Can You Really Light a Gas Stove With a Lighter?
Let’s be real: when the power goes out or your fancy electric igniter decides to take a coffee break, what do you do? Do you stare helplessly at your gas stove, or do you channel your inner survival expert and light it with a trusty lighter? Good news — yes, you absolutely can light your gas stove with a lighter, and we’re here to make sure you do it like a pro (and safely, because nobody needs smoky eyebrows or singed fingers).
Why Might You Need to Light a Gas Stove With a Lighter?
Electric ignition systems are great—until they aren’t. Power outages strike unexpectedly, and the automatic igniter on your stove can fail at the worst possible moment. But unlike electric stoves, gas stoves don’t completely give up just because there’s no juice flowing. The gas will still flow once you turn the knob; the only missing piece is the spark to light it.
Knowing how to manually light your stove isn’t just an old-school trick; it’s a kitchen survival skill. According to KitchenAid, certain models even have safety features that might complicate this, but many standard gas stoves can be lit manually with a bit of care.
So, let’s dive into how to get those burners glowing with just a lighter.
Essential Gear: What Kind of Lighter Should You Use?
Your run-of-the-mill pocket lighter can do the job, but it’s a bit like using a butter knife to carve a turkey—not impossible, but not ideal. A long-handled barbecue or grill lighter keeps your hand safely away from the burner’s flame ports, reducing the risk of accidental burns.
If you’ve got long matches around, those work well, too. Just be sure to strike them first before turning on the gas to avoid a few seconds of panic and smoky flames.
Step-by-Step: How to Light Your Gas Stove With a Lighter
- Prepare your lighter by igniting it before you even touch the burner. This saves you from fumbling in the dark or risking gas buildup.
- Hold the lighter’s flame near the burner’s ports where the gas will emerge. Keep your hand steady and at a safe distance.
- Turn the burner knob slowly to the ignite position or high setting to release gas.
- Instantly, the flame from the lighter should ignite the gas stream. If it doesn’t, turn off the gas and try again—never just leave gas flowing.
- Once lit, adjust the flame to your desired cooking temperature.
Take your time and don’t rush! Safety first because gas and fire are a serious combo. If you want a safer technique, light the lighter first and then turn on the gas, rather than the other way around. It’s a little safer and gives you better control.
Pro Safety Tip
Always ensure the burner is fully off when finished cooking. If the flame gets blown out accidentally—say, from a sudden draft—the gas keeps flowing silently until you notice or turn the knob off, which can be dangerous.
So treat your gas stove like a garden hose hooked to fire: control the flow and the ignition carefully.
When Manual Lighting Might Not Work
Some newer gas stove models have built-in safety features that prevent manual ignition if the electric igniter has failed. These systems rely on electronic safety sensors to detect ignition, so you might find yourself stuck, lighter in hand but no flame.
Also, the oven part of a gas stove usually cannot be lit manually during power outages due to the absence of an igniter. So your stove top could be a lifesaver, but the oven will stay off until power returns.
For troubleshooting your stove’s specific model, check out our ultimate guide for repairs and parts at All About Americana Gas Stove Parts.
More Handy Gas Stove Tips
- Glassware on the stove? Wondering if you can put a glass teapot on a gas stove? We have you covered here.
- Shopping quirks: Curious if you can buy a gas stove on a Saturday? We’ve done the digging for you and explain it all right here.
Final Word: Lighting Your Gas Stove the Lighter Way
Knowing how to light your gas stove with a lighter is like having a secret culinary superpower, especially when electricity decides it’s time for a break. With the right equipment, care, and a dash of patience, you can keep cooking no matter what.
Just remember safety first: light up your lighter first, turn on the gas second, and always watch that flame. And hey, if you’re thinking of upgrading your kitchen setup, check out our range of recommended gas stoves available through the links above. Because sometimes going analog is just what the cook ordered.