A genuine gas smell near a range is one of the few appliance situations on this site where the right response is immediate action, not a troubleshooting checklist.
Do This Right Away
Do not attempt to light any burner, and do not operate any light switches or electrical devices nearby. Turn off the range’s gas supply valve if you can safely reach it, open windows and doors to ventilate the area, and leave the house if the smell is strong or doesn’t dissipate quickly.
Do Not Do This
Don’t try to identify the leak source yourself by sniffing along connections, don’t use a phone or create any spark-producing action inside the affected room, and don’t assume a faint smell means a small, low-priority issue.
When It’s Genuinely Just a Pilot Light or Igniter Issue
A very brief gas smell immediately after lighting a burner, that clears within a couple of seconds, is normal ignition behavior. A persistent or strengthening smell is not, and the distinction matters.
After It’s Safe
Once your gas utility or emergency services have confirmed it’s safe, a range repair technician can diagnose whether the cause was a failed valve, a loose connection, or a burner assembly issue. Visit our Kenmore range repair page once the immediate safety issue is resolved.