Gas Stove Users Must Know This Simple Trick with Just a Toothpick: It Can Save You Quite a Bit on Your Annual Gas Bill

With just a small action, households can solve common gas stove problems while saving some costs during use.

When talking about every family kitchen, the cooking stove is definitely an essential item. There are many types of stoves, but one of the most popular and widely used is the gas stove.

The reason for its popularity lies in its simple operation and ease of use. When you turn on the stove via an electronic button or mechanical knob, the gas from the tank flows through a pipe to the stove’s burners under the flame distributor. Simultaneously, a piezoelectric ceramic or electronic circuit generates a spark that ignites the gas flow, creating a flame that spreads over the burner nozzles.

Solving Gas Stove Issues with Just a Toothpick

Normally, the flame should be blue. However, if the flame turns red, burns unevenly, or flickers on and off, it means the stove is experiencing problems. This situation, if prolonged, can increase cooking time, waste gas, and raise costs.

Experts say that often, users can fix this issue simply by using a toothpick. The main cause usually comes from the habit of not cleaning the gas stove regularly, especially the tiny burner nozzle holes.

These small holes can get clogged by dust, grease, food debris, or residue from gas and oil. So, you can use a toothpick to clean out these burner holes and push out any dirt.

For a more thorough cleaning, you can lift the burner core, use the toothpick to clear the burner holes, then wash the core with clean water and a specialized cleaning solution. Finally, let it air dry or wipe with a soft cloth before reassembling it.

A toothpick can effectively clear hidden dirt lodged in the tiny gas burner holes.

By following these simple steps, gas stove issues can be resolved. The flame will burn normally and steadily, speeding up cooking and saving gas for the family.

To check, turn the stove back on and observe. If the flame’s strength improves significantly, it means the blockage in the burner holes has been completely removed.

With these simple methods, users can easily fix gas stove problems at home. Distributors also recommend an extra step to minimize leftover residues from oil and gas after cooking: close the gas valve when finished.

When gas flows from the tank through the pipe to the burner, some leftover gas can remain after use. Closing the gas valve before turning off the stove ensures all leftover gas is consumed and prevents leaks outside the gas tank. It also prevents sudden flare-ups when the stove is turned on next time.

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Tips for Using Gas Stoves More Efficiently

Here are some tips to help you save gas while using your stove at home:

1. Avoid Cooking at Too High a Heat

Many believe that turning the flame higher cooks food faster and saves gas. But in reality, this can backfire.

For example, when boiling water, once it boils, reduce the heat to low or turn it off gradually. Setting the heat to the highest won’t make the water hotter; it just wastes gas unnecessarily.

A high flame can also cause food to cook slower because heat disperses around the pot instead of concentrating on the bottom. So, use a moderate flame that’s enough to cook the food efficiently and save gas.

2. Don’t Turn the Stove On and Off Frequently

Frequently turning the gas stove on and off wastes gas and shortens the stove’s lifespan. Before cooking, prepare all ingredients and plan your dishes so cooking can proceed smoothly without frequent interruptions, resulting in less gas waste and better meals.

3. Avoid Lifting the Lid After Cooking

Once food is cooked, keep the lid on if you’re not eating immediately. Retaining heat reduces gas usage by preventing reheating and avoids loss of food nutrients.

4. Choose the Right Pots and Pans

Gas stoves are more flexible than electric or induction stoves in terms of compatible cookware. But to get the best heat conduction, use pots and pans made from copper, steel, or stainless steel with thin bottoms. Food cooks faster, reducing cooking time and gas use.

Also, make sure your cookware is in good condition — no scratches, cracks, dents, and always clean. Damaged cookware reduces heat absorption, making food cook longer and wasting gas.

Finally, use pots sized appropriately for the amount of food. Cooking small amounts in large pots wastes gas.