Gas stoves are supposed to burn with blue or transparent flames and if yours has a yellow flame, you might wonder what it means and if it’s dangerous.
A yellow flame on a gas stove is potentially very dangerous because it means that the gas is not combusting properly and is producing excess carbon monoxide (a colorless and odorless lethal toxic gas).
If your gas stove has a yellow flame, it’s best to stop using it immediately, ventilate the area well and call a professional to evaluate the cause.
If you want to fix the yellow flame yourself, ensure that your stove is switched off completely and your gas supply to the stove is shut off.
What Does a Yellow Flame on a Gas Stove Mean?
A yellow flame on a gas stove means that the LPG or natural gas used to power the stove isn’t combusting carbon completely, resulting in more carbon monoxide production.
It’s scary to consider that only a carbon monoxide detector can alert you to the presence of this dangerous gas which can cause anything from headaches, nausea and confusion to a coma or even death.
Humans can't smell carbon monoxide gas, which makes it more dangerous. This is why if you have a yellow flame you should ventilate the area immediately to avoid the buildup of carbon monoxide.
As you probably know, gas stoves should burn with a blue flame. Blue flames produced by natural or LPG gas typically burn between 1960°C and 1980°C/3560°F and 3596°F.
In contrast, a yellow flame burns at around 1000°C/1832°F meaning your stove also won’t be as efficient at cooking your food.
Luckily, the causes are generally easy to fix and you can troubleshoot it yourself or consult a gas stove professional if you don’t feel comfortable working on your stove.
The incomplete carbon combustion on your gas stove could be due to any of the following factors:
- Insufficient fuel-to-air ratio
- Clogged or dirty burner plate or gas pilot hole
- A misaligned burner
- Incorrectly adjusted air shutter
- A faulty orifice
How To Fix a Yellow Flame on a Gas Stove
If you have a yellow flame on your gas stove, it’s worth calling in a professional to have a look because they can fix the issue quickly and give you peace of mind that you don’t have excess carbon monoxide in your home.
Alternatively, if you want to fix the issue yourself, here’s what you need to look at after turning your stove off completely:
1. Check that the stove’s burner and head are clean and free of debris (dirt and debris can clog the port holes and prevent the gas from flowing freely and combusting as it should).
2. Make sure that the burner base and cap are in alignment. If not, the gas may not be able to ignite and combust properly, resulting in a yellow flame.
3. Ensure that the orifice is in good order. A broken orifice can prevent the gas from moving freely to the burner. If it’s broken, have a professional replace it or buy one yourself.
4. Check the air shutter so that it allows the right amount of air to mix with the gas so combustion can take place.
This handy guide explains these fixes in more detail.
