How to start a gas stove with a lighter?

Author: Ms. Simone Streich V  |  Last update: Friday, February 27, 2026

If your gas stove igniter is broken, most gas stoves can be lit with a match or lighter. Turn the gas dial to medium, then ignite your match or lighter. Hold the match or lighter close to the center of the burner, then wait 3-5 seconds until the burner ignites. Remove your hand quickly to prevent getting burned.

Can you manually light a gas stove with electronic ignition?

No, the valve that turns on the gas to the oven it electronic also and for safety reasons it will not allow you to light it manually, the oven can only be lit with electricity only.

Can you light a gas stove with a lighter when power is out?

YES. Most modern gas stoves can be lit 'manually' when the power is off (back to the old days; the process remains the same). Best practice is to bring the lighter/match flame close to the burner prior to turning the burner on. We do it with an extended-reach lighter made for outdoor grills.

How to light a pilot light on a gas stove?

While holding in the gas safety valve knob, light the pilot. Locate the pilot head and hold a long butane lighter or match to it to ignite the pilot flame. Turn the gas safety valve knob to “on.” To turn the pilot off, turn the fryer off, and turn the pilot knob to "off."

Why is my gas stove clicking but not lighting?

Cause: Potential issues include a closed gas valve, a kink in the gas supply line, or even a leak. How to Troubleshoot and Fix: Ensure the gas supply valve is in the 'ON' position. Inspect the gas line for any visible kinks or damage.

How To Light A Gas Stove - Using A Lighter

Is it safe to manually light a gas stove?

Do not attempt to manually light ovens, griddles, French tops, and charbroilers without power, as they are higher output. It is also more difficult to reach their ignition areas with matches. Caution: For safety reasons, only manually light gas surface burners without power.

Why won't my gas stove light?

There are many reasons why a gas stove would stop working, such as the gas or power going out, food debris clogging the igniter, or a broken spark module. Schedule a service professional to assess your gas stove.

Can we use lighter for auto ignition gas stove?

An auto-ignition gas stove is a modern appliance that lights its burners automatically, thanks to a built-in ignition mechanism. This means no need for a matchstick, lighter, or any external igniting source – just turn the knob, and it's ready to cook.

Can I use gas stove without igniter?

Your ability to manually light your gas stove's burner will depend on the make and model of your appliance, since your stove may have a safety feature that prevents it. Remember, while you may be able to use your cooktop, you won't be able to use your gas oven, since it needs an electric ignition to get going.

Can you light stove with electric lighter?

Yes, it can be used for light gas stove. And for the safety of consumer, the igniting spark will auto stop beyond 10 seconds per igniting.

Why is my gas stove lighter not sparking?

Soak a cotton swab in alcohol and clean the white porcelain igniter thoroughly. Also clean the metal burner cap with a cotton swab. Try the burner again. If you still hear clicking but don't see a spark then it's time to try option three, thorough cleaning of the metal burner head parts.

How do you turn on a stove top with a lighter?

If your gas stove igniter is broken, most gas stoves can be lit with a match or lighter. Turn the gas dial to medium, then ignite your match or lighter. Hold the match or lighter close to the center of the burner, then wait 3-5 seconds until the burner ignites. Remove your hand quickly to prevent getting burned.

Can you light a gas stove oven with a lighter?

Use a grill lighter or long match to light the pilot light valve at the bottom of the oven. Some ovens are designed to be manually lit at each use. In this case, slowly turn the temperature knob while holding the flame to the pilot light valve. Close the oven door after the pilot light ignites.

What ignites a gas stove?

Ignition System—This system creates a spark or flame to light the gas exiting the burners. It can be a pilot light, electronic ignition, or push-button igniter. Gas Valve - Controls the gas flow to the burners, opened by the control knobs.

Can you light a gas oven if the igniter is broken?

The igniter is the key component of a gas oven. If you have a faulty igniter, many of the other components will not work and the oven will not turn on.

What to do if gas stove was on without flame?

If you accidentally left a gas stove on without a flame, the correct action to take is to turn off the gas stove immediately. This is important to prevent the accumulation of gas in the air, which could lead to a hazardous situation if it were to ignite.

Why is my gas stove not igniting?

Soak the sealed burner base in vinegar or warm water and use a stiff brush to remove any debris. Finally, clean any remaining debris out of the burner holes with a toothpick, sewing needle or compressed air. Reinstall the burner, cover and the grill, and try igniting the burner once more.

Where is the pilot light on a gas stove?

Below the stovetop, you will find gas lines connecting the burners; in the middle of each of those pipes is the port where the pilot light resides. If the mechanism is working properly, you'll see a little blue flame there.

Why is my gas heater clicking but not lighting?

Most likely, your furnace is making a clicking noise and not providing heat because your furnace's spark igniter is trying to ignite your pilot light or burners but is failing to do so. In other words, there's an ignition system malfunction that needs to be fixed. Otherwise, your furnace won't start.

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