My Magic Chef Oven Range Smells Like Lighter Fluid

Normal Leaks

• Once you turn on the surface burners, the oven emits gas from tiny holes surrounding the burners. At the same time, the spark ignitor creates several sparks, one of which ignites the gas and lights a fire through each of the small holes. There is often a few seconds lag time between when the gas turns on and when it ignites. The nonignited gas escapes into your kitchen, bringing with it a slight lighter fluid odor. This smell goes away after a few seconds.

Faulty Ignitors

• Sometimes the oven’s spark ignitor is faulty and does work when the oven is turned on. The gas continues flowing. If you can’t see or hear the sparks, immediately turn the burner off and try again. If the problem persists, replace the spark ignitor yourself of call a professional to handle the replacement.

Blown Out Flame

• Sometimes, a burst of wind blows out the burner flame. Because the burner is still on, the oven continues emitting gas and spreads a lighter-fluid odor in your home. When this happens, immediately turn the burner off, and then back on again. If you’ve walked away from the stove and come back to a very strong lighter-fluid odor and blown out flame, immediately turn off all oven burners and ventilate the room. Wait until the smell dissipates before relighting the stove.

Gas Leaks

• Gas ovens and stovetops have a number of hoses directing enable the flow of gas throughout the appliance. If you notice a very strong lighter-fluid odor present whenever the oven is on, it may be due to a small crack, nick and leak in one of the hoses. Immediately turn off the oven and contact a professional to locate and repair the leak. This type damage can lead to dangerous, large gas leaks.