Lighting a cooker seems trivial — until someone does it wrong and burns their hand or lets gas accumulate. Here's the correct method for every setup.

Lighting a Standard Burner (Matches or Lighter)

  1. Have your lighter or match ready in hand first — never open gas then hunt for a flame.
  2. Open the burner knob slightly — a quarter turn is enough.
  3. Bring the flame to the burner immediately — within a second of opening gas.
  4. Adjust to the flame size you need — blue and steady.

Lighting a Meko Cooker

  1. Confirm the meko's control valve is closed, then open the cylinder valve.
  2. Open the meko valve slightly.
  3. Light with a gas lighter held at the burner — never your fingers near the jet.
  4. The full burner ring should catch within a second — blue, even flame.

Lighting an Oven

  1. Open the oven door before opening gas — let any trapped gas out first.
  2. Open the oven's gas control.
  3. Light at the pilot/burner point at the bottom rear — follow your model's marking.
  4. Hold the control in for a few seconds if it has a thermocouple (safety sensor), then release.
  5. Close the door only once the burner is confirmed lit.

Auto-Ignition Cookers

Push and turn — the igniter sparks as you turn. If it clicks but won't light: check the burner cap is seated, the jet isn't clogged, and the cylinder valve is open. Still nothing? Light manually and read the troubleshooting guide.

If It Won't Light — The Safety Rule

Gas accumulating = danger. If the burner doesn't catch in 2–3 seconds:

  1. Close the knob completely.
  2. Wait 30 seconds for the gas to disperse.
  3. Retry — or switch to a different burner.
  4. Repeated failure: see the won't-light fixes.

The Mistakes That Burn People

  • Opening gas fully then hunting for matches — gas floods the area.
  • Face directly over the burner when lighting — keep your face away, arm extended.
  • Lighting an oven with the door closed — trapped gas flashes.
  • Matches/loose lighters — a long-nozzle gas lighter is the right tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to smell gas briefly when lighting?

A faint whiff for a second is normal — it clears once the flame catches. A lingering smell means close everything and investigate.

Can I light a burner with another burner?

You can tilt a lit burner toward a neighbouring one on some cookers — but use a lighter anyway; it's safer.

Why does the flame pop when I light it?

Gas accumulated before ignition — open the knob less and light faster.

The right tool: a long-nozzle gas lighter belongs at every cooker — add one to your next order. Shop accessories →