8 Most Common Commercial Gas Range Problems and How to Fix Them

 

Equipment must operate smoothly in the demanding conditions of a commercial kitchen—and few appliances work harder than the commercial gas range. As a critical tool for food preparation, any malfunction can lead to costly delays, safety hazards, and unhappy customers. Fortunately, many common issues are both preventable and fixable with the right knowledge, tools, and range repair parts. By understanding the typical problems that affect gas ranges, restaurant owners, kitchen managers, and technicians can minimize downtime and keep operations running smoothly. In this guide, we break down the eight most common gas range problems and how to effectively resolve them.

8 Problems and Fixes of Commercial Gas Ranges

Here are 8 problems and their fixes for commercial gas ranges:

1. Burner Won’t Ignite

The most common and disruptive issue in commercial kitchens is a burner that won’t ignite. This can halt cooking operations and create significant delays during peak service hours. Several underlying causes can contribute to this problem, including blocked burner ports, malfunctioning igniters, or interruptions in gas flow.

How to Fix It

1. Check for Gas Flow: First, ensure the gas valve is fully open. Turn off the supply right away if you smell gas but the burner doesn't ignite, evacuate the area, and check for leaks before proceeding.

2. Inspect the Igniter: Many modern commercial ranges use electronic ignition systems. When you turn the knob and don't hear the typical clicking sound, the igniter can be broken or dead. This component often needs replacing after extended use.

3. Clean the Burner Ports: Grease, spills, and food debris can easily clog the tiny holes in the burner head. After removing the burner cap, gently clean the ports with a soft brush or a needle.

Always keep essential range repair parts—like igniters and burner heads—on hand. Quick access to these parts can significantly reduce downtime and keep your commercial kitchen running smoothly.

2. Weak Flame or Uneven Flame Distribution

A weak, uneven, or flickering flame is a common issue that can significantly impact cooking performance in a commercial kitchen. A properly functioning burner should produce a strong, steady blue flame. When the flame is yellow, inconsistent, or barely visible, it indicates an underlying problem that needs attention.

How to Fix It

1. Clean the Burner Heads: Over time, grease, food particles, and carbon buildup can obstruct the burner ports, disrupting the gas flow. After removing the burners, give them a good soak in warm, soapy water and use a gentle brush to scrape away any dirt.

2. Check Gas Pressure: Insufficient gas pressure is a frequent cause of weak flames. Have a licensed technician inspect and adjust the gas pressure to the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure optimal performance.

3. Inspect the Air Shutter: The flame’s color and consistency depend on the proper air-to-gas ratio. A yellow or flickering flame suggests the burner isn’t getting enough air. Adjust the air shutter to allow more airflow.

If cleaning doesn’t resolve the issue, you may need to replace burner heads or valves using compatible range repair parts.

3. Pilot Light Keeps Going Out

In many older commercial gas ranges, pilot lights play a crucial role in igniting the burners. When the pilot light frequently goes out, it not only disrupts workflow but also presents potential safety hazards in a busy commercial kitchen. There are a number of potential causes for this problem, including environmental conditions, accumulated grease, or faulty components.

How to Fix It

1. Check for Drafts: The most common culprit is air drafts. These can blow out the flame, especially if your ventilation system is too strong or improperly positioned. Make sure the kitchen is well-sealed and that airflow isn’t directly hitting the range.

2. Clean the Pilot Assembly: Over time, grease and debris can build up around the pilot light, affecting its performance. Use a soft wire brush to gently clean the tip and surrounding area to restore a steady flame.

3. Replacing Thermocouple: If cleaning doesn't help, the thermocouple may be the issue. As a precaution, the gas supply is cut off when a malfunctioning or worn thermocouple is unable to detect the flame. Replacing it is simple when you have the correct range repair parts.

Regular cleaning and inspections can help keep pilot lights functioning properly and prevent unexpected shutdowns.

4. Oven Not Heating Properly

A commercial oven that fails to reach or maintain the desired temperature can severely impact food quality, cooking consistency, and kitchen efficiency. This issue often stems from a faulty thermostat, defective igniter, malfunctioning safety valve, or damaged temperature sensor.

How to Fix It

1. Verify the Thermostat: Use an oven thermometer to compare the actual temperature with the set temperature. A significant variance suggests the thermostat may be inaccurate and should be replaced.

