With the electricity supply dwindling over the past few years and power outages becoming a daily reality, people have to consider alternative means of energy for cooking. That is why so many people are turning to gas stoves for cooking and baking purposes. It is a more reliable source of energy and is not dependent on the national electricity grid. However, there are still many people who are reluctant to go this route, simply because they are not sure as to how to use a gas stove.
How do you use a gas stove?
Firstly, you’ll need to find one. I found that the ranges of Elba gas stoves are safe, reliable and durable. You can get them in either built-in hobs or freestanding cooker options, depending on your preference. Considering the amount cooking you do or space you have would, determine the size of hob or cooker you will require. Elba Appliances has a variety of sizes, burner options and colours to choose from. Once you’ve decided which gas stove you would like, generally the store sales person will guide you on how to use the gas stove if you’ve never used one before. An Elba gas cooker will save you time during the cooking process.
This is what you need to know when you take your new Elba gas stove home with you. With a conventional electric stove, you simply turn the knob to switch the stove on. Then it takes a few minutes for the electric plate to heat up. The Elba gas stove works in a similar way, so you don’t need to change much from your usual cooking routine. The gas stove also has the knobs to turn it on but it works slightly differently. These stoves have an electronic ignition that ignites the flame on the burner. There is no need to light the stove with a match as they did in previous times, unless you are out of electricity. The electronic ignition uses little sparks to create a tiny flame that will ignite the burner. You will hear a clicking sound which is the spark. The surface hob will be lit and will be encircled by a moderate blue flame. At this point you will have to hold the knob down for about 5 seconds; this will cause the flame making use of the flame failure device. You can now adjust the flames with the controls, thereby setting it either on a low flame or a high flame, as you prefer. This may seem scary but there’s nothing to worry about because Elba gas stoves have built safety devices. All Elba products come factory fitted with a flame failure device which will automatically switch off the flow of gas into the unit in the event that the flame blows out. It is important to note that in the event that you smell a usual amount of gas in your kitchen, to ventilate the area well before igniting your cooker.
It is a requirement in terms of South African regulations and standards that the stove or hob is installed by a registered gas installer. Registered gas installers are issued with a registration card, similar to a driving licence, and it is important to check the card to ensure the installer is registered for the type of gas i.e. Natural Gas or LP Gas, that the registration covers domestic appliances and that the card has not expired. All this information can be found on the card.
It is a further requirement that the installer issues you with a signed Certificate of Compliance when the installation is completed and that he instructs you in the safe use of the gas installation. The certificate must carry the name and registration number of the installer and be dated.
Please look after this certificate as it is an important document.
It is important to note that with a gas stove, the burner does not require time to heat up as with an electric stove plate. The flame will heat up any pot or pan surface in a much quicker time frame so be sure to keep an eye on it while you get used to the new Elba stove. Using a gas stove is quick and easy. It will improve your lifestyle and you will gain more time in the day.