While you’re looking for your first apartment, you’ll find that many apartment kitchens are equipped with gas stoves rather than electric stoves. Cooking on a gas stove may seem easy, maybe too easy. However, there are some tips you’ll need to know for your safety. Below are some of these tips so you get used to your gas stove.
Stay on top of cleaning and maintenance
Cleaning your apartment’s gas range is important. In fact, food debris on the stovetop can be a potential fire hazard. Greasy leftovers from prior meals can start a fire, so it’s essential to be cautious and clean up food bits afterward whenever you cook. Be sure to use clean saucepans and frying pans, as dirty, oily pans can be a fire hazard as well.
Know some cooking and safety basics
Your apartment’s gas stove has knobs that control the flame, and a larger flame means a higher temperature. You can get used to your stovetop’s temperature controls through practice, which can help you develop a sense of finesse so you don’t burn your food. You should remain mindful of your gas stove’s open flame to prevent a fire. Thanks to this open flame, unlike an electric stove, a gas stovetop doesn’t need preheating.
Be aware of faster heating and cooling
Gas ovens have better temperature and intensity control compared to electric stoves because gas stoves use flames. When you cook with flames, you provide higher intensity, more easily controllable heat that you can distribute more evenly across the pan. Less heat will be diffused into the kitchen using a gas stove than an electric stovetop. Unlike an electric stove, a gas stove’s heat can be turned off instantly.
Know how to use a gas stove during a power outage
Most gas stoves can still be used during a power outage. Just turn the usual knobs and then light them with a match or lighter. Some oven models, though, use a separate igniter. In this case, you can push the igniter with one hand. When you do, you’ll hear the ignition begin to spark or click.
To safely light a gas stove this way, it’s best to have the ignition engaged before turning the knob. Doing so will prevent you from accidentally leaving the gas on long enough to create a cloud that can burst into flames when the match is struck. It can also prevent extremely dangerous gas leaks.
Watch out for gas leaks
It’s critical to be aware of the smell of natural gas and propane. Natural gas is a colorless and virtually odorless gas, but for easy detection, gas companies add a harmless chemical called mercaptan. This substance gives natural gas a distinctive odor, usually described as being like rotten eggs.
For your safety, it’s best not to leave your gas stove’s burners on while no flames are lit. Doing so can result in a gas cloud that will be very dangerous to inhale and ignite. Before you use your oven, if you smell gas, do not light it. Additionally, do not touch any electrical switches. Leave the area, call your landlord or local gas company, and follow their instructions. If a gas company representative is not available, you can contact the fire department.
Do you feel more knowledgeable about your gas stove now? Do you have any more questions on how to get used to your gas stove? Share your thoughts in the comments!
