Calling All Gas Stove Users...question

[blueeyedmanda]

Hi Everyone,

I am hoping someone here can relate. When we moved into our new place about a year ago and it came with a gas stove. It works well, it is older, about 15-20 years. I don't even think they make the brand anymore, Caloric. Every now and again, we get an orange flame while cooking. Last night, I noticed everything was fine until John turned on the oven to cook chicken, while I was using two of the top burners to cook pasta and sauce. I put a call into the rental office (they are very good with repairs) I was just wondering if anyone ever noticed this problem or could explain it to me.

We always had electric before. I really love gas cooking though.

Any ideas?

Thanks

[larry mac]

..... Every now and again, we get an orange flame while cooking. . ..

bem,

You might be getting incomplete combustion, which can cause carbon monoxide production. Also, it might discolor your pots & pans. Depends on how bad it is. Do you have natural gas or propane?

Of course it goes without saying that since you probably have a gas furnace, you need a carbon monoxide detector in addition to a smoke detector (they also come in a combination unit).

best regards, lm

[debmidge]

Flame should be blue. Caloric was a terrible brand for stoves...my mom, aunt and mom in law had one and it was always breaking down.

[blueeyedmanda]

Flame should be blue. Caloric was a terrible brand for stoves...my mom, aunt and mom in law had one and it was always breaking down.

I had never heard of the brand until I moved in here, My fridge is the same brand. I have to give the stove the benefit of the doubt, it has been real good up until now. Our apartment was built in 91' I want to say they are the original appliances. The good thing is when things break we will get a new one. So I am keeping my fingers crossed. Because I put in my maint. request later in the day they didn't come today.

It is natural gas.

[tarnalberry]

The flame on the gas stove should be blue. (Gas fireplaces are designed to burn orange above the logs, though.) Incomplete combustion isn't a great sign at all, and could cause carbon monoxide buildup. It's interesting that you're getting this when loading things, though.

That, and definitely time to get a carbon monoxide detector.

[Daxin]

Orange flames also burn cooler than blue. Again, could be improper combustion, so maybe using the hood/exhaust fan if there is one.

[jerseyangel]

What everyone above said is true. Also, if there is some condensation on the outside of the pan, this will happen--but just momentarily.

I also agree with getting a carbon monxide detector--we have one that we bought at Home Depot. Not expensive, and gives you peace of mind.

[blueeyedmanda]

Thanks everyone!

I am hoping it got fixed or hauled to the curb while I was at work today. After last weeks ice storm the request for repairs is long, my complex is very fast with repairs but for 3 days last week they had to focus on what the storm left so only emergency problems were dealt with.

The ice storm really put everything on hold...look at our interstates....closed for days.

[blueeyedmanda]

The stove has been repaired, it needed a new gas regulator.

[larry mac]

The stove has been repaired, it needed a new gas regulator.

bem,

That's great news. Can't be too carefull with gas. If you have a gas furnace, the same thing (yellow flames) is an indicator of incomplete combustion. Also, when you check it, do this. Have the heat off. Remove the cover allowing you to see the burners. While watching the burners, have someone else turn the heat on. When the gas supply goes to the burners and they ignite, the flames should only go straight up! If they kind of blow sideways, as if they were getting sucked in a lateral fashion, you have a faulty heater (this is observable mostly just at the moment the big flames come on so watch closely). It should be looked at by a professional & probably replaced. Also, if you see specks or sparkles in the flames, this indicates a rusted out burner, not good.

This only applies to the older type furnaces where the burners are on the bottom, not the newer ones that have the jet side burners (they last forever). Don't forget to get a carbon monoxide monitor.

best regards, lm

[blueeyedmanda]

bem,

That's great news. Can't be too carefull with gas. If you have a gas furnace, the same thing (yellow flames) is an indicator of incomplete combustion. Also, when you check it, do this. Have the heat off. Remove the cover allowing you to see the burners. While watching the burners, have someone else turn the heat on. When the gas supply goes to the burners and they ignite, the flames should only go straight up! If they kind of blow sideways, as if they were getting sucked in a lateral fashion, you have a faulty heater (this is observable mostly just at the moment the big flames come on so watch closely). It should be looked at by a professional & probably replaced. Also, if you see specks or sparkles in the flames, this indicates a rusted out burner, not good.

This only applies to the older type furnaces where the burners are on the bottom, not the newer ones that have the jet side burners (they last forever). Don't forget to get a carbon monoxide monitor.

best regards, lm

Thank You

This is the first time I have ever had gas appliances and because of Carbon Monoxide I am very paranoid about things. Luckily, the apartment complex is very good about quick repairs. Monday they came in looked at the stove, determined it needed the part, because Caloric no longer makes stoves, they had to go through Amana to get a part and had it rush delivery for yesterday morning and then replaced it as soon as it came in. There was no questioning me since many times the flames are blue. It was quickly fixed and it is almost like having a brand new stove....almost. It will do for now. :)

Thank you for your advice.

Amanda