If you’re here, it means you’re wondering how to cook with an electric gas cooker. These cookers are just gaining popularity in Nigeria. So, it’s normal if you’re confused about how to use them.
Quick Tip: To cook with an electric gas cooker, decide if you’re using the hotplate or the burner. Then light up the heat source using the designated heat control knobs. Keep reading to discover a detailed guide. From understanding their components to utilizing the burners and hot plates on it, this guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to master the kitchen wonder.
Components of an Electric Gas Cooker
An electric gas cooker typically consists of the following components:
1. Burners or Hotplates
Unlike the regular gas cookers, electric gas cookers feature one or two hotplates alongside the burners. Whereas the hotplates are powered by electricity, the burners work with the flammable gas.
These are the heating elements where you place your pots and pans to cook your food. They come in different sizes and can be adjusted to various heat levels.
2. Control Knobs
These knobs allow you to regulate the intensity of the heat produced by the burners. They usually have indicators for low, medium, and high heat settings.
3. Oven
Many electric gas cookers come with an integrated oven, allowing you to bake, roast, and broil your dishes. The oven is just like the ones found in regular gas cookers, and it has its own set of temperature controls. You might want to see how to use the oven in a gas cooker.
4. Grill
Some models also feature a built-in grill for quick and convenient grilling of foods like vegetables, meats, and sandwiches.
Understanding how these components work together empowers you to use an electric gas cooker more effectively.
How To Cook With an Electric Gas Cooker Burner
To cook with an electric gas cooker, follow the steps below:
1. Ensure Your Safety
Before you start, make sure the cooker is clean and in good working condition. Ensure there are no gas leaks by checking the connections regularly.
Also, keep flammable items away from the stove, and never leave the cooker unattended while it’s in use.
2. Ignite the Gas Burners
Igniting the gas burners in an electric gas cooker is as simple as igniting the ones on a regular gas cooker. In case you’re new to this, here’s what you should do to ignite the burner:
- Turn the gas knob to the “Off” position before starting.
- Place a pot or pan on the burner before turning it on.
- Hold a lit match or a lighter near the burner you intend to use and turn the gas knob to the desired heat level. Note that each burner works with a control knob, which is usually marked for easy identification.
Note: If your cooker has an automatic ignition system, you have to press and hold the flame button (shown in the picture above) before turning the desired knob. In this instance, you’ll turn the knob as if you would use a lighter.
Using the Hot Plates of an Electric Gas Cooker Burner
To use the electric hot plate on an electric gas cooker, do the following:
- Ensure the cooker is plugged into a functioning electric socket.
- Turn the appropriate knob to the desired heat level. Usually, the knobs are on the same row as the hot plate you intend to use. If otherwise, look for an indicating mark on the knob or check the manual.
- Wait for the hotplate to heat up and place your pot or pan on it.
- Turn off the knob when you’re done cooking.
Mind you, electric hot plates take a few minutes to heat up, so be patient. To ensure faster heat, consider using flat-bottomed cookware for better heat transfer.
You can also take advantage of the versatility of your electric gas cooker by using both the electric hot plates and gas burners simultaneously. For example, you can boil water on an electric hot plate while sautéing vegetables on a gas burner.
If you’re new to modern kitchen appliances, you might also want to check out how to use a pressure cooker for the first time.
How To Clean an Electric Gas Cooker
Here are tips for cleaning an electric gas cooker effectively:
- Clean the cooker regularly to prevent the buildup of grease and food particles.
- For gas burners, remove burner caps and grates for a thorough cleaning.
- Wipe down the electric hot plates with a damp cloth.
Tips for Efficient Cooking With an Electric Gas Cooker
To ensure easy, faster, and efficient cooking on an electric gas cooker, consider the following tips:
- Use pots and pans with flat bottoms for even heat distribution.
- Ensure the cookware size matches the burner or hot plate size to maximize efficiency.
- Non-stick cookware is convenient and requires less oil for cooking.
- For boiling water or cooking pasta, use high heat. Once boiling, reduce to medium or low to maintain a simmer.
- Lower the heat to simmer stews, soups, and sauces. This prevents burning or overcooking.
- If you intend to fry, use high heat for searing and then adjust to medium for cooking through.
Safety Precautions and Maintenance
Safety should always be a top priority when using any kitchen appliance. Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind when using an electric gas cooker:
- Ensure proper ventilation in your kitchen to prevent the accumulation of gas fumes. If you have a gas leak detector, make sure it’s functional.
- Maintain adequate clearance around the cooker. Keep flammable materials away from the burners and ensure there’s enough space for heat to dissipate.
- Clean your cooker regularly to prevent grease buildup, which can lead to fire hazards. Wipe down surfaces with a mild detergent and avoid using abrasive materials.
- If you smell gas, turn off the cooker immediately, open windows for ventilation, and contact a professional to inspect for gas leaks.
Troubleshooting Common Issues With an Electric Gas Cooker
Even with your newfound expertise, you might encounter some common issues while using your electric gas cooker. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:
1. For Uneven Cooking
You can overcome uneven cooking through the following measures:
- Ensure proper placement of cookware on burners or oven racks.
- For burners, use appropriate-sized pans that cover the entire burner area.
- For the oven, avoid overcrowding the space.
2. Burner Ignition Problems
For burner ignition problem:
- Clean the burner components to remove any debris. If the issue persists, check for gas supply and ensure the igniter is properly aligned.
3. Inaccurate Oven Temperature
If you’re having issues with inaccurate oven temperature:
- Invest in an oven thermometer to accurately gauge the temperature. If there’s a significant discrepancy, consider having your oven’s temperature sensor calibrated.
4. Oven Smoke
Note that excessive smoke may indicate spilled food or grease. So, clean the oven thoroughly to eliminate any buildup.
Final Note
Now that you know how to cook with an electric gas cooker, remember that cooking is both an art and a science. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors, ingredients, and techniques.
Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, an electric gas cooker offers versatility and efficient cooking. So, gather your ingredients, fire up those burners, or heat up the hotplates to enjoy creating delightful dishes in your kitchen.