Gas cooktop gurus - a few questions

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Gas cooktop gurus - a few questions

wratterus

1687 posts

Uber Geek

#302243 9-Nov-2022 16:24

We recently moved into a new place, and it has a Belling oven with a 4 burner gas cooktop.

It doesn't have a clock or timer, which is annoying, but that's not the issue...the knobs for controlling gas flow to the burners just don't seem to adjust much - the difference between full noise & right down is next to nothing on 3 of the 4 elements, because of this it's tricky to cook on - the burners are pretty much always too hot, and trying to simmer something is nearly impossible.

I'm sure it's not supposed to be like this - does anyone know if there is some adjustment for the knobs, or something that could be done to improve it?

outdoorsnz

674 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2994017 9-Nov-2022 16:42

Mine is a bit like that. Bit of a hack but is the only way I could do a slow cook. I used the wok extension, frying pan on top of that and sit stock pot etc in that.

Heavier cast iron might be better.

johno1234

2793 posts

Uber Geek

#2994035 9-Nov-2022 17:49

There should be an adjusting set-screw somewhere on the control knobs. Pull the knobs off, and possibly a grommet and see if there's a small screw in there. The idea is usually to set the min flame size with the knob turned down. In your case, with the burner on and turned down it is too big of a flame so you turn it down with the set screw.

Rust

99 posts

Master Geek

ID Verified

#2994071 9-Nov-2022 19:54

As stated above, check behind the control knobs. I have a different brand but the adjusting screws are located there.

Also, there is typically different size jets for LPG or natural gas. If the adjusting screws don't solve the issue then perhaps check that the correct jets are installed.

insane

3236 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#2994145 9-Nov-2022 22:11

Rust:
As stated above, check behind the control knobs. I have a different brand but the adjusting screws are located there.

Also, there is typically different size jets for LPG or natural gas. If the adjusting screws don't solve the issue then perhaps check that the correct jets are installed.

This, plus get a gasfitter to check it out. No point risking your safety over what may have been a poor DIY install.

panther2

374 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2994146 9-Nov-2022 22:22

Simmer plate

johno1234

2793 posts

Uber Geek

#2994233 10-Nov-2022 08:29

Rust:

As stated above, check behind the control knobs. I have a different brand but the adjusting screws are located there.

Also, there is typically different size jets for LPG or natural gas. If the adjusting screws don't solve the issue then perhaps check that the correct jets are installed.

I expect if the wrong jets are installed you'd get a dirty yellow flame. If it is a nice clean blue flame then the right jets are installed.

wratterus

1687 posts

Uber Geek

#2994258 10-Nov-2022 09:29

Flame is nice and blue, it all looks good, just goes too hard! Thanks for the suggestion re set-screws. Will have a look. The install all looks good/professional as far as I can tell, but getting a gasfitter to give it a once over wouldn't be silly for some peace of mind too.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

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johno1234

2793 posts

Uber Geek

#2994278 10-Nov-2022 10:21

Check your installation manual (might need to download one) - should be instructions for adjusting the burners there.

wratterus

1687 posts

Uber Geek

#2994734 11-Nov-2022 14:10

Pretty sure we found the right installation manual - nothing we could find about adjusting the burners.

Looking up the manuals for some other similar models, they do have a screw behind the knobs for the adjustment, this one doesn't seem to. Did pop a knob off and didn't see anything in there.

The only mention of anything related to the burner is aeration - they mention these have fixed aeration & are not adjustable - I don't think that is the same this as adjusting the gas flow to the burners though?

Think I might get a gasfitter to have a look - be good to give it all a once-over anyway. Thanks for all the help.

Out of interest, the below screenshot is from a different model Belling cooktop, these instructions are part of the 'converting from NG to ULPG' section, I was hoping to find some similar instructions for adjusting ours.

Mehrts

1063 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2994939 11-Nov-2022 22:47

One "hacky" way of acheiving a much lower flame than the minimum setting on some gas cooktops is to turn the knob to the high position, and then slowly turn it towards the "off" direction.

I can have the flame almost out and it's still controllable. Handy for just keeping enough heat in a pan without cooking things too much.