Gas Cooker Installation Guide 2023

If you remember popular television ads from the 1980s, you can probably still sing the ‘Cookability – that’s the beauty of gas’ jingle. It’s that measure of instant control – especially when using the hob – that still makes gas such a popular choice for cooks across the country.

Whether you’re looking to replace an old gas cooker or have one installed for the first time – perhaps to replace something that you’re not so comfortable cooking with – it’s important that you understand the regulations surrounding their installation and maintenance. 

This article will outline the things you need to know when getting a new gas cooker installed in 2023.

Can you fit a gas cooker yourself?

We all like to save money where we can by doing things ourselves, but one area you should never bypass safety guidelines is gas. We should all be aware of the dangers of fires and explosions that can be caused by gas leaks. But gas appliances that have been incorrectly installed or poorly maintained can also produce dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide, an odourless and tasteless gas that can kill – it’s known as the ‘silent killer’ for a reason.

Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, all gas appliances must be installed by a fully trained and Gas Safe registered engineer. In fact, that also holds true for any work carried out on a gas appliance. And when your chosen engineer turns up to do the work, don’t just take their word for it that they are Gas Safe registered – always ask to see their ID.

Do you need any documentation when you have a new gas cooker installed?

Most new gas hobs and ovens don’t need any certificate or other documentation. The exceptions are range cookers that use a flue, in which case you will need a Building Regulations Certificate. 

If you’re a landlord installing a gas cooker into a rental property, you’ll need a Gas Safety Certificate, and the appliance will need to be checked and certified safe every year thereafter.

What is likely to affect the cost of having a gas cooker installed?

If you’re simply replacing an existing appliance, it should be fairly quick and simple for the engineer to do the job. However, if you’ve not had a gas cooker before, or you’re moving it to a different part of the kitchen, you’ll need new pipework installed and that will inevitably take longer and push the price up.

Some gas cookers still need an electricity supply – to ignite the flames or to power a light in the oven, perhaps – so you might also need a qualified electrician to safely connect it.

What other regulations are there affecting the installation of a gas cooker?

There are a few more regulations you need to be aware of so that you can make sure that your kitchen is properly set up to receive the gas cooker you want. These include:

• If you’ve bought a freestanding cooker with a high-level grill, there has to be at least 610mm of clear space above the appliance.
• Gas cookers should have a 20mm gap on either side.
• A gas hob with a hood above needs a gap of at least 750mm between the two, while any wall units to the sides of the hood need to be at least 366mm above the hob.
• Modern gas cookers also need to be fitted with a flame supervision device – this will ensure that if a flame is extinguished for any reason, the flow of gas to the unit is cut off. New cookers will have one already installed, but your Gas Safe engineer must check that it is working properly as part of the installation process.

If you’re looking to get a gas cooker installation at your property in Essex, Suffolk or Cambridgeshire – including in and around Colchester, Braintree and Ipswich – then why not ask for a free quote from A & D Plumbing Services? Our Gas Safe registered engineers have all the training and accreditations needed to ensure a safe and effective job every time.

Get in touch with us now to find out more.