Range, Cooktop, and Wall Oven - Power Outage Tips and Operation

If the power goes out and you are using a range, oven, or cooktop, the clock will need to be set again when the power comes back on. It does not keep the settings in memory.
 
If you were also cooking in the oven, it will need to be turned back on, and the temperature, cook time, etc. set again.
 

Electric Range, Cooktop, and Oven Tips

Electric Coil, Radiant, or Induction Burner Operation

The burners will not operate during a power outage.
 
  • If the cooktop or range has knobs to control the burners, make sure you turn them to the Off position so they do not come back on when the power returns. 
  • If the cooktop or range has digital touch control for the burners, they will not come back on when the power returns. 

Electric Oven Operation

The oven cannot be used during a power outage.
 
  • The oven will not return to the cooking settings that were in use when the outage happened.

Gas and Dual Fuel Range, Cooktop, and Oven Tips

Gas and Dual Fuel Standard or Sealed Burner Operation

Gas burners can be used during a power outage.
 
  • You can light the burners with a match. Hold a lighted match to the burner, then turn the knob to the "LO" position. Use caution when lighting burners this way.
  • If the power goes out while using the burners, they will stay lit unless they are turned to Off. For safety, make sure the burners are either lit or turned to the Off position.  If a burner is turned to Lite or to a power setting, gas could be flowing.

Gas and Dual Fuel Oven Operation

You can't use the oven during a power outage.
 
  • In gas ovens, the "glo-bar" igniter and gas valve require power to open. This is why they can't be lit with a match.
  • If the oven is on during a power outage, it will turn off and there will not be gas flowing.
  • For dual fuel ranges, the oven is electric and therefore can't be used if there is no power.
In a power outage, the only cooking you can do is on a gas surface burner. If you do use the gas burners, make sure you follow the safety advice we have mentioned. If you need help setting the clock once the power has come back on, check your Owner's Manual.