Turn your burner down and the flame stays roaring on high, refusing to simmer? A burner stuck on high makes delicate cooking impossible and usually points to a flow problem in the burner, not the whole range. Most causes are cleanable or a quick part swap.
Here is why the flame will not come down and how to fix it.
This article will teach you:
- Why a burner gets stuck on high
- How the orifice and valve control the flame
- How to clean and adjust for a low simmer
- When the gas type or a worn valve is to blame
Why a Burner Stays on High
Ever notice the flame is also a bit lazy or uneven? That hints at airflow and the orifice. The usual causes are:
- A clogged orifice or burner ports – debris restricts the fine control needed for a low flame.
- The wrong simmer setting – some ranges have a dedicated low or simmer position you may be skipping.
- The wrong orifice for your gas type – a range set up for the wrong fuel (natural gas versus propane) burns incorrectly.
- A worn burner valve that no longer throttles the gas down.
What You’ll Need
- A toothpick or pin and a small brush
- Warm soapy water
- A screwdriver, if you adjust or replace the valve
How to Restore a Low Flame
Ready? Let the burner cool, then work through these.
- Remove and clean the burner. Lift off the cap and head, soak them, and clear every port with a pin so gas flows evenly.
- Clear the orifice. Find the small brass orifice under the burner and gently clear any blockage. Do not enlarge the hole.
- Check the simmer setting. Confirm you are turning the knob to the low or simmer position your range actually uses.
- Verify the gas type. Make sure the range is set up for the fuel you have, since the wrong orifice keeps the flame high.
- Test the low setting. Reassemble and confirm the flame now drops to a steady simmer.
Pro Tip: Clean the orifice and ports before touching the valve. A pinhole of debris is the most common reason a burner loses its low end.
When to Look a Little Deeper
If cleaning does not restore a low flame, the orifice may be the wrong size or damaged, and you can replace the orifice holder or swap the orifice tube for the correct one.
Getting a true low flame is the whole point of a simmer burner on a gas range, and if you recently changed fuel, follow the steps for a proper range LP conversion. For other flame issues, this guide to common gas burner problems helps.
When to Call a Pro
If the burner is clean, the orifice is correct for your fuel, and the flame still will not lower, the valve likely needs replacing. That involves the gas line, so a technician is a safe choice if you are unsure.
Wrapping Up
A burner stuck on high is almost always a flow or setup issue. Here’s the short version:
- Clean the burner ports and orifice.
- Use the correct simmer setting.
- Confirm the orifice matches your gas type.
- Replace the orifice or valve if cleaning does not help.
Clear that tiny orifice first, and your simmer usually comes right back. You’ve got this.