If you are considering installing a gas stove in your kitchen you may want to read this review to be certain you have all of the components you need, tools you need, and skills you need to do this task.
There are millions of homeowners who install their gas-powered appliances every year. However, if you have any concerns you can always hire gas stove installation professional to do this job for you.
Which is better: A Gas Stove or an Electric Stove
There are many reasons why people choose to use gas ranges instead of electric alternatives. To decide whether gas-power or electric-powered appliances are best for you we advise you to review the pros and cons of each style.
Gas Cooking Advantages
- The fuel for the appliance is often cheaper than using other alternative fuel sources
- The stove reaches temperature faster
- You have complete control of temperature. When you turn the burner off the heat is stopped immediately.
- Versatility in cooking methods
- Stovetop cleaning is easier
- You can use a wider variety of cookware types
- They help add warmth to the home in the winter
- If the electricity goes out your stove will still function properly
Gas Cooking Disadvantages
- Burners can be difficult to light at times
- Pilot lights tend to go out
- The flame may be weaker than anticipated
- The ventilation requirements are high
- They can be dangerous if the burner is left partially on
- They create open flames that may c5reate more fire hazards
Electric Appliance Advantages
- These appliances do not create as much heat as gas appliances because there is no open flame
- You are more likely to have the proper connection for the electric power and do not have to add a gas line
- The tops are flatter and can be more stable
- They do not require pilot lights so they are easy to turn off and on
- Installation is often less expensive
Electric Appliance Disadvantages
- More kitchen burns happen with electric appliances
- They do not cook as quickly
- They use more energy
- Electricity costs more than gas in most instances
- They are more fragile
- They are not as long-lasting
- They can be more expensive
There are a lot of great reasons for choosing gas ranges and cookware. Once you have made the decision it is time to purchase and install the appliance.
Preparing to Install
There are a few things you need to do before you start moving the new stove into position.
The main thing you need to do is located the gas line providing fuel to the unit and shut it off. There should be an emergency valve that allows you to quickly shut the supply of gas off from inside the home.
If you do not have an emergency shut-off valve then you need to take the time and install one before you put the new stove in place.
Gather Your Supplies
Gather all of the supplies you need to connect the appliance before you start the job.
You may need:
- A connector hose
- A wrench
- Teflon pipe tape to help reduce leak possibilities
- A street elbow
- Liquid dish soap
The Installation Process
- Be sure to wrap the pipe threads with Teflon tape before you connect to the connector hose
- Use a pipe wrench to connect the connector hose to the stove and the gas line
- If you have electronic igniters on the range top or oven you will need to plug the stove into an electrical outlet to power these
- On the stove portion you will need to connect a street elbow before you connect the unit to the connector hose
- Check for possible leaks
- Move the stove into position
Checking for Gas Leaks
Your new stove should not be considered installed until you have thoroughly checked each of your connections to see if there is any gas leaking from them.
- Light the burners and allow them to burn for at least one minute. This removes any air from the line.
- Place a small amount of liquid dish soap on each fitting and connection you made. If you see bubbles then you have a leak that needs addressing. They also sell a gas leak detector you can spray on the connections, but liquid dish soap is less expensive and readily available in most kitchens.
Useful Tips from the Pros
- You can have your gas company perform a system check on your gas lines to make sure you do not have leaks and the lines hold the proper pressure.
- A gas stove needs to have 6” of clearance on all sides.
- A gas stove needs 30” of clearance between the cooktop or heat source and unprotected wooden or flammable surfaces
- Do not reuse old connector hoses. There is a possibility of a tiny hole being in the hose that could let gas escape.
- Overtightening the connections is just as bad as not tightening them enough
- Make sure you have the proper size of range hood above your range
- Measure the space you have for the device before you go purchase the device
- Many home improvement and appliance centers offer free delivery and installation. Also when you get the item delivered the delivery guys will often haul away the old appliance
- Make certain you buy a connector hose designed specifically for a gas range and not one designed for a gas dryer. Dryer valves reduce the inside diameter so less fuel will be supplied to your appliance.
- If you need to install gas lines it is highly recommended that you hire a professional to oversee the work.
- Make sure that any electrical changes made to install outlets are done by a professional
Final Thoughts
You can install your gas stove without any specialized training. The most important part of this process is making sure you get all of the connections tight so no gas can leak from them. If you want you can also hire an installation professional to do the job for you.