Sears Kenmore 911 Gas Range - Safety Question

Hi,

I recently bought a house which had a Sears Kenmore 911.7238710 gas range. The range must be 11 years old (I'm guessing it's as old as the house). Since the range was working, I didn't think about purchasing a new one.

After I started using the range, I noticed that this range does not have a pilot flame. The burner is ignited electronically when the knob is turned. In this model, ignition (clicking sounds) starts only after the knob is turned all the way to the end where we have the "Lite" ignition. If the knob is only turned half way, gas continues to leak in through the burner ports!!

My wife and I would certainly have the sense to turn off the range if we smell gas. However we have a very inquisitive 1.5 year old in the house who likes to turn knobs! On our first day in the house we caught him turning the knobs on the gas range and lighting the burner!! We've immediately installed plastic covers so he can't turn the knobs.

If, by mistake, one of the covers are not on, I can't stop thinking about the danger if my son turns the knob half way and lets gas in. Call me paranoid but I'm just shocked and angry that Kenmore has designed a product with such a danger lurking in it.

I want to find out if there is any in-built safety feature in this model that'll turn off gas in case the knob is only turned half way. When I checked the manual, I couldn't find anything. Or, is there some safety feature that I can install on my own to cut off gas? I'm actually planning on junking this range if I can't install such a safety feature. I noticed that in the newer models, the manufacturers had the sense to install the "Lite" ignition immediately on turning on the knob.

Would really appreciate your comments. Thanks

Sam

: I want to find out if there is any in-built
: safety feature in this model that'll turn off
: gas in case the knob is only turned half way.

Hi,

I know of few (if any) range models that have any kind of safety device to shut off gas flow to the surface burners if they did not light. Modern gas ranges do however require that the burner knobs to be pushed before they can be turned.

: I noticed that in the newer models,
: the manufacturers had the sense to install
: the "Lite" ignition immediately on
: turning on the knob.

If the ignition source is not engaging in the appropriate time, maybe the ignition switches on the burner valves are defective or worn out and need to be replaced? I think it could possibly be much more dangerous if a child were able to light a burner on their own?

Personally, I think the real solution is to keep that area off limits until they can be taught proper respect for the appliance in it? There's a lot more possible hazards there than just that, burns are one of them.

JMO

Dan O.