How to Use a Gas Stove

For those growing up in the age of electricity, gas stoves may seem like a thing of the past. However, older apartments, homes, and many restaurant kitchens have them and you may have to use one eventually. Here's what to do if you've never used a gas stove before:

Things You'll Need

• Gas stove

Instructions

1. Push the control knob in and turn to the "lite" position. Here the flame will ignite. Do not hold down the knob and turn to the right without lighting the flame because this releases gas. Left on too long, this gas can be very dangerous (please see warnings). If the flame does not light, turn the gas off (by turning the knob ALL the way to the left) and try again.

2. Once the flame is lit, immediately turn the knob to the left and to your desired heat (or flame height). Obviously, the larger the flame, the hotter it is and the faster your food will cook. Turning the knob all the way to the left will turn off your flame so remember to make sure the flame is still lit when adjusting heat.

3. To avoid burning your food, cook with butter or PAM your first time. If you don't know how to use a gas stove burning food is very easy. Remember that gas stoves cook very quickly and you may want to keep the heat low the first time you use your stove.

4. Once you're done cooking, immediately turn off the flame by turning the control knob all the way to the left. Make sure it is as far to the left as possible to avoid gas leakage.

Tips & Warnings

• This article is written assuming the stove is working and all the pilot lights are lit. Please research elsewhere and find help if your gas stove is not yet lit.

• Watch your flame. If the flame goes out while you're cooking gas will be released into the air. If the smell of gas permeates your kitchen, DO NOT light your stove.