The “off” position will be with the knobs turned all the way to the right and the dial facing straight up. Listen to make sure there is no hissing sound that means gas is coming out. Sniff for the smell of gas.
Once you have ventilated the kitchen as much as possible, it’s a good idea to let it air out for a few minutes if you were already trying to light the oven before. This will allow any gas sitting around to disperse.
Locating the light before you turn on the gas is important so that you don’t leave the gas running while you search for it.
If you don’t see a hole in the bottom of the oven, and your model of oven has a broiler drawer at the bottom, then the pilot light could be in the back of the broiler drawer.
This is an extra precaution and is more important if the gas stove and oven hasn’t been used in a while and is particularly dirty.
Every oven model is different, but there should be either a little picture of a flame or the start of the temperature numbers right in the middle of the dial on the left hand side. This is where you want to turn the knob.
If you only have small matches, you can light one and drop it into the hole to be safe. Another alternative is lighting a twisted up piece of paper or a wooden skewer to use as the lighter.
If you accidentally let go of the knob and the pilot light goes out, then you should turn everything off and start from the beginning.
If you have tried this process several times, and still can’t light your gas oven, there may be a problem with the pilot light and you should call a professional to come take a look at it.
