Every modern kitchen – both domestic and commercial – has a wide variety of cooktops. They prepare food using different methods and within the least time possible. One of the most common cooktops runs on gas. Now a gas stove may run on LPG, propane, and natural gas. But does a natural gas cooktop need a regulator? Before answering, let’s discuss what a gas regulator does for a cooktop.
Why Does A Natural Gas Cooktop Need A Regulator?
With the help of a regulator for a gas stove, we can increase and decrease the gas pressure in a pipeline before reaching the actual cooktop. But how does it do that? Well, there are three simple mechanisms in a gas regulator which come in handy here in adjusting the pressure.
To reduce the pressure, we turn the regulator knob. That leads to a compression of a spring inside, serving as a loading mechanism. When the control and the sensing elements realize this, they adjust the gas pressure in the pipeline. So, that’s how the gas pressure changes when we turn the knob.
Does a natural gas cooktop need a regulator?
In fact, it’s not just the natural gas cooktop that needs a regulator. Even the propane gas and LPG stoves need one. That’s because, with the help of a regulator, you can control the gas pressure in any of these stoves. You can reduce and increase the pressure of the gas with it.
The importance of having a regulator
Now, if you are a regular in the kitchen, you know that you can’t cook all food in the same heat. So, you need to be able to control it – which is possible by installing the regulator. If the heat is too high, you must reduce the pressure. Similarly, if the heat is low, you have to increase it.
Connecting the stove directly to the gas pipe without a regulator
Are you planning on installing your natural gas cooktop directly to the gas pipe, with no regulator? Unfortunately, that can pose significant dangers for you. When there’s no regulator to control the gas, the gas flow can be extremely high – and beyond control. That can cause the flame to go wild.
It’s only with a regulator that you can prevent the gas or the fire from taking a dangerous turn. On the cylinder itself too need a regulator, because without that, the downstream joints and control valves will all be stuck while the pipe may not be thick enough.
This can cause gas to come out of all places and lead to ignition or explosion. Just like a cooktop, a gas bottle too must not be used without a regulator to prevent an accident within a few days of using the product. Otherwise, you’ll just be inviting death.
It can also take a really long time to cook your food properly on low heat when you’re unable to change the pressure. So, it’s essential to install a regulator to the natural gas stove, as well as the gas cylinder. That will not just help you to cook better. It will also ensure your safety.
Installation of a natural gas stove regulator
While natural gas stoves and cylinders usually come with a regulator, you may find burners or bottles with no regulator. Whether you will install the regulator yourself or hire a professional to do it depends on your experience and knowledge in the domain of pipe fitting.
It’s best if you do not try to do it yourself if you do not have training in this, and you have the experience of installing a regulator. In that case, you should hire a professional who has knowledge of this. However, if you’re trained and experienced, you can always do the job instead of hiring a pipe fitter.
If you decide to do it yourself, you must remember that there are different kinds of regulators available in the market. They are not all the same, and you cannot use one of them as a replacement for the other. Before making a purchase, make sure to understand the kind of regulator you need. Also, you need to understand the importance of not placing your stove next to the fridge.
A Short Video on how to install a regulator
Conclusion
Have you been wondering: does a natural gas cooktop need a regulator? You have the answer now. In a nutshell, a regulator is mandatory in cooking units that use natural gas. Without it, you’ll find it impossible to cook food properly. It will also be unsafe to work with natural gas with no control.
It’s not just the natural gas stoves. Even the LPG and propane gas cooktops need regulators for proper control. In fact, any appliance powered by any of these gases should have a regulator. It will ensure that the fuel delivery is smooth and give you complete power over the pressure.
For complete safety and extended life of your gas-powered appliance, including the cooktop, you must ensure that the product has a gas regulator. It’s best to take the help of a pro instead of experimenting based on half-baked knowledge. In the end, it will also help you cook just the way you like it.
Very informative. Love it!
A well written and informational article. Thank you. Cheers!