Faq

The main reason for people choosing gas cookers over electric cookers is the instant heat source a gas cooker provides. The heat on a gas cooker can be adjusted easily and unlike electric cookers they do not retain heat for as long once they have been switched off.

A gas cooker uses natural gas, which is supplied from the gas mains. The gas is piped to the connection at the back of the cooker. A valve regulator will open when a cooker control knob is turned. This then allows gas to flow through the jets of the burners.

By pressing the ignition button on the cooker, a mains-powered electric circuit produces a spark, which then lights the gas and distributes it evenly to the hobs.

For use of the oven, the cooker control is turned to the desired temperature. The gas flows through a burner at the lower back and using a thermostat the flow is regulated. The top of the oven is generally hotter than the bottom.

The grill on a gas cooker works in a similar way to the hob. The only difference is that the gas flames flow outwards from tiny holes in a central pipe across a metal gauze or grid. Heat is then distributed once the gauze or grid is hot.

Gas flows through the supply pipe to the jet once the valve on your gas hob is turned to the on position. The jet is located underneath the burner. Heat is then distributed evenly in a circle by the slots in the edge of the burner. Burner caps on your hob will protect the burner from food spillages and can be removed easily for cleaning purposes. They also force the gas to flow out through the slots. When the ignition is pressed a spark jumps to the burner from the ignitor, causing the gas to start burning as it exits the burner slots.

Gas Safe Registered gas cooker installers should be the only people to fit your new appliance. This is to ensure the appliance has been installed in accordance with the Gas Safe regulations.

If you can smell gas in your home or suspect you may have a gas leak it is important for you to follow these steps:

Switch off the appliance
Shut off the gas supply at the mains
Ventilate the room by opening all doors and windows
Contact a gas cooker installer or engineer to carry out repairs

Visit your GP or hospital immediately to get tested for Carbon Monoxide poisoning

All registered professionals will carry a photo ID Gas Safe card. On the back of the card there will be a list of appliances which each individual gas cooker installer is qualified to carry out work on.

You can check if a gas cooker installer is Gas Safe registered by visiting www.gassaferegister.co.uk or by calling 0800 408 5500

Flame safety devices are very important safety devices which ensure that the gas supply is turned off in the event that the burner does not ignite or that the flame has been extinguished.

New regulations require gas cookers installed in a flat or multi-dwelling building to have a flame safety device (FSD) fitted to the hob – see individual models for details.

Freestanding cookers require a minimum of 610mm clearance above the grill with a further 20mm either side of the appliance.

Hobs should have a minimum clearance of 750mm from the hob to the cooker hood. Any wall units either side of the hood must be at least 366mm above and a further 300mm clearance is required if the hob is being installed next to flammable materials.

Yes if the property is rented by a tenant. After a new gas cooker has been installed it is a legal requirement to have a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) to ensure the appliance has been installed in accordance with the Gas Safe regulations.

No if your are the property owner and occupant. In this case it is not a legal requirement, however you may still request one for your own record.

A gas appliance may have to be plugged into your electric mains because the electricity is used for the ignition to create a spark for the gas to latch on to. You may also need the electricity if your appliance comes with a light (e.g. the light in the oven)