A cooker that flames yellow, lights slowly, or smells wrong isn't broken — it's dirty. Ten minutes of monthly maintenance prevents most problems.
Cleaning the Burner
- All knobs off, cylinder valve closed. Everything cool to touch.
- Lift off the grate, burner cap and burner head (they lift off most cookers).
- Wash the cap and head in warm soapy water — scrub the ports (the small holes) with an old toothbrush.
- Clear the jet ports — a toothpick or thin wire through each hole removes clogs. Don't use anything that will break off inside.
- Rinse, dry completely — fully dry, or water blocks the ports.
- Reassemble — cap seated flat and centred.
The Venturi Tube
The tube mixing gas and air gets spider webs and dust — a weak flame cause nobody checks. Blow through it or brush it out during cleaning.
Monthly Maintenance Routine
- Wipe spills immediately — burnt-on food clogs ports.
- Clean burner caps/heads once a month.
- Check the hose for bites/cracks.
- Soap-test joints.
- Wipe the igniter tip on auto-ignition cookers — grease blocks the spark.
What Good Maintenance Prevents
- Yellow flames (see flame fixes)
- Slow or no ignition
- Uneven heating — one side hot, one side cold
- Wasted gas — a clean flame burns efficiently
When to Call a Technician
- Internal gas smells with no visible cause — could be internal piping.
- Burner valves that won't turn or won't stop gas flow.
- Ignition modules failing across multiple burners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put burner parts in the dishwasher?
No — hand-wash with soapy water and a brush; harsh detergents damage the finish and jet tolerances.
Why is the flame still weak after cleaning?
Then it's probably the regulator or a kinked hose — see regulator failure signs.
How often should I deep-clean?
Monthly for daily cooks; every 2 months for lighter use.
Consumables delivered: replacement hoses, lighters, clips — everything maintenance needs. Shop accessories →