Updated: September 17, 2022

How To Use Middle Burner On Stove

Written by:
Timothy Spencer
Edited by:
Brian Dean
Fact-Checked by:
Josh Reynolds
Table Of Contents
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The new fancy gas stoves having a big oval or a rectangular like middle burner look very good. But is this the only purpose for these fifth burners, decoration? Or do they serve any other purposes too? And why you can’t seem to get any idea how to use it?

Don’t worry here in this article, we will share ideas on how you can cover these big spaces on your gas stove.

Key Highlights

The general purpose of a middle burner is to be used for producing gravy from a roasting pan. How? Well, instead of juggling the pan with dripping from one burner to another, you can place the pan directly on the middle one.

As you know, the middle burner is oblong, which makes it versatile for different types of cooking vessels e.g. stock pots, etc.

A griddle can be used in the space between the middle burner, where you can cook pancakes, eggs, bacon, French toast, hash browns, tortillas, or other morning foods, etc, in consideration of the fact that all these breakfast items require moderate heating.

Using a grill on a middle burner is also a lucrative idea, you can cook burgers, sandwiches.

infographic research

What is the middle burner for on a gas stove

Most commonly, the fifth burner is available as a central oval burner with an extended shape that is especially appropriate for heating broad, long and big cookware, and it is frequently marketed with a corresponding griddle that can be removed to accommodate equipment suitably.

What can you cook on a center burner?

As stated above, the fifth (middle) burner is an excellent choice for cooking things that require moderate heating, which also includes simmering.

Now, simmering is the best choice for the chef with regard to cooking food like pasta, spaghetti, or other things like that. When we asked a chef via an online community forum he said:

Usually, whenever I am home, I try to get my oval (middle) burner in utilization and always do simmering on it. But when I invite my family and friends to come over to my home, I use a stovetop grill pan or regular skillet on the oval burner to cook burgers or cheese sandwiches. I have also cooked stir-fries and pizzas on my home’s stove. 

-Simon Weils, Chef

Cautions:

With that being said, I think there are certain cautions and warnings that you ought to know:

  • Different size of cookware is required for different burner
  • You should always use large cookware, that could handle all the ingredients and not get overcrowded.
  • Keep an eye on the food, as it has already been discussed in detail, how much attention simmering requires.

What I should not cook on the middle burner?

Though the middle burner is made for cooking that requires low to medium heating, however, it is pertinent to mention here that some things cannot be cooked on it. For example, baking a cake.

Follow the simple rule, anything that requires immediate heat, and attention must be cooked on side burners, and all the cooking that requires low and constant heating can be cooked on the middle burner.  

Why my stove didn’t come with a Griddle?

As beneficial as the griddle on the oval burner is, many, in the same regard have complained that they never received the griddle for their gas stove.

In this scenario, I would suggest you check the type of mode and make of your stove on the internet to see whether it has a built-in griddle or not. If it does have a griddle, then call the helpline of your stove’s manufacturer and demand your griddle.

Point to note:                     It should be kept in mind that your stove is under warranty.

What BTU is required for the Center oval burner?

Center oval burners are available in a range of sizes, so you should be able to find one that fits your needs. – BTUs: The BTU rating indicates the burner’s power.

If you cook frequently, you’ll want a burner with a greater BTU rating that can heat up rapidly.

Price:

Center oval burners may be expensive, so determine a budget before you begin searching.

Simmering options:

Simmer settings are available on certain center oval burners, which can be useful for cooking delicate things or keeping meals warm.

What type of cookware is the best for the middle burner?

Choose a cast iron one. In our perspective, the nonstick pans are not really necessary here. Its disadvantages include poor heating, brittle coating, and in terms of constant performance, it will never be as trustworthy as good cast iron.

How to use:

Cast iron is extremely simple to season and maintain. It only appears difficult until you try it. The first coat is the most difficult, although it only takes about a half hour. You’re merely heating it up after a very thin coat of lipids has been applied.

They essentially burn and form a coating of polymers. You don’t even need special oil to get started; normal vegetable oil would suffice. Then you simply use it on a daily basis, clean it, and coat it again.

How to Clean:

Cleaning cast iron is much easier than cleaning stainless steel or aluminum since you have to heavily carbonize things before they will come off with hot water and a nylon scrubber.

Even if you do accidentally burn some syrupy sauce, it’s considerably easier to clean than nonstick cookware. As a result, a griddle isn’t going to be employed for that. Regular dish soap can also be used.

Caution:

However, after washing it, place it back on the stove and cook it until all of the water has evaporated. Allow it to cool before applying another tiny coating of oil. That’s all.

Point to Note:     Most large oval burner ranges need a long time to heat up cast iron. That’s fine for things like pancakes, which require a lower temperature. However, it can be inconvenient for burgers. However, the extra time is just around five minutes when compared to a skillet on standard heat.

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Why Gas stove middle burner not working?

If the central burner on your gas stove isn’t working, there are a few things you may try before calling a repairman. 

  • To begin, ensure sure the gas is switched on at the source. Whether it is, examine the burner to determine if it is filthy.
  • The ability of the burner to ignite might be hampered by a buildup of oil and grime. If the burner is clean and the gas is turned on, the issue might be with the igniter. The igniter is responsible for producing the spark that ignites the gas.
  • If it isn’t working, and the burner will not light. Then, a defective igniter can be repaired in a variety of ways. Begin by cleaning it with a hard brush.
  • If it also doesn’t work, you might have to replace it. Igniters are reasonably priced and widely available at most hardware stores. Your burner should light normally now that you’ve installed a new igniter.
  • If you’ve done everything and your burner still won’t ignite, you might need to call a repairman. It’s possible that there’s an issue with the gas line or the stove itself. In any case, a professional will be able to promptly diagnose and resolve the issue.

But if the flames on your gas stove are not working properly then its already been discussed in detail and can be found here.

burners of a gas stove

CONCLUSION:

Now that you know the tons and tons of creative ideas for using your gas stove’s middle burner, why don’t you let us know how your experience went with the help of our guide so that we can update our information to help others in this regard.

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This article has been drafted by Team BurnEssa. This said team comprises of experts in their relevant fields having sole objective of providing a solution based on facts and figures. We are also running a local store with regard to providing certified services of Gas Cooktop repair & installation. So the advices we provide in this forum are legitimate and genuine to the extent of our best knowledge, experiences and expertise. You can join us on our social media platforms to contribute in helping others.
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