What a healthy flame looks like
A gas hob flame should be steady and mostly blue. A very brief flicker of orange can come from dust or spilled food, but a flame that stays yellow or orange is a warning sign.
Why it matters
A yellow or orange flame often means the gas isn’t burning completely. Incomplete combustion produces carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas you can’t see or smell. Read our guide to carbon monoxide: symptoms, alarms and staying safe.
Common causes
Burner ports or caps blocked by spilled food or grease, burner parts out of place after cleaning, a worn or faulty appliance, or an appliance set up for the wrong gas type, such as natural gas and LPG, can all cause a yellow flame.
What to do
Turn the hob off and stop using it. Open a window to ventilate. When the hob is cold, you can wipe off spills and check the burner caps are seated correctly, but don’t take apart any gas parts. If the flame is still yellow or orange, don’t use it and book a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Watch for other warning signs
Black marks or soot around the hob, a lingering smell, or headaches, dizziness or nausea when cooking can all point to a problem. See signs of a faulty gas appliance. If you smell gas, turn it off at the meter, open the windows and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
Make sure you have an alarm
A carbon monoxide alarm is a backstop, not a substitute for a safe appliance. Check the batteries and test it regularly.
Yellow flame on your gas hob or cooker? We inspect and repair gas appliances across South Manchester and Cheshire — Gas Safe registered.
Book a gas appliance check
