A stove that won’t turn on can become a serious problem—especially if you rely on it for preparing daily meals. Fortunately, in many cases, it’s not a major failure, but a simple issue you can identify and, in some cases, fix yourself.
In this article, we’ll explain what steps to take if your stove won’t ignite, the most common causes, and when to call a specialized technician to avoid risks or greater damage.
Check whether it’s a gas or electric stove
The first step in diagnosing the issue is to identify the type of stove you have:
- Gas stove: Uses a visible flame. It may run on bottled gas (cylinder) or natural gas.
- Electric stove: Uses heating elements that warm up when electricity passes through them.
Both can malfunction, but the causes and solutions differ.
Common causes in gas stoves
- Gas supply interruption
- Check if the gas cylinder is full or if gas is flowing from the supply line.
- Make sure the gas valve is completely open.
- Burner obstruction
If there’s grease or residue clogging the burner holes, gas won’t flow properly.
Solution: Remove the burners (with the appliance off), clean them with a brush or pin, and reinstall.
- Faulty igniter or spark system
If you turn the knob but don’t hear the “click” of ignition, the igniter might be worn out. Some models allow easy replacement; for others, it’s best to call a technician.
- Worn or poorly connected hose
Check that the hose isn’t kinked, cracked, or loose. If you notice damage, don’t attempt to repair it—replace it immediately for safety.
Common causes in electric stoves
- Power outage or loose plug
Ensure the stove is properly plugged in and check that no fuses or circuit breakers have tripped.
- Burned-out heating element
If one burner isn’t heating but the others are, the issue is likely a damaged heating element.
- Thermostat or switch failure
Some modern stoves have digital controls or sensors that may fail and require technical inspection.
When to call a professional
You should avoid DIY repairs if:
- There’s a persistent gas smell (could be a leak).
- The ignition continues to fail despite cleaning.
- You notice sparks, short circuits, or electrical issues.
- You’ve tried the basic solutions with no success.
In these cases, it’s safest to disconnect the stove and contact a qualified technician to inspect the ignition system, valves, circuits, or internal connections.
A stove that won’t ignite can be frustrating, but in many cases, the problem has a quick fix if you know what to check. However, when dealing with gas or electricity, it’s best to prioritize safety and seek professional help.
Is your stove not turning on and you’re not sure what else to try? At our technical workshop in Panama, we offer home diagnostics and repairs for gas or electric stoves. Contact us and cook with peace of mind again.