What Is an Igniter?

On a gas oven, range, or cooktop, the igniter is what actually lights the burner — either a hot-surface igniter that glows and ignites the gas directly, or a spark igniter that clicks repeatedly to create a spark. On ovens, the igniter also has a second job: its resistance opens the safety gas valve once it's glowing hot enough, so a weak igniter can block gas flow entirely, not just fail to spark.

Signs of failure: a burner that clicks or glows but never lights, a noticeably longer wait before the flame catches, or a gas smell without ignition — that last one warrants shutting off the gas supply and calling a technician immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my oven igniter glow but the oven still won't heat?

As an igniter ages, it keeps glowing but draws less electrical current — and it needs to pull enough amperage to trip open the internal gas valve. A weak igniter can glow for a while without ever pulling enough current to let gas through, so glowing doesn't rule out a failing igniter.

Is a gas smell from the oven a bigger problem than the igniter itself?

Yes — gas smell without ignition means fuel is reaching the burner without being lit, which is a safety issue, not a simple parts problem. Turn off the gas supply and call a technician rather than troubleshooting it yourself.