How Does a Gas Range Work?

!±8± How Does a Gas Range Work?

Gas ranges are typically more expensive than the electric ones; however, most people prefer to cook on a gas range than on an electric range. You can control the size of the flame quite easily, and you can estimate the temperature by the size of the flame. Also, a gas range will cool down and heat up quite quickly. So that is why most people don't mind spending some extra money for those features. In this article I will explain to you how does a gas range work, so you can make an informed decision next time you need to purchase a range.

You will either need propane or natural gas to run your stove, first of all. The gas then will need to be ignited to create a flame to cook with. This is done by one of three ignition systems: standing pilot ignition, electronic ignition, or the newer-style crystal ignition. Most older gas ranges use the pilot system; basically there is a small constantly-burning flame underneath the center of the cooktop. Then once you turn the burner on, the gas travels through a small size tube to the pilot light. That process ignites the flame; it travels up the tube and ignites the burner. Electric ignition is found in many new style gas ranges. When you turn the knob to light the burner, a transformer and a spark plug generate a spark which then lights the burner, and igniting the gas. The piezoelectric crystal ignition system is less common, and it has a little pin that attaches the crystal to the control knob. When you turn the knob, the small pin bends the crystal. This crystal then creates an electric spark and ignites the burner. That is basically how a gas range works, and next I will explain some safety concerns that you should be aware of when looking to purchase a gas range.

Now that you (hopefully) understand how a gas range works, here are some safety concerns that I feel should be addressed. The first thing I will mention is gas leaks: if you smell gas, you should exit your home immediately. Gas leaks can be extremely dangerous, and life threatening. Refrain from using anything that could ignite the gas, such as: lighters, telephones, and other electronic devices could set off a spark. The next concern I will mention is to make sure your gas range is properly installed and hooked up to the gas line. You can circumvent the problem of a gas leak if you hire a reputable serviceman to install your appliance and hook it up to the gas line for you. Contact your local gas company and they can probably tell you who they would recommend to install your appliance correctly. The last safety concern is carbon monoxide poisoning, if you are using natural gas. If the gas doesn't burn completely it can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, so you should get a range hood installed that vents to the outside. Also, it isn't a bad idea to get a carbon monoxide detector in your kitchen as well.

In summary, I hope this article helped you learn how a gas range works!