Designing your kitchen and not sure where to start? Here are seven things to consider before you purchase your next gas oven or cook-top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have an idea of how your household cooks; whether it\u2019s baking, frying, grilling or roasting, knowing how you\u2019ll use your kitchen appliances will help you weigh up the value of different features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Measure the space you have available for your cooktop or oven and make sure you choose a capacity and shape that fits your kitchen. Consider how many burners you\u2019ll need on a cooktop and the sizes that suit the pots and pans you use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Built-in gas ovens can be installed separately to a cooktop in a wall recess or under a bench. Free-standing units include both an oven and cooktop, and can be handy in smaller kitchens. Also consider what finish suits your home (e.g. white, black, coloured or stainless steel).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Buttons should be easy to read and feature a pointer which clearly indicates the setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are also different ignition systems to consider, such as an automatic ignition which uses a spark generated by either a Piezo or electric connection. Piezo ignition uses the impact upon a special crystal to create a spark and no electric connection is required. Electronic ignition is a push button electronic spark-generating device powered by battery or electric mains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Older styles will have a manual ignition where gas is lit with a match or hand-held sparking gun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Only buy appliances that are approved as safe for use with gas in Australia. Approved appliances will carry a safety certification label and number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also check whether the cooktop model or oven has a safety flame failure feature. This is an electro-magnetic valve fitted to each burner. If the flame is accidentally extinguished, the gas valve will shut off after a short period of time, preventing escape of gas from that burner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Think about how easy it is to clean up spills and avoid designs where crumbs and food can get stuck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Installations must always be done by a licensed gas fitter. If you\u2019re using LPG, a certificate of compliance<\/a> should be provided to you once the gas work is completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n