Here on the Sunshine Coast we have no natural gas network so LPG cylinders supply the instantly controllable gas that we love to cook on. Like you, we don’t subscribe to the hyperbole about the home gas stove destroying the climate. There’s bigger fish to fry for that. And yes, we do fit 900mm wide stoves with a dedicated fish burner. Each to their own
So now that you've decided to buy a gas stove and become a budding chef, you need a quality gasfitting Company to install it for you. We're more than happy to help. If you are changing from a slow electric stove, there are a few things that would be good to know first.
- Most gas stoves require a 240v electrical outlet to plug into. This is just for the ignition. When the electrician disconnects your old hard wired electric stove he can fit a socket for the new stove.
- The new 2022 gas standard for clearances above a gas burner is 650mm unless stated lower in the manufacturer instructions. Always check the instruction manual to ensure your new appliance can be fitted compliantly. Contact us if you are unsure.
- You have a choice of cylinder sizes when it comes to supplying gas for cooking. You can be your own gas supplier and just use BBQ size cylinders. These may last 2 - 3 months each for an average customer. You just swap and go or refill them when it suits. LPG supply Companies will supply you either 18 or 45kg gas cylinders once they have a gas certificate to prove that the gas installation was done by a professional gasfitter. These will last longer of course and there is the convenience of simply phoning the Gas Company when you need a cylinder exchanged. The downside is the annual service fee. Generally around about $33 per cylinder. The choice is yours.
Many people opt for the smaller BBQ cylinders. New installations will now get the new LCC type 27 braided hose which is a far safer method of connecting cylinders. No tools required and leak free. The cylinder valve will not allow gas to pass through until the pigtail is sufficiently hand tight. For older customers who struggle with changing their own small cylinders we are happy to re-install the regulator to suit larger gas cylinders and we can also liase with the Gas Company to arrange a suitable day for changeover so that there is no down time. Give us a call or send an email to discuss your requirements.
If you buy a gas stove though a reputable Company it will be certified for use in Australia. The gas certificate that we issue needs to have the Australian approval number recorded. Do not buy gas stoves from import sites such as Ali Baba etc. If the stove is not approved we cannot fit it.
Above. While we do plenty of regular cooktop changeovers and new installs, every now and then we install or see something a little less common. The stoves above will leave a hole in your pocket
On more than one occasion we have asked the customer why they are changing over what seems to be a perfectly good cooktop or stove. The answer can be quite disappointing. Some people will put up with problems for years not realising that the gas regulator is only putting out half the pressure it should or that the plumber who installed it never set the simmer flame on each burner after conversion and thus the burners don't turn down to low. As the vast majority of stoves in Australia come set for natural gas, any gasfitter worth his salt should know that when you change from one type of gas to another (LPG) then you have to follow the instruction book and read how to adjust and regulate each flame. It's not hard to do.
- There should be at least 2.75kpa at the inlet of the stove with all burners and other appliances turned on.
- Sometimes the simmer flame adjustment requires a fine screwdriver down the valve barrel.
- Most good multimeters have a temperature measurement function for checking the oven temps.
Lastly, be wary of anyone who tells you that your old cooker from yesteryear is not compliant because it does not have thermocouples or safety lock outs. The requirement for flame cut-off devices is a fairly recent requirement. The best thing you can do is just call or message Gas Connections to begin with. We can advise about Gas Supply Company requirements and even organise cylinder delivery if you like.