How to Light Gas Oven Manually

If your gas oven's electronic igniter has failed or there's a power outage, you may be able to light the oven manually using a match or lighter. Here's how to do it safely — and when you should not attempt it.

When Manual Lighting Is Appropriate

• The electronic igniter has failed but the gas supply is working
• There is a power outage and the oven has a manual lighting option
• Your oven has a standing pilot light that has gone out

When NOT to Light the Oven Manually

• If you smell gas strongly — do not attempt to light the oven. Turn off the gas supply, ventilate the room, and call your gas supplier or emergency services.
• If the oven has been trying to ignite for more than 30 seconds — gas may have accumulated. Wait 5 minutes with the oven off and the area ventilated before attempting to light.
• If you are unsure whether your oven supports manual lighting — check the manual first.

Does Your Oven Support Manual Lighting?

Not all gas ovens can be lit manually. Modern ovens with sealed burners and electronic-only ignition systems may not have a manual lighting option. Check your oven manual — it will specify whether manual lighting is possible and the correct procedure for your model.

Step-by-Step: How to Light a Gas Oven Manually

Method 1: Lighting Through the Oven Floor (Most Common)

1. Open the oven door and remove the oven racks and the oven floor panel if removable
2. Locate the burner — it's usually a tube or ring at the bottom of the oven cavity
3. Turn the oven temperature dial to the desired temperature
4. Hold a long match or long-reach lighter near the burner opening
5. Light the match or lighter first, then turn on the gas — never turn on the gas first and then try to light
6. The burner should light within a few seconds
7. If it doesn't light within 5 seconds, turn off the gas, wait 5 minutes to allow any accumulated gas to dissipate, then try again
8. Once lit, replace the oven floor panel and racks

Method 2: Relighting a Standing Pilot Light

Older gas ovens have a small standing pilot flame that burns continuously. If it goes out:

1. Locate the pilot light — usually at the back of the oven floor or near the burner
2. Turn the oven control to "Pilot" or the lowest setting
3. Hold a lit match near the pilot opening
4. Press and hold the pilot button (if present) while lighting — this holds the thermocouple open
5. Keep the button held for 30–60 seconds after the pilot lights to allow the thermocouple to heat up
6. Release the button — the pilot should stay lit

Use a Long-Reach Lighter for Safety

Never use a short match or standard lighter to light a gas oven — the risk of burning your hand is significant. A long-reach utility lighter keeps your hand well away from the burner. The GORILLA GRIP Silicone Oven Mitts provide additional hand protection when reaching into the oven area during manual lighting.

After Manual Lighting

• Allow the oven to preheat fully before cooking — manual lighting may take slightly longer to stabilise temperature
• Verify the oven is reaching the correct temperature with an oven thermometer
• Arrange for the igniter to be repaired or replaced — manual lighting is a temporary solution, not a permanent fix

Summary

To light a gas oven manually: locate the burner, light your match or lighter first, then turn on the gas and hold the flame near the burner. Never turn on the gas before having a flame ready. If you smell gas strongly, do not attempt to light the oven — ventilate and call your gas supplier.