How to Replace a Gas Burner Head

Gas burner heads fail quietly—a warped one won't ignite evenly, or flames shoot out sideways instead of straight up. A broken one might not light at all. The good news is this is the easiest gas stove repair you can do yourself, and the part costs almost nothing. You're not touching the gas line, the valve, or anything pressurized. You're simply removing a threaded part and screwing in a new one. If you're comfortable with a wrench and can turn a knob, you can handle this.

1. Cool Down First. Turn the knob for the burner you're replacing all the way off. If the burner has been on recently, wait 10 minutes for it to cool completely. You don't need to shut off the main gas valve—you're only isolating this one burner.
2. Clear the Space. Most stove grates sit loosely on top of the burner assembly. Lift it straight up and set it aside on a clean, flat surface. If the grate is heavy or stuck, don't force it—check underneath for any screws or catches you might have missed.
3. Spot the Head. Below the grate, you'll see a metal ring or cap sitting on the burner box. This is the burner head. On some stoves, there's also a separate igniter or electrode nearby—don't touch that. The burner head is the main visible component with a flat top and small holes where the flame comes from.
4. Find the Fastener. Look underneath the burner head where it connects to the burner box. You'll see either a single hex nut or a setscrew. This is what holds the head in place. Note which direction it faces—most are accessible from above or the side without removing anything else.
5. Get the Right Tool. Measure or test-fit your wrench against the hex nut or bolt head. Typically, burner head bolts are 6mm, 8mm, or 10mm. Start with a 10mm and work down if it doesn't fit snug. The wrench should grip without wobbling or stripping the fastener.
6. Loosen It Slowly. With one hand, gently hold the burner box steady from above or the side—don't apply heavy pressure. With the other hand, position the wrench on the nut and turn it counterclockwise slowly. The fastener should loosen without resistance. If it sticks, stop, apply a small drop of penetrating oil, wait 30 seconds, and try again.
7. Lift It Out. Once the fastener is loose, unscrew it by hand the rest of the way and set it aside. Carefully lift the burner head straight up and away from the burner box. Set the old head on a paper towel—it may have residue or debris on the underside.
8. Clean the Box. Before you install the new head, look inside the opening where the old head sat. You should see a small metal post or spigot and possibly a gas port. Use a dry cloth to gently wipe away any debris, corrosion, or loose particles. Do not use water or solvents—you're doing a dry cleaning only.
9. Seat It Flat. Take the new head and align it with the opening. The head should have a central hole that sits over the spigot or post inside the box. Lower the head straight down until it rests fully on the mounting surface. You should feel it settle into place without any rocking or gaps.
10. Hand-Thread First. Take the bolt or nut and thread it back into the hole by hand. Turn it clockwise slowly until you feel resistance—this means the threads are engaged. Do not force it; if you meet strong resistance before the head is tight, stop and unthread it completely, then realign and try again.
11. Snug It Down. Position the wrench on the nut and turn it clockwise to tighten. Apply firm, steady pressure—the fastener should be snug but not aggressive. You're aiming for hand-tight-plus a quarter turn. Over-tightening damages the burner head and can crack the box.
12. Fire It Up. Set the cooking grate back down over the burner assembly, making sure it sits evenly. Turn the burner knob to low and listen for the igniter click. The burner should ignite, and the flame should rise evenly around the head with a steady blue color. If the flame is uneven or won't light, turn off the gas immediately and recheck your installation.