Not all gas stoves have pilot lights anymore
Modern gas stoves are split between two ignition systems: pilot light and electronic ignition. A pilot light is a small, continuously burning flame that lights the burner when you turn the knob. Electronic ignition uses a spark or hot surface to light the gas when you need it, with no flame burning when the stove is off. Most stoves made in the last 20 to 25 years use electronic ignition, but older stoves and some current models still rely on pilot lights.
The shift happened gradually. Manufacturers began phasing out pilot lights in the 1980s and 1990s because electronic ignition is more efficient—it doesn't waste gas keeping a flame alive all day. However, some people prefer pilot lights because they work without electricity, and some stove models still offer them as an option.
Key Takeaways
- Gas stoves made before the 1990s almost always have pilot lights; most stoves made after 2000 use electronic ignition instead.
- Electronic ignition requires electricity to work, while pilot lights burn continuously and need only gas.
- You can tell which system your stove has by looking inside the oven or under the cooktop—a pilot light is a small visible flame; electronic ignition has no flame when the stove is off.
- If your stove has a pilot light that goes out, you can relight it yourself in most cases by following the manufacturer's instructions on the stove door or in your manual.
How to identify which system your stove has
The easiest way to know is to look. Turn off all the burners and look at the cooktop or inside the oven. If you see a small blue flame burning continuously, you have a pilot light. If there is no flame visible when nothing is on, you have electronic ignition.
Another way to check is to look at your stove's manual or the information plate attached to the stove itself. The manual will say "pilot ignition" or "electronic ignition" clearly. If you don't have the manual, you can often find it online by searching the stove's brand and model number—the model number is usually on a sticker inside the oven or on the back of the stove.
Age is also a clue. If your stove is older than 15 years, it almost certainly has a pilot light. If it is newer than 10 years, it almost certainly has electronic ignition. Stoves from the 1990s could go either way.
Why manufacturers moved away from pilot lights
A pilot light burns gas continuously, even when you are not cooking. Over the course of a year, this adds up—the pilot light uses roughly 10 to 15 percent of the gas a stove consumes. Electronic ignition uses electricity instead, which costs less and wastes no fuel when the stove is idle.
Electronic ignition also gives manufacturers more control. They can add features like automatic shutoff if a burner is left on, or safety sensors that cut gas flow if the flame goes out. Pilot lights cannot do these things because they are always on.
The downside is that electronic ignition requires electricity. If your power goes out, you cannot light the burners on a stove with electronic ignition—you cannot even light them manually with a match in most cases, because the gas valve is controlled electronically. A stove with a pilot light will still work during a power outage.
Pilot light stoves still in use today
Some manufacturers still make gas stoves with pilot lights, though they are less common. You will find them more often in commercial kitchens, in RVs and boats, and in some high-end residential stoves marketed as "traditional" or "vintage" models. A few brands offer pilot light as an option on certain models.
If you are shopping for a new gas stove and want a pilot light specifically, you will need to search for it—most retailers do not highlight ignition type in their listings. Call the manufacturer or check the detailed specifications before you buy. Pilot light stoves tend to cost slightly less than comparable electronic ignition models, but the difference is usually small.
What to do if your pilot light goes out
If your stove has a pilot light and it has stopped burning, you can relight it yourself in most cases. Look for a knob or button labeled "Pilot" on the front of the stove or inside the oven. Your stove's manual will have step-by-step instructions—the process usually involves holding the knob in while you light the pilot with a match or lighter, then holding it for 30 seconds to a minute while the thermocouple (a safety device) heats up.
If the pilot light will not stay lit after you relight it, or if it goes out repeatedly, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing. You can try cleaning it gently with a soft cloth, but if that does not work, you will need to call a technician. A failing thermocouple is a safety issue and should not be ignored.
If you smell gas while trying to relight the pilot, stop when ready and call your gas company or a technician. Do not try again.
Electronic ignition stoves and power outages
If you have a stove with electronic ignition and the power goes out, you cannot use the burners normally. However, some models allow manual lighting as a backup—check your manual to see if yours does. If it does, you can use a long lighter or match to ignite the gas at the burner, though you will need to hold the knob in the ignition position while you do.
Many people who worry about power outages choose to keep a gas grill or camping stove on hand as a backup for cooking. This is safer than trying to use your main stove in an unintended way during an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert my electronic ignition stove to a pilot light?
No, this is not a practical conversion. The two systems require different gas valve designs and safety controls. Retrofitting would cost more than replacing the stove and would likely void your warranty. If you need a backup cooking method during power outages, a portable gas grill or camping stove is a safer choice.
Is a pilot light safer than electronic ignition?
Both are safe when working properly. Pilot lights have been used for decades with a good safety record. Electronic ignition is also safe and includes additional safety features like flame sensors. The main difference is that electronic ignition requires electricity to function.
Why does my pilot light keep going out?
The most common cause is a dirty or failing thermocouple, which is a safety device that shuts off gas if the pilot flame goes out. Other causes include drafts blowing out the pilot, a bent pilot tube, or low gas pressure. If relighting does not solve it, call a technician—this is not safe to ignore.
Can I light a stove with electronic ignition during a power outage?
Most electronic ignition stoves cannot be lit manually because the gas valve is controlled by electricity. Some newer models have a manual override—check your manual. If yours does not, keep a portable gas stove or grill on hand for emergencies.
How much does it cost to replace a pilot light thermocouple?
A thermocouple itself costs between $15 and $30, but a technician's service call typically runs $100 to $200 depending on your area and the company. If your stove is still under warranty, the repair may be covered.