, ventilate your home, and leave the stove turned off. Then immediately your local professional technicians to locate and fix the leak
- Any problems related to gas supply lines or complex electrical components should be handled by a trained technician to ensure safety
For Electric Stoves
- If you encounter problems with the control panel, thermostat, or electrical connections, it’s best to consult a professional appliance repair service
- Working on electric repairs can be hazardous, and attempting to fix complex electrical issues without proper knowledge can lead to accidents