What's going on
Many gas ovens use a hot surface igniter, a small element that glows bright orange. On these systems, the oven's gas valve opens only when the igniter draws enough electrical current, which is the safety step that keeps gas from flowing with nothing to light it. As igniters age, they can still glow but draw less current, so the valve opens late or not at all. You see a long glow, a slow preheat or an oven that never heats.
A normal igniter also needs a little time to heat up, so a short delay is expected. The concern is a delay that keeps getting longer, or gas that lights with a loud whoosh or a small bang. That means gas built up before it lit, and it's a safety problem, not just an annoyance.
What you can check in five minutes
- Set the oven to bake and look through the bottom slots or window for the igniter glow. Note how long it takes to light.
- If you hear a loud whoosh or bang on ignition, turn the oven off and don't use it until it has been serviced.
- If you smell gas, don't touch switches. Leave, and call 911 or your gas utility from outside.
- Check whether the broiler lights normally. Many ranges have a separate igniter for it.
- Make sure the oven bottom panel is seated and nothing is blocking the burner area.
- Don't touch the igniter. It's fragile and gets extremely hot.
Rent, own or co-op: who handles it?
If the range came with the apartment, report the problem to the super and stop using the oven if ignition is delayed or loud. Gas work in a building usually involves the building's own plumber, so the landlord may want to send their contractor. Ask the super before booking anyone, and check your lease for how repair requests should go in.
What a technician will look at
- •Igniter condition and how much current it draws
- •The oven gas safety valve
- •The bake burner and how evenly the flame spreads
- •Wiring and connections to the igniter
- •Oven temperature control once ignition is fixed
Andre's field note: When a gas oven glows and glows before it lights, the igniter is the first part I suspect. It's also a symptom I don't want anyone in a small kitchen ignoring. Oven trouble can show up in other ways too, like an oven that sets off the smoke alarm. For anything involving the gas valve, book range repair and stop using the oven until then.
Oven glowing but not lighting? Call ProFix NYC at (929) 699-8358.