WILL A GAS STOVE WORK WITHOUT ELECTRICITY?
When the lights go out, your culinary creativity doesn't have to. Some gas ranges are designed to keep you cooking, even during a power outage. Some parts of your gas stove—such as the stovetop burners—may still work without electricity, giving you some cooking functionality. With a simple manual lighting technique, you can often continue crafting delicious meals for your family or guests during a power outage.
However, every appliance is different so to find out if your gas stove works when the power is out be sure to check your owner’s manual for model-specific details. Below, you’ll find general instructions on what parts of your stove may work without electricity and how to manually light a cooktop burner if your model allows for it.
DO GAS APPLIANCES WORK WHEN THE POWER IS OUT?
Yes, some gas appliances can work when the power is out, but it depends on the specific appliance and its design. Gas appliances that use electricity to start and carry out certain functions may not work without electricity, others may have limited functionality.
Gas Stoves
Many gas stoves can still function during a power outage. If you’re wondering if your gas stove works without electricity, check your user manual to be sure. If your model has a manual ignition feature, you can light the burners with a match. However, modern models with electric ignition systems will not operate without electricity for the oven, although you may still be able to use the cooktop.
GAS OVENS AND OTHER APPLIANCES
Most gas ovens require electricity to ignite and operate, so they will not work during an outage. Similarly, other gas appliances like water heaters and furnaces may also depend on electricity for ignition or circulation.
Always check your owner’s manual for specific details regarding how your particular gas stove works when the power is out. With a little preparation, you can possibly keep cooking and stay comfortable, even when the lights go out.
HOW TO LIGHT A GAS STOVE WITH AN ELECTRIC STARTER
Check your product manual first. If your gas stove allows for it, you can manually light the surface burners. Here’s how:
Gather your tools: Use a long match or lighter for this process.
Ignite the match: Light the match or lighter and hold it near the burner’s flame ports.
Turn the knob: Turn the desired stove burner knob counterclockwise to LITE.
Adjust the knob: After the burner lights, turn the knob to the desired setting.
Note that certain gas stove models are equipped with safety features that may prevent you from manually lighting a cooktop burner. If you’re wondering if your gas stove works when the power is out, check your owner’s manual to verify if your model can be lit manually. If it can, use the above steps to get dinner on the table, even in a power outage. Better yet, stay cozy by cooking up a batch of popcorn on your stovetop to enjoy until the electricity returns.
WILL A GAS OVEN WORK WITHOUT ELECTRICITY?
No, a gas oven typically won't work without electricity, as most modern models require an electric ignition to operate. While you can often manually light the burners on a gas cooktop, the oven itself usually needs power for ignition and controls and it’s not possible to light a gas oven with an electric starter. Always check your owner's manual for specific details about your appliance's capabilities during a power outage.
DO GAS STOVES AND COOKTOPS USE ELECTRICITY?
Gas stoves use gas to power heating elements inside the oven and burners on the stovetop, but they rely on electricity for ignition. Though you can usually bypass electric ignitions and light gas cooktops manually, other parts of the stove will not work without electricity. Control panels, oven lights, displays, timers and the oven ignition all need electricity to work.
HOW TO COOK WITHOUT ELECTRICITY
If the power goes out, you can still cook without a stove using some creative alternatives. Here some great methods:
Outdoor grill: The most obvious choice, an outdoor gas or charcoal grill allows you to use a variety of cooking methods including steaming, grilling, and even rotisserie cooking. And of course, if you can manually light your gas stove’s burners, you can also use your griddle to cook veggies or meats.
Portable Butane Stove: Camping equipment can come in handy when the power is out. Just ensure you have extra canisters and only use this method when your power outage isn’t accompanied by severe weather, as it needs to be done outside.
Campfire: This method is ideal for outdoor cooking; use a Dutch oven for versatile meals.
Explore these options to keep your culinary creativity alive, even off the grid.
EXPLORE KITCHENAID® RANGES AND COOKTOPS
KitchenAid® ranges and cooktops are available in a wide selection of options to match the way you make. Explore the full lineup of KitchenAid brand gas and electric ranges to discover features on select models like Air Fry for your crispy favorites or Even-Heat™ True Convection that circulates hot air throughout the entire oven.
