How to use gas stove for safer, smarter cooking

Learning how to use a gas stove safely is key to preventing accidents and making the most of its features. In this guide, we’ll cover 10 practical gas stove safety tips that every home cook should know.

1. Know how to identify a gas leak

Natural gas is odorless, but suppliers add a distinctive rotten egg smell to help detect leaks. Other signs include hissing sounds, or a noticeable drop in stove performance.

If you suspect a leak:

• Do not ignite any flames or turn on electrical appliances.
• Ventilate the area immediately by opening windows and doors.
• Evacuate the space and call emergency services or your gas provider from outside the home.

To prevent leaks, schedule annual professional inspections of your gas lines and stove connections.

Read more: Compare gas and induction hob – which is safer and more efficient.

2. Ensure proper ventilation

Good ventilation is essential when using any gas appliance. Inadequate airflow can lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide and other harmful gases.

Keep your kitchen safe by:

• Using an exhaust fan or range hood while cooking.
• Opening a window slightly to allow fresh air in.
• Signs of poor ventilation include persistent condensation, stale air, and lingering odors.

Using a reliable cooker hood can help maintain better air quality in your kitchen by removing smoke, odors, and excess heat. For improved ventilation, you can explore Electrolux cooker hoods as one option.

3. Keep the cooking area clear

Always keep the space around your stove free of flammable or heat-sensitive items like:

• Paper towels, dish cloths, and plastic containers
• Cooking oils or sprays left nearby
• Electric appliances like power outlets, ovens, microwave ovens, rice cookers

Maintain at least 12 inches of clear space around the stove. Tie back long hair and avoid wearing loose-fitting sleeves to reduce the risk of fire or contact with open flames.

4. Never leave cooking unattended

Unattended cooking is one of the leading causes of kitchen fires. If you need to step away, turn off the stove completely.

For tasks that require time, such as simmering or boiling, use a kitchen timer or smart device to alert you when it’s time to check in.

5. Check for the blue flame

A healthy gas flame should burn bright blue with a possible faint yellow tip.. A yellow or orange flame may indicate incomplete combustion, which can produce carbon monoxide and signal a malfunction.

If the flame color is consistently off, contact a qualified technician to inspect your stove.

6. Use appropriate cookware

Gas stoves perform best with cookware that has:

• A flat, heavy base for even heat distribution
• Correct sizing to match the burner

Avoid warped or oversized pots, as they can be unstable or inefficient. Proper cookware enhances both safety and energy use.

7. Keep your stove clean

Food spills and grease buildup can block burner ports and become a fire hazard.

• Wipe down the surface daily after use
• Perform a deeper clean weekly to remove residue under grates and knobs
• Clean spills immediately to prevent hard-to-remove buildup

Need help? Check out our guide on how to clean your gas stove 

8. Turn pot handles away from the edge

Pot handles sticking out can be accidentally knocked over, especially in busy kitchens or homes with children.

Turn handles inward and away from adjacent burners to avoid burns and spills. This small habit greatly reduces the risk of accidents.

9. Proper installation is key

While we recommend professional installation by a qualified technician, it's important to understand the basics to ensure it's done correctly.

• Stove placement: Position your gas stove on a level, stable surface, away from flammable materials.
• Gas cylinder placement: Ensure the gas cylinder placed in a well-ventilated area, away from heat sources and electrical appliances. A minimum distance of 1.5 meters (approximately 5 feet) between the stove and the gas cylinder is recommended.
• Hose inspection: Regularly inspect the gas hose for any cracks, kinks, or signs of wear. Replace the hose immediately if you notice any damage. Ensure the hose is securely connected to both the stove and the gas supply, using appropriate clamps.
• Clearances: Ensure adequate clearance around the stove. Ideally, there should be at least 1 meter (approximately 3 feet) of clear space above the stove and at least 15 cm (approximately 6 inches) of space between the stove and any adjacent walls or objects.

10. Know the emergency shutoff

Every gas stove has a shutoff valve, usually located behind the stove or near the wall.  Familiarize yourself with its location and how to turn it off, as in case of a suspected leak, fire, or stove malfunction, shutting off the gas quickly can prevent escalation and protect your household.

Tips to remember while purchasing a gas stove

Before buying a gas stove, it’s worth considering more than just the number of burners. Here are key factors to help you choose a model that fits your kitchen and cooking style:

• Kitchen space:  Measure your countertop and ventilation area. Compact kitchens may benefit from a 2-burner setup, while larger spaces can accommodate 3- or 4-burner models. Read more on how to choose hobs dimensions and sizes here.
• Number of burners:: Match the burner count to your cooking habits. Families or multitaskers may prefer more burners for efficiency.
• Material choice: Look for stainless steel for durability or tempered glass tops for a sleek finish that’s easy to clean.
• Safety features: Prioritize models with flame failure devices, auto-ignition, and child lock to minimize risks.
• Burner configuration & cleaning ease: Choose stoves with removable burner caps and pan supports for easier cleaning and maintenance.

>> Need more guidance? Visit our stove and hob buying guide for detailed tips and comparisons.

If you're looking for a gas stove that supports safe cooking habits, it helps to consider designs that prioritize control and peace of mind. Models from Electrolux, for example, offer features like StepFlame settings for precise heat control, a flame failure safety device that cuts off gas if the flame is extinguished, and sturdy cast iron supports to keep your pots steady.