Microwaves may be the fastest way to cook food, but gas stoves come a close second. (Plus, they make your food taste a whole lot better!)
With an igniter that turns natural gas into an open flame, gas stoves quickly and evenly heat your cooking vessel of choice. After all, “Now we’re cooking with gas” is a saying for a reason.
They have a controllable temperature, superior heat, and it is fast compared to other fires. But gas stoves can be dangerous if you don’t know how to use them properly or don’t maintain them.
For instance, what color should gas stove flames be? Knowing the answer to this question is vital to ensuring safety for you and your home.
What color should gas stove flames be?
Gas stoves come in all different sizes, styles and colors. But one thing all gas stoves have in common is that they produce a bright blue flame (at least, when they’re working properly).
It’s important to make sure that enough oxygen is flowing into the burner. If the airflow is too low, it leads to incomplete combustion which brings out a yellow or orange flame.
This is unsafe, so if you see anything but a blue flame you’ll want to take care of it immediately.
Why is a blue flame important?
- It’s an indication of complete combustion. Complete combustion shows that there is no production of carbon monoxide, which is a poisonous gas.
- It burns hot, making it ideal for cooking efficiently.
- A blue flame does not produce soot.
- It does not produce smoke.
Why you never want to see an orange or yellow flame
Why is an orange or yellow flame cause for concern in a gas stove?
- It’s less hot than a blue flame, making it less than ideal for cooking.
- It can cause soot to form on cooking vessels.
- Yellow flames burn slower compared to a blue flame that burns fast.
- It produces smoke.
- It indicates incomplete combustion, meaning dangerous carbon monoxide is being released into your home.
How to achieve a blue flame in a gas stove
A yellow or orange flame can quickly be corrected by taking the following steps.
- You may simply need to adjust the burner.
- If the gas is not igniting at all, it means that the gas tube may be clogged with food debris and needs to be cleaned.
- If sparks occur when you’re trying to ignite the burner, this means that the modules have failed and need to be replaced.
- It may mean that the air passage has a problem or isn’t properly adjusted. This can be corrected by unblocking and adjusting the knobs.
Before attempting to do all this, be sure to take the appropriate safety precautions for working on a gas stove. This includes turning all the knobs to the off position.
If you’re inexperienced at DIY projects, go ahead and call a professional to get your gas stove burning blue again. It’s worth the cost to ensure that your family and home are safe.
Learn more about gas stoves
Now you know the answer to the question “What color should gas stove flames be?” If you’re experiencing a different issue with your gas stove, check out our article on what to do if your gas stove stops working.
Also, be sure to read “Can gas stoves explode?“ for important safety tips. If natural gas isn’t available or you prefer other fuel sources, look at our recommendations for the best pellet stoves and the best wood-burning stoves.
