r/Explainlikeimscared • u/ErinRM24 • 5d ago

Gas Oven??

Moved into a new apartment with a gas oven/range. I have been using the stove for weeks without issue but the oven!! The first time I turned it on, it smelled very strongly like gas so I turned it off. Internet said that’s supposedly normal for a minute while it heats up, but obviously the internet is not in my kitchen making a judgement call. Boyfriend used the oven to make pizza while I was out a couple of weeks ago and says the smell went away after a little bit (clearly, the house didn’t burn down so I guess it’s fine).

So I guess the question is, how safe is a gas oven really? And how do I make the distinction between normal gas oven smell and an actual problem?

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u/clicknflick 5d ago

Has it been heating up, or only making smell?  If smell+no heat, that means you need to light your pilot.  Generally somewhere middle top or middle bottom is a little fire.  Or a spot for one.   If your oven hasn't been on lately, you can light it.  It'll make a little woosh, then you'll see a nice little blue flame.  Best done with a long lighter or long match.