Knowing how to light a range oven pilot is one of the first skills your team needs when a new commercial gas range arrives. A first-time startup is slightly different from a normal daily lighting, because the gas lines are new, the oven has never been fired and the installation should be checked before anyone strikes a flame.

This guide walks restaurant, store and kitchen managers through the general process for Atosa gas ranges: what to check, how to light the oven pilot safely, what to do if it will not stay lit, and how to care for the pilot system afterward.

Note: This is general guidance, not model-specific instructions. Pilot location, valve markings and timing can differ between models. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your exact Atosa model.

What Is an Oven Pilot Light?

A pilot light is a small, steady gas flame that sits ready to ignite the main oven burner when the thermostat calls for heat. On many commercial gas ranges, the oven pilot burns all the time once it is lit, which is why it is often called a standing pilot.

Atosa's published parts lists for its gas range models show a typical pilot system for the oven. It includes an oven pilot valve, a pilot burner, a thermocouple, a thermostat and the gas tubing that connects them. Each part has a job:

• Pilot valve: Lets you start and control the small gas flow to the pilot.
• Pilot burner: Holds the pilot flame in the right spot.
• Thermocouple: Sits in the pilot flame and creates a tiny electrical signal that keeps the safety valve open.
• Thermostat: Controls when the main oven burner turns on and off.

The thermocouple is the key safety component. If the flame goes out, it cools down, the signal stops and the gas flow shuts off. Product listings for Atosa ranges also describe the oven pilot as having a safety shut-off.

Why a First-Time Lighting Needs Extra Care

A normal daily relight is quick. A first lighting is different for several reasons:

• New gas lines may contain air. Air in the line can make the pilot hard to light or keep lit at first.
• The installation is unproven. Connections, regulators and gas type should be checked before use.
• Packing materials may remain. Foam, tape or plastic left inside the oven can burn or melt.
• Settings may need confirmation. The range must match your gas type, natural gas or propane.

Taking a few extra minutes at this stage prevents delays, damaged equipment and safety problems.

Natural Gas vs. Propane: Check Before You Light

Atosa lists separate oven pilot burner parts for natural gas and propane, which shows that the two fuel types need different components. Running the wrong fuel through a range set up for the other can cause poor flame, soot or unsafe operation.

Before lighting, confirm:

1. The range is set up for the gas type you actually have.
2. The regulator and supply pressure match the manufacturer's requirements.
3. Any conversion has been completed by a qualified technician.

Amechef has a separate guide on Atosa gas conversion. Read it if your gas supply differs from the range's factory setting.

Before You Start: Tools and Preparation

Have these items ready:

• The manufacturer's manual for your exact model
• A long-reach lighter or long match
• A flashlight
• Heat-resistant gloves
• A small bucket of soapy water and brush, if your installer is checking connections
• A clear working area around the range
• A phone to reach your gas utility or technician

Also confirm the following:

• The range is level, stable and positioned under proper ventilation. Amechef carries commercial hoods if you are still planning your ventilation.
• Casters, legs or restraints are installed according to the manual. See the guide on how to install casters on legs if your range needs them.
• All packaging, plastic film and protective coverings have been removed. For tips on unpacking, read how to uncrate ATOSA products.

Safety Tips Before Lighting

Gas equipment demands respect. Keep these rules in mind:

• Never light a pilot if you smell gas. Turn off the gas supply, ventilate the room, keep away from sparks and flames and call your gas utility or a qualified technician.
• Have a qualified installer connect the gas line and check connections for leaks.
• Keep flammable items away. Move towels, paper, aprons and cleaning chemicals well clear of the range.
• Wear gloves and keep your face and hands away from the oven opening while lighting.
• Use a helper when moving heavy parts such as oven racks, bottom plates or panels.
• Use a stable ladder or step only if needed, and never lean over a hot appliance.
• Know where the main gas shut-off is and make sure every team member knows too.

If you have any doubt about the safety of your installation, stop and ask a professional.

Step-by-Step: How to Light a Range Oven Pilot for the First Time

Use these steps as a general outline, and compare them with the instructions for your model before you begin.

Step 1: Turn Everything Off

Make sure the oven thermostat knob and all top burner valves are in the OFF position. This ensures no gas flows to the main burners while you work on the pilot.

Step 2: Confirm the Gas Supply Is On and the Installation Is Checked

Make sure the installer has finished the gas connection and leak check. Then open the main gas supply to the range as instructed. Listen and smell for gas. If you detect any, close the supply and call a technician.

Step 3: Remove Any Access Panel or Bottom Plate

Many ranges require you to remove the oven bottom plate or open a lower panel to reach the pilot. Atosa's parts lists show an oven bottom plate, a radiant panel and a lower front panel, so check your manual to see which one is removed on your model. Set the parts aside safely and keep them cool and clean.

Step 4: Locate the Pilot and Pilot Valve

Use your flashlight to find the pilot burner, the thermocouple beside it and the pilot valve or knob. The manual will show a diagram of the exact location and the markings, such as OFF, PILOT and ON.

Step 5: Prepare to Light

Light your long lighter or match first, so you do not delay once the gas flows. Keep your face away from the opening, and keep your hands behind the flame.

Step 6: Set the Valve to the Pilot Position and Hold

Turn the pilot valve to the PILOT position and press it in as the manual says. Hold the lighter flame to the pilot burner until the pilot ignites. On a first start, air may still be in the line, so ignition can take longer than usual.