2. Check the Igniter: For gas ovens, a worn or faulty igniter might not get hot enough to open the gas valve, preventing the burner from lighting.

3. Inspect the Safety Valve: If the safety valve isn’t opening correctly, the oven won’t receive gas, leading to heat issues.

When replacing components like igniters or thermostats, always opt for OEM range repair parts to ensure proper fit, function, and long-term reliability in your commercial kitchen.

5. Clicking Sound Without Ignition

A persistent clicking sound without ignition is a common issue in commercial gas ranges and usually points to a malfunction in the ignition system. The most likely causes include moisture in the igniter area, a faulty spark electrode, or a short circuit within the ignition module.

How to Fix It

1. Dry the Ignition System: Moisture from spills, steam, or overzealous cleaning can cause continuous clicking. Use a dry cloth or a hairdryer on a low setting to thoroughly dry the igniter and surrounding components.

2. Check for Loose Wires: Check all connections to the igniter and control module. If you find frayed or disconnected wires, repair or replace them immediately to restore proper functionality.

3. Replacing Spark Module: If drying and reconnecting wires doesn’t solve the problem, the spark module itself may be defective. Replacing it with high-quality, compatible range parts typically resolves the issue.

6. Gas Odor or Leaks

The presence of a gas odor in the commercial kitchen is a serious safety concern that demands immediate attention. Even a faint smell can indicate a potential leak, which poses risks of fire, explosion, or health hazards.

How to Fix It

1. Cut Off the Gas Supply: Turn off the gas valve right away, then leave the area.

2. Ventilate the Space: Open doors and windows to disperse any accumulated gas.

3. Use a Leak Detector: Apply a soapy water solution to gas lines, valves, and joints. If bubbles form, there’s a leak.

4. Replace Faulty Connections or Valves: Damaged hoses, regulators, or valves should be replaced using certified range parts to ensure safety and compliance.

Always call a professional technician to identify and resolve gas-related issues. Never attempt these repairs on your own.

7. Oven Door Not Closing Properly

An oven door that doesn’t close properly is more than a minor inconvenience—it leads to significant heat loss, uneven cooking, and wasted energy. This issue often results from worn or damaged components like hinges, gaskets, or misaligned doors.

How to Fix It

1. Inspect Hinges and Springs: Over time, continuous use can damage the hinges or weaken the springs, preventing a secure closure. Replace any damaged or loose parts.

2. Check Door Gasket: The gasket plays a critical role in sealing heat inside the oven. Use a high-temperature-rated gasket in its place if it is cracked, ripped, or hardened to guarantee a good seal.

3. Test for Alignment: Misalignment can occur due to frequent opening and closing. Observe the manufacturer's guidelines to precisely realign the door.

Using OEM range repair parts ensures the door components fit perfectly and maintain energy efficiency.

8. Control Panel Malfunctions

A malfunctioning control panel can significantly impact commercial kitchen efficiency, as it hinders your ability to accurately regulate temperature, timers, and cooking settings—key functions in any high-volume kitchen. These issues may arise from wear and tear, moisture intrusion, or electrical faults.

How to Fix It

1. Reset the Circuit: Sometimes, electronic panels just need a reset. Unplug the unit for at least 30 seconds, then power it back on to see if the problem resolves.

2. Inspect for Physical Damage: Check for cracked display screens, unresponsive buttons, or signs of electrical shorts. These may indicate a need for replacement.

3. Replacing the Control Board: If the issue persists, it could stem from internal wiring or circuit failures, requiring a full control board replacement.

A properly maintained commercial gas range is crucial for a smooth-running commercial kitchen. By understanding common issues like ignition problems and temperature inconsistencies, you can resolve them quickly and effectively. Having the right knowledge and access to quality range repair parts helps minimize downtime, reduce repair costs, and ensure consistent performance. To avoid equipment failure during peak hours, conduct regular inspections and stock essential spare parts. Preventative maintenance is key to avoiding costly repairs and ensuring your commercial kitchen operates efficiently. This proactive approach will benefit both your kitchen’s productivity and your customers’ satisfaction.

Written by Allen Rode for PartsFe, your trusted source for a variety of high-quality commercial gas range parts, including range repair parts and ignitors.