Gas stove burners not burning evenly? Here's the culprit and easy cleaning tips
Gas stove burners frequently come into contact with food and are exposed to regular spillages. Liquids and food residues tend to settle on them. We often don't clean the stove promptly after cooking, but postpone it for later. As a consequence, numerous components of the burner, including the nozzles, run the risk of getting clogged. Dried food and residual liquids (like those from boiling dishes) are usually the culprits.
Interpreting an Uneven Flame in a Gas Stove
When you start to struggle lighting the burners and notice that they're burning unevenly, it's typically an indication that the nozzles are obstructed. These nozzles regulate the flow of gas to the stove. It's imperative at this stage to clean the nozzles. If this doesn't resolve the issue, you may need to replace the nozzles with new ones.
Cleaning Nozzles with a Wire
Begin by disconnecting the gas supply to the stove, purely for safety reasons. Wipe off any residual liquid that might be present. Remove the cover and the burner crown. Inside the burner body, you'll spot a small screw - that is the nozzle. Loosen it using a number 8 socket wrench. Proceed to poke it with a copper wire for cleaning. A single wire from a standard wire brush will also suffice. If you spot a gap in the nozzle, it signifies that it has been adequately cleaned and can be reattached. If this procedure doesn't help, it may be time to switch out the old nozzles for new ones.
Cleaning Burners with Vinegar
To avoid nozzle blockages, maintain a clean stove daily. Dousing the dirty burners with vinegar simplifies the process. Boil a 3:1 ratio of vinegar with water. Place the burners into the heated solution and leave until the liquid completely cools down. Then remove the burners from the vinegar, wiping off any remaining small residues with a brush or sponge.