Step 7: Keep Holding the Valve

Continue pressing the valve for the time stated in your manual. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and hold the safety valve open. Releasing too early is the most common reason a pilot goes out right away.

Step 8: Release Slowly and Check the Flame

Release the valve slowly. The pilot should stay lit with a steady flame touching the tip of the thermocouple. If it goes out, wait the time recommended in your manual for gas to clear and then repeat the process.

Step 9: Turn the Valve to ON if Required

Some models require you to turn the pilot valve from PILOT to ON after the flame stabilizes. Follow your manual for your model.

Step 10: Replace Panels and Test the Oven

Put back the bottom plate and any panels. Then turn the oven thermostat to a low setting and confirm the main burner ignites from the pilot. Watch for a stable, mostly blue flame and listen for unusual noises. Increase to a normal cooking temperature and let the oven run empty for the first time, as the manufacturer recommends, so any manufacturing residues can burn off. Ensure the kitchen is well ventilated during this process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Lighting without a leak check. Always confirm the gas connection has been tested.
2. Releasing the valve too soon. The thermocouple needs time to heat.
3. Ignoring the smell of gas. Stop immediately and call for help.
4. Skipping the gas type check. Natural gas and propane setups are not interchangeable.
5. Leaving packing material inside. Check inside the oven cavity and under the oven floor.
6. Using a short lighter. It puts your hand too close to the burner.
7. Forcing parts. Panels and valves should move smoothly. If they do not, check the manual.
8. Skipping staff training. Everyone who uses the range should know the lighting and shut-off steps.

What to Do If the Pilot Will Not Stay Lit

If the pilot goes out after you release the valve, try these checks:

• Hold the valve longer. The thermocouple may not have heated enough.
• Check for air in the line. New lines may need a few attempts.
• Check the flame position. The flame should touch the thermocouple tip.
• Look for dirt or debris. Soot, grease or food particles can block the pilot opening.
• Check for drafts. Strong airflow from fans or doors can blow out a small flame.
• Confirm gas supply. A closed valve or low supply can cause a weak flame.
• Suspect the thermocouple. A worn or faulty thermocouple will not hold the safety valve open.

If these checks do not solve the issue, stop and call a qualified technician. Genuine replacement parts such as pilot valves and thermocouples are available through the Atosa parts collection at Amechef.

Daily Use Tips

• Check at opening that the pilot is lit before turning on the oven.
• Keep the oven door closed as much as possible, since drafts can disturb the pilot.
• Never store items on the oven floor or against the burner.
• Wipe spills promptly to avoid grease build-up near the pilot.
• If you must shut off the pilot at night or for a long closure, follow the manual's shutdown steps and relight with the process above.
• Post a simple lighting and shutdown checklist near the range.

Maintenance and Care

A clean, well-maintained pilot system is more reliable and safer.

• Daily: Wipe up spills and keep the area under the oven free of grease.
• Weekly: Look at the pilot flame. A strong, steady flame is a good sign, and a weak or yellow flame calls for inspection.
• Monthly: Check the area around the pilot for dust, lint and grease.
• Yearly or as scheduled: Have a qualified technician inspect gas connections, the thermocouple and the thermostat.

Keep a log of service dates, and keep your model and serial number handy when ordering parts. To keep spares ready, see the guide on stocking OEM parts from Atosa and other brands. You can also browse cooking equipment parts and accessories.

Using similar principles, you can compare the process with other gas equipment such as lighting an Atosa ATFS gas fryer or lighting a Pitco fryer pilot. Each model has its own procedure, so check the correct manual.

Related Products and Guides

Guides

• Atosa gas conversion
• How to uncrate ATOSA products
• How to install casters on legs
• How to properly light an Atosa ATFS gas fryer
• Lighting a Pitco fryer safely
• Stock up smart: OEM parts from Atosa, UNOX, True, Turbo Air and AMPTO

Collections

• Commercial ranges
• Atosa parts
• Commercial hoods
• Grills and griddles
• Protective gear

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I light a range oven pilot on an Atosa range?

Turn all controls off, confirm the gas supply and leak check, open the access panel, set the pilot valve to PILOT, press and light the pilot, and hold the valve for the time your manual states. Then release slowly and check that the flame stays lit.

Why will the pilot not stay lit after I release the valve?

The most common reasons are releasing too soon, air in new gas lines, a dirty pilot opening, drafts or a worn thermocouple. Try again with a longer hold, and call a technician if the problem continues.

Is it safe to light the pilot myself?

Trained staff can light a standing pilot by following the manual, provided the installation has been checked and there is no gas smell. If you are unsure, ask a qualified technician.

What should I do if I smell gas?

Do not light anything. Turn off the gas supply, ventilate the area, avoid switches and flames, and call your gas utility or technician right away.

Does the oven pilot stay on all day?

On standing pilot models, it usually stays lit continuously, but follow your manual for shutdown instructions during long closures.

How long should I run the oven empty the first time?

Follow the manufacturer's guidance. Many kitchens run a new oven empty with good ventilation to burn off manufacturing residues, but the exact procedure depends on the model.

Where can I buy replacement pilot parts?

Amechef offers a collection of Atosa parts and a wider parts collection. Have your model and serial number ready.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to light a range oven pilot correctly gives your team confidence from the first day. Check the gas type, confirm the installation, follow the steps in order and never light a pilot if you smell gas. Pair this with regular cleaning and scheduled inspections, and your Atosa range will be ready for reliable daily service.