Gas ovens have been around since the 19th century, and can still be found in many houses around the world nowadays (despite electric ovens being the new norm).
But as a piece of gas-powered equipment, do they need a regulator? The answer is yes.
The required piping for using natural gas in kitchen appliances includes the insertion of a pressure regulator, more or less near where the gas meter is usually located.
That way, all the pressure beyond the regulator is the same level, usually lower than 2 psi.
But what exactly does the regulator do? Well, it regulates the pressure! It ensures that the gas is under the right amount of pressure, so that it is safe to be used, and so that the oven can work properly.
Essentially, it’s a necessary component to guarantee the safe and appropriate use of the oven, powered by gas.
The regulator needs to be installed in the proper direction and is usually integrated into the oven’s control valve.
Then it allows the gas to pass through, regulating its pressure as it does, so that it enters the oven slowly, and with a consistent and safe amount of flow.
Gas ovens are usually cheaper to run than electric ovens, so many people favor them. However, they should only ever be installed by gas safe registered engineers, so that the oven is guaranteed to be safe! (After all, gas can be extremely dangerous if mishandled!)
And how do these gas ovens work?
They use a steady supply of natural gas in order to function as an oven, and this is ignited by a spark generator or a small pilot flame. It depends on the model of the oven, as there are many different designs and types!
So when the oven is being turned on, the gas supply is opened, and the gas begins to flow into the oven. Then it is ignited, and the burner gets lighted, therefore generating the heat that will cook your food.
And while the food is cooking, a thermostat placed inside the oven regulates the heat, to ensure the temperature is consistent and doesn’t become too hot.
So if the temperature becomes too high, the burner gets extinguished thanks to the gas supply being automatically cut off. And likewise, if the temperature becomes too low, the gas supply is automatically re-opened.
Do gas ranges have built-in regulators?
A gas range is simply a gas stove that also has an oven integrated under it, so it’s a two-in-one, and usually the most common type of kitchen appliance in older houses (as modern-day kitchens tend to have electric stoves and ovens instead).
But do gas ranges also have built-in regulators?
It depends on the gas range, as some do indeed come with built-in regulators, while others don’t (meaning you then have to get one installed).
One of the best things about gas ranges is that they’re very versatile, in that they can be easily adjusted and tweaked to be powered by different types of gas, or be switched to electricity.
So if they don’t come with a built-in regulator, it is very easy to get one installed, and should therefore not be an issue. Although, of course, it’s way better if they already come with the regulator, as it’s a necessary component!
Let’s take a closer look at why a regulator is necessary for a gas range, and what it does. That way it will be easier to understand why it’s best if the regulator is already built-in!
Just as the name indicates, the regulator regulates the pressure of the gas, before it gets channeled into the stove or oven.
That way, when the gas reaches the kitchen appliance, it has the right pressure levels to ensure it is safe, and that everything will work smoothly.
Technically, you can find and use a gas range that doesn’t have a regulator, but this is rare, and far from recommended. As a general rule, it should have a built-in regulator, or you should get one installed.
And if you need some convincing, here are the main functions provided by having a proper regulator:
It works as an on-off valve
When the regulator opens, that’s when the gas is let through, so it can act as an extra on-off valve, that makes the process safer, and helps keep it more automatic.
It’s an important safety measure
The main purpose of the regulator is to regulate the pressure of the gas so that it stays at consistent levels that are low enough to be safe. Therefore, it can majorly help prevent accidents and malfunctions.
Keeps everything running smoothly
With the more consistent flow of gas, the stove and oven work a lot smoother, and everything is overall better.
