QuestionKitchen Equipment Maintenance
Gas oven clicks but won't ignite — what should I check?
My gas oven clicks when I turn it on but won't light — the hob burners are fine, it's just the oven. Sometimes it eventually catches with a small "whump". Is this safe to keep using, and what's likely wrong?
2 answers
Best answer
Kareem F.
Verified pro26 Jun 2026
That delayed "whump" is worth fixing promptly — gas is pooling before it lights. Likely causes:
- Weak or failing igniter. Most gas ovens use a glow-bar or spark igniter. If it's weak, gas flows before the igniter is hot/strong enough to light it — hence the delay and the "whump". Most common cause, and a straightforward part replacement.
- Blocked/dirty burner ports. Grease and food clog the oven burner so it lights unevenly. Cleaning the ports can restore a quick, clean light.
- Gas supply/pressure to the oven burner specifically.
Safety: if you smell gas strongly, stop and turn off the supply — the delayed ignition means unburnt gas is building up. Since the hob works, your main supply is fine; this is specific to the oven burner. Get the igniter checked rather than living with it.
Lea M.
Homeowner27 Jun 2026
Had the slow-ignition "whump" too — it was a tired glow-bar igniter. Cheap part, quick swap, lights instantly now. Don't ignore it.
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