Does A Gas Oven Have A Pilot Light? How to Check?
Pilot lights in gas ovens have become a bit of a mystery with the advent of modern kitchen appliances. In this article, we’ll delve into the topic to clear up any confusion and help you determine whether your gas oven has a pilot light.
Pilot lights are generally absent in gas ovens. In some cases, they are present. Pilot lights were once a common feature in older gas ovens, but modern ovens have adopted more efficient ignition methods.
So, let’s explore the key aspects of pilot lights in gas ovens and how to check if your oven has one.
Why Do Some Gas Ovens Have Pilot Lights?
The flame on a modern gas oven is ignited by a piezoelectric igniter rather than a pilot light. Nowadays, instead of starting on their own, many new models require you to turn on the heat and then press a separate button that initiates the ignition process. Most gas ovens employ this method since it is much more popular.
However, it can still take a couple of seconds for the stove to ignite. A lot of gas ovens, though, do not have a pilot light, but rather a piezoelectric igniter that initiates combustion.
How to Check If Your Gas Oven Has a Pilot Light
Checking your gas oven to see if it has a pilot light is an easy way to determine if the oven has one. It is possible to see a small flame appearing from the gas tube of the oven.
As long as you see this light, you can safely say that you do have a pilot light in your gas oven. It is important to find the gas tube as well as the flame to determine if the pilot light is burning. It may not be burning because it was manually turned off.
If you are not sure whether your oven is gas-powered or electric, you may be able to determine if it has a pilot light. The pilot light belongs to a gas oven, but the glow bar belongs to an electric oven. As your oven runs on electricity instead of gas, it is likely that it does not have a pilot light.
Locating the Pilot Light in Your Gas Oven
Pilot lights are usually located underneath the control panel near the frontal part of the oven. Models differ in terms of exactly where the location is located. Getting help from the manufacturer is a good idea if you’re having trouble finding the pilot light.
Using a lighter or a match, light the pilot light once you’ve located it. The knob or button next to the pilot light may need to be held down while you light it. Through a small hole in the front of the oven, you will be able to see the pilot light once it has been lit. To see the pilot light if there isn’t a hole in the door, look for a small window in it.
Are Gas ovens Always Lit by the Pilot Light?
A gas stove is designed in a way that the pilot light is always on because of its design. The fact that there is always an open flame within the gas stove may offend some people, but this should be the case for the gas stove to ignite automatically. If you move the stove or change the gas flow, you may need to turn the pilot light off (manually), but other than that, it always remains on.
If you are not frequently utilizing the stove, or if you go months without using it, you may wish to turn off the pilot light. Leaving them burning for long periods of time would be inefficient. Pilot lights always burning have other benefits other than being able to quickly ignite your stove.
A constantly lit pilot light will keep your stove corrosion- and rust-free since moisture will not accumulate inside. Consequently, you can adjust the position of the gas stove as you see fit.
Using a Gas Stove Without a Pilot Light
A pilot light is a small flame that continues to burn continuously, ready to ignite your stovetop burners if you have an older gas stove. The pilot light and burner mechanism can become malfunctioning due to dust, debris, a draft, or simply aging. Basically, if the flame goes out, you can’t cook dinner!
A gas stove typically lasts 13 to 15 years, depending on maintenance and upkeep, but if your pilot light continuously goes out, it might be time to replace your stove. As a result, today’s gas cooktops and ranges don’t need a pilot light, allowing for better efficiency and reliability.
Relighting the Pilot Light: Step-by-Step Guide
⦿Gear up: The best light to use is the long-wand lighter with a microfiber cloth.
⦿Shut down: Light your stove first, then turn off all of the burners once the room begins to smell like gas.
⦿Remove the grates: For access to the pilot light, you will need to remove the stovetop grates (and you should clean them now).
⦿Open up the stovetop: To open your range’s stovetop, follow the instructions in its owner’s manual. Some models feature hinged tops that lift and stay in place with the use of a hinge.
⦿Find the pilot port: There are gas lines running below the stovetop to connect the burners, and in each pipe, there is a pilot light port. When the machine is working properly, it will produce a little flame.
⦿Clean the pilot light area: Microfiber cloths are perfect for cleaning grease and debris from pipes and gas pipe openings.
⦿Light the pilot light: Each of the openings should be lit with a lighter. The flame should be blue in color and flicker.
⦿Close it up: Unplug the stovetop and close the grates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do All Gas Appliances Have A Pilot Light?
A pilot light is usually located in the corner near the back of an oven, or near the opening of the door. It might be hidden behind the broiler compartment if you cannot see it inside the oven. Microfiber cloths can be used to clean the area.
Does A Gas Oven Need to Be Manually Lit?
Place the flame beside the pilot hole and let it burn for a few seconds. A continuous pilot should ignite. Turn the temperature dial slowly on if the oven must be manually lit every time. Turn the dial slowly off again.
Is Every Oven Equipped with A Pilot Light?
For most gas ovens, pilot light is not required. Gas is ignited using electrically-based ignition systems. A hot element glows like a light bulb filament as an electric current pass through.
Conclusion
However, you must still check your owner’s manual to ensure your oven does not have a pilot light, even though they are becoming more common. The steps we outlined above can be followed to relight your oven’s pilot light if it has one. In addition, we can help you find the right oven according to your needs at Appliance Warehouse.
