How to remove the handles from a gas stove: how the handle works and what to do when it does not come off

Gas stove is a popular kitchen equipment used daily for cooking.It, like any device, needs periodic inspection. Maintenance is necessary to maintain optimal performance of the cooker under heavy use. The regularity of this work guarantees its uninterrupted operation.

Cleaning the stove involves not only surface cleaning of dirt, but also cleaning hard-to-reach places. One of these are the handles, which over time accumulate dirt, dust, splashes of grease, soot, and become clogged, disrupting the normal operation of the gas stove. But cleaning them is often where problems arise most often, isn’t it? After all, users are often faced with the fact that the handles simply cannot be removed. What to do in this situation and how to properly clean hard-to-reach areas?

This is exactly what we will talk about in our article - we will look in detail at how to remove the handles from a gas stove yourself without interfering with the possibility of its further operation. Let's talk about how you can clean dismantled handles and what to do if they are not removable. We will also analyze the design features of the handle and provide a list of the most common breakdowns.

Gas stove handle design

The standard surface of a kitchen gas stove consists of several burners of various sizes (usually two, three, or four). They have different diameters and different power.This is necessary so that you can install dishes of different sizes, while maintaining a balance in gas consumption. Each burner is controlled by a separate knob.

Despite the many different types and configurations of gas stoves, the design of the handle for supplying and adjusting gas power is typical for all.

The handle of a gas stove consists of the following elements: 1) a fitting for connecting to the gas pipeline; 2) one-piece body; 3) fitting for connection to the manifold; 4) cork; 5) locking screw; 6) spring; 7) rod

This universal form of gas pen was invented at the beginning of the 20th century and has not undergone much change since then.

This shape and structure of the handles of a household gas stove is considered optimal and no developments are underway to change it.

The one-piece body is made of solid material, this guarantees the absence of gas leakage. The connecting elements provide a strong grip to maintain a seal.

The operation of the gas pen is based on the injection principle. During combustion, gas passes at high speed, creating a vacuum in the housing. The sucked in primary air is mixed with gas. At the outlet, this gas mixture is additionally combined with the surrounding secondary air, thereby ensuring complete combustion of the gas. We talked in more detail about the principle of operation of a gas stove in this material.

To adjust the power of the supplied gas, a plastic handle is attached to the rod, designed to turn the tap. The spring is necessary to ensure the translational movement of the sleeve when turning to open. It is this that protects against accidental involuntary opening of the tap.

Instructions for removing the handle

Since most modern cookers have removable power controls, they can be easily removed for cleaning. But, if this has not been done before, then rough oiling can create certain difficulties. Despite this, the cleaning operation is still worth carrying out.

It is important not to forget that the stove is a gas-using equipment, during operation and maintenance of which it is important to observe fire safety rules. Therefore, before starting to work with the stove, it is necessary to turn off the gas supply, since any manipulations are considered flammable.

Stage #1 - selection of necessary tools

To carry out the work you need to prepare the following:

• gloves;
• gas key;
• pliers;
• screwdriver;
• knife;
• rags;
• water and detergent.

According to safety requirements, work must be carried out with rubber gloves.

Some models of gas stoves have special mounts for handles. You need to remove them carefully so as not to damage the thread and then return them to their place.

A gas wrench, pliers and a screwdriver will be needed to remove the gas stove handle, while a toothbrush and detergent will be needed to clear clogged areas. It is worth remembering that different models of gas stoves have different methods for removing handles.

Stage #2 - dismantling the gas stove handle

You should start working after the gas supply valve is closed.

The gas stove knobs should be set to the “Off” position. In order to remove one handle, you need to pull it towards you and slowly pull it out of the groove. This operation must be carried out very carefully so as not to damage the rotating mechanism.

If you cannot remove the handle manually, you can use pliers.Using the rag as a spacer between the handle and the working surface with part of the pliers, gently squeezing and pulling

In some types of plates, the handles are screwed on with screws; you need to use a screwdriver to unscrew them. There are also options when you can remove the handle by lifting the fastening protective cap. When using a screwdriver or knife to pry up the handle, you should act extremely carefully so as not to damage the surface of the stove.

There are models where the protective ring has grooves, and in order to get it out, you just need to twist the ring a little to the side.

Stage #3 - cleaning removable elements

To clean dismantled handles, you need to prepare a container with warm water and detergent in which to place all removable mechanisms that need cleaning. Keep it in the washing solution for at least 10 minutes, and in case of severe contamination, change the water additionally.

To clean the surface of the handles, do not use substances containing chlorine, as this can damage the enamel coating and erase the inscriptions on the handle.

Using a brush, you should carefully remove dirt from the areas of the stove where the handles were installed. Pay special attention to notches, gaps and reliefs.

