Series: An 80's Kitchen DIY Reno- {Part 11- Converting from Electric to Gas Cooktop}

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

At this point in the renovation, I was so excited. It was finally back to looking like an actual kitchen, and after cooking in my dining room for weeks, I was ready to move back in.  


The kitchen originally had a smooth top electric cooktop.  It was in good working order and had no cracks, so it seemed a waste to throw it away.  I was removing the countertop and needed to take out the cooktop anyway. I made sure to clean it up really well. And after seeing what used cooktops sold for online, I listed it on Facebook for $120 and it sold in a day.  Something to consider if you're remodeling and some of the appliances are in good working order.


Before the reno began, I had to figure out who installs gas lines?  I think it was primarily HVAC companies, but locally not all of them offered the service.  So you may have to call around.  The house did already have gas for a fireplace and furnaces.  So they were able to tap into the existing pipe in the basement and run it up thru the cabinet to where the cooktop was.  It is dependent on the current usage of the appliances on the gas line, but there was a small enough load, that they were able to add the cooktop without running it all the way back to the outside line.  A gas cooktop also needs a plug, but I was able to use the existing outlet under the cabinet.  


I had the gas line run after the countertops were installed and the company also connected the cooktop.  Even though I wanted gas, I was a little afraid of it!  We've probably all heard stories about CO2 poisoning and houses exploding.  But the installer did a good job of showing me how to use the shut-off valve he installed beneath the counter to turn off the gas, and how to turn the cooktop on and off.  He also explained that the clicking noise you here when you turn on a gas cooktop is the sparking mechanism that lights the gas.  That's why you need electricity.  He said technically you can manually light the stove if the power goes out.  I don't know if I will be that bold, but we haven't had the need to try so far.

The drawers weren't back in the kitchen yet, when I had the gas line run.  When I did bring them back in, one of the drawers under the cooktop, couldn't close all of the way, because of the position of the gas connection.  I ended up taking apart the drawer and shortening it to fit, instead of ordering a new drawer.  


The side panels of the drawer were connected to the back panel by a few nails, so I used a rubber mallet to knock them loose.  Then the bottom panel slid out of the groves in the drawer slides.  I cut down the bottom panel and the drawer sides and reassembled the drawer.  Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures while I was doing the work, but let me know if you have any questions, and I will try to answer them.


 Want to see the work leading up to this?  Check out the Kitchen Reno Series.

Appliance and Sink Sources:  Cooktop | Vent Hood | Double Oven | Faucet | Sink | Sink Strainer | Soap Dispenser

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