Now you're cookin' with gas! In many parts of the United States and Canada, gas is the least expensive fuel for cooking. It's also relatively efficient, giving nearly instant heat to whatever is set on the cooktop. Because there are no moving parts to speak of, a gas cooktop is virtually trouble free. However, things still can go wrong and that's where your developed fix-it skills come in handy.

How Does It Work?

A gas cooktop is a cooking appliance that uses surface elements heated by natural gas or propane. A gas cooktop is often part of a large appliance called a gas range or stove that also includes a gas oven; if the oven is giving you trouble, see the Gas Oven Fix-It Guide . Some gas cooktops have a pilot light that stays lit all the time, waiting for a burner control knob to be turned on. Newer models have spark igniters that ignite the gas when needed. Air shutters control the mix of air and gas that flows to the burners.

Refer to Gas Oven Fix-It Guide for an illustration of a typical gas cooktop and components.

What Can Go Wrong?

A pilot light can go out. An internal range plug can malfunction. An ignition module can fail. Burner ports may need cleaning. An air shutter may need adjusting. Any repairs to a gas cooktop that involve the gas supply lines should be handled by a professional service technician.

Fix-It Tip

Note that newer gas cooktops may have digital controls that aren't serviceable by the consumer. Check the owner's manual for troubleshooting tips and how to get plug-in replacement parts as needed. Some units also have diagnostic tests and error codes that can point you to the problem.