It is worth noting that when processing aluminum handle parts, it is better to use a rag moistened with vegetable oil, then remove any remaining oil with a detergent containing alcohol

Also, when cleaning the surface of the stove and hard-to-reach places under the handles, do not forget about the grate. It also requires timely maintenance.

For effective cleaning grates from different materials using different methods and available means.

Stage #4 - reinstalling the handles

The handles are installed after all parts have completely dried. It is necessary to correctly put all the rotating mechanisms in their original places. If the handle shaft is not fully seated in the groove, it will not work.

The handles of gas stoves come in plastic and metal. They are equally heat resistant, however, when removing and installing a plastic handle, the likelihood of damage is much higher

Features of cleaning stationary handles

There are models in which the handle of a household gas stove cannot be removed. However, this is not a reason to ignore them, since such handles get dirty in the same way as removable ones.

To clean fixed handles, you need to add two more elements:

• cotton buds;
• Toothbrush.

Using tools on a plastic or wooden base will prevent you from scratching the working surface of the stove.

When cleaning permanent handles with a cotton swab, you must use a special solution that will allow you to break down old fat particles in the openings

The following methods can be used for cleaning:

• Household chemicals. Depending on the type selected cleaning productsand you must act strictly according to the instructions indicated on the packaging.
• Laundry soap. You should rub the head of the toothbrush with a damp piece of laundry soap, then clean the handles until soapy foam is created. This method allows you to remove dirt and give the surface of the thermostats a great look.
• Vinegar and water solution. Using this method, it is necessary to strictly observe the proportions: mix one part of vinegar with four parts of water. It is necessary to clean the handles with this solution while wearing gloves and using cotton swabs.This solution removes not only dirt, but also old fat.
• Lemon juice or citric acid. Apply the concentrated solution to the surface and after 5 minutes, remove with a clean rag.

Unfortunately, on stove models with permanently attached handles to the panel, complete cleaning will not be possible.

But by regularly using the above methods, you can avoid global contamination of your pens.

Overview of common faults

If you do not systematically clean the device, there is a high probability of the following problems occurring:

1. Difficulty turning the handle. In such a situation, it is worth remembering one rule: using force will only damage the handle. This problem occurs when foreign objects get into the slot between the body and the plug or when a significant amount of dirt accumulates. You can fix the problem by disassembling and cleaning the handle of the gas stove.

2. Gas does not flow well into the burner. Even if the knob is turned to maximum, there is a weak fire coming out. The probable cause is that the nozzle holes are clogged with food waste or combustion products. You can fix this problem yourself. To clean you need to use a toothpick. It is also necessary to unscrew the nozzle and wash it with soapy water. Never use metal objects, as even a small scratch can cause a gas leak. But for replacing the jet It's better to invite a specialist.
3. The tap is difficult to turn. This problem occurs when the graphite grease on the faucet plug is erased and the rotary rod is contaminated. To eliminate it, you need to completely flush the stove tap.To perform this operation, it is better to call a specialist, since it will be necessary to disassemble the front part of the gas stove and unscrew the faucet body, removing the spring and plug from it.
4. Rotate the handle 360 ​​degrees. This problem often occurs when using a gas stove for a long time. The reason may be the breakdown of the handle seat. For repairs, you need to purchase and install another handle.

These problems can be eliminated on your own, but if you are not confident in achieving the result on your own, you should call a specialist.

The less frequently the handles are cleaned, the greater the likelihood of problems occurring when turning the handles. Stagnant fat “petrifies” over time, and its cleaning becomes much more difficult

All these difficulties in work, as well as breakdowns occur when the gas stove is not maintained. In order not to call a technician to troubleshoot problems, you should take better care of your equipment and perform its maintenance in a timely manner.

If you discover a gas leak or a breakdown of the gas stove, you should immediately call a technician from the gas company with which you have contract signed.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Here are videos that demonstrate the procedure for removing handles from gas stoves of various models.

This video shows how to remove the handles using the Hephaestus gas stove as an example:

The procedure and methods for cleaning handles are demonstrated in this video:

Another way to clean the handles of a gas stove can be seen in this video:

To summarize, it can be noted that cleaning of all elements of a gas stove must be carried out regularly. The main moving element is the handles.They are also subject to contamination and may not perform well over time. You must remove them yourself and thoroughly clean them.

It is imperative to adhere to safety precautions when performing work, and also carefully follow the algorithm of actions so as not to damage these elements.

Want to talk about how you removed the handles from your gas stove? Share with other users the difficulties you encountered. Or maybe you would like to recommend an effective product for cleaning handles and stove surfaces that we have not mentioned here? Write your tips and comments in the comments block located below this post.