Symptoms
- Flame is strong on one side, weak or missing on another
- Some individual ports have no flame at all
- Flame color looks fine where it does burn
- Problem is limited to one burner
Likely causes
- CommonClogged ports on part of the burner headDebris blocks gas flow unevenly around the ring.
- CommonBurner cap sitting crookedA tilted cap changes the gap the flame comes through on one side.
- PossibleSpill residue baked onto the burner baseSugary or greasy spills harden and partially block ports.
- Less commonWarped burner capHeat damage or age can warp a cap so it never sits flat.
What to do
- Turn off the burner and let it cool completely.
- Lift off the grate and burner cap and inspect the burner head closely for buildup around specific ports.
- Clean the head and cap in warm soapy water, then dry thoroughly.
- Clear any remaining clogged ports with a toothpick or thin wire.
- Set the cap back down and rotate it to make sure it seats flat and evenly all the way around.
- Relight and check whether the flame ring is now even; if one section still won't light, look closer at that section for a stubborn clog.
- If the cap looks warped or cracked, replace it rather than trying to reshape it.
Tools and parts
- Toothpick or thin wire
- Dish soap
Gas range burner capSearch: “gas range burner cap replacement”
When to call a pro
If the flame stays uneven after cleaning and the cap looks fine, a technician can check the burner orifice and gas pressure.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.