A healthy gas flame is blue with a small inner cone. Yellow, orange, weak or lifting flames mean something needs attention — here's the diagnosis.
Flame Colour Decoder
| Flame | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Blue, steady | Perfect combustion | Nothing — cook on |
| Yellow tips on blue | Slight clog/dust — minor | Clean the burner |
| Mostly yellow/orange | Clogged jet or bad air mix | Clean + check venturi |
| Lazy, wavering | Low pressure or weak supply | Check regulator/hose/gas level |
| Lifting off the burner | Too much air/pressure | Check regulator |
| Sooty orange | Serious clog or contamination | Clean urgently; inspect gas source |
Cause 1: Clogged Burner Jets (Most Common)
Food spills, grease and dust clog the ports — the flame burns yellow where it should burn blue. Fix: clean per the maintenance guide — toothpick each port, wash the cap and head.
Cause 2: Bad Air-Gas Mix
The venturi tube mixes air into gas before the burner. Cobwebs and dust inside restrict air → yellow flame. Fix: blow or brush the tube out during cleaning.
Cause 3: Regulator Problems
A failing regulator delivers erratic pressure — flames surge, die, or run lazy. Fix: check against regulator failure signs; replace if faulty.
Cause 4: Kinked or Failing Hose
A pinched or internally degraded hose starves the burner. Fix: straighten the hose; replace per hose guide.
Cause 5: Low Gas
The last 10% of a cylinder gives weak, lazy flames. Fix: check the level (how) and order a refill.
Cause 6: Contaminated Gas
Illegally decanted gas carries impurities — sooty, smelly flames. Fix: run the verification checks next refill and buy genuine.
When to Stop and Worry
- Yellow flames + headaches/dizziness = ventilate immediately — incomplete combustion makes carbon monoxide.
- Flame smell of gas with the burner off = leak, not a flame problem — emergency steps.
- All burners suddenly weak = regulator or cylinder, not the cooker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a little yellow tip okay?
Minor yellow tipping is common from dust — clean the burner and it resolves. Persistent all-yellow needs attention.
Why does only one burner burn yellow?
That burner's jet is clogged — clean it specifically; the others are fine.
Can bad gas damage the cooker?
Contaminated gas soots jets and leaves residue — fix the source, then clean the burners.
Yellow flames + fast-emptying gas? Could be a leak — soap-test your joints today. Order accessories →