How to install or repair gas range cookers

Your cooker is the heart of your kitchen and, with that in mind, it's important to install it properly and then ensure that it is kept in good working order, especially if we are talking on gas cookers. If these points are adhered to, then hopefully there will be little cause for carrying out repairs. Here is a guide on how to get gas hobs working and how to keep them that way.

Anchor your oven

When installing any gas stoves and ovens, it is imperative that freestanding cookers are fitted with an anti-tip bracket to keep them from tipping if weight is put on the door. Aside from causing considerable damage to the appliance, tipping ovens can, of course, start fires and lead to burns. The anti-tip bracket This accessory is usually a U-shaped piece of metal screwed to the floor beneath the oven's rear feet, or a chain running from the back of the oven to a bracket on the wall. If your oven doesn't have one, the manufacturer might supply it for free.

The grease filter

Most of us only take notice when grease starts to build up on the top of the cooker hoods. But once a month, you should clean the grease filter. Many modern filters can be cleaned in the upper rack of a dishwasher. Maintenance of the filter However, every six months you should replace the filter. With a recirculating air cooker hood, you should replace both the grease filter, and the activated charcoal filter that cleans the air.

Keeping the flame burning properly

If the flame dips or your ovens' gas hob burners are orange rather than blue (colour), it indicates that there is probably a problem with the burner. Wait until the hob is cooled, then remove the burner, soak it in soapy water and give it a good scrub. Then, clean the individual gas jets with a toothpick or a darning needle. Use a fine wire to clean the tiny holes where the pipe from the pilot light connects to the burner. Adjusting warped doors Staining or soot around the oven door can indicate that it is warped. To adjust the fault, simply open the door and, on the inside panel near the corners, loosen the screws that hold the inner and outer panels together. Push down on the door whilst twisting it from side to side, then carefully retighten the screws.