Quick Answer
A gas burner should burn blue. A weak or yellow flame usually means a clogged burner port or a misaligned cap, and yellow flames can give off carbon monoxide. Clean the burner and reseat the cap, and treat any smell of gas as urgent.
A healthy gas burner should burn with a steady blue flame. A weak, low, or yellow flame usually means a clogged burner port or a burner cap that is out of place. This matters for more than cooking: yellow flames can produce carbon monoxide, so it is worth fixing promptly.
Clean the burner ports
Spilled food and grease can block the small holes around the burner, starving the flame. With the burner off and cool, clean the ports gently with a pin or a soft brush, then wipe the area dry.
Reseat the burner cap
If the cap is tilted or off-center, the flame will burn unevenly. Line it up squarely on the base. Gas and electric ranges fail in different ways, which we compare in our guide to gas vs electric stove repair.
Why a yellow flame is a safety issue
A yellow flame signals incomplete combustion, which can release carbon monoxide. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends working carbon monoxide alarms in the home. If you ever smell gas, stop, ventilate, and contact your gas provider.
When to call a local pro
If cleaning and reseating do not restore a blue flame, the burner or gas valve may need service. Get connected with a local Fairfield technician or see our stove and cooktop repair page.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to cook on a yellow flame?
It is best not to until it is corrected, because yellow flames can produce carbon monoxide and soot.
Why is only one burner yellow?
That usually points to a clogged port or a misaligned cap on that specific burner, not the whole stove